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

a hint of surprise in

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

briefly before

of silence between us. We both understood the weight of the situation. Whether 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 matter what,

Beatrice had gotten a

Beatrice sounded relieved, but then she said, "He... he's been trying to see

of course. After

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

want to see

she continued, but angrily this time, "How does he have the audacity to ask

know before I come over." I

it weren't for you, I'm sure I wouldn't have made it. Please come and be by my side

there with you,"