A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. I want to warn you upfront that this storyline could have some triggers because it does deal with a sensitive topic. Remember what work the Miranda Center does before proceeding. Please read the Author's Notes at the end of the chapter. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

"Is your client a gymnast?" Nora asked. She was playing a hunch based on what she had learned from the initial investigation her office had conducted. She was planning a more thorough investigation that would be conducted in conjunction with the Llanview Police Department and would be led by Bo Buchanan, the Chief of Police who also happened to be her husband.

Marissa raised an eyebrow at that question. "She is."

"Since you're involved, I'm guessing she is from Pine Valley."

"That would be a very good guess."

"And the doctor in question, would his name be Jerry Landry?"

That last question confirmed their suspicions that Tessa wasn't the only one who had been victimized by Landry. "Yes, it would. There are other victims, aren't there?"

Nora nodded. "I'm afraid so."

Marissa felt physically ill but needed to know the answer to her next question. "How many?"

"Including your client? We would be at five victims."

"Son of a bitch." Marissa took a breath and began to shake her head. "We thought there were others, but to have it confirmed, it just makes me sick. I have to tell her, and I can't even imagine how she's going to feel." Marissa looked at Nora. "There's more than just five."

"Do you know of others?"

"No, but I just know that there are. My gut is screaming at me that there are."

"I have the awful feeling that you're right. Could I ask, where is your client now?"

"She's here in another office and speaking with Jo Shelton. I don't know if you remember Jo or not."

Nora nodded. "I do remember her. You grew up together, and she is a psychologist."

"Correct."

"Jo volunteers at the Miranda Center and is assisting Rissa's client with her case. She agreed to counseling which I think we can all agree is a big step." Bianca said. She was still a little in shock at what Nora had told them, but she agreed with Marissa that there were most likely more victims, and that thought alone made her ill. "The other four victims are gymnasts as well?"

"Yes, they are, and they were all on LU's team at one time."

"Were?" The past tense of that sentence caught Marissa's attention.

Nora nodded. "None of them are currently on the team. From what I gathered, your client is still on the team."

"She is, for now. Are any of the others willing to go on the record?"

"They are contemplating it, but it doesn't look good at the moment. None of them want to talk to Viki yet however. They are pretty firm on that. They're scared and nervous about doing that."

Viki finally joined the conversation. "You said your client was willing to talk to me though on the condition of anonymity. Is that still true?"

"It is, and after this morning, she's even more willing."

"What happened this morning?"

"She got a call from the A.D."

"Vincent Turner called her? Something tells me that I want to know about this conversation." Nora stated.

"Oh, you do." Marissa then gave the women a summary of the conversation. When she was finished, she quickly added before either Viki or Nora could ask. "Don't worry. I will be providing you both with copies of the voicemails and texts."

"Thank you."

"Mr. Turner miscalculated when he thought what he did would get my client to back down. Admittedly, she was a little shaken at first, but once she calmed down, his call had the opposite effect. She's not really intimidated, not by him. The call only made her more determined. She wants justice, and she is willing to fight for it." Marissa said proudly.

"I can't wait to meet her."

"Neither can I." Viki agreed.

"I'll see if she and Jo are okay to come back." Marissa picked up her cellphone and texted Jo. A minute later she received a text back. "They're on their way."

/

When Jo and Tessa entered Marissa's office a few minutes later, Marissa glanced at her client. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay. Better than I was earlier. It really helped talking to Dr. Shelton. I think my family will feel the same way."

"I'm glad to hear that. Are you ready to meet a couple of people?"

Tessa nodded. "Yes, I am, and it's okay to use my real name with them for now."

"You're sure?"

"I am."

"Okay." Marissa turned to the other women in the room. "Ladies, this is Tessa Mendes. Tessa, this is Viki Buchanan. She is the owner and publisher of 'The Banner'."

Viki nodded graciously and shook the younger woman's hand. "Hello. It's nice to meet you."

"You too."

"And this is Nora Buchanan. She is the Llanview District Attorney."

Nora stepped forward and also shook Tessa's hand. "Hello. Thank you for meeting with us."

