“What?” Eric’s eyes dilated with shock before fury erupted through his entire being like an inferno. “That’s bullshit!”
His rage blazed white-hot as he thrust an accusing finger at Cristian. “I didn’t bring you here to deliver such pathetic excuses!”
“Mr. Scott!” Cristian maintained his patient tone despite Eric’s fury. “Jane, Linda’s caregiver, was the one who contacted the police. She’s not merely the person who reported the incident—she’s also serving as a key eyewitness. The current situation presents us with multiple eyewitnesses. And the knife… it bears Hadley’s fingerprints.”
After a heavy pause, Cristian released a weary sigh. “Mr. Scott, I’ve only just assumed control of this case. I’m going to need time to build a proper defense.”
Cristian’s voice was steady, resolute. “Give me time—I need to gather the proof that will clear Hadley’s name.”
“Alright,” Eric replied, jaw clenched, eyes stormy with tension. “Then I’ll give you time.” But then his gaze turned razor-sharp, his tone cutting through the air. “And what if—just hypothetically—you come up empty-handed? No evidence to exonerate her?”
“Well…” Cristian faltered, momentarily caught off guard.
Eric cut him off, voice low but burning with conviction. “Listen closely—I don’t give a damn what the evidence says. I want Hadley out. Safe.”
Cristian stood stunned. Was Eric suggesting that Hadley’s guilt—or innocence—didn’t matter?
“She’s innocent!” Eric shot back, his eyes blazing. “And even if she weren’t—it changes nothing. Do you understand me?”
Cristian straightened like a soldier. “Yes. Understood. Completely.”
What more needed to be said? Eric’s unwavering devotion spoke volumes. His fierce loyalty—his refusal to let Hadley fall, no matter the consequences—was nothing new. He’d gone to war for her before, when Hadley’s half-sister had fallen from the stairs and suspicion landed squarely on Hadley. Cristian had been the one guiding them through that chaos, too.
Eric wouldn’t let it end like this. He had sworn to Hadley—he would take her home.
? ν
“Handle it,” Eric ordered sharply. “I want Hadley out on bail. Now.”
“She’s in the 24-hour holding period. No bail allowed.” Cristian let out a helpless sigh, shaking his head in quiet defeat. “If there’d been any loophole, I would have exploited it already.”
Couldn’t something—anything—go their way for once?
Eric snapped, anger spilling through his restraint. “Then let me see her. Now. No delays!”
“That’s doable,” Cristian said with relief. “I’ll handle it immediately.”
Once the paperwork was approved, Eric was finally allowed the one thing he needed most—a moment alone with her. Yet even then, they remained separated by the cold, unyielding barrier of iron bars.
“Eric!” Hadley rushed forward, the sight of him a fragile lifeline.
“Hadley.” Eric’s hand slipped through the bars, fingers finding hers, clinging tightly.
Hadley’s voice was soft, a wisp of hope. “You came to take me home, right? I can leave now?”
.
.
.