Chapter 54: Restricted movements

Ricardo sat beside the man, who appeared pale and frightened. The man's lips moved, but he struggled to speak, his words catching in his throat.

"Hola, Charles Leary," Ricardo greeted Charles, who had moved to one corner of the carriage. 

"Please don't hurt me! I was only accompanying Jane because she asked me to. I didn't mean anything I said in court that day," Charles blurted out in one breath, his fear palpable as he anticipated the worst.

Ricardo's eyes remained fixed on Charles, the memory of that day in court still fresh in his mind. He then said, "I know you did it to save us all. And it is because of you that I am even here today."

Charles felt a glimmer of relief hearing this and asked, "Was there... something that you needed from me?"

"Yes," Ricardo responded. "I want to know what Jane was doing at the soiree today, knowing she isn't too fond of such events unless she's working on something."