“That’s understandable,” Mary tells him softly, glancing over at me before focusing back on him. “We know that there will never truly be closure for you in this situation, but we hope that we can at least help you get the justice that Alice deserves.”

“I want that.” He shakes his head and then looks up at me. “I’m guessing that you’ll meet with her sisters at some point.”

“We have a meeting scheduled with them tomorrow.”

“They won’t be easy to convince. They think that I killed her, and I’m not sure that they will ever change their minds about that.” More wetness fills his eyes. “I was young and stupid, and at times, I wasn’t the best boyfriend or husband, but I loved Alice and would never have hurt her.”

“You let us worry about them,” I tell him gently, and he nods.

“Maybe when this is done, my son, Alice’s son, can build a relationship with her family. He’s never had that, and I know there are times that he feels like he’s missing out.”

Shit, that feels like a punch to the gut. His son is not a baby anymore, he’s a grown man who has lived a whole life without his mother or at least having the connection to her through her family. Because of what Charles did, they missed out on so much time together, and there is no getting that time back, regardless of what changes now.

“I hope so.” I stand, and he does the same.

“Thank you.” He holds out his hand, and I take it in mine.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Groden.” I let his hand go and walk him to the door. “I’ll be in touch later this week.”

“I’m looking forward to that.” He says before he leaves.

“You okay?” Mary asks, and I turn to face her while letting out a breath.

“That was more difficult than I thought it would be.”

“Charles ruined a lot of lives.” Her expression is filled with empathy.

“He did.” I agree quietly. “Hopefully, we can right at least one of his wrongs.” And not just for Alice, but for the people she left behind that suffered the most from her loss.

CHAPTER 20

Francisca

I listen to my cell ring in my purse, unable to answer it with both of my hands weighted down with shopping bags as I make my way down the sidewalk to my apartment. By some miracle, I manage to get my key in the lock and the door open without setting anything down and kick it shut behind me.