Savannah stood before the small, barred cell, her presence commanding despite the bleak surroundings. Julie Ann’s father, slumped on the narrow bench, barely looked up when she addressed him. His face bore the weight of guilt and years of hardship, and his eyes, sunken and bloodshot, carried a lifetime of regret.
“I’m a friend of your daughter,” Savannah began, her voice steady but firm. “Your family is safe now. They’re under my protection. But I need to know the truth—did you really kill those women?”
The man’s hands trembled as he clasped them together. He looked far older than his years, his thin frame and gray hair telling the story of a man burdened by his choices. Despite his bright, promising children, his gambling addiction had brought ruin to his family. He met Savannah’s gaze
