Chapter 103: Regrets
What had his behaviour been about? Was he just acting or did he mean all he said?
Claire thought as her gaze followed Alex as he disappeared into the station, her thoughts a whirlwind of anxiety, confusion and determination.
As she stood there, the memory of her earlier conversation with Jake resurfaced, sharp and vivid, like she was back in that suffocating room with him, listening to everything he was saying all over again.
The fluorescent light overhead buzzed softly, casting a sterile glow over the small visitation room.
Jake sat slumped in the chair, his head bowed and hands cuffed in front of him. He looked smaller than she'd ever seen him—defeated, and fragile.
Yet Claire's resolve didn't waver as she took the seat across from him, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She was here not to sympathize with him but to know if truly he didn't know anything like Margaret had said and most importantly to let him rot there knowing he deserved the punishment.
She met his bloodshot eyes, her voice steady but laced with anger. "Why do you hate her so much, Jake? Why do you hate Emma to the point of wanting her dead? What did she ever do to you? Was ruining her reputation and giving her no way out not enough? Why?"
Jake flinched at her words, his face crumpling as tears filled his eyes. He shook his head, his voice cracking. "I don't hate her. God, Claire, I don't hate Emma," he said even though he knew Claire would most likely not believe him after all he had done to Emma.
"You don't hate her? You expect me to believe that?" Claire asked looking at him incredulously.