Chapter 46: Evidences?

Charlie

Given what has happened for almost one year of my life - I wouldn't be surprised to find myself where I was right at the moment. Nothing on the planet, or even the universe, could surprise me anymore. It was like I was somehow used to the daily dose of craziness it threw at me. I might as well say I was getting better at dealing with these situations daily.

I found myself in the house of a young lady. She was in her mid-twenties. Okay, I understand! I shouldn't be calling her a 'young lady' when I was the one younger than her. Anyways, that was not the point. She had light-brown hair and heterochromatic eyes (the left one - blue while the right one was green). She was wearing a light blue knee-length dress.

Now, the question of the century.

Who was this woman? And why was I meeting her?

Well, to answer that...

I'll just let the story play.

"Thank you for meeting me on such short notice. I hope it wasn't much of an inconvenience," Hey! I knew when to be polite!

She laughed softly. "Oh no, it wasn't much of an issue. And you're most welcome. I presume you had some questions to ask,"

I smiled. "Yes, about James McCrae - your fiancé,"

These days, calling him a bastard wouldn't be enough. I realize I've always said that throughout my story- but I couldn't help it. Plus, I didn't know if there were any other derogatory words to be a perfect fit to describe this man. I kept my composure as much as possible while talking about him. The reason why she let me interrogate her about her fiancé was that I was in the guise of a reporter who wanted to write an article on this man. I'd be surprised if some real-time reporter showed up to take his or his fiancée's interview!

To my surprise, his fiancée's actually a pleasant woman to have around. She had this charming smile that could win anyone's heart and a soothing voice that sounded like music in my ears. All in all, she was someone who was the complete opposite of McCrae. I wondered how he ever got to score such a pretty young lady and how she'd been bearing that man. For a second, I felt pity for the woman. She didn't deserve to be with such a snake! She deserved better.

So maybe, me trying to expose McCrae and gathering evidence would save someone's life!

Charlie, focus!

Aye! Aye! Cap'n!

"Ah," She stated, dreamily looking at a distance. "What can I say about him? He's everything a girl could dream of!"

I snickered. Yeah, right!

She continued. "He's an ambitious and righteous man who puts others' needs before his own. He loves his job and wants to make this world a better place,"

If this was anyone else we were talking about, I would've believed her.

But this was McCrae we were talking about.

I tried to smile. I wasn't liking the praises one-bit. "So, miss Michelle, what are both of your plans after the wedding?"

She smiled. "Oh you know, the usual. We'll get back to our jobs and try to create a difference in this world. Maybe donate to a few NGO's, do some charitable work here and there - that's all,"

Oh, come on! I don't think I can get anything spicy or juicy information out of her - it's kind of pointless to ask someone for evidence when all they do is sing praises.

But still, let's give this one more shot. I need to think of something before I interrogate her again and for that, I need her to move out of my sight for a while.

"That's so great to hear," I said. "If you don't mind, can I get a glass of water?"

She stood up from the couch, the smile still plastered on her face. "Of course, I'll be right back,"

"Thank you,"

With that, she disappeared into the kitchen. Well, this would buy me some time. I brainstormed for a while on what to ask her. I had to get something out of her at least! She was his fiancée for the love of God! She might be knowing something about McCrae that would bring him down. Maybe ask her about the cases that were filed against him? Does she know about those? Chances are - she might not. McCrae might've wanted to keep a clean record to court her. But then again, maybe she did.

I can't tell for sure until I ask her.

A few minutes later, she returned with the glass of water.

"Here you go, Miss Lisa," She handed me the glass of water.

"Thank you,"

I took a sip and then continued with my interrogation. Hopefully, she could provide me with some insights into his life.

"So, miss Michelle, there's been rumors about your fiancé being in jail," I observed her reaction to my choice of words. If he had the least bit of humanity in him - he must've told her about his trip to jail.

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, looking anywhere but me. "I don't think I feel comfortable answering that question, miss Lisa. Furthermore, I believe that his personal life is not important in that article you're writing,"

A-ha! That meant that she knew the story! Of course, she wouldn't wanna tell that story - she knew her fiancé was guilty of abusing his then-girlfriend. However, one question popped into my mind.

Why was she with him even when she knew he was a toxic human being?

I needed to press further. She'd give in one way or the other. She had to.

I cleared my throat. "I'm sorry, Miss Michelle, I didn't have the intention of making you uncomfortable. Although that part of the story is important to my article because almost every famous person has gone to jail once in his life - most of the time it was because of false accusations. I believe, Mr. McCrae's case was the same,"

She exclaimed. "Yes, it was! He was falsely accused of abusing his ex-girlfriend when he couldn't do it! He is such a righteous man! Do you think such a pure soul can ever do something like this?!"

