A corrupt official 4

''You are…?'' Miss Lizzy asked when Avery and Suleiman entered the ward.

''Hello, I am Detective Sandas and he is Inspector Suleiman. We are from the Hans Island District Police.'' Avery introduced herself.

''I see, please sit down.'' Miss Lizzy said, pointing at a chair.

''Senior, the chair is only one, you can sit.'' Suleiman picked the chair and placed it in front of the patient and Avery sat down.

''Suleiman, can you wait at the door?'' Avery asked.

''Yes, I will do that.'' Suleiman nodded and walked out of the ward.

Avery took a seat across the lady and started speaking, 'Miss Lizzy, can you tell me what happened last night at the club?''

''Yes. I work at the club. Because of my situation, I always work during the day.'' Lizzy started.

''What situation are you talking about?'' Avery looked into the woman's eyes.

''Here is the thing. I have claustrophobia but I also need the money so I spoke with the manager and he understood my situation and allowed me to work during the day. We stay in a dorm provided by the club and when one is in a dire situation we help out.''

''One of the workers got an emergency call from the hospital. Her mother was admitted and needed to undergo surgery so she asked me to take her place. I wanted to help her out because she has always being good to me. I just didn't know that I will meet such kind of man'' Miss Lizzy became agitated as she spoke.

''It's alright, relax. Don't be agitated. Let's have a relaxing talk, okay?'' Avery smiled calmly.

''Okay!'' Lizzy nodded.

''So, were you serving him when he arrived?'' Avery asked.

''No, I wasn't. He saw me serving at the counter and asked for my name. Later on, the manager called me that he wanted to see me. When I entered into the private room, he was already with a lot of women and had had a lot to drink so he was kind of intoxicated. He told me to serve him drinks and I did. I poured the whiskey into the glass but he gave it to me to drink. I refused and he became angry. He stretched forth his hand and pulled me over and I fell into his laps.''

''When I tried to free myself, he wouldn't let go. I did everything I could, I really did and I was afraid. He then told me that if I wanted to go, I should give him a kiss. He looked at my dress and started tracing his hand on my thighs.''

''I struggled to free myself and accidentally knocked his jaw. It was then that he got angry and pushed me away. I tried to stand up but he came up on my and started hitting me while cussing. Had it not been the security, I didn't think I would survive.''

''Detective, you are a woman too, do you think I was wrong in not wanting to settle? He harassed and abused me. He assaulted me and is not even remorseful about it. I already told the Prosecutor that I won't settle. I want this to go to trial.''

''I see. Well, this can indeed go to trial and he will get punished with a few years sentence but you know who his uncle is, right? Even if he gets sentenced, he is likely not to do his terms and he will be free. That is the cruelty of our law here in Hans Island. The rich have the final say.''

''What do you mean?'' Lizzy asked.

''I am a woman and I understand what you are feeling. Maybe, I wouldn't have been so calm in such a situation but at the end of the day, it is because you are a woman that you must think about this clearly. The media is very interested in this case, but a lot of them have been silenced. You know that no one is reporting on this case, right? It is because of his family background.'' Avery said cruelly. She could see the clear look of disappointment in the victim's face.

''Is that why all the reporters who contacted me before suddenly pulled out?'' Lizzy clasped her hands together nervously.

''Something like that. Miss Lizzy, I am a woman so I understand very well. But let's call a spade a spade. You were assaulted and treated unfairly, yes and you want justice but at the end, what do you think will happen to you? Can you walk around freely in Hans Island without being afraid of what will happen to you next? You can't guarantee your safety and everywhere you go, you will always be anxious.''

''Detective, what exactly are you getting at?'' Lizzy bit her lips.

''The Wu family is willing to settle. If you agree to settle, you can ask for any amount you want. It will be given to you and you will get your passport renewed so that you can leave the Island to a better place.''

''Wait! Are you asking me to settle so that, that inhumane man can walk freely?'' Lizzy picked the glass of water on the side and sipped. She placed the glass back on the table.

''I am telling you to do what's best for you in this situation, Miss Lizzy. Once this gets to trial, you will not have a normal life anymore. The reporters will not only report on this case, they will also try to dig into your past. The media only listens to who has money and who has scoop. They just want headlines. They don't really care about you or anyone. As long as they get their headlines, they will throw you under the bus, reveal your family situation and everything about you.''

''Stop talking, that's enough.'' Miss Lizzy said as she clenched her fists tightly.

''After taking this to trial, the Wu family will get the best lawyers. This hospital can fake your documents. The club manager can say that you and Denis Wu were lovers. A lot of things will happen…''

''I said shut up!'' Miss Lizzy yelled and Avery nodded her head.

''Miss Lizzy, I am telling you the reality of the situation you are in.'' Avery asked the victim.

''Prosecutor Oak promised me. He said he can get me justice. He had never failed in his duties before.''

''Prosecutor Oak? Why does that name sound familiar? In any case, think about this carefully…'' Avery closed her eyes when she felt the water on her face.

Miss Lizzy had splashed the glass of water on the table on Avery. Avery's face was wet down to her shirt.

''Get out. How can you tell me to settle? Are you not a woman? Don't you think you are being unreasonable?'' Miss Lizzy screamed.