Beyond the Divorce

I scrutinized Grandma Rose beside me, my skepticism clear as I asked, "Did I hear that right? He said he was going to pick up Ivanna, right?" Grandma Rose nodded. "Yes, that's right."

I felt surprised. He was going to pick up Ivanna when Anson was here? What was going on? Had Jared already passed Anson's test?

I couldn't help but gulp nervously, feeling puzzled.

When Arnold saw my perplexed expression, he approached me and asked, "Hey! What's on your mind?"

"Oh, nothing," I replied uncertainly. "I was just wondering, since Jared's picking up Ivanna so openly, could it mean..."

"Don't overthink it. Nothing can stop Jared if he wants to do something." Arnold dismissed my concerns with a glance. That was true. Jared would handle everything properly.

I turned to Arnold, regaining my focus. "Are you heading back to Gerby tomorrow?"

Arnold nodded casually. "Yeah, I'm catching an early morning flight."

"Is it for Byron's trial?" I inquired. Arnold was dealing with that since Atlas wouldn't be around.

He glanced at me and nodded. "That's right. It's next Thursday."

Thursday?" I echoed.

and called Beatrice. She answered promptly, and I wasted

hint of surprise in her voice.

back in Foswood," I confirmed. I got straight to the point. "Is the

paused briefly before saying,

the trial happened or not, the outcome would be the same. Those three were guilty of heinous crimes, including causing the death of several people. There was no doubt that they

come accompany you," I reassured her. No matter what, I had to fulfill my promise

had gotten

then she said,

of course. After all,

silent for a moment, then said, "If you want to see him, I'll

want to see him." Beatrice

this time, "How does he have the audacity to ask to meet me? He killed my

before I come over." I comforted her. We didn't need to say much to each

it weren't for you, I'm sure I wouldn't have made it.

course. I'll be there