When they arrived, Eric had been conscious, clutching a weapon tightly. Two bodies lay in the corner, drenched in blood. Both were already gone, lifeless and still.

“He’s now the prime suspect. We have to follow protocol.”

“No…” Hadley’s face went ghostly, and she shook her head so hard it seemed to protest the words.

“That’s impossible!”

Her hands clamped around Eric’s arms, squeezing with desperation, while her eyes reddened and tears streamed down.

“It can’t be! You were kidnapped!”

How could discovering him suddenly lead to him murdering two people?

Refusing to believe it, she shouted, “This is absurd! It can’t be true!”

Sobs shook her body as tears streaked her face uncontrollably. She pulled at Eric insistently.

“Say something! Tell me it’s not true!”

Eric’s chest tightened at the sight, every tear she shed cutting through him.

“Hadley, please don’t cry…”

Confusion clouded Hadley’s mind. Why did her tears seem to matter more than the accusation itself?

“Ernest!” she called out, desperation lacing her voice.

“Say something!”

Blinded by tears, she shook her head frantically.

“Tell them it wasn’t Eric! It can’t be him. He was kidnapped!”

“Hadley,” Ernest said gently, stepping closer and exchanging a brief, meaningful glance with Eric.

“Ernest.”

Ernest took Hadley’s arm firmly.

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“Listen to me. Let go and let Eric go with them for now. He’s only helping with the investigation—not a convicted criminal. Understand?”

Ernest tugged at Hadley, but she refused to let go of Eric. Her gaze stayed locked on him, and she shook her head rapidly.

“No… this can’t be…”

Ernest looked at her, uncertainty written across his face. He realized he couldn’t force her to let go—not without hurting her.

Turning to Eric, he said quietly, “You handle this.”

“Hadley,” Eric called gently.

Even in the midst of a murder investigation, his chest felt aflame with the happiness brought by her concern.

He held her hands firmly, looking down at her with steady warmth.

“You trust me, right?”

“Yes!” Hadley answered immediately, her voice firm.

“Then that’s all I need.” A faint smile tugged at Eric’s lips.

“With you and Ernest here, I’ll be safe. This is just a procedure. I’ll get through it, I promise.”

Tears gathered in Hadley’s eyes as she watched him. Her fingers then loosened under his calm, unwavering gaze.

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