Debraâs POV:
My mind played detective, connecting the dots of past events until a crystal-clear picture emerged in my thoughts.
The puzzle pieces slotted together seamlessly.
âThe writingâs on the wall; Jackson secretly played his cards close to his chest.
He agreed with the Barton family, bringing in the second group of Roz Townâs folks into the foggy forest, all in exchange for their childâs good treatment.
Bella, blissfully ignorant initially, held on to her unwavering belief in her husbandâs goodness.
She risked it all to take me in and save people, aiming to vindicate his innocence.
â
âThe Barton family again!â Calebâs anger bubbled up, nearly causing him to pound the wall with his fist.
My heart sank as well.
âIndeed, Bella and Jackson are victims of the foggy forest.
Theyâve toiled for years, bleeding their wallets dry to afford the steep medical bills for their child.
Theyâve been nothing but honest, while the Barton family manipulates these innocent parents, an excessive toll!â
In such a scenario, Jackson wouldnât be willing to spill the beans.
For parents, their children were their Achillesâ heel; theyâd endure any hardship for the sake of their childâs well-being.
Butâ¦
Recalling Bellaâs previous visit to my ward, clutching those flowers, hope kindled within me.
Her anxious demeanor suggested she knew of her husbandâs deceit.
Her strong character drove her to keep it hidden, all for the childâs sake.
Perhaps there was a sliver of room to maneuver, starting with the child.
I scrutinized Carlosâ documents meticulously and made up my mind.
âI want to see Bella and Jacksonâs child.
There might be a breadcrumb trail to follow.
â
Caleb agreed.
âGo ahead if you wish.
Iâve got matters to attend to, so I canât come with you.
Do stay vigilant, and it wouldnât hurt to bring backup.
â
âUnderstood,â I nodded.
.
âWhatâs your next move?â
Caleb said in a grave tone, âTimeâs ticking.
Iâm calling a meeting with my trusted subordinates.
Weâre planning to establish an isolation belt near the foggy forest.
â
âAn isolation belt?â
âYes, the forestâs a minefield.
I intend to set it ablaze to obliterate the poison thatâs endangering the Thorn Edge Pack.
â
That was a good idea.
If executed successfully, the poisonâs grip on the forest would disperse, no longer menacing every person who went in.
âCount me in,â I declared.
Caleb continued, âBut the foggy forest has also played its part in guarding the Thorn Edge Pack.
I fear once it vanishes, other packs might seize the chance to mount attacks.
We need to convene a meeting in advance, planning our defense post-burning.
â
âAgreed.
Weâll divide and conquer.
â
âOkay.
â
To save time, we embarked on our separate missions.
On my way to the hospital, Zoe called me.
âHow are you and Caleb holding up? Iâve been swamped tending to the second group of residents since my awakening, hardly a moment to check on you.
â