Shadows of Sacrifice [90]

Smallville's Sheriff Station

Ethan leaned on the desk, his eyes fixed on Joseph. The older man's answers were firm, calm, and without hesitation. Ethan knew Joseph wasn't guilty, but the call he had received minutes earlier echoed in his mind like a heavy chain. 'Lionel Luthor never makes empty threats.'

"Joseph Willowbrook, I need you to come with me to the cell. Until the investigation progresses, you'll be detained."

"I understand, Ethan. But I'm innocent."

"There's nothing more I can do right now. This is the procedure."

Joseph's lawyer, sitting beside him, stood up abruptly, his eyes blazing with indignation. "This is absurd, Ethan. There's no concrete evidence against my client. He's being detained out of convenience!"

"I have orders, and I need to follow them. The case is still ongoing, and I can't let him go until there's clarity."

"Clarity? Ethan, you know this is just a power play. You're protecting interests, not seeking justice."

Joseph raised his hand calmly, interrupting the lawyer. "There's no need to get upset. I can handle this. They can keep me here, but it doesn't change the truth. I'm innocent."

"Joseph, you can't accept this so passively. This arrest is unjust and arbitrary. You should fight, not surrender."

"I know who I am. I don't need to fight to prove it. The truth always prevails, sooner or later."

The lawyer turned to Ethan, pointing his finger angrily. "You're making a mistake. A mistake that will be hard to correct."

"I'm just doing my duty."

"Your duty? Is that what you call arresting an innocent man because you're afraid of losing your job? That's cowardice."

Ethan averted his gaze, feeling the weight of the words. 'He's not wrong, but what can I do?'

Joseph stood up calmly, placing his hands forward. "Do what you need to do, Ethan. I hold no grudges."

"Joseph, please stop making this easy for him. It only gives more power to those accusing you."

"I'm not making it easy. I just know that resisting won't bring justice any faster. I trust in time."

Ethan avoided looking into Joseph's eyes as he placed the handcuffs on his wrists. "I hope you understand. This isn't personal."

"I know, Ethan. Carrying a burden like this isn't easy for you either."

The lawyer shook his head, frustrated, and left the room with firm steps. "You're making a big mistake, Sheriff. One that will cost you dearly in the future."

The station door closed behind him with a bang. The silence in the room was heavy, broken only by the sound of the handcuffs being adjusted.

Ethan took a deep breath, trying to focus. 'You're not the villain here. You're just following orders. Right?'

Joseph remained serene, as if the injustice didn't shake him. "What you do now, Ethan, will define who you are. I hope you choose the right path when the time comes."

Ethan didn't respond. He simply led Joseph to the cell, feeling that, at that moment, he was carrying something heavier than the handcuffs he had just used.

_________

Kyla and Chloe got out of the car. The wind carried dust and leaves down the street, while the entrance to the station seemed heavy and oppressive. In front of the building, the lawyer hired by Kyla stood with his hands in his pockets, his face marked by frustration. Kyla quickened her pace.

"Lawyer Smith, what happened? Is my grandfather okay?"

Smith looked up, his expression filled with weariness. "Kyla, your grandfather has been formally detained. Without concrete evidence, but he's not making it easy. It's almost like he wants to be arrested."

"What do you mean he wants to be arrested? That's ridiculous!"

"Exactly what I think. He doesn't argue, doesn't defend himself. He just accepts. It's like he's resigned to the idea of staying there."

Chloe approached, overhearing the conversation. Kyla turned to her but said nothing.

"The problem is, without cooperation, there's not much I can do. The law requires evidence, but it also requires will. Your grandfather needs to want to fight for his freedom. You need to convince him, Kyla."

"I don't understand. He's always been strong, always fought for what he believed in. Why is he acting like this now?"

"That's what I'm wondering too. The only explanation is that he's protecting someone or something. But who?"

Chloe leaned in, watching Kyla carefully. 'He's protecting her. There's no other explanation.'

"Kyla, can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"Do you think your grandfather is protecting someone?"

Kyla's eyes widened, her expression a mix of indignation and a touch of fear. "What? No! My grandfather wouldn't do that. He's innocent."

