Gretchen Lovewell - Faustian Bargain - Sex Stories

Gretchen Lovewell - Faustian Bargain

... Bailey to St. James and my anger showed on my face.

“That is my private business,” I said.

“Gretchen, Gretchen,” St. James’s voice was soothing. “We understand the trauma you’ve gone through. We’re here to help you.”

“Jack Grierson committed a crime, Gretchen,” said Bailey. He pushed a paper file folder toward me. “All you have to do is sign this formal complaint. And we will take it from there.”

I opened the file folder and quickly scanned the documents. It was in legalese but my expertise enabled me to quickly internalize it. It was my statement accusing Jack of sexual assault in my office at Brewster Bailey Hamilton LLP.

“I can’t sign this,” I said. “This is not what happened.”

“The office has video footage, Gretchen,” said Bailey. “We know what Jack did to you. The statement merely reflects the video.”

“You have video surveillance in my office?” I asked, shocked. “That’s an invasion of privacy!”

“Security cameras are routine in the office, Gretchen.”

“The sex was consensual.”

“It didn’t look that way. And it will be far better for you are accept our version when we talk to your husband.”

“You can’t show the video to Richard!”

“We already have,” said St. James. “He does not blame you. Grierson has been accused before, back when he was in college. He’s a known threat. You will be doing all women a service by taking him down.”

“We understand how hard this has been for you, Gretchen,” said Bailey. “The firm would like to compensate you ...

... for your trauma. One hundred thousand dollars. And a promotion to senior associate, effective immediately.”

St. James pressed a button on the conference table intercom.

“Kelsie, please ask Mr. Richard Parkin to come in. He’s in the waiting room.”

A moment later, my husband Richard walked in and joined us at the conference table. He took my hand and squeezed it gently.

“Mr. Bailey and Mr. St. James have explained everything to me, darling. I’ve seen the video. I understand the fear you felt. I now know that the child you’re carrying isn’t mine – your pregnancy is just one more horrific outcome of this trauma. Thankfully, we have free choice, and you can terminate it immediately.”

“But Richard –”

“The one hundred-thousand-dollar compensation and the promotion to senior associate is the least they can do.”

I was shocked again. They had already met Richard and prepped him. I felt like I had walked into a well-laid ambush.

“This is all very –” I tried to speak, but Richard cut me off again.

“I know your pregnancy has your hormones out of whack, it’s difficult for you to think clearly. But you’ve got to see how important it is to take down a predator like Grierson.”

“I’m not sure I want an abortion,” I said.

“Carrying yet another of Grierson’s impregnations to term will place unwelcome new burdens on the Foncault Group,” said St. James.

“If you won’t terminate this pregnancy and sign the paperwork,” said Richard. “I have to wonder about the future ...