** ANNABELLE**
The man had our deepest thanks. I almost hugged him out of gratitude. He gave us everything we needed to solve this case. Although they were just clues, coincidence and although we had no actual proof or evidence. It still felt good to have hope. Hope that I won't go to jail. Hope that we'll find something concrete and hope that tomorrow would be a much better day.
****
He pulled the car over back at his place. The air was tense as we haven't spoken a word to each other after finding out what happened. I had to face him. I tried to analyze his face for any hidden emotions but he was simply plain blank. It affected him more than I thought.
"She killed people to hide one secret. To keep her reputation. To get married to me. The hurtful part is that if she had just asked to marry me because of the scandal, I would have. Glady."
He spoke with so much hurt. I could not fathom how much pain he was in right now. Fallon and Ava knew each other before all this, they were friends even and now it's like he never even knew her.
"She used me. She used everyone. I was so oblivious to the truth. I'm so stupid!"
He yelled smashing his hands on the wheel. I shut my eyes and jumped a little in shock.
His features softened noticing my discomfort.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be..."
"It's fine."
I interrupted knowing just how dangerous bottled up feelings could be.
"You should never keep anything in there. I'm here to listen. We've made progress for today. We'll continue tomorrow."
My fingers were dancing around my lap as I fought the urge to place my hand on his shoulders.
"I can't afford to get in my feelings right now. You have a case on your hands. I don't know how much time we have left. I need to keep working on it."
He said stubbornly making me frown.
"You need to calm down Fallon. You've done so much already. This isn't just about me. It's about you too. I shouldn't act like you're a robot. This hurt you. I know that, I'm not blind so just take a moment to do you. Don't stay strong for me, just take time for you."
Unable to control my body, my hands moved on their accord placing themselves at each side of his shoulders. His brows shot up in shock. He probably did not expect such affection from me. I didn't either.
"I know it hurt."
I added and blinked my eye lids. His gaze was hard to keep up with but I didn't want to break contact.
"Let's go inside."
I offered and returned my hands to their former position. He acknowledged my suggestion and unlocked the doors.
*****
Getting closer to the house, I noticed something strange. In front of his home, it looked like they were bags outside or something. I strained my eyes to get a clearer picture bringing it to Fallon's attention. He quickened his pace and got there before me.
"What is the meaning of this?"
He asked no one in particular and rushed inside. The little things I had inside were flung out and left in the sun.
"Who placed those things there!"
He fired at a maid.
"Ma'am Ava said to take them out. I was just following orders Sir."
She trembled in sheer fear.
"You only follow orders from me and no one else. How did Ava possibly tell you what to do!"
He shouted at her.
"Ma'am Ava...."
She began but was interrupted by another voice.
"Is back."
Ava says at the top of the stairs. We raised our heads simultaneously to gaze at her.
"The queen is back."
She added with a devilish smirk.
"And she would very much like her kingdom back."
I heard her say trolling down the stairs. I kept my gaze on her clenching my fist in rage. The reason why I had a mental breakdown, spent days in a cell and was going through hardship, standing right in front of me acting like she's on top of the fucking world.
****