Chapter 211
Dafa was standing just outside, leaning against the wall, his face etched with worry. He saw me and pushed himself upright, his eyes searching mine.
"So, how is she?" he asked, his voice tight with barely suppressed emotion.
I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. I knew Dafa was involved in the Thorne investigation, but I hadn't realized...
"Dafa," I said softly, "what about the case?"
He looked away for a moment, his jaw clenching. Then, he met my gaze, his eyes filled with a pain I had never seen before.
Dafa then nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the floor. "I couldn't tell you. It would have compromised the investigation. But I needed to be here, for her."
"But why didn't you tell me before?"
"Because I was afraid. Afraid to involve you, I was afraid to ask for your help."
I reached out and gently touched his arm. "Dafa, you don't have to be afraid with me. I'm here for you, for Maria. Always."
