Xabat arrived quickly and Allyce left Alonzo in the care of the family’s maids before getting into Xabat’s car and heading with him to the Public Security Office.
Allyce got into the car and both their faces were stony.
“Do you know what’s going on yet?” Allyce asked Xabat as he buckled his seatbelt.
Xabat shook his head, “Time is very tight, I’ve had someone look into it, no results yet, we’ll only know if we see the boss first”.
Allyce’s heart was not soothed when she heard him say that.
After that, all the way to the Public Security Office, the two did not speak again.
…
The car stopped at the entrance to the Public Security Office, and Allyce and Xabat got out of the car from each side.
Allyce closed the car door and had not taken a few steps when she saw a man in a black suit.
“Mrs. Betances, Mr. Xabat”. The man looked somewhat familiar, with gold-rimmed glasses and a serious look on his face.
Soon, Allyce remembered who she was.
He was Severo’s lawyer, Norberto Benavente.
Allyce nodded to him: “Attorney Benavente.
Norberto’s hands hung naturally at his side, his eyes sharp and calm behind his glasses, “As Sir Betances is not allowed to see members of his family in his current situation, his time is short and I will try to get to the bottom of the matter”.
Of this, Allyce was aware.
Detainees were not allowed to see family and friends, only defence lawyers, and Xabat and Allyce were able to see Severo because they had thought of other ways to do so.
Without further ado, several people came in together.
…
Severo was in solitary confinement.
When Allyce saw him, he was standing in front of the wall.
As his back was to the door, Allyce couldn’t see his face.
Nor did he turn around when he heard the door open.
“Severo,” Allyce called him first.
When Severo heard her voice, his whole body visibly stiffened for a few seconds before he looked back at Allyce.
Her eyes lingered on Allyce’s face for a few seconds before shifting to Xabat and Norberto, who were standing behind her.
Norberto met Severo’s gaze and understood it quickly, and immediately the two turned and left.
Severo reached up and ruffled Allyce’s hair around her ears before speaking, “I didn’t mean to hide it from you this time, it was because I was completely unprepared and the police were so sudden that I didn’t even have time to call you.
His voice remained calm and pleasant, even when the police caught him unawares, he was not the least bit agitated.
Allyce shook her head, “I don’t blame you”.
It had only been about two hours since he had been arrested, and he was still wearing the same suit he had worn when he left home that morning, only now it was a little wrinkled.
Allyce looked back at the cramped holding cell and reached out for Severo to stroke the wrinkles in his suit.
But Severo took her hand in his: “I have something to tell you, so listen carefully”.
The reason he had let both Xabat and Norberto out was because he had something to say to Allyce.
When Allyce smiled, she looked at him.
Severo did not let go of her hand as he said: “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be back soon, take care of you and Alonzo and live your life as you see fit.
Severo’s tone was not serious, as if he was not being arrested on suspicion of murder, but for a business trip.
But Allyce’s mind was far from relaxed.
I had been in this place once before, it was cold, damp and airless, and although I had only spent a short time in detention that time, I remembered the feeling to this day.
Allyce stared at him for a few seconds before saying: “That’s not right, how can I not be worried when you’re in a place like this and I don’t know anything?
Severo blanched slightly, but quickly continued, “With Xabat around, he can handle this sort of thing. If my grandfather comes looking for you while I’m gone, ignore him and don’t listen to anything he says.
“Grandfather?” asked Allyce in confusion.
Severo’s tone intensified: “Yes, and remember, whatever he says, don’t listen to him or believe him”.
Allyce was about to say more when the door was pushed open.
They both looked back together and saw Norberto standing in the doorway.
Norberto also looked this way: “Mr. Betances, time is running out, you’ll have to leave the rest for me to figure out for you”.
Allowing Allyce and Xabat to see Severo would have been against the rules, so there was very little time to be gained for them.
“Hmm.” Severo replied with a slight snort.
Then he turned his head to Allyce: “Remember what I said.
Allyce heard the seriousness in his tone and nodded vigorously as well.
Xabat followed and the three men met to discuss the case.
At that moment, Allyce’s phone rang again.
Allyce had to take it out and go outside to answer the phone.
“Lucila”.
The call was from Lucila, and without her having to say anything, Allyce could guess what she was going to say.
After all, Severo’s story had come to light.
Fittingly, the next thing he heard was Lucila asking, “What the hell is going on here, and how did Chief Betances get involved in a human murder?
“I’m not quite sure, but he’ll be fine.” Allyce said this, not knowing whether it was meant for Lucila’s ears or her own.
“Chief Betances is very powerful, he’ll be fine lah, don’t worry too much, if you need anything from me just let me know.”
Lucila did not doubt Severo’s ability.
But Allyce’s heart was in turmoil.
Because, I wasn’t even sure if Severo had killed someone or not.
“Neto returned to Ciudad del Cielo yesterday morning, and when I called him today, there was no answer, so if he’s here, he must be able to help you. There was also a tinge of concern in Lucila’s tone.
He had called several times today, and no one had answered when he got through.
Yesterday, Neto had called her when he got off the plane, and the two of them had hung up after a few brief words.
“Something must have happened at home and he’s too busy to deal with it. When he’s finished, he’ll probably get back to you.
Lucila had originally called to ask how things were going on her end, but instead turned to Allyce for comfort.
Lucila also noticed and said: “I’ll come to see you tomorrow”.
“Agreed”.
Allyce ended her phone call with Lucila and turned to go inside.
As he walked through the door, he heard Xabat say: “I have contacted Mr Pastrano, there is no contact”.