Knockemout, #3
Things We Left Behind
by Lucy Score
Contents
32
Overview
Sloane and Fran lose their bid before Judge Atkins, forcing Mary Louise’s case to shift to an appeal. Reeling, Sloane learns gossip linking Lucian to new dates and later confides her and Lucian’s traumatic past to friends. Nash reveals Lucian secretly helped fund Sloane’s job, suggesting he cares despite pushing her away. The group suspects Sloane’s threats may be leverage against Lucian and urges vigilance while Lucian keeps texting.
Summary
Sloane ignores a stream of texts from Lucian about security and heads to the Lawlerville courthouse, where Fran emerges furious. Judge Dirk Atkins rejects their bid, dismisses Sloane’s media advocacy, and the district attorney offers no support. Fran pivots to appealing, and Sloane vows to keep speaking out.
They deliver the bad news to Mary Louise via video call, promising next steps despite the setback. Sloane, emotionally drained, returns to work as Naomi arrives with more concern—and a revelation of gossip blog photos showing Lucian on high-profile dates, which stings Sloane despite insisting they weren’t together.
At Hellhound bar with friends, Sloane resists “Men Suck” commiseration but finally shares her side of the past: after Ansel and Lucian’s mother accused Lucian, police arrested him; Sloane sought proof, was caught filming Ansel, and suffered a wrist broken in three places. The evidence freed Lucian, but he missed graduation, and their relationship devolved into lifelong fighting.
When asked why Lucian would still care, Nash and Knox reveal Lucian secretly funded half of the library grant that employed Sloane, with Knox covering the rest. Nash adds a metaphor from Lucian’s childhood bike—kept hidden from Ansel—implying Lucian protects what he values by distancing himself. Joel echoes that interpretation.
Turning to the threats, Nash suggests Sloane could be targeted to pressure Lucian, potentially by a powerful enemy like Anthony Hugo, and urges vigilance. Sloane notes new cameras are on order. She continues to ignore Lucian’s texts as he asks about court and tries to reconnect.
Who Appears
- Sloane WaltonProtagonist; loses in court for Mary Louise, confronts Lucian gossip, recounts past trauma, learns Lucian funded her grant, and debates threat risks.
- FranAttorney; clashes with DA and Judge Atkins, then pivots strategy to an appeal for Mary Louise.
- Nash MorganSheriff; shares theories that threats target Sloane via Lucian and reveals Lucian funded Sloane’s grant.
- Naomi Witt-MorganFriend; supports Sloane, flags gossip photos of Lucian, encourages sharing the past.
- Knox MorganFriend; covers the other half of Sloane’s grant, backs vigilance, defends Sloane.
- Lucian RollinsAbsent but texting; pushes security, seen dating publicly; secretly funded Sloane’s grant in the past.
- Lina SolavitaFriend; demands the full story, comforts Sloane, sides with vigilance about the threats.
- StefFriend; boosts Sloane with humor, urges shots, and supports her recounting the past.
- Judge Dirk AtkinsMagistrate; rejects reconsideration, dismisses Sloane’s media efforts as one-sided.
- Lloyd (District Attorney)DA; avoids backing sentence reduction, wilts under Fran’s criticism.
- Mary Louise UpshawInmate; receives disappointing news but stays grateful; her case moves to appeal.
- Joel (Silver Fox Joel)Bartender; serves the group and offers perspective on Lucian’s protective distance.