I can think of that possibility.

Because it's McCrae.

And, ladies and gentlemen, this is exactly what I planned - she gave in.

I carefully touched her knee. "I truly understand how that must've felt, and that is why I have decided to write this article - to show the people of this country, that Mr. McCrae was never the bad guy, and for that - I require your help,"

She smiled, her eyes glistening with happy tears. "Thank you so much for this, Miss Lisa, and don't worry - I will help you as much as I can. Anything you ask for - it's yours,"

I took a deep breath. I was quite satisfied with my persuading skills. I didn't know I had it in me. Now that Michelle agreed to help, it felt like a burden was removed from my shoulders. I felt so at ease with myself now. However, I must remember that this was just a small victory - the war hadn't ended yet, and for that to happen, we need all the evidence we can get.

Starting with Miss Michelle.

"I know it might sound strange, but I need you to keep this 'article' thing between us, I haven't been completely honest with you before, but I'm writing this article anonymously. My editor wasn't on board with the idea of clearing Mr.McCrae's name,"

She raised a finger, silencing me. "Say no more, Miss Lisa. I completely understand. I appreciate the gesture of you going out of your way to clear my fiancé's name,"

I smiled. "Thank you,"

"My pleasure,"

---

I yawned as I entered my apartment. A wave of memories struck me as I took in the surroundings. It had been a while since I last showed up. Everything was just the same as I had left. I was glad that Francine had taken such good care of my apartment while I was gone. I took off my shoes and plopped down on the couch. It had been a productive day- talking with Miss Michelle and gathering some information on McCrae. However, that wasn't enough to take him down. We needed something more to take him down the throne.

I brainstormed for a while what my next move would be. After a while, I knew exactly whom to meet. It had been a long time since I had seen his face. But I wasn't so sure if he would be happy to see me. None of McCrae's connections loved seeing me.

Pulling my phone out, I quickly dialed his number.

"Hello?" A gruff voice greeted me.

"Prince, we need to talk."

---

"Prince."

"Charlie."

"It's been a while,"

He raised his left eyebrow, sounding completely uninterested. "That's why you wanted to meet? To tell me this?"

I smirked. "Didn't your elders tell you that it was bad manners to keep the guests waiting outside?"

He sighed, swinging the door fully open. "You have exactly one hour to explain things,"

I half-heartily laughed. "You're still as annoyed as the last time I saw you,"

He retorted. "And you're still as annoying as the last time I saw you,"

Okay, I believe I owe my readers an explanation. So, the guy I decided to meet next was - Prince Collins. He was one of the closest friends of McCrae back in high school. But then due to some problems between him and McCrae, he was soon ousted from the gang. I was sure that happened sometime after McCrae started dating Nicole. Prince was the only one who was against McCrae's behavior towards Nicole and stood up against him. He, even, went out of his way to inform me what was going on before Nicole opened her mouth.

Soon, one of the others found that Prince was snitching about McCrae to me and soon after that - he was kicked out of the gang. Prince had always been uninterested in talking to people. He was the kind of person to always keep him to himself. Quiet and observant. Don't underestimate him to be shy. He just was 'anti-social'.

Even with that one similarity - stepping up when something was wrong, we barely got along. He didn't like people because people were strange, unjust, and manipulative. Well, he wasn't wrong about that when his own friend fit that description perfectly. The only time he would work with someone - if he knew that they shared the same goals.

Just like right now.

"Explain Charlie, before I lose my patience," He crossed his arms against his chest as he sat down on the single sofa while I sat across him on the loveseat.

"It's about McCrae," I said. I didn't feel like lying to him given how big of a help he might turn out to be. I was hoping to get some juicy info from this guy - and if I was lucky enough, I could even convince him to help me in my mission.

His face twisted in disgust. Now I realized how much he hated the guy he once called his friend.

"Don't even take that bastard's name! He kicked me out of the gang when he realized I was becoming an obstacle in his way,"

"I have to. He's doing unimaginable things now, Prince. Soon, he's going to take over the kingdom of Titania - be their new King and terrorize the country. The citizens of Titania don't deserve that. He'd be merciless, cruel, and an unjust ruler. If we don't stop him..."

"What?" His eyes widened in horror.

"You heard me,"

"What do you want me to do then? It's his life and his choices - we can't do much. He has connections everywhere," He sighed.

"The Prince I know would never sit back when he knows what's happening is wrong. McCrae doesn't deserve that crown - he's onto ruining everyone's lives just so he could satisfy his desires. He's being selfish as always,"

Prince stayed quiet for a while, contemplating my words. He kept his head down, lost in deep thought. I just hoped to God that he was on board - he could be one hell of an ally!

After a while, he looked straight into my eyes with a grin.

