Chapter 47: Desperate measures

"Fred," she began, her voice laced with desperation, "if you knew who I was, why didn't you catch me sooner? Why didn't you turn me in right away?"

Fred glanced at her, his expression unreadable.

"I wasn't here for you, Annie," he said, his voice steady and matter-of-fact. "I was investigating Ronald's death. I had no idea you were involved or even in Crescent City. It was only by chance that I stumbled upon your trail."

Annie's heart skipped a beat. "So, you didn't know?"

Fred shook his head. "No. Not until today. But it's fortunate that you surrendered yourself. It saves everyone a lot of trouble."