460 Shattered Lives

(Winona)

Jayden's voice trembles through the phone. "They're here."

"Viktor and Cass?" I ask, trying to steady my own voice.

"Yeah." His tone is flat, exhausted. "They just arrived. The detective's here too."

"Let them help, Jayden," I say softly. "You don't have to do this by yourself."

"It doesn't feel real, Winona. Lance didn't even... warn me. He didn't give me a chance to stop him. I didn't want to discuss it with him, I didn't want to forgive him, but I didn't want this..." "It's not your fault," I say firmly, though my own heart aches. "You couldn't have known."

The sound of muffled footsteps grows louder, and then a new voice cuts in, Cass's, calm and strong. "Winona, it's me. Jayden, the detective would like a few words."

"Cass." Relief washes over me. "You're there. Thank God."

"I've got him," she says, her voice resolute. "You take care of yourself and Lisa. How is she?"

Tears sting my eyes. "She's broken. Really broken."

"It can't be easy. Viktor's in full protector mode. He's speaking with the detective now. It doesn't seem like Jayden's being implicated in any way."

"Good," I murmur. "He doesn't need that right now."

"I'm staying right here," she assures me. "He's in shock, Winona. It's going to take a while for it to sink in. I've been there before. Walking into a crime scene... it stays with you." Her words hits me, and I close my eyes. "I know, Cass. I wish I could be there with him."

reminds me. "We do not need another

hear Jayden say, his voice sharper now. "Let me see

package from a courier,"

voice, low and strained. "It's from

talking to the courier. Oh, hang on, Jayden wants

his voice raw through the phone

don't know," I whisper. "I wish I had answers,

the trust I had in you. He destroyed him

a slap, and I

me off. "Don't try to defend

say quietly, though my heart feels like it's breaking. "But he was my friend too. I'm grieving

know how close of

hear Cass loud and

you don't get to attack Winona right now.

the world

Jayden, but

to attack Winona. She's hurting too. Not to

to stop her talking about the pregnancy out loud. But then it hits me, it doesn't matter now. The whole world can

the phone again. "Winona, I think it's best

Sis. He's just hurting and confused, I get

he can say things to hurt you. I'll call you back

There's a USB stick inside," she says quietly. "Jayden doesn't want to see it yet. He says

you'll stay with him. If

not going anywhere," she says firmly. "Take care of yourself and Lisa. He's got support

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