"I'll help," He said. But before my lips could curl up, he stopped me.

"Before you get all hyped up, lemme tell you one thing - it's not gonna be easy taking him down, so I want you to think everything through before you decide to go against him."

I smirked. "Don't worry about that, Prince. I've taken him down once, I can take him down again,"

His grin never faded. "Now that's the Charlie Robinson I've missed so much,"

I rolled my eyes at his comment.

"So shall we discuss the plan?"

____

I plopped down on my bed. Today was one hell of an exhausting day. With Michelle and Prince on board, I might not need anybody else to play witness. These two were enough evidence to take McCrae down.

I stared at the ceiling, replaying everything that had happened for the past year. 'It was a rollercoaster ride would be the least way of explaining the story of my life. From bumping into Sam to meeting Francine and Jamie to helping Francine in her mission, to live like a Princess, to meet Augustus Xavier and his dad, to dad's sudden death, to McCrae showing up and we getting caught, and now finally, me being here to gather evidence against him.

Speaking of Augustus Xavier though, I've been feeling some weird 'stuff' going inside my body whenever I thought about him. It was...strange. I didn't feel like this before. I wondered what to do about that - every time I thought about Xavier for a brief second, I could feel butterflies in my heart.

And every time I thought about him, his heartbroken face would flash in front of me which would, in turn, make me feel guilty. No matter however he was - arrogant and at times clingy and a hypocrite- he didn't deserve to know my truth the way he did.

Okay, well he wasn't arrogant. Not when he was around me. He sure was a hypocrite- he told the King I had run away because of 'issues' when he was the one having daddy issues himself. He shouldn't have done that!

Now that I think of it - he shouldn't have done a lot of things that he did - starting with meeting me.

From what little I knew of him, I could deduce that he might've been lying about the whole 'daddy issues' thing that day - possibly just to show that I wasn't the only one (or well, Francine wasn't the only one) dealing with such issues.

Yet, my heart would say otherwise. It just wouldn't make sense if he lied. He didn't have any reason to, did he?

That was the moment my phone vibrated.

"Hello?"

"Could you meet me by the lake?"

----

"Augustus Xavier?"

"Hi, Annie." He gave me a sad smile.

I stared at him, dumbfounded. He was leaning against the bridge, his arms crossed against his chest and stared at the ground. As soon as I called his name, his icy blue orbs met my sea-green ones. Astonishingly, his orbs weren't icy anymore - it was more of a warm blue colour.

"What are you doing here?" I inquired. Looking closely, I could see guilt in his eyes. He was embarrassed about how he reacted back then. He quickly averted his eyes and looked elsewhere, scratching the back of his head.

"I...um...I.."

I teased. "Will your Royal Highness keep stammering? Or will he speak up?"

"Shut up, Pri-I mean, Charlie!"

I'll be honest, it already is a surprise that he wanted to meet me and now he's stammering. He wasn't acting like the Prince I met on my first day in the palace. I couldn't find the perfect word to describe his current behavior - the closest I could think of was "goofy and weird".

"Are you okay, Your Highness?" I genuinely asked him, no sarcasm was intended. He was acting strange since the minute I showed up and was still acting that way.

"I am, I am," He took a deep breath before turning to look me straight in the eye. "I am just here to say-"

"The King found out, or better yet, you told him that I fled - and now he's after my life? Is that it?"

I could see Xavier getting slightly annoyed by my behavior. Oh, come on! I shouldn't be blamed! I didn't know how to act in front of him. anymore now that he knew who I was. Plus, this strange feeling inside of me wasn't helping either.

Despite my annoying behavior, he kept his composure. "Listen, Charlie, I apologize for how I acted back then. I should have defended you when the time called for it. I apologize for everything."

Was I hearing this right?

Augustus Xavier...apologizing to me?

Is it the end already?!

"Charlie?" His deep voice pulled me out of my reverie.

"Sorry, I...come again?"

He sighed. "Long story short, I am sorry for everything and now I am here to give you a chance at explaining things,"

I was still skeptical about his behavior. It was unreal that he came willingly to just listen to my explanation. Although, this past year of knowing him, I knew he was curious about learning new things. One reason why he took an interest in me.

"I've lied once, I could lie a million times over, Xavier. How are you so sure that I'll tell you the truth right now?"

He smiled. "Because you want to. You realize that I deserve to know the truth."

He was right. I did want to tell him everything. This was the second time I didn't see him as a Prince (the first time was when he comforted me the day dad died). He was just an ordinary gentleman.

"You're not acting like yourself, you know that?" I laughed, playfully punching him in the arm.

He laughed. "I believe you have not met the real me, just like I have not met the real you,"

"So...do you wanna start over?"

He grinned. "I would love that."