Page 44 of Rhythm Of Redemption

This wasn’t making any sense. “I don’t understand. What were you even doing there?”

Dani hesitated, her gaze shifting as if weighing the consequences of revealing the truth. Lou’s anxiety deepened with every passing second of silence. Finally, Dani took a breath and began to unravel the truth. “When you guys picked me up the other day, Logan noticed some weed in the ashtray,” she confessed, her voice tinged with a mixture of reassurance and guilt. “Relax, it wasn’t mine.”

“But I still don’t understand what you were doing at the dock.”

Taking a deep breath, Dani launched into her explanation. “Logan confronted me about what he’d seen, questioning if I was involved in drugs. So, I mentioned that sometimes I hang out at Pieter’s place when I need some space. Then Pieter texted me, asking to borrow money because he needed to disappear.”

Lou felt a surge of anger coursing through her veins. “And let me guess, Logan drove you to meet this guy so you could lend him the money?” Frustration tinged her voice. “What on earth was he thinking, dragging you into something like this?”

Dani locked eyes with her mother, a flicker of determination in her gaze. “That’s not what happened, Mum. You’ve got it all wrong. I mentioned to Logan that Pieter gets his drugs from Angel, and everyone knew she’s involved with Álvaro Sánchez-”

“Álvaro Sánchez?” Lou’s voice caught in her throat, disbelief mingling with fear. “The Álvaro Sánchez, the mafia guy?”

Dani’s exasperation was evident as she tried to clarify. “Yes, but-”

A wave of shock washed over Lou, the reality of their situation crashing down upon her. “What were you thinking, Dani? I can’t believe you even know about this guy.” Desperation coloured her voice, a sense of helplessness creeping in.

Dani’s expression hardened; her eyes unwavering. “I don’t know him, Mum. I only know that Angel was involved with him. Do you want me to explain or not?” Her voice was full of frustration and determination. “Pieter messaged me, saying he was in trouble and needed to borrow money. Logan wanted me to give him Pieter’s location so he could confront him about Angel.”

Lou’s confusion deepened, worry for Dani’s safety consuming her. “But why? Why would you put yourself at risk like that?”

Dani’s shrug held a resolute edge. “I was afraid something bad would happen to Pieter. We didn’t know Angel would be there.”

Emotions surged within her like a raging tempest, a tumultuous mix of anger, fear, and an overwhelming love for her daughter. Fiery fury coursed through her veins, directed at Logan for recklessly endangering her precious child.

Lou’s heart thudded against her chest, an anxious rhythm accompanying their arrival at the police station. The abrupt stop of the car unleashed a wave of fear that crashed over her. She locked eyes with Dani, their shared unease creating an unspoken bond in the charged atmosphere of uncertainty.

Dani stepped forward, sharing her name and date of birth with the desk sergeant. Lou followed suit as the sergeant turned his attention to her, taking her details as well. “Wait there,” he instructed, pointing towards a row of chairs once he had finished.

Anxiety gripped Lou, her thoughts racing with unanswered questions. “Now what?” she questioned desperately. “Should I call a lawyer?”

Dani shrugged; her gaze fixed on the ground. “Do you know a lawyer?”

Lou shook her head, the weight of their predicament pressing down on her. “No, but isn’t that what people do? Seek legal counsel when they’re in trouble?”

A hollow laugh escaped Dani’s lips, devoid of any humour. “What people? The ones we see on TV?”

Lou’s frustration surged like a rising tide, her restless pacing betraying her inner turmoil. “How can you be so calm about all this? I’m freaking out, and you … you act like it’s nothing,” she exclaimed, her voice desperate.

Dani’s gaze met Lou’s, a glimmer of reassurance in her eyes. “It’ll be okay,” she replied, her voice carrying a quiet resolve.

“How can you say that?” Lou’s voice trembled, fear seeping into her words. “Logan’s just been shot. A woman died, and now we’re in a police station, waiting to be interviewed.”

Dani took a deep breath, her voice steady. “Because I have evidence that proves we’re innocent.”

“Evidence? You think your druggie friend is going to vouch for you?” Her tone held a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Dani’s eyes rolled, a surge of exasperation crossing her face. “No, Mum, you don’t understand,” she clarified urgently. “I recorded everything on my phone. Angel confessed, admitting that she was the one selling drugs at the club. Logan had nothing to do with it, I swear.”

The police officer led Lou and Dani down the corridor, the click of their footsteps reverberating in the air. Reaching the door, the officer gave it a firm knock before opening it. Lou’s heart raced as she and Dani stepped into the room. Antonio, Logan’s lawyer, sat calmly at the table while Detective Russell stood beside him, radiating authority. The room felt stifling, amplifying the weight of the situation. The detective’s voice shattered the silence, his tone authoritative yet with a hint of familiarity. “Lou,” he acknowledged, his penetrating gaze locking onto hers. “Please, take a seat.”

Lou’s mind spun like a whirlwind, caught in a storm of uncertainty and fear. The room crackled with unspoken tension, each second amplifying her anxiety. Taking her seat, she fought to steady her trembling hands; her gaze shifting between Antonio and Detective Russell, seeking answers and some kind of reassurance.

“My daughter,” she blurted out, her voice trembling but hopeful, “she’s innocent. She had nothing to do with it.”

Detective Russell’s stern facade softened; his gaze filled with understanding. “I know,” he responded, his voice carrying a steely edge. “We’ve been aware of the situation. In fact, we’ve been closely monitoring Álvaro Sánchez for quite some time.”

A surge of hope swelled within Lou, mingling with a profound sense of relief. The weight that had been pressing down on her chest suddenly lifted, allowing her to breathe more freely.

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