Hank Clegg's hand, clutching Victoria's shoulder, tightened involuntarily.
Victoria gazed lifelessly at the wall in front of her: "When I was in middle school, one day after school, my so-called brother suddenly called a bunch of male classmates and stopped me on the street. Then a crowd dragged me into an alley..."
At this point in her story, a shudder went through Victoria's body. She seemed to shrink a bit more into Hank Clegg's arms, her voice full of sadness, "If it hadn't been for a teacher who happened to pass by..."
She took a deep breath, then continued: "After that, I knew. Every time I go out, I have to carry some weapons with me. Be it an art knife, pepper spray, or even a whistle. At least I can blow it when I'm in danger."
"What about your stepfather?" Hank Clegg interrupted Victoria. He asked her, "Did your stepfather know about these things? What was his attitude?"
