The police presence around the house was suffocating, like a constant reminder of the tragedy that had unfolded. I could see them milling about, taking notes, snapping pictures, their serious expressions a stark contrast to the chaos that had erupted just hours ago. They approached us one by one, their questions cutting through the heavy air.
I watched as Lydia answered their questions with her usual nonchalance, her sharp tongue and quick wit on full display. She seemed unfazed by the whole situation as if this was just another puzzle for her to solve. I envied her composure, the way she could navigate through the chaos without letting it touch her.
When it was my turn, I felt a lump form in my throat, and I struggled to find the right words. It was like my mind had gone blank, my thoughts swirling in a chaotic mess. I stammered and stumbled over my answers, frustration building as I struggled to make sense of the jumbled thoughts in my head.
The detective's gaze was probing, and I could feel the weight of his expectations bearing down on me. "Can you tell me what happened here, Alaine?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but the words felt like they were caught in a web of confusion. I glanced around, seeking some form of support, but the faces around me were just as tense and unsure.
Maxine stepped forward, her voice clear and confident as she recounted the events of the night. She spoke on Danny's behalf, her words unwavering as she detailed his account of the attacker and the struggle that had ensued. I watched as Danny's jaw clenched, his frustration evident as Maxine seemed to take control of the narrative.
The detective raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by Maxine's assertiveness. "And you are?"
"Maxine Bennett," she replied smoothly. "Friend of one of the victims, Danny. I was here when it happened."
As Maxine continued to speak, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions – gratitude for her support, but also a sense of unease. It was like she was trying to shield Danny, to protect him from the scrutiny of the police. And while part of me appreciated her loyalty, another part of me couldn't help but wonder why she was so insistent on speaking for him.
Francine's voice broke through my thoughts, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Wow, Maxine, didn't know you were Danny's official spokesperson."
Maxine shot her a glare, but her resolve didn't waver. Her confidence when it came to Daniel was unparalleled. She became a different person from the shy and sheepish girl next door when it came down to him. It frustrated me. The exchange added an awkward tension to the already charged atmosphere, and I could feel the others exchanging uncertain glances.
As the questioning continued, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned to see Cole standing beside me. His eyes held a mixture of empathy and understanding like he knew exactly what I was feeling.
"Hey," he said softly, his voice a gentle reassurance. "You don't have to say anything you're not comfortable with."
I nodded, appreciating his support, even if I couldn't find the words to express it. Vincent joined us, his expression somber as he spoke. "We're here for you, Alaine. We know what you're going through."
I looked between them, the weight of their words sinking in. They had lost their father too, and they had navigated the complexities of a blended family. It was like they understood the conflicting emotions that were tearing me apart.
Vincent's voice softened, his gaze unwavering. "It's okay to feel angry, confused, whatever you're feeling. And if you ever want to talk about it, we're here."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I swallowed hard, struggling to keep my emotions in check. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper.
