“I'm aware," Nicole responded, her gaze fixed on Callie.

"Where are you? What about Callie?" Ethel asked. The apprehended driver had confessed that his actions were driven by unrestrained desire.

"She's here with me," Nicole replied.

Ethel, still unaware of the full situation, suggested, "Keep her close for now. Try to get her talking and see if she knows where her father is."

"I will," Nicole replied. She ended the call abruptly, unable to divulge further details due to Callie's presence. "Callie, when did you realize who I was?"

Callie's eyes widened as she studied Nicole's face. “After the phone call. I care about you deeply. How could I not recognize you?"

Callie's innocent demeanor radiated genuine affection for Nicole.

Nicole took a deep breath, her heart racing. "So, you informed your father, didn't you?"

“Regrettably, yes," Callie admitted, her face etched with remorse.

"I'm sorry. Do what you wish with me, but please spare my father. Losing him would devastate our family. My grandparents and I would be left vulnerable..."

Callie's voice trailed off, sincerity evident in her words. Her fragile health, combined with her grandparents’ inability to care for themselves, left her family susceptible to exploitation.

Thankfully, Brett had committed himself to providing Callie with the best possible life, ensuring her well-being and managing her illness.

Their lives had steadily improved before the police arrived. Learning of the police's hunting down, Brett reluctantly revealed that he was wanted by the authorities.

Brett remained silent about the details, but Callie understood the critical importance of keeping his location secret. As long as he stayed hidden, he could continue to care for them.

Nicole paused thoughtfully before speaking. “Do you know why we're searching for your father?"

Callie shook her head.

“Your father was the last person my father spoke to before he died. I need to find your father for closure."

Callie's eyes widened in shock, her voice trembling slightly. "How does this involve my father?"

"I wish it didn't," Nicole replied, a trace of bitterness in her tone. "But the evidence directly implicates him. My father didn't commit suicide. He was murdered."

Callie's jaw dropped in astonishment. The thought of her father being implicated in a murder, and not just any murder but that of Wesson, the man who had shown so much kindness to their family, was almost unbearable.