Facade of Love

Chapter 452 Seeking Justice for the Departed

Gregory’s words hit me hard, and I felt a wave of emotion. "You don't think I had something to do with Kobe's death?"

He shook his head, his gaze steady. "We both know the truth of what went down. If you were out to get him, why would you have reached out to me, planning an escape? Don't put this on yourself."

A rush of feelings swelled inside me, a confusing mixture I could not quite name. Ever since it all happened, I had been convinced everyone would pin Kobe's death on me. Heck, even I was convinced I was at fault.

My eyes were rimmed red, and Gregory let out a soft sigh. "Things were really messy back then," he said gently, "but Ms. Scott, you have to believe me. Neither Mr. Young nor I ever thought Kobe's death was your fault. We know the truth, and Mr. Young wouldn't have risked his life for you if we didn't."

I bit my lip, a warm feeling spreading through me.

I took a deep breath and asked him, "Did the Youngs get to see the video?"

He nodded. "Madam Young's been missing her son a lot. A recording like that is precious. I made sure she got a copy. That's all that's left of Kobe now."

Ten years apart, and the last time a mother and son met, it was a goodbye between life and death.

Alice's story became clear too. She came from a family of a fallen hero, and with Chandler's last wishes and Kobe’s death, it was obvious that Idris would not just stand by. If Madam Young knew, she would move heaven and earth to make sure Idris looked after Alice for her son's memory. The best way to care for someone was to keep them close.

Alice was expecting, and with Chandler's last request, marrying her seemed the right thing to do.

My heart ached at the thought, and it hurt to admit it, but I also felt a sense of release. Life went on, people came and went, and it was time for me to focus on what I needed to do.

I caught my breath and turned to Gregory. "Mr. Long, could I ask for your help with something?" I said.

Gregory looked surprised and a bit unsure, but he asked, "What do you need?"

"I need to head back to the border," I said with determination.

Gregory's eyebrows knitted together in a frown, and he paused, clearly puzzled. "Why? You've only just made it back."

I met his gaze, not bothering to hide the truth. "Officer Jackson's gone, and Mr. Kobe too. Everyone's got their own affairs to handle, but I'm stuck here, and Lucas is out there, free as a bird. Someone's got to stand up for the ones we've lost."

His frown deepened. "What's your plan? If Lucas was a pushover, the cops wouldn't have taken so many hits trying to catch him. I'm a cop, Ms. Scott, and I want to see him behind bars to make things right for those we've lost more than anyone. I'd take him down myself if I could, for my mom. But it's not that simple."

I got what he was saying. "You're right, it's not simple. He's got the border and a bag of tricks, and you guys don't even have the evidence to nab him. Even if you did, he's like a ghost in those mountains. Catching him is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But I'm not like you. I can do it."

He looked at me, lost.

I bit my lip and let out a sigh. "Lucas will come after me whether I go to him or not."

Gregory was quiet for a moment before he asked, "Does Mr. Young know what you're planning?"

Idris...

I shook my head, keeping my voice even. "He doesn't need to know." Why bother? We're nothing to each other now.

He let out a weary sigh. "Going back to the border is a gamble, Ms. Scott. I get where you're coming from, but I can't sign off on that. If something happened to you on my watch, I couldn't live with myself. And Mr. Young... if he knew you were diving into danger again, he'd never stand for it."

That guy...

There was just no getting through to him.

Seeing the look on his face, I bit my lip, took a deep breath, and said, "Mr. Long, I'm heading back to the border whether you're on board or not. I came to you because I need to be able to reach out to you when things get tough. Your help would be amazing, but if you can't, I'm ready to risk it all, even if it means dragging Lucas with me into the fire."