Chapter 4: Begging for Justice, Bracing for Betrayal

Back at home, I begged my brother, the mayor, to really investigate the case and clear Carter’s name.

I waited in his office, pacing the floor as he sorted through paperwork. I pleaded, listing every reason why Carter couldn’t possibly be guilty. My brother listened in silence, brow furrowed, exhaustion written all over his face. Still, I refused to give up.

I knelt on the cold tile for a full hour.

The chill seeped through my jeans, making my knees ache. I shifted, trying to find a comfortable spot, but pain radiated up my legs. I didn’t care. I was desperate, willing to do anything to help Carter. My stubbornness wouldn’t let me quit.

My brother finally looked up from his stack of council paperwork.

He set his pen down, rubbing his temples. The room was filled with the soft hum of the old desk lamp. I waited, holding my breath, hoping he’d finally listen.

Faced with my desperate pleas, he only said one thing:

“Autumn, stay away from Carter Hayes. He’s not as simple as you think.”

His words were cold, final. My hope deflated, replaced by a surge of anger. I couldn’t believe he would turn his back on someone who’d done so much for our town.

I just assumed my brother didn’t want to help. I shook off his hand and stalked down the hall, my fists clenched, jaw tight. I didn’t slam the door, but I wanted to. I refused to let him see the tears brimming in my eyes.

He watched me walk away, shaking his head again and again.

I could feel his gaze on my back, heavy with disappointment. But I was too stubborn to look back, too angry to care what he thought.