Residuals (COMPLETED)

Chapter 36: Childhood Wounds

Detroit, MI:

The office of Valentine, Litz & Associates was modern, clean, and yet to be fully personalized. Isabella walked through the front doors with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Monica had asked to meet her here, and Isabella was uncertain about what was coming. 

Monica was already there, pacing nervously. She was wearing a professional suit, but her usual composure was replaced by an unmistakable edge of tension. Her hands were fidgeting with the corners of her papers, and she glanced up every few seconds as if expecting someone else to show up.

"Hey, Monica," Isabella greeted as she walked in. Monica's eyes met hers, and she forced a tight smile. She'd been on edge since she told the truth about Bryan, but even then she hadn't been fully honest about her situation with Bryan afraid of what everyone would think. 

"Hey boo, here's the paperwork" Monica said, her voice wavering slightly. Isabella took a seat across from her and waited. Monica took a deep breath and reached for a remote control on her desk. Her fingers trembled slightly as she clicked a button. The screen on the wall lit up, and the familiar face of Ben appeared, looking as calm and collected as always. 

The video began with Ben in his usual self-assured manner. "If you're watching this, it means somebody got me. I want to start by saying that I love my family, I love you Izzy. I always will, I know your heart is somewhere else, and maybe you can love me better than the way you do, but even then I ain't never been loved this way. You gotta understand a nigga like me where I come from it's hard. I didn't have a stable household it was just me and my brothers, so when I felt loved for the first time I never wanted to let it go. I hope we stay together forever." He paused taking a deep breath. He continued, "There's something you need to know, and I know this puts Monica in a fucked up situation. I promised myself if I died before Bryan I would make sure he was freed. Miguel hired me to take out an agent that was on his ass, somethings went left and Bryan had to come help me. There's a video recording I stole from the gas station lot that night in a P.O Box I listed the address in the paperwork. Please get my brother out, he never deserved to be in there, he was just taking care of me like he always do. My other older brother got killed, and he always felt like he failed, tell him he didn't fail. I know your heart Izzy, I know you'll make sure he's good."

The video ended, and Isabella sat in stunned silence. "Monica why didn't you come to me? I can't even process this right now. You knew all this damn time that man was innocent?"

"Yes," Monica replied quietly.

Isabella looked at Monica expectantly, "Did you tell Justin?"

Monica took a deep breath and confessed, "I'm not going to tell Justin. I'm afraid. I know it's wrong, but I don't want to lose him. Not after everything."

Isabella's expression hardened. "Monica, this is huge. Justin deserves to know. He's my best friend too. I don't know if I can keep this from him. It feels wrong and you putting me in a situation I don't fucking wanna be in!" Isabella shouted, and Monica took a deep but shaky breath. Isabella didn't yell often, especially not at her friends so when she did? It was real, and they knew it. She was a calm and easy going person, it was hard to make her act out of body.