Helen sat on the couch, clutching a pillow to her chest as if it were a lifeline. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, her breath hitching with every sob. The house felt unbearably empty without Veronica’s reassuring presence. She could still see the image of her mother being led away in handcuffs, a look of resignation on her face.
Olivia kneeled in front of Helen, her hands gently holding Helen’s trembling ones. "Helen, listen to me," she said softly, trying to keep her voice calm despite the storm brewing inside her. "I’m going to the police station. I’m going to talk to Fred and get this sorted out."
Helen looked up, her tear-filled eyes pleading. "But what if they don’t let her go? What if—"
Olivia shook her head firmly. "I’m not going to let that happen. Veronica didn’t do a
