"Jennifer, as a Journalist for the New York Times, was tasked with interviewing a handful of successful New York State businessmen, who not only were successful in their own bottom lines, but also in giving back to New York, particularly those in need – To the Homeless individuals and families, to agencies such as the Boys & Girls clubs of, numerous Social Service Agencies, Environmental and Conservation programs and to those programs/agencies who worked with Animals to stem the tide of companies using them for testing and avoid the Humane society placements, that almost ensured their deaths, if they weren't adopted. Now, I'm I don't know where, how or why on this green earth, that Elliot Manning was chosen or put into such categories, because we both know, he is none of the things that encompass one chosen for this particular honor. Indeed, he's a scoundrel, who is merely out for himself, his own bottom line and damned any one entity, in his way."
"Jennifer, well aware of that fact, still honored her assignment by scheduling a meeting with him to query his endeavors as they related to guidelines of the award. However, Elliot who upon meeting my daughter, had other plans, as in relationship plans or perhaps one-night stand plans. He did everything in his power to prolong scheduled meetings with Jennifer, such as, having his secretary call in the middle of their meetings to "report an emergency, that required his immediate attention". Elliot ensured that the call from his secretary was on speaker phone, as to allay Jennifer's suspicion of his true motives. According to Jennifer, this happened on 4 occasions, but, the good thing Jennifer thought, at least at the time, was that the other businessmen in her assignment, had already met with her and she had garnered enough background information on those gentlemen, to actually complete her assignment and pushed her editor, to simply drop Manning from the process.
"However, despite her pleas, her editors' understanding that Elliot's behavior could possibly lead to a missed deadline, and that of the award requirements, he still pressed her to get the interview, in order to get an overall picture of those chosen for this award. I am of the belief, Stephen stated, that Mr. Waverly was worried about bad publicity had he allowed Jennifer to drop Manning from this article, as he was well aware of Elliot's retaliatory nature.
At this date, I can say that Mr. Waverly is quite regretting that action, as it was a catalyst in her attack."
"As I was saying, despite her pleas, Jennifer followed through with Waverly's directive and scheduled a fifth meeting/interview with Manning and of course, he was obligatory to the meeting, but, had one condition, that it be scheduled beyond general business hours, as he was unavailable prior. Manning suggested an 8pm meeting, but Jennifer initially refused, stating that it was far beyond the time she was willing to meet. However, she did offer an alternative, a meeting for that same time, at the New York Times, but with her colleague Mark Slate. Well, of course Elliot balked at this, and suggested a 6pm time at his office, but it would need to be in his penthouse office, as his building would be closed at 5pm and he could usher Jennifer in through his private entrance and elevator, conduct and complete the interview and she'd be on her way at 7pm. Unfortunately, with Jennifers nature of giving people the benefit of the doubt, she agreed to the meeting. Jonathan, I say unfortunately not as to blame or fault Jennifer for her attack, of course not, I would never think of such a thing. But to say, that Jennifer is the kind of wonderful, caring and accepting person, who gives those, who haven't given her pause to question their motives, a chance. I will say that while Jennifer was aware of some of Elliots exploits, those were all in the realm of the business world and she had never heard an utterance of the kind of man he was, once he had her in his grasp."
"Prior to leaving for the interview, Jennifer notified Waverly of her interview with Manning, where it was going to be and at what time." Now according to Jennifer, she contacted Elliot as she approached his private entrance to his office building, and he came down to meet her. Escorting her in, she said that he initially made her comfortable, discussing small talk, how her day was, how his was, that sort of thing. I can say now with certainty, that this action was purposeful, as it worked to get her to let down her guard a bit. Jennifer told me, that as they arrived at this Penthouse office, it was the lone office on the floor, and that there weren't any employees or personal staff present, which immediately to her, raised alarms. However, Elliot explained, without Jennifer asking I might add, that he normally conducts business at that office during the day and at night; and some of his personal staff are working in other parts of the building, but they'll be in and out during the interview. Elliot then stated to her, that if she felt that would prolong the interview, then they could certainly schedule for another day, which would be during her business hours, and he would gladly oblige. Jennifer, wanting to get this interview completed, told him that it wasn't an issue and requested that they promptly get started."
"Once Jennifer began to ask the standard interview questions, such as where he was born, what are his likes, how did he venture into business; Elliot responded with questions of a personal nature, such as, whom she was dating, is that relationship serious and if that person was man enough to give her all of the things a beautiful woman such as she, desired." "At that, Jennifer became annoyed and reminded Manning of the nature of the interview, of which her personal life was in no relation to. It appears that Manning took that as a challenge, then began to try and "sweet talk" my daughter, with statements such as, "I'm sorry to be bold, but you really are so beautiful and I only wanted to make sure, that the right man is treating you the way you should be treated." Again, Jennifer attempted to steer the conversation to the task at hand and as she did, she noticed him place his hand under his desk, but wasn't sure what he was doing. Elliot again "apologized" for his intrusive behavior and began to answer Jennifer's questions in a respectful manner, without the personal intrusions to her private life, and did so for the next ½ hour of the interview."
