Chapter 6

"What did you say?"

Everyone, including my father-in-law, stopped what they were doing and looked at me quizzically.

Only Kellan, standing to the side, averted his gaze, seemingly plotting something.

"I said, Xanthe isn't dead!"

"That's bullshit! We all heard the gunshot. My daughter was killed by the kidnappers."

Unable to bear my father-in-law's continued anguish, I pointed at Kellan, who was hiding behind him.

"Whether your daughter is dead or not, he knows better than I do."

Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Kellan visibly shuddered and stepped forward, trembling.

"Bram, what nonsense are you spouting? Xanthe was clearly killed by the kidnappers. Everyone heard it."

"Officer, arrest him immediately! He's just trying to stall for time."

Officer Hudson turned to me, his tone unfriendly.

"Mr. Shaw, don't tell me you've concocted some wild story just to clear your name."

I glanced at Kellan, then let out a cold laugh.