Page 69 of Ethan & Grace

Nate’s jaw dropped. “That was supposed to be a joke.”

“You’ve never been in love before,” James added, as if I didn’t already know that.

I shrugged. What was I supposed to say? I couldn’t help how I felt. And there was no denying that whatever Grace and I had was more than just a physical thing. I enjoyed being with her, whether she was naked on my lap or fully dressed beside me at a police station. I liked her, and I wouldn’t deny it, even if I had no idea where it was going.

The Blackroom

Another court hearing in the case of Richard Darlington v. Miranda McCloud, Chloe Lawrence, and Amiyah Marsh was initially scheduled for today. However, it was postponed at short notice. During the previous days of the trial, Darlington’s lawyers succeeded in challenging some of the plaintiffs’ allegations. McCloud, Lawrence, and Marsh’s lawyers then requested a postponement in order to reevaluate the evidence and the further course of action.

Darlington’s lawyers, who have rarely spoken publicly until now, told the press that the plaintiffs appear to be “running out of steam.” They further claimed that the entire case was based on unfounded accusations intended to damage Richard Darlington’s reputation. The plaintiffs firmly refute this representation—and rightly so. Everyone who examines the evidence objectively without allowing themselves to be blinded by the patriarchal structures of our society will know that Richard Darlington must be held accountable.

He is a tyrant and has destroyed not only the lives of Miranda, Chloe, and Amiyah, but also those of many other women who, for personal reasons, cannot stand trial with them. Closing our eyes to this might be convenient, but it is neither fair nor justifiable.

25

Henry Darlington at Rock Bottom: Is Drug Addiction Ruining His Life?

OK! Magazine headline

Grace

“How’s Henry doing?” I asked Kate over the phone. It had been a week now since his addiction went public, and we hadn’t seen each other for a few days. The hotel had been chaos, and work had been just as hectic for Kate. Her boss, Tilly, was on holiday, and of course every possible disaster had struck in her absence. It was a true test for Kate—which she’d been handling perfectly.

“Not so well,” she replied with a heavy sigh. “It’s really taking a toll on him. Just like this trial. It feels like something’s always going wrong at the moment. Rose probably told you about the health inspection.”

“Yes. She said it was pretty strange. She wasn’t there on the day, but apparently, the inspector had all kinds of gripes, even though the kitchen meets all the cleanliness standards and there shouldn’t have been any violations.”

“Weird,” Kate muttered. I could hear a coffee machine rattling in the background. “Maybe The Darlington was on their radar because of Richard and the trial, and they decided to lash out at the restaurant? Luckily, Henry managed to sort everything out. The last thing we need is the restaurant being shut down.”

“I don’t even want to imagine the headlines.” I stepped aside to make way for a wheelchair user passing me on their way into St. Thomas’ Hospital.

Today was the day. I was done being ghosted by Garrett. I was going to take matters into my own hands—even though the thought of entering the hospital made me shudder, which was why I’d been putting it off for weeks. But I couldn’t and wouldn’t keep delaying the visit. There might be information in Amy’s file that could help us.

I was still on the phone to Kate outside when a drop of rain landed on my cheek. Glancing up, I found myself looking straight at a wall of dark rain clouds. Another drop landed on my forehead. That was my cue to go in and finally get it over with. It didn’t matter how long I waited; it wouldn’t get any easier.

“I have to go. But film night tomorrow is still on?”

“Of course. Will you let Rose know?”

“I will. See you then!”

“See you then!” Kate echoed before we hung up.

I put my phone away and turned to the hospital entrance. Every fibre of my being was screaming at me to turn around and get out of here. Reading Amy’s medical file would be like pouring salt into a wound that hadn’t even begun to heal yet. But if there was anything in there that could give us a lead on finding her killer, the pain would be worth it.

I squared my shoulders and stepped into St. Thomas’ Hospital. There wasn’t much going on at the moment, so it was pretty quiet, but the place still had a hectic energy. The staff flitted around silently, and whispered words floated from every corner. It smelled of disinfectant and cleaning products, a mix that stung not just my nose but my eyes as well. Though perhaps that was just the tears I was already holding back. I blinked and stepped up to the information desk. Unlike the man at the police station, the woman behind the counter greeted me with a gentle smile. Fine lines appeared around her eyes.

“Hello. How can I help you?”

“Hi. I’m looking for Garrett Griffiths. He’s a medical student and works here at the hospital.” At least, I hoped he still worked here. I hadn’t considered until now that he might have left. But the woman behind the counter nodded.

“May I ask what this is about?”

“The accident involving his girlfriend, Amy Claymore. I’m her sister, Grace.”

The woman’s eyes softened sympathetically. “I heard about that. My condolences to you and your parents.”

“Thank you. So, could I speak to Garrett, please? It’s urgent.”