Chapter 139

It was the evening of the photos release and Isla had just finished work.

Isla threw her backpack into the passenger seat, sat down and put her seatbelt on. Time to drive to get some answers. With all the media attention on Dr Alekhin and Dr Denman, Isla thought it best for the meeting to be discreet. Isla had been surprised at how promptly the marine biologists got back to her about organising a time to meet. She stopped herself from doing too much theorising about why – it might mean she is on track with the mermaid connection to her case. She would leave the overthinking until she was actually meeting with them. She pulled up to Katya Alekhin's house and made her way to the door.

At the knock on the door, Katya got up to greet their guest. They exchanged greetings and Katya invited Isla to join her and Linda inside.

"Would you like a tea or coffee?" Katya offered.

"Um, could I get a water please?"

"Absolutely," Katya smiled and went to the kitchen.

Katya returned with the water for Isla, and tea for Linda and herself.

Isla took a sip of her water.

"So Isla, you wanted to discuss our mermaid research?" Linda inquired.
"Yes. Thank you both so much for agreeing to meet with me. I have so many questions!" Isla began earnestly.

"It is very exciting for us to be able to share this research," Katya smiled at her enthusiasm. "The press is definitely a bit much, but the release seems to be going very well so far."

"The news has taken the world by storm," Isla agreed.

"So, where would you like to start?" Linda prompted.

"I had a question about the nature of mermaids. You said in your research that mermaids live among us. That they have thoughts, feelings and intelligence just like humans, and that they can appear like humans – with legs I mean…is that all true?" Isla asked.

Linda and Katya exchanged a brief questioning look.

"All that is true," Katya replied.

"Does that mean that you have met mermaids who live as humans? That you know them as friends? And they have been participating in your research?"

"We have mermaids participating in our research, hence the biological and behavioural data, and photography; they are intelligent and kind. Some live on land with us. But we cannot say anything that would jeopardise their anonymity ," Linda replied diplomatically.

"I understand that" Isla leaned back. "Look. I don't plan on making your or any mermaids' lives harder. I just need answers for my own sanity, and also for a case I am working on,"

Seeing Katya and Linda's weary expression, Isla learned forward and started again.

"You know that I'm a detective?"

The other women nodded.

"I am prepping for a trial at the moment – the prosecution of a kidnapper who believes the children he kidnapped are mers. We have plenty of evidence and a confession to convict him. Prior to the release of this mermaid research, any jury would have believed he was nuts. People would have believed that he was using mermaids as an excuse for his actions. However, now that this research has been released, it adds another factor to the case,"

"How so?" Katya asked, concerned.

"Now, the defence could argue that this kidnapper should not have the same penalty as a kidnapper of human children. Because they were mermaid children - a different species – it would be likening it to the taking of puppies or other young animals. Or it might make the jury more or less sympathetic towards the defendant. I don't know. It might not change anything about his sentence or guilt. But, it is important that I know all I can so that I can answer on the stand – I do not want to cause the jury any doubt of this man's guilt."

Katya felt sick. This mess with Ryan was supposed to be over with. She felt Isla searching her. The skilled detective had obviously read something in her, as Isla's eyes lit up with knowledge.

"You know about this case. It is personal for you," Isla commented. Katya opened her mouth to protest.

"You don't need to deny it," Isla continued. "I can see it in your eyes. And the suspect did mention that he had worked with you some time prior to the kidnapping." She took a breath. "Since that night, the strange evidence found at the scene has been bothering me. The melted equipment, the water everywhere, and the way that those involved didn't contact the police sooner. The reality of the evidence was so unbelievable, that I convinced myself that it couldn't possibly be true. That is…until the release of this article…suddenly it all made sense!"

Katya and Linda did not know what to say. They waited for Isla to continue.

"I get it. You don't want to breach the mermaids' trust by talking with strangers about them as people, alluding to their identities. If I'm right about who the mers are, then I already have the details. My issue is that I don't want to go to them about this without being 100% sure. I also don't want to give them the wrong idea about my motives. I am on their side. I am about helping people in need and getting justice when people do terrible things. I could be a needed ally. They could come to me if they have any trouble related to being mermaids, like stalking, kidnapping, or exploitation. They could come with me, no strings attached." Isla took a breath. "If you do know the families involved in this case, please let them know that I need to talk to them about all this. If I'm right, I already know who they are, but I will wait for them to reach out to me."

There was a brief silence as Katya and Linda processed.

"Okay," Linda replied. "We will talk to our mer friends about this, but we are making no promises."

