A Virtuous Woman

Maintaining her veneer of confidence, Susan yelled back, “Josh won’t. Not when I tell him the truth.”

“You know he will,” Price retorted. “After tomorrow, you won’t be able to show your face in town. And what about Reverend Crawford? All fire and brimstone, Satan lurking everywhere. Do you think he’s going to let you keep working at the church?”

As far as Price or anyone else knew, she organized church events and assisted the pastor in his office – nothing more. “If you were the last men on earth and I was the only woman, I’d let the species die out. Tell whoever you want.”

“Think about it, Susie. The court of public opinion can be severe. The town is going to revile you. Your life here is going to be over. Poor Susie. Poor, poor Susie.”

Price was having a good time tormenting her, ridiculing her. She hated him. She had never wanted to hurt someone before, but she imagined bashing in his head with a big rock.

“My answer is no. No no no! I’d die before I let you touch me. Now get out of here and let me get dressed.”

“I don’t think so,” Price countered. “We’ll just sit here and wait. Let me know when you change your mind.”

Susan remained silent, alert, peering from behind the oak. Even though they made no move to cross the creek, they could come any time. Unclothed, alone and vulnerable, she resisted giving into tears and kept her guard up, ready to fight. The two men remained seated, Susan unable to hear their conversation. Holding a rock gave her a sense of readiness, although as time passed the shaking eased and the slamming of her heart quieted.

The two men stood. “Don’t say you weren’t warned,” Price said. “See you back at your house.”

They disappeared along the path, her bra in Craft’s hand and her panties in Price’s. She stayed on the other side of the swimming hole for several minutes in case it was a trick. Still aware they could be hiding, she cautiously waded across the creek, a rock in one hand and the stick in the other. She slipped on her dress.

When she returned to the house, the three men were sitting in the posh living room. “It was inevitable, Josh,” she heard Craft say. “You married the most beautiful woman in North Carolina. Too many temptations out there.”

Teary-eyed, Josh stood and glared at her. “How could you? What happened to your decency? Your vows?”

Susan clutched her husband’s shirt in both hands and shook him. “Wake up! I’ve told you before to watch out for these two. Do you want me to tell you what really happened?”

“You can tell me his name. Craft said they followed him, but only saw him from behind, and he got away.”

“There was no one but them, Josh. They said filthy, ungodly things. That I had to perform sexual acts with them, or they’d tell you and the whole town they found me with someone.”

Craft jumped to his feet. “That’s a dirty lie. As God is my witness, we told the truth.”

Price pointed an accusatory finger. “Stop pretending. We saw you as clear as day.”

Josh addressed the judges. “Even when that detective said I was wrong, I didn’t believe it. I knew there was someone.”

Susan spoke sharply. “Josh.” He looked at her and she continued. “There is no one. No one. They snuck up on me when I was in the pool. These revolting pigs wanted me to do unspeakable things I refused to do. I was out there thinking they were going rape me. They make me sick and they should make you sick, too.”

“How can I believe you?” Josh asked, wiping his wet cheek with his sleeve. “These are my friends. They wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true.”

“I’m your wife, and I’m telling you exactly what happened. They’re nasty and vindictive,” she replied. “They want revenge for being told no.”

Price got up and walked toward the entry hall, followed by Craft. “I’ve heard enough of her denials. We’ve said what we have to say. I’m sorry we’re the ones who had to break it to you, Josh. I’ve got a lot to do to get ready for tomorrow.”

After they’d gone, Susan pleaded her case, but Josh sat, crying. “Don’t,” he said. “I’m going to be the laughing stock of the town. I can’t bear to look at you. After tomorrow night, I want you gone.”

He left the room, head down. Having Josh out of her life would be a relief, but by the time Price and Craft were done destroying her reputation, she’d be an outcast.