CHAPTER 92
Elizabeth stood behind the door of the police station, her eyes wide and her hands trembling. She heard every word, every sordid detail of the atrocities and evil that Charles had committed. It was as if a veil had fallen from her eyes, revealing the shocking truth that she had never imagined possible - he was a very cruel person.
The accounts were disturbing. Charles' crimes were so cruel and merciless that she could hardly believe that the man she had once called friend was capable of such malevolence. Knowing that there were testimonies from his victim recounting and recording their horror at his hands, hearing the tone of Jack's and her father's voices, revealing Edward found the girl trembling with fear and anger as she told the stories of the suffering Charles had inflicted on her.
Elizabeth felt a wave of anger rise up inside her. She couldn't stand by and allow Charles to get away with his actions. She knew she had to do something, that perfect justice would be served. Charles could not continue to walk freely through the world, terrorizing and harming others.
Determined to act, Elizabeth made a decision. She stepped out from behind the door of the police station without anyone noticing and began to walk with firm steps towards Abigail's café. She needed a moment to find herself and collect her thoughts before moving on. Elizabeth knew she couldn't do it alone. She needed help, and the person she trusted completely for that was Tom, a loyal brother and friend who had always been by her side in the moments when he was paying his penalty and she was pretending by smiling at everyone that everything was fine. Ever since they met, even in a strange way, they had formed a great friendship.
After taking a sip of coffee to ease her nerves, Elizabeth decided to head in the direction of Tom's desk, where he was reading his newspaper... her heart was full of determination, and her hands were steady. She knew that what she had to do wouldn't be easy, but it was necessary to make sure.
Bill stood on the balcony of the police station. It was strange to see Elizabeth walking to the café without even glancing at the police station, as she always did to try and spot her husband. But she seemed to be in a hurry, and angry about something, or something was bothering her, because she was marching at a hard pace... or he was an old man, who only thought too much, so Bill went to Ned's and sent Edward Monclay a telegram.
Urgent-Edward Monclay
Total secrecy-protect mother and child-follow Hope Valle urgent-Judge and commander: Bill Avery /Wynn Delayne
Elizabeth found Tom in search of help, she knew that Charles' misdeeds were numerous and caution was crucial. Tom was the son of a policeman, brought up from a young age to defend himself and handle a gun with skill. It was the perfect alliance for what she needed, but the secret nature of their meeting meant total discretion.
Elizabeth looked into Tom's eyes, the seriousness in his gaze reflecting the importance of the conversation they were about to have. She knew I needed to explain things clearly, and her voice came out firm and resolute.
- Tom, I know that what I'm about to ask is a very big responsibility, and I'm not going to ask anyone but you. Charles has committed so many atrocities that I can no longer ignore. We need to prepare ourselves, we need to learn to defend ourselves, to protect ourselves and those we love.
She paused for a moment, looking at the floor, before raising her gaze to meet Tom's eyes once again.
- But please understand, Tom, that no one must know about this. Not even my husband, Jack. This is a security issue, and if anyone finds out, it could put us in danger. I trust you, Tom, as a loyal brother and friend, someone who knows how to deal with difficult situations. We can count on each other, but it needs to stay between us. Do you agree?
Tom agreed with a serious look, understanding the gravity of the situation. He had always known that a friendship with Elizabeth would be put to the test one day, but he had never imagined that it would be in such a dark and urgent way.