I was deaf to his pleas, silently arranging the ashes back into their urns.
John moved to help, but I snapped at him,
"Get out, John Garcia, you are not welcome here!"
John pulled back, disappointed. Jessica tugged at his arm,
"John, this isn’t your fault. You didn’t know this was her family’s resting place."
"She never told us; obviously, she did it on purpose..."
"Shut up!" John cut Jessica off sharply.
As he spoke, police officers approached him.
Several police officers looked at Jessica Hernandez and me, their eyes wide with shock.
"Who is Jessica Hernandez?" one of them asked.
John Garcia instinctively stepped forward, shielding Jessica slightly.
"What's this about?" he inquired.
The officer frowned, "Southern Pharmaceuticals is under investigation for using substandard syringes, which may have caused widespread infections. We need her to come with us for questioning."
John's face went pale. After a moment, he managed to say,
"Wait, please. I need a moment to speak with Jessica."
As he said this, he walked straight towards me.
I was stunned, staring at him in disbelief.
John pursed his lips and couldn’t meet my eyes.
"You want me to be arrested instead of Jessica?"
I glared at John, wishing my gaze could slice through him to see if he had any heart at all.
His voice was reluctant but resolute,"Don’t worry, you’re pregnant. They’ll release you on medical parole within 72 hours."
"...I'll make it right when I get out—whether it's securing a proper burial site for your family or arranging the heart surgery for Nancy."
"The child is yours! Nancy is your daughter too! John Garcia, have you no conscience?!"
I was on the verge of a breakdown, wanting nothing more than to strike the man in front of me.
But I had to think of our child. John may be selfish and careless, but I could not be.
My entire family was gone. Nancy was my only remaining relative. I couldn’t let her suffer all these years and lose everything at the last minute.
The admission results were out; she was accepted into Harvard, and she deserved a bright future.
John watched my internal struggle, my face ghostly pale, until I finally gave in. He seemed relieved.
Then he said softly, "Emily, just this once. Jessica is not well and could go into shock if this gets out."
"Please, I’m begging you to help her. Help me."
John actually used the word "beg."
Ridiculous.