189

Fred trudged up the walkway, his feet heavy with the weight of his conversation with the detective. He had been hoping to find some way to help Bella, but now he wasn't so sure. As he reached the front door, it swung open and Zara stood before him, a look of concern etched on her face.

"Hey," she said standing aside to let him in. "How did it go?"

Fred sighed, rubbing his temples. He didn't know how to summarize the complicated emotions swirling inside him.

A seemingly sympathetic frown was creasing Zara's face. "That bad, huh?"

Fred nodded, and he felt an immense weight being lifted, just being near Zara made things better.

Zara softly closed the door as he entered inside, then leaned back against it, crossing her arms. "So, did you get to speak to her?" she asked softly.

Fred's eyes dropped, his mind flashing back to the conversation with Bella. He hadn't expected her to be so. unrepentant. So uncaring.

"Yeah," he said at last, voice barely above a whisper. "She was vile like always