The Reckoning: a gripping crime mystery (Anna Scavolini Mysteries Book 5) by M.R. Mackenzie

Author:M.R. Mackenzie [Mackenzie, M.R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mad House
Published: 2024-05-27T00:00:00+00:00

*

A young, preppy-looking woman in the audience lowered her arm as a microphone was thrust in front of her.

‘Thank you both for a very illuminating discussion. My question is, how does one navigate the complexities of modern dating and relationships in a post #MeToo world?’

Fraser nodded sagely, as if this was a quandary he often wrestled with himself. ‘Mm. An interesting question.’

He turned to his guests expectantly. Leopold sighed solemnly, as if he found the whole thing a matter of considerable regret.

‘With great difficulty, I fear,’ he said. ‘I hasten to add that my dating years are a considerable distance in the rear-view mirror – and to be honest, I confess to finding that something of a relief. Relationships were fraught enough to begin with, without adding on a whole additional layer of suspicion and uncertainty. I shudder to think how today’s youth navigates all the horror stories and assumptions of malign intent.’

‘Would you care to elaborate?’

Leopold sighed again. ‘I just feel that the… well, the spontaneity has been lost. The sense of the unexpected. Men nowadays are afraid to even approach women in case their intentions are misconstrued.’

‘And how do you imagine it must feel to be the woman in that situation?’ demanded Anna. ‘To constantly worry about your drink being spiked or the guy you decide to hook up with turning out to be a serial date rapist? Those are the concerns young women face every single time they go on a night out.’

‘And what about the man in this hypothetical scenario?’ Leopold shot back. ‘The shy, insecure young man just trying to work up the courage to ask a nice-looking girl if he can dance with her or buy her a drink? How must it feel to know his intentions will automatically be assumed to be impure?’

Anna laughed sarcastically. ‘Yes, well, my number one priority happens to be keeping women safe from those who seek to do them harm. We can worry about men’s hurt feelings later.’

A chorus of hisses and boos erupted from the audience. She instantly knew she’d just handed Leopold a gift-wrapped cudgel with which to bludgeon her. And sure enough…

‘So!’ cried Leopold, with obvious relish. ‘The mask comes off! No question, you certainly sound superficially plausible with your fine words about not dismissing men’s struggles. But when push comes to shove, it’s “fuck your feelings”.’

Cheers and rapturous applause. Anna, with no comeback ready at hand, merely threw up her hands and sank into unhappy silence.

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