Chapter 76 Doubt On Both Sides
"We are working on a case with Uncle Alberts. I think Tyler has been able to solve the case. We need to know who killed Aunty Mabel." Mason explained, running to Tyler.
"I don't understand what is going on here," Amanda said, turning to Wills who was chuckling at the children's excitement.
"It's nothing serious. I have this case from work. I thought they could help so I told them about it." He explained.
"Mabel?" Amanda asked further.
"Oh! Sorry about that. We had to do name representation so they could understand better and you know, relate to the case well. It is not about Mabel…your Mabel" Wills expatriated.
"That is not funny," Amanda said, fuming but soon cheered up when she saw her mother.
"Mother!" She said, hugging.
"It feels like ages. To what do we owe this visit? Are you here to get a wedding date?" Mrs. Roberts asked.
Amanda exchanged glances with Wills. "There is nothing like that." She answered, her eyes teary.
Mrs. Roberts noticed her teary eyes immediately. She pulled her closer. "What happened, Amanda?" She asked, searching her eyes for answers.
"A lot, mother. A lot has happened and I might…" Wills interrupted her by signaling to her that the kids were present. They understood immediately.
"Come here," Mrs. Roberts said, dragging her to the room.
"Hey, little detectives, let's catch our killer," Detective Wills said, calling out to the kids. They immediately surrounded him.
Jack and Johnny were sitting in a lounge where they usually meet when Rowan walked in, wearing a face cap. His outfit seemed as if he was disguising.
"Look who we have here," Jack said the moment he saw Rowan walking in.
"Here comes the groom," Johnny said, making fun of him.
"With no bride" Jack added and they both laughed.
"Are you done?" Rowan asked, his face expressing a mix of frustration, anger and sadness.
Jack and Johnny immediately noticed the seriousness in Rowan's tone and expression. They stopped laughing and exchanged concerned glances. "This is a serious issue," Jack affirmed Johnny's reaction.
"Wait, are you trying to disguise yourself?" Johnny asked, pointing to his outfit.
"No, I think he is mourning. Our guy is now a widower." Jack said and they bursted into another round of laughter.
"I can see you are having a lot of fun," Rowan exclaimed softly. He relaxed his back in the chair.
They became instantly serious, realizing that this was something important. Johnny passed an empty glass to Rowan and Jack drew closer to fill it for him.
"As funny as this sounds, it is disgusting" Jack started. "Four kids? Who does that?"
"I still need the full gist though because this still seems like a dream to me." Johnny chimed in. "Bring me to reality man"
Rowan took a deep breath before he began to speak, his voice heavy with the weight of his emotions. "I am still in shock. I really love her. I love Amanda."
"Even a blind man would attest to that," Johnny added.
"I don't think I agree with that statement. But yeah, you loved her." Jack said.
"I still love her." Rowan snapped. "Is it weird that I still want her by my side despite what she did to me?"
Jack and Johnny exchanged glances. Rowan continued. "I don't know what to do, guys. My whole world has been turned upside down. Amanda...she kept all these things from me, and I thought we had something real. Now, I don't know if I can ever trust her again," Rowan confessed, his voice quivering.
"Easy man," Jack said. "Take it easy on yourself. This is a lot to take in already. I don't think this is the time you should be concerned about the feelings you have for her or if you can trust her again."
"Wait, I think you guys left me behind. I thought you said you sent her away already." Johnny asked. "If you are talking about trusting her again, that means you are considering giving her another chance."
"I don't know Johnny," Rowan exclaimed. "I can't get her out of my head. I can't even sleep at night. It's driving me crazy."
"This will get her out of your head," Jack said, passing him the bottle of alcohol.
"You will lose your memory, in fact," Johnny added. They paused for a while, waiting for him to pour himself another drink. "But on a serious note, those feelings are valid and they are going nowhere soon. Come on, this is not your first heartbreak. You know the drill."
"This is different," Rowan answered. "Trust me, what I feel for Amanda is nothing compared to what I have ever had for any woman."
"You can say that again," Jack said as if he was not part of the conversation.
"I waited for years to be sure I was ready to be in a relationship again. Just when I thought I had had it all, this happened and it is a lot to take in."
"A whole lot buddy," Johnny answered. "She fucked your brother. The dumb Wilson? No" he added, taking a sip from his drink.
"It's not that bad. Rowan also slept with Mabel, so it's kind of a win-win." Jack said.
"True. They are both messing around with the same girls. It must be in their blood." Johnny said, chuckling.
"That is not funny, guys." Rowan snapped.
"Sorry, '' Jack said. "I don't know why but I kind of find it difficult to believe Wilson's side of the story"
"Exactly," Johnny exclaimed. "Especially with Mabel's involvement. That girl is a piece of shit."
"I am not comfortable with that either" Rowan answered but what choice was I left with? Amanda herself admitted to dating Wilson but she made mention of Mabel being evil, I guess, and Wilson himself…" his phone rang and he reached out for it.
"Talking of the devil," Rowan said when he saw that the call was from Wilson.
"What again?" Rowan said when he picked up the call.
"What?" Rowan exclaimed.