"At that point, Elliot requested a 10-minute recess and promised, that they when they resumed, it would be expeditious, and she would then have her story. Manning then summoned his personal assistant, a very large male around 6'5", as Jennifer recalls, directing him to pick up his previously ordered meal and deliver it back to his office in 5 minutes time. Jennifer said, she found it strange that his meal could be delivered in 5 mins, since the nearest restaurant for pick up meals for a man of Elliots' taste, would not be available at that hour, even if it was New York City and his penthouse office was somewhat of a distance to get to. Elliot then asked Jennifer if she would like something to eat, which she of course thanked him, but, declined. She reported that following this, an employee with what appeared to be the janitorial staff, arrived, informing Manning that they were there to clean up, to which he directed them to continue."
"Jennifer stated, that despite her misgivings about Elliot during the initial interview, her discomfort disappeared, as he refrained from that behavior after her requests to do so, and having employees around, solidified that comfort. Sadly, it was all a rouse, to get Jennifer to lower her guard, because as soon as, the cleaning staff reported having completed their duties and vacated the office, Jennifer stated that he began to transform back into the lech behavior he displayed earlier."
Jonathan, throughout Stephen's telling of Jennifer's story was beyond uncomfortable, but, at this point, he didn't think he'd be able to breathe, knowing that he was soon going to be hear about the attack, indeed the rape of his wife, from her own father, when he himself could have heard it firsthand from his own wife, in the privacy of their own space. He was all too aware, that it could have been achieved, if he had provided his ear, time, love and support, instead of the pig-headed, ego driven man he offered. Jonathan stood up at this time, excusing himself to the restroom and as quickly as, he walked out of the study, Walter observing his pained look, entered the study, asking Stephen how he was.
Stephen responded, "Walter, it appears my son-in-law's admitted male chauvinism is about to collide with reality, which may be to much for his stomach to bare. Ironic isn't it Walter, that we men allow such a thing to veil for our delicate side, preferring a faulty ideal, that when stripped away, we can't handle the view. Walter for all of his reverence for Stephen, responded, "Mr Edwards, for all that you are saying and doing for Ms. Jennifer right now, remember, you yourself were not that far from where Mr. Hart is now, and it took some time for you to come to that same realization. Remember, it takes time and acceptance of our own failings, to accept the reality of some aspects within our atmosphere."
As Walter walked out of the study, following his significant point, Jonathan was exiting the bathroom and as he approached the study, Walter, without a word, offered an assuring pat on the shoulder, then disappeared into the kitchen.
Jonathan entered the study, sat and matter of fact, told Stephen, "Please continue."
Stephen took his cue, "Now, as I previously stated, as soon as, the Janitorial staff exited his office, Elliot reverted back to the sick, sadistic man he was and is. He again, began to question Jennifer about her personal life and whether she was dating anyone. Well, Jennifer again steered him to the interview and that his questions of her personal life were unacceptable and inappropriate. At this, Jennifer said that Elliot's face changed to one of a menacing figure and he again, reached underneath his desk. Jennifer recalled he had done this previously, but worriedly realized that he was locking his office door, as she heard a definitive click from behind her, turning to look towards the doorway, as if to confirm this. As she turned back to face him in steely anger, a look she normally gave, to avoid the appearance of fear in difficult situations, he was standing nose to nose with her, smirking."
"Jennifer was shocked at how quickly he had moved, but he then winked at her, held his hands up stating that she needn't worry and walked to his office bathroom, stating that he would unlock the door, allowing her to leave, once he was finished, as he didn't want to her to get the wrong impression."
"At his exit, Jennifer contacted Waverly to inform him of Elliots' behavior, to which Waverly directed her end the interview and inform Manning, that the Times have chosen to go with another businessman in his place and to thank him, along with apologizing for any time of his wasted. Jennifer asked Waverly to tell him directly on speak phone, once he exits the bathroom and she will conclude the interview, once and for all."
