“How could this be?" Callie murmured. "My father... He's not capable of such a thing. He's a good man, a truly good man... This must be a mistake."

Callie turned to Nicole, her hands trembling as they clutched Nicole's arms. "You know my father. You know he's compassionate and gentle. How could he have committed such a crime? Do you truly believe he murdered your father?"

Nicole winced at Callie's tight grasp, but she steadied Callie's shaking form. "I wish it were otherwise. But only your father holds the truth. Perhaps he was coerced or manipulated. Regardless, he's the key to unraveling this mystery."

"Callie, I meed closure regarding my father's mysterious death,"

Nicole implored earnestly. “If you're willing to assist, I'll be forever grateful. And if you choose to shield your father, I understand. However, I hope you'll contemplate that Brett doesn't deserve a life in hiding. An arrest warrant looms. You must decide if he should flee or face the truth."

Nicole expressed her thoughts, entrusting the remainder to Callie's conscience. She refrained from imposing a decision upon Callie, instead placing her faith in Callie's integrity, confident that Callie would opt for the morally upright path, given Callie's past character.

Nicole recognized Callie's inherent goodness and honesty.

After accompanying Callie to the police station for her statement, Nicole escorted her back home.

As Callie alighted from the car, they were greeted by an elderly woman, shuffling toward them with the aid of a cane.

As Nicole prepared to depart, Callie's grandmother, Laurie, emerged, brandishing her cane. "Did you kidnap my granddaughter?" she shouted with anger.

Observing this, Callie hastily intervened, seizing the cane to halt her. “Grandma, no! She saved me!"

Laurie remained unconvinced. She fixed her gaze on Nicole and said accusingly, "I recall you. You sought my son the other day. Are you intending to harm him? Now that you can't locate him, you're focusing on Callie, right? You're such a malevolent woman! Why do you wish to cause us harm?"

Nicole found herself speechless. Engaging in a dispute with the obstinate elderly woman appeared futile.

Understanding her grandmother's fiery temper, Callie promptly urged Nicole to depart. “You should leave. My grandma can be quite fierce. She might genuinely strike you."

Nicole hesitated to agitate the elderly woman any further. She returned to her car and drove away.

Nicole opted not to press Callie further, believing that if Callie remained the innocent girl she remembered, Callie would eventually extend her assistance. If not, she would honor Callie's decision.

After all, familial bonds held great strength, and it was natural for individuals to feel protective of their loved ones.

Nicole remained resolute in her quest to locate Brett. Closure for her father's death was imperative.

Once Nicole departed, Laurie's agitation subsided. She clasped Callie's shoulders, studying Callie intently. "Darling, are you truly alright? Please, don't deceive me. Your father contacted me, expressing concern for your safety. He implored me to keep you indoors upon your return."

Callie paused briefly before reassuring her grandmother. “I'm alright, Laurie. I did have a frightening encounter, but a kind woman intervened and ensured my safety."