What is wrong with that man?
Vincent was unbearable.
Dawn silently fumed as she reached for the doorknob. She was exhausted—physically and emotionally—and all she wanted was rest.
What irritated her more was that nothing she did seemed to affect Julie.
She really rose up… and she's living up to her name, Dawn thought bitterly. Annoying.
She was already at the door when her phone vibrated. A message from Vincent appeared on her screen.
A meeting on Saturday?For what?
She sighed and turned the knob—only to freeze when she saw her parents sitting in the living room.
Her father looked unusually serious, lost in thought.Her mother was visibly anxious, hands clasped together.
What's wrong?
She didn't want to get involved. Adult problems weren't her concern—she was already drained.
She turned toward the stairs.
"You're home early, Dawn," her mother said.
"Yeah. What happened?" Dawn asked flatly.
"Oh—it's nothing," her mother replied quickly. "Just a small problem."
Even Dawn could tell that was a lie.
She said nothing. If they weren't going to include her, she wouldn't push.
I already did my part. I'm done, she told herself.
She had barely taken a few steps when her father spoke again.
"This isn't a small problem anymore, Dawn," he said gravely. "There's a chance I might go to jail."
"Don't say that!" her mother cried.
Dawn froze.
It took a second for the words to sink in.
"What?" she asked slowly. "Why would you go to jail?"
Her father looked straight at her. "You already know the reason. Why pretend you don't?"
Her thoughts spiraled—until realization struck.
Her breath caught.
"D—Did that bastard get caught?" she asked, panic finally surfacing.
Her father exhaled deeply. "Don't worry. He won't talk easily."
"Was he caught or not?" Dawn pressed.
Her mother answered this time. "Unfortunately… yes."
"How do you know?" Dawn demanded.
"One of his coworkers," her mother said. "Someone who works with us too. He reported everything."
Dawn went silent.
Anger, fear, and irritation collided inside her. She didn't know which emotion would break first. Her fingers tightened around her phone, knuckles white.
What now?Will we lose everything?
Why did her mother act now?
Was it a mistake to frame Kelly?
Her thoughts spiraled further.
Does Kelly know about the passbook?Why was she even there that day?
Her heart pounded violently—warning her.
Kelly might know something.
Her father placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let me handle this. Go upstairs. Rest."
Dawn didn't argue. She nodded and went to her room.
Damn it.
I need to talk to Claire.
******
"Ken," Jason whispered.
Kenneth turned toward him. They were still with the band members—Julie and her friends laughing nearby. The mood was light.
"What is it?" Kenneth asked quietly.
Julie glanced at them but didn't ask. Cielo had already gone home—exhausted from officer duties.
"Did Tita Carmen tell you?" Jason asked carefully.
"Tell me what?" Kenneth frowned.
Kenneth raised his voice slightly. "Stay here for now. Don't mind us."
The group nodded. Julie smiled.
Kenneth placed an arm around Jason's shoulder and guided him aside.
"What did she say?" Kenneth asked seriously.
Jason sighed. "The man was caught."
Kenneth stared at him. "Are you sure?"
"I was shocked too," Jason said. "But it's good she finally took action… right?"
"Yes," Kenneth nodded—then paused.
"He's detained now," Jason continued. "They're verifying everything, but the evidence is strong. The cashier he worked with cooperated."
"Does Cielo know?" Kenneth asked.
"I'm not sure," Jason admitted.
Kenneth pulled out his phone. "I'll call him."
Of course you will, Jason sighed inwardly.
The phone rang. Cielo answered after a moment.
"Ken?" Cielo sounded half-asleep. "What's up?"
"Sorry for waking you."
"It's fine. I just fell asleep," Cielo said. "Is Julie home?"
He really worries about her, Jason thought.
"She's fine," Kenneth assured him. "She's still with us."
"Oh. Is something wrong?" Cielo asked.
Kenneth glanced at Jason, who nodded.
"Did Tita Carmen update you today?" Kenneth asked.
There was a pause.
"No. What happened?"
"It was sudden," Kenneth said. "Crisha's mother finally took action. The man who pretended to be her relative was arrested."
"Really?" Cielo sounded stunned. "Then… what now?"
"He's under investigation," Jason added. "Currently detained."
"That's good news," Cielo said, then sighed. "But still…"
"We feel the same," Kenneth said. "We still don't know who the mastermind is—or why Dawn did what she did."
"Yeah… but it's a step forward," Cielo replied.
"Thanks for telling us," Cielo added. "This helps."
"We're all just trying to connect the dots," Jason replied.
"I'll stay in contact with Tita Carmen," Cielo said. "Ken—make sure Julie gets home safely if she wants to leave."
"I know," Kenneth replied. "Get some rest—and talk to Julie when you can."
Jason frowned slightly.
"Yeah," Cielo sighed. "I should talk my brother Dave too."
The call ended.
"Ken… what about Julie?" Jason asked.
"She ran into Vincent earlier," Kenneth admitted. "He's trying to get close again."
Jason frowned. "Did she tell anyone?"
"No," Kenneth said. "But she will—when she's ready. Let's not force it."
Jason nodded. "Yeah."
They returned to the group. Julie met Jason's eyes and smiled, laughing with her friends.
Do we celebrate now…or stay cautious?
Jason scratched his head.
Soon, everyone headed home—making sure Julie was escorted.
Cielo would definitely lose it if we didn't, Jason thought.
The same went for her friends.