"Thank you," Isla said genuinely. "That's all I'm asking for. Again, thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me. I know you didn't need to,"

OoOoO

After Isla left, Katya and Linda contacted the mers to meet up. It didn't take long to get replies – everyone was interested in what the detective was there about. It was organised for a small group of them to meet up at the marine instituion that Lewis and Alan worked at.

They decided to pick a location that wouldn't draw unwanted attention. Katya and Linda were marine biologists, so it would not raise any eyebrows to go to a marine institution. So, Katya and Linda met with Lewis, Alan, Cleo and Jessie (wives who frequently visited the institution anyway). They would relay to the others later and had Cleo and Jessie there to convey important information over mindspeak if necessary.

"So, what did the detective talk about?" Jessie initiated the discussion.

"She was essentially confirming her suspicions about the Ryan affair," Linda replied. "She asked us about whether mermaids were living lives like humans and if we knew the mermaid families involved in a case she was prepping a trial for."

Cleo and Lewis shared a look.

"So, with the news about mermaids, it confirmed her suspicions about the strange evidence in the kidnapping case?" Lewis asked. "What is she planning to do?"

"She wanted us to talk to you about how the news about mermaids might impact the case in court, especially if it is true." Katya replied. "She didn't want to accuse you of being mermaids if it was not true, so she has asked us to get you to contact her to discuss it. She seemed pretty genuine."

"Yeah," Linda nodded. "She seems to want to do right by you. Obviously discuss it with the others and decide whether to reach out to Detective Griffin. If it is going to help the outcome of Ryan's trial, I think it is worth having a conversation with her."

"I think I would be comfortable chatting with her if Vera is present." Cleo stated. "She has been very involved in the legal process around protecting our identities and gaining mermaids legal protection status. She knew about mermaids before the public and never breached confidentiality. Maybe it is time to bring her into the fold?"

"It could help to have a lawyer familiar with mermaids representing us at the trial." Lewis agreed. "She practically already knows, without names having been used."

"You'll have lots to chat about at the island tonight!" Alan chuckled.

Cleo laughed.

"We sure will!"

OoOoO

Before dinner, while the kids were still playing, the adults on the island met in the dining hall to discuss the news about Detective Isla Griffin.

"The detective knows that we are mermaids," Cleo said. "And she is worried about how it might impact the case with Ryan. I think it is super important that we meet with her."

"I agree," Emma replied. "We probably should have thought of this when deciding the timing of releasing the truth about mermaids."

"Maybe, but how can we trust this detective?" Rikki asked, crossing her arms.

"Katya and Linda believe that Detective Griffin is genuine." Cleo said. "It is true that she could have pointed the media our way to confirm her suspicions, but she hasn't. She has also been great throughout this whole process after the kidnappings."

"But why then hasn't she just talked to us about it already?" Rikki retorted.

"Probably because she didn't want to be seen as crazy by her peers if she was wrong!" Will laughed. Rikki acquiesed with a shrug of her hands.

"Is everyone for meeting with the detective?" Lewis asked. It was a unanimous yes (including a few more reluctant yeses). "Great!"

"We also wanted to discuss Vera." Cleo started.

"The lawyer?" Bella asked.

"Yes," Cleo replied. "We were discussing how it would make sense to tell her the secret so that she can help represent us and our needs. She has done an amazing job with all the mermaid work with Katya already."

"That makes sense," Bella replied. "But maybe it would be best if it is just the families involved in the case? Start a few of us at a time to gauge her reaction?"

"That is sensible. So my family, the Bennetts and the McCartneys. It makes sense as Alex, Jay, Andy and Eric are the ones that this detective is concerned with. It may also be worth mentioning Jenny's kidnapping to Vera to see whether it would be detrimental or helpful." Emma suggested.

The group decided that Cleo and Lewis would talk to Lewis first and find out her reaction, before talking about the others as well. After talking to Vera, the plan would be to organise a time to meet with Detective Isla Griffin – this time to talk openly and honestly about the case.

A/N: Hello everyone! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Sorry for the delay! I have been travelling around on holiday the last few weeks, and before that was tired and burnt out from work. I really needed this break! I am back at work on Monday.

I hope you have enjoyed this chapter! Sorry it is so dialogue heavy, but it is important for context as we move forward with the story.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks especially to the following people for reviewing - reviews always make my day! And they really encourage me to get onto writing faster (even if it takes a long time - sorry again!). Thanks to: Eleanoodle, Icy-Petals, CrazyHayniac, kaitoechizen211, YaleAceBella12.

Icy-Petals - thank you so much for your initial review and check in reviews - I really love how much you are dedicated to reading my story and what you share with me - it means a lot. Thank you!