Chapter 20: The First Date
POV: Gabi I change outfits seven times. “You look great in all of them,” Paloma says via FaceTime. “But which […]
A phone glitch synced his notifications to my screen. I saw the Tinder match. The Bumble messages. The date scheduled for tonight. And then I saw MY face on his profiles.
POV: Gabi I change outfits seven times. “You look great in all of them,” Paloma says via FaceTime. “But which […]
POV: Gabi Two weeks later. Divorce court. Brandon is there via video from jail. His lawyer beside him on screen.
POV: Gabi Closing arguments. Final day. Prosecution goes first. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the evidence is clear. Brandon
POV: Nix Day three of trial. I’m called to the stand. “Please state your name and occupation.” “Phoenix Carter. Licensed
POV: Gabi “Please state your name for the record.” “Gabriella Sofia Moreno.” “And what is your relationship to the defendant?”
POV: Gabi Federal courthouse. Seattle. Day one of United States v. Brandon Vale. I’m sitting in the gallery. Nix next
POV: Gabi Brandon’s lawyer requests a meeting. With me. “Absolutely not,” Marissa says. “Why does he want to meet with
POV: Gabi Kennedy invites me to the support group meeting. All seven victims. Plus me. “You’re one of us,” she
POV: Gabi My phone won’t stop buzzing. Texts. Calls. Emails. Everyone wants to talk about Brandon. My mom: Mija, I
POV: Gabi Agent Morrison’s office. Federal building downtown. Cold. Sterile. Intimidating. “Thank you for coming in, Mrs. Moreno.” “It’s Ms.