Shadows of deceit

11.

"so.. let me get this straight, you want to investigate your ex-girlfriend's husband.. for abuse?" John Dory asked through the phone. Bruce nodded, even though John couldn't see. 

"Exactly," Branch replied firmly, his voice tinged with determination. "I think something's wrong, John. She's in trouble, and she reached out to me today. I need to know what's going on."

"Branch, I can't just investigate someone because you're scared. besides, I'm already working on another-"

"John you don't understand," Branch said, cutting John off. "she's... she's scared. It's... it's like she wants to call out for help, but.. she's either scared to do so or.. she has no idea how," Branch said with sadness in his voice. "I just.... if there's a way to get her out of this arranged marriage then-" 

"Arranged marriage? Branch I can't mess with that. those things are... hard to break. its... you should know that," 

"I don't know that," Branch said with a huff, "but... John she needs out of there... she does." he said. "just... anything... any history on creek that just... gives me some leverage to sue if I need to," 

"So blackmail?" john asked. branch didn't respond, but John only sighed. "I'll see what I can do. the case I'm on is at a standstill until further notice... so let me talk to my client, see if they're willing to allow me a week or so away to help with a family matter," John said, pulling his phone away from his head, putting branch on speaker as he texted his client.

"I appreciate this John, you have no idea. " Branch said with a confident smile, "She needs this John," 

John sighed audibly, his tone cautious yet empathetic. "Branch, I can't promise anything. And I can't guarantee that I'll find something actionable. But I'll do what I can within my professional limits."

Branch nodded, even though John couldn't see him. "I understand, John. Just... do your best. I need to know she's safe."

After a moment of silence, John's voice came through the phone again. "I've sent the message to my client. I'll let you know as soon as I hear back. In the meantime, keep a low profile and gather any evidence you can discreetly. We'll need solid proof if we're going to confront Creek. get alibis if you can, physical evidence might not be able to come until later, but having enough hearsay is good enough evidence if it's the same story from multiple witnesses,"

Branch thanked John profusely before ending the call, feeling a glimmer of hope that they could make a difference in Poppy's life. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but he was determined to uncover the truth and help Poppy break free from Creek's control. "I'll see what I can do. I have a few people I can ask,"

"good. I'm going to get off here then. Get as much information as you can. I'm going to see what I can do on my side, but I won't guarantee a lot," John said

"Anything helps, John," 

"I'll keep you updated," John assured him, his voice steady. "But remember, Branch, this could get messy. Be prepared for whatever we might uncover."

Branch exhaled deeply, his mind already racing with possibilities and worries. "I'll be ready," he replied resolutely. "Thank you, John. I owe you one."

With that, they ended the call, leaving Branch with a mix of hope and anxiety about what John might uncover and what actions he might need to take next.

Branch didn't want to go behind Poppy's back, or go against what Floyd said. but his gut is telling him otherwise. Creek's growing aggression only makes him worry for Poppy even more.