I tapped on the table with my fingers, waiting impatiently. The clock ticked with each passing second, reminding me of the time flying. Any moment, Cairo could find me. The more time passes away, I can only assume, the closer he gets to finding me. If he finds me, he would take away Lorelai. This is batshit crazy. I could not…
"Ms. Sylvie."
I looked up from my table, my eyes again shocked by the absolute beauty of Iver.
"Mr. Vane," I said, reminding myself of the purpose. "I was starting to think you forgot this case."
"Of course not." He took a seat across from me. We were meeting at a small cafe near Claire's place. I had asked her many times to let me go and live elsewhere in case Cairo ends up finding me — the last thing I wanted was to put her in jeopardy. But she was a rather convincing host, and so Iver decided it was best I remained close to my current home and safe from any attention.
"So, uh, what's the plan?"
He pulled out a file and passed it to me. "If we are to pursue a case against him, I need every detail that might be helpful. I would first need a detailed description of everything that happened… any incidents that you would like to include in the report to press charges. I understand this might be a difficult conversation, but it's one we need to have. I would like to let you know this conversation is being recorded."
I exhaled. Of course I knew I needed to tell him exactly what happened. But this was really hard to do, considering I only tried to forget it more than half the time.
"I married him three and a half years ago," I said after collecting myself for a moment, "At that time, I had been dating him for almost two years already. Before our marriage, he was a lovely man. An outstanding man, really. Treated me like I was his whole world. We didn't want to get married this soon, but I got pregnant."
Iver nodded, following my story with precise attention. He occasionally wrote down stuff in his file.
"He didn't want it," I exhaled heavily, remembering those disastrous months. "We fought like crazy the months following up to our marriage. Abortion was not an option for me, and having a child wasn't one for him. We came to a compromise that if I have this child, I am going to get a tubectomy so that it doesn't happen again."
"Did you?"
"No," I looked at Iver. "The doctors were strictly against it, following the birth. Lorelai's birth wasn't straightforward. It was a really lengthy and traumatic labour, and there were multiple complications. So much so that the doctors even said to be prepared that she might not make it. I was only 27 then, so it was really their strong advice to be in a better mental and physical state to make such a permanent decision."
I took a sip from the coffee kept in front of me.
"He blamed me for it, saying I manipulated him into a marriage and a child, making false promises. I think that's where it all went downhill… until one day when Lorelai was only a few months old and he got so angry at a trivial issue that he slapped me for the first time."
Taking a deep breath, I continued, "Then it happened again a few days later. I don't remember exactly what happened and when. All I know is that then every fight ended with me covered in bruises and him drunk on the living room couch."
"You ever tried to get a divorce before this?"
"No." I shook my head. "I know it's messed up but a part of me thought he would get over it. He would improve. Another part of me convinced me that I needed to bear with it for the sake of Lorelai."
"Is there a reason you're trying for divorce now?"
"Yes." I looked at him with a sharp gaze. "I knew if I stayed any more, I might not make it another month. I had to choose between dying as his wife or living as Lore's mother and I chose her, like I would every single day, no matter what."
"Wait. Are you saying he had intentions to…"
"Kill me. Yes." I nodded, a slight tear falling down on my cheek from my left eye. "And I can promise you, it is well within his capabilities. I regret the last three years more than anything but being his wife I know things no one else does. Mr. Vane, Cairo Ashcroft is a cold-blooded killer."
He took a moment before responding.
"I believe you, but I need proof if I am to press charges for manslaughter or even attempted murder."
"I have proof, Mr. Vane. I have proof that could drown him and his entire family in the blood that they have on their hands. But if I give it to you, you'll have a target on your back. They could do anything to get the proof back, they won't stop." I leaned in, matching his gaze. "So I guess the question is… are you ready for this?"
I expected him to get up and leave.
I expected him to at least look a bit scared or unwilling to do this.
Instead, he smiled.
"What?" I asked, confused.
He looked at me. "You don't know how ready I am."
"I just told you he's a cold-blooded—"
"Ms. Sylvie," Ke kept his hand over my hand on the table, reassuring me. "Get me the proof and I'll get you your justice."