Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

Fidelia's eyes held a labyrinth of emotions as she gazed at me, a mixture of doubt and confusion swirling within them as if questioning my words yet cloaked in bewilderment.

I hastened to reassure her, "Fidelia, you don't have to be afraid. Whatever you tell me today, I promise it won't leave this room. Hannah can vouch for that."

She glanced at Hannah, who nodded solemnly, affirming, "I'll vouch. We can both keep a secret."

I added, "And if you're in any trouble, I'll help you out. Who's there to fear?"

With my words, Fidelia suddenly threw herself into my arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

It was clear that a weight had been bearing down on her heart for quite some time, explaining her usually somber demeanor. This wasn't her nature after all.

I didn't say anything more, just held her tightly and gently patted her back, offering encouragement and comfort.

After a long while, she had cried herself out and, sniffing, shyly confessed to me, "I didn't dare speak up because I was afraid they'd hit me."

Her admission took me aback, and Hannah furrowed her brow in concern as she met my gaze.

I immediately asked with grave seriousness, "Hit you? Who's been hitting you? Did they really hit you?"

Fidelia nodded through her tears, "Yes, they hit me on the head."

Anger flared in Hannah as she snapped, "Who did this? Tell me, and I will handle it."

Fidelia looked at Hannah, still sniffling.

"Don't just look at me and I can throw a punch, ask Aaliyah if you don't believe me." She gestured towards me, seeking my confirmation.

I quickly nodded, "Absolutely, Hannah has got your back."

Then, eager for more details, I pressed on, "When did this happen? Where? And who did it?"

My barrage of questions seemed to assure Fidelia that I was genuinely upset about her being hit, and she felt safe enough to divulge a shocking secret.

I never would've guessed that a casual outing for a bite to eat with Fidelia could unravel so many mysteries I'd longed to solve.

After hearing Hannah's and my assurances, Fidelia looked at me with determination and said, " Uncle Jesper had someone hit me."

"Uncle Jesper?" I echoed in disbelief, "You mean Jesper Dawson?"

She nodded firmly, "Yes, him."

"Why would he do that? When did this happen?"

"It was back in Silverdale City. Uncle Jesper called me out of the blue. He asked me to take photos of your house, Oldtown Avenue, the little courtyard, and the Wood Manor. He wanted detailed shots." I suddenly understood; the photos in Fidelia's phone were requested by Jesper.

Fidelia continued with a frown, "I asked him why, and he said he just wanted to see what your place looked like and told me not to tell anyone, not Monique, and Probert."

"Are you sure it was Jesper?" I asked, still struggling to grasp the reality of the situation.

It seemed he was indeed up to no good.

Unable to wait, Hannah prodded, "And then what happened?"

"Then he told me to go to the backyard and gave me a little button to place in Grandpa Galen's study. I asked what it was, and that's when they hit me on the head for asking questions." Fidelia's face paled as she recounted the event, evidently still terrified.

"What kind of button?" Hannah inquired further.

Fidelia mimed the size, "Like this, round and about this big."

Hannah and I exchanged knowing looks, both surprised and indignant.

With a scowl, Hannah slammed her hand on the table, "I knew it. When he showed up in Silverdale City, he was up to no good, using a child to plant a bug."

Fidelia quickly interjected, her voice laced with anxiety, "At first, I didn't want to do it, but Uncle Jesper found out and threatened to send someone to Grandpa Galen's house to do it themselves. I got scared and just did it."

"Where did you put it?" I asked, studying her closely.

She fidgeted with her fingers, unable to meet my eyes, and murmured, "I hid it in the sofa cushion in the living room."

She stepped forward, eager to explain, "Auntie Aaliyah, I didn't want to do it, but I was scared they'd hit you, they were so menacing."

"I understand. You're not to blame, Fidelia. You did the right thing protecting us." I praised her.

But inside, a quiet alarm bell was ringing.