84: His Loss

Williams POV.

As the last echoes of sirens faded into the distance and the police finished their grim task of carting Jessica away, the parking lot outside the hospital was quiet, unsettling. The late afternoon sun was in a harsh, unfeeling light. I stood there, my mind racing from the events of the day.

Allison stood by the entrance, her silhouette framed by the golden light. She looked like she was waiting for something—maybe her team, maybe just a chance to leave the chaos behind. I took a deep breath, preparing myself. I knew I had to talk to her, to make one last attempt to salvage something from the wreckage of our lives.

“Allison,” I called out, trying to keep my voice steady. She turned to face me, her expression was of surprise and weariness. The scars of our past were etched into her features, but there was an undeniable strength in her gaze.

“Williams,” she said, her tone guarded. “What’s this about?”

I took a step closer, fighting the tremor in my voice. “I need to talk t