"As Elliot emerged from his bathroom, Jennifer directed Waverly to begin his "apology speech". He, according to Jennifer, was surprisingly calm and accepting of Waverly's decision and apology, thanking Waverly & Jennifer for the time and opportunity to show them another side of himself, which most aren't aware. Unfortunately for Jennifer, she would be one of the people well versed in Manning's other side". "Well, as Waverly concluded the call, Elliot purported to walk to his desk and unlock the door, only that click that Jennifer heard again, was not one that unlocked the door – That specific lock was meant to lock only – for it to unlock, it must be done manually. Elliot simply ensured that the door was still locked and as he walked Jennifer to the door and her assuming it was unlocked, he thanked her, making a show of being honored for the opportunity for the award. As Jennifer reached for the door, she realized it was still locked and turned to Elliot for an explanation… Then it began, he grabbed her by the hair and told her, "You didn't think I would let you go that easily, after you humiliated me in front of your boss and deprived me of that award that was mine, did you bitch?"
"Jennifer, in trying to escape his grasp, told him she had nothing to do with the Times choice to move on and that if he didn't let her go, that her boss knew exactly where she was and the police would be there within minutes, if she didn't check in with Waverly by 7:15. Elliot simply laughed and stated that he had the police in his pocket and that there isn't anyone who would be able to access his building at this time, let alone his penthouse office – Just he and his personal assistant. Additionally, Elliot reminded Jennifer, that he told Waverly everything was fine, regardless of the Times choice; so why would he worry about Jennifer calling him for safety reasons?" "Elliot then slapped my daughter in the face several times, shoved her onto a couch in his office and pulled a knife out of his pocket, bringing it to her neck, warning of what could happen to her beautiful face, if she didn't keep quiet. He then ripped her blouse off and ordered her to undress completely. Jennifer continued to plead with Elliot, but those fell on deaf ears, as that monster already planned the unthinkable for my daughter and for effect, he brought the knife down on her arm, causing a superficial wound, but drew enough blood to frighten Jennifer. Jennifer had no exit, no other opportunities to escape or call for help, so she complied, as she reasoned, it at least may save her life."
"Elliot then brought out his tripod camera and threatened Jennifer with her life, if she didn't pose for him on his orders, and without a choice, she did. Elliot then readjusted the camera to video and began undressing. According to Jennifer, it was at that time, that his phone rang, to which he answered and went directly to his office door, following the call. She believed that this was her shot to escape, but Elliot quickly returned with his personal assistant, who unbeknownst to Jennifer, was going to be his accomplice for his sadistic deeds. "Elliot ordered Jennifer to stand up and into the corner near the couch, then directed his assistant to remove the couch cushions and pull out the bed; it was a sleep Sofa! As his orders were followed, Elliot feigned in comforting Jennifer, due to her shivering from being nude, but Jennifer crouched away in fear – which angered Elliot, leading to him grabbing her hair and throwing her on the bed. Elliot then went to his office closet, grabbed some suit ties and proceeded to tie Jennifers ankles to the legs of the pull-out bed. He ordered his personal assistant to tie Jennifers' arms to the legs under the top of the Sofa bed, then directed him to move behind the camera, stating that he wanted him to record every angle of Elliot's conquest."
"Jonathan, Elliot raped and humiliated my daughter and the worst part, as if there isn't more and not enough, he had his assistant untie Jennifers' hands throughout her ordeal and ordered him to hold them either on Elliot's body or in his hair, as he raped her, to make it appear that it was consensual. Of course, he ensured that his assistant's hands were out of camera range. Additionally, he held a knife to her throat during the rapes, out of camera view of course, and forced her to shout statements that can only be viewed as one "enjoying sex", when looking at the video footage." "I say rapes Jonathan, because he didn't only rape her once or twice, but, multiple times, and not all were on camera or video. The most brutal of rapes, nearly caused her the ability to conceive children. Elliot raped my daughter for nearly 3 hours, not continuously mind you, but, over a period of 3 hours – He then left her bruised, battered and bloody body on the Sofa, silently crying in fear that it would continue. After he was finished, he went to his shower in his office and directed his assistant to watch her. Upon returning, he coldly ordered her to get dressed and leave his office afterwards, then taking the camera, he left his office, leaving his assistant to clean up in the aftermath. "Now, for reasons I can't fathom, his assistant took pity on Jennifer, but before doing so, he ensured that Elliot was indeed gone; then helped her get dressed and understanding that she required medical attention, dropped her off at New York Presbyterian in Lower Manhattan, but with a warning to never utter the truth of what happened or she would again pay the price – instead, she was to blame it on your average street mugger."
Jonathan, with streaming of tears he didn't realize he shed, broke down at Stephen's conclusion of Jennifer's attack. Stephen, wanting to comfort him, thought better of it, as he felt that this hard-hitting reality, would make him realize what a fool he had been, to think that Jennifer would compromise and lower standards, for the likes of Elliot Manning; never mind the allow it to compromise her marriage.
Stephen walked to Jonathan and offered him his handkerchief and time to compose himself, once composed, Stephen simply said, Jonathan there's more…