"Hello. Thank you coming to Pine Valley."

"Viki, Nora, you remember Dr. Jo Shelton."

"I do. It's nice to see you again, Jo."

"You as well, Viki."

"Hi, Jo. It's good to see you again."

"Same, Nora."

"Let's all have a seat." Marissa suggested. The seating area had been rearranged to accommodate everyone comfortably. "Before we get started, there's something I need to tell you, Tessa. I've promised you that I would be straight with you, and that is what I'm going to do. You were right when you said you thought there were others. Nora has informed me that there are in fact other victims."

"Victims? Plural? As in more than one?" Tessa's voice cracked slightly.

"I'm afraid so. As of now, four other women have been identified as victims of Landry. They have not concluded their investigation. In fact, it has only just started."

Tessa sat back in her chair stunned as the words confirming her fears sank in. It was one thing to suspect there were others, but an entirely different one to have it confirmed. She couldn't shake the feeling that there would be more victims. "I … I … I wish I could say that I was surprised, but I really hate to say that I'm not. Thank you for letting me know and keeping your word, Marissa." Tessa took a deep breath and addressed Nora. "Will you be filing charges against him on behalf of the others?"

"I hope to. God knows that I want to. The other four women are hesitant however. After Marissa told me about your communication with Mr. Turner, I know why. I have no doubt that he has engaged the same tactics with them." Nora paused. "This leads me to a question for you. Do you want to press charges?"

After several minutes, Tessa began. "I've thought about this, a lot. In fact, I don't know that I've thought about anything else since I've talked with Marissa and Bianca."

Nora nodded. "It is a big decision, and I will be just as honest with you as Marissa has. We will do our best to protect your identity, but there is a chance that it could get out. I don't know who might represent Landry, but they could leak it. When we go to trial, his lawyers could easily put you and your character on trial. It is a tactic that defenses use in crimes like these, and I find it abhorrent. You need to know this though before you make your decision."

"Thank you. Marissa told me something very similar to that yesterday. She wanted me to be prepared."

"I'm not surprised by that at all. She is a very good lawyer, and you are very smart to have her represent you. I would say the same for Bianca as well. You couldn't have a better advocate in your corner."

"Yeah, I know. I'll have to thank my sister for recommending them to me." Tessa took another deep breath. "Like I said before, I've thought about this, and I talked with my parents about it. Marissa has warned me about what the defense might do and what people might think about me, and I know why she told me what she did. She wanted me to be prepared, and I'm grateful for that. I told my parents what Marissa told me. They needed to know. My folks are beyond worried about me, but they have been amazingly supportive. They've said they will back me whatever I decide. I'm scared. I suppose terrified is more accurate. You know what else I am though? I'm mad, angry, pissed off beyond belief, furious. I'm never going to be the same. He took something from that can never be replaced. I was thinking about that a lot. Then, I thought about my little sister. I don't want Jessica to ever go through something like this, and I can only think of one way that might prevent that. I'm going to press charges. He needs to be stopped. He can't keep hurting people. He needs to face the consequences for his actions. And me? I need justice. I need to regain control of my life. This will help me. Tell me what you need from me, Ms. Buchanan, and I'll do it."

Nora smiled as she shook her head, amazed at the younger woman's strength. "Has anyone told you that you are a remarkable woman?"

"My parents. I think they're biased though."

"They may very well be, parents are like that after all, but from where I'm sitting, that doesn't make it any less true in your case. Thank you."

Marissa smiled at Tessa. "I told you."

Tessa returned the smile. Marissa had in fact told her the same thing earlier. To hear it from someone else, someone who had no connection to her whatsoever, the words were beginning to have their intended purpose. Her confidence was slowly increasing, and it felt good to have that back.

"As for what I need from you, I'll need you to tell me exactly what happened, on the record. While Marissa has told me, I need to hear it from you."

"Marissa told me that I would have to repeat what happened a few times." Tessa conceded.

"I wish that wasn't the case, but unfortunately, it is."