"Maybe he is, but what if he thinks he needs to take the fall to protect someone he loves? Someone like you?"

"That's absurd, Chloe. My grandfather has nothing to hide, and neither do I."

Smith sighed deeply, watching the two. "Look, Kyla, if you want me to do my job, you need to convince him to fight. Without that, my argument loses strength. I'll try one more time."

The lawyer went back inside the station, leaving Kyla and Chloe in silence. The sound of a heavy door echoed as it closed.

Kyla took a step toward the building, but Chloe grabbed her arm. "Kyla, wait."

"Chloe, I need to go in. I'm not staying here while my grandfather is being treated like a criminal."

"I understand, but you need to think. If he's protecting someone, confronting him now might make things worse."

"You're implying something that doesn't make sense! Why would he protect me? I haven't done anything wrong!"

"Maybe you think you haven't, but he might see things differently. Maybe he thinks it's the only way to save you."

Kyla pulled her arm away from Chloe, her eyes blazing with indignation. "Thanks for the ride, Chloe, but I think you've done enough."

"Kyla, I just want to help."

"I know, but I don't need your help right now."

Kyla turned and entered the station, leaving Chloe standing on the street. The sound of Kyla's hurried footsteps faded as Chloe remained still, looking at the ground.

'If he's protecting Kyla, that changes everything. But why? What is she hiding?' Thoughts like these filled her mind as the wind continued to blow, making the atmosphere even colder and emptier. Chloe pulled her phone out of her bag and quickly dialed Clark's number.

"Clark, I need you."

"Chloe, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I... I think so. It's not about me. It's about Joseph Willowbrook. He's been detained, but I feel like something's off about all this."

"Detained? And you think he's not guilty?"

"Exactly. In fact, I think he's protecting someone. Maybe Kyla."

Clark was silent for a few seconds. 'If Joseph is protecting Kyla, this could be more complicated than it seems.'

"You want me to investigate?"

"Yes, Clark. You can see beyond what I can. I mean, literally."

Clark smiled slightly on the other end of the line. "Chloe, I can help. But you need to tell me exactly what you think is going on."

"I'm not sure. I just know Kyla is hiding something. She got nervous when I asked about it, and Joseph is too calm for someone being falsely accused. It's like he's accepted the role of the guilty one."

Clark took a deep breath, his voice calm. "Alright. I'll investigate. But I need to tell you something."

"What is it?"

"Diana is involved in this too. She went to the construction site with you, didn't she?"

"Yes. Why?"

"She's good at reading people, Chloe. If she suspects something, she'll say it to your face. I hope you two can work together on this."

Chloe was silent for a moment. 'Diana... Of course she's involved. She's always by Clark's side.'

"Clark, don't worry. I can handle her."

Clark chuckled softly. "I know you can. I'll look into what I can about Joseph and the Kawatche lands. Let me know if you find anything."

"Thanks, Clark. Really."

"You know you can always count on me."

Chloe hung up the phone, feeling a little more relieved. Still, the weight of the situation pressed on her shoulders. She took a deep breath and entered the station, determined to uncover the truth.

____

Clark's House

Clark walked to the bottom of the stairs, where Diana was sitting on the couch, her hands clasped in front of her face, her eyes fixed on the window. The sunlight touched her hair softly, but her expression was filled with worry.

"Diana, let's go now. I think we can investigate this together."

She turned her head, looking at him with a mix of surprise and relief.

"Clark, do you really think it's worth it? It seems like everyone prefers to ignore what's happening."

Clark stepped closer, stopping by the couch, his arms crossed.

"If they prefer to ignore it, that's even more reason for us to do something. We don't need their approval to find the truth."

She stood up, her eyes still locked on his.

"You know that in the world of men, things aren't so simple, Clark. They don't like it when someone like me interferes."

Clark gave a slight smile, his eyes shining with confidence.

"They don't like change, Diana. But sometimes, change is the only way to fix things."

She took a deep breath, allowing a small smile to appear on her lips.

"Then let's go. I won't stand by while innocents pay for something they didn't do."

Clark opened the door, indicating the way.

"I'll drive. You just need to be ready for what we might find."

She walked past him, her steps firm and determined.

"Clark, I'm always ready."

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