"Could … do … do I have to do it now? I mean today? Is there any way we could do it tomorrow?" Tessa hated to ask, but she was exhausted.

Marissa glanced at Nora who nodded. They could see what she had gone through so far that day had drained the younger woman both mentally and emotionally. "I think that's a probably good idea. You can get some rest and talk with your parents about your decision."

"I agree with Marissa. Tomorrow is fine with me. Marissa will obviously be with you tomorrow. If you'd like your parents to be here as well, I'm okay with that. I've found that it's good to have that support when giving a statement." Nora suggested.

Tessa nodded. "I'll definitely give that some thought." She then turned to address Viki. "I haven't forgotten about you, Ms. Buchanan. Is it alright if we talk tomorrow too?"

"Of course, it is, dear. Take all the time you need. I'll be ready when you are." Viki said.

"Thank you. I … I'm still not sure if I want my name used. I have think to about that."

"I understand. I will still listen and write your story either way if you still want me to."

"I do. Maybe it will help someone. Maybe it won't. I just … I just feel like it needs to be told."

"I have a feeling that your first statement is accurate. I truly believe it will help others, as well as yourself. If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't do the story. Your well-being is paramount to any story. Please believe me when I say that."

Tessa nodded. Something inside her told her that Viki was telling the truth. A quick glance at Marissa and Bianca offered her the same assurance. "I believe you." Tessa released a breath. "I really should go now."

"Are you okay to get home by yourself?" Bianca asked.

"Yeah, I am. Thanks."

"You're welcome. If you need anything or any help talking with your parents tonight, don't hesitate to call."

"I'll keep that in mind. Viki, Nora, I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'll see you tomorrow." Nora said.

"I'll see you as well. Try and get some rest."

"I'll do my best." Tessa turned to Jo. "Thank you for the talk earlier, Dr. Shelton. It helped. I … I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I'm starting to feel a little bit more like myself after today. I meant what I said about talking with you more."

Jo nodded. "You're welcome, and I'm glad to hear that. You have my card. Just give me a call, and we'll talk more."

"I have a feeling I might need to do that after tomorrow. Maybe we can talk the day after?"

"Let me know what time works best for you, and I'll check my calendar."

"Thank you."

Marissa stood and joined Tessa. "I'll walk you out."

/

When Marissa returned, she found Bianca and Jo waiting for her. "Where are Viki and Nora?"

"They went to check into their rooms at the Yacht Club. Don't worry. We'll have time to talk with more later. I invited them to dinner tonight along with Jo and Jessica. I didn't think you'd mind."

Marissa grinned and gave her wife a quick kiss. "There you go reading my mind again."

Jo groaned. "Kendall and Greenlee are right about the two of you."

Bianca laughed. "And that is proof that you've been hanging out with them too much."

"Probably. God, I can't wait for Greg to be done with this semester, so he can move here permanently."

"Two more months, and he'll be here." Marissa patted her friend's arm.

Jo smiled at the thought of Greg moving to Pine Valley. "And then, the wedding planning can begin in earnest. Okay, I hate to do this, but could we head back to the Center, Bianca? I should get back to the office."

Bianca checked the time. "Good idea. I need to wrap up a few things myself. I'm going to need to leave a little early to get things ready for tonight. I'll stop at the grocery store on my way home."

"I'll leave early too. While you're at the grocery store, I'll start picking up around the house. I'm really glad Susan is picking the kids up from school. They are going to be excited to see Viki and Nora again."

"What am I, chopped liver?" Jo huffed.

Marissa rolled her eyes. "Oh please, they saw you over the weekend."

Jo chuckled. "Whatever. Mom and I will be over early to help. See ya in a bit."

Bianca kissed her wife. "I'll see you at home, Rissa. Love you."

"Love you too, B."

/

A/N: I had a great time at the Derby, even if I felt a little waterlogged from all the rain. I actually won! I bet on the Derby winner Justify and won a whopping $19.50! It was a fun trip that ended up with a flat tire not far from my house. That sucked but trust me when I say that it could have been a lot worse, so we decided to take the positive outlook on that. See you soon!