Chapter 78

Everyone looked at me with expectations and worries on their faces. I felt Bella's hand on my arm, and I looked at her in shock. Although I was angry with what Todd has done, this is not what I want to happen to him.

I do believe him when he said he loved my sister. They didn't even have the chance to talk. He wasn't able to explain to Collette the reason why he helped the two lunatics.

" What is it, Liam? What did the Detective say?" My dad asked me, and I focused my attention on him, unable to talk. I don't know how to break the news to them.

I know that they have loved Todd as their own son. This news will also hurt them, but not as much as Collette.

" It's Todd," I said, then paused and looked at Collette. She is staring at me expectantly, waiting for me to continue.

" What about, Todd?" She asked in almost a whisper.

" Detective Drew said his attorney bailed him out this afternoon." I was not able to finish what I'm going to say because Collette stood up abruptly.

" He's coming over? I have to change." She was about to go when I stopped her.

" Collette! He's not coming over. He was found dead at a vacant lot near the Mall. He's gone, Cols, I'm sorry." I told her in anguish. I saw how her face turned to shock, hurt, fear, and anger.

" No. No! You're joking, right, Liam? You're trying to see if I forgave him. If I still love him! Yes! I still love him, alright? And I am willing to listen to whatever his reason for betraying me!" She is hysterical. I looked at my parents for help.

My mom is in shock, and tears pooled in her eyes. At the same time, my dad sat there frozen in shock as well. I can hear Bella sniffing beside me, so she must be crying as well.

" What are you saying, Liam? It can't be true. Why is he dead? Who killed him?" My mom asked in a shaking voice.

Bella stood up and went to help Collette sit in her chair again. She held her hands and cried with her. My daughter Sophie is also crying, even though she doesn't understand what was happening. She just saw everyone so upset, and it made her sad too.

I lifted her from her seat and placed her on my lap. She buried her small head in my chest. I stroked her back and kissed her head.

" Detective Drew said, when he got out, they tried to tail him, but they lost him. Then, just a while ago, they received a call from someone saying he found a dead body at a vacant lot near the Mall. They went to check and confirmed that it was Todd. Shot in the head and the chest.

Collette cried even louder now and sobbed. We looked at her with pity. My mom went to her and hugged her. Collette hugged mom's middle and cried.

" Mom, he, he can't be dead," she wailed.

" We haven't talked properly. I haven't told him that I believed him. I haven't told him I'm pregnant! What will happen to us?!" She cried even more, and we are all shocked at her revelation.

" Oh, my God! Sweetheart. My poor child. I am so sorry, baby. We are here for you, sweetheart. We will help you get through this. You have to be strong for Todd and your baby." My mom cried with her. Bella was sobbing too beside her and laid her head on Collette's back.

I didn't realize I was already crying too. I can't imagine the pain she must be feeling right now. My mother-in-law, Agnes, also stood up and rubbed Collette's back.

" I only have one person in mind who could have done such evil deed or make it two. Those two lunatics must be caught, Liam. I cannot risk losing another member of this family!" My dad said, seething in anger. I know how much he admired Todd.

They have been talking about doing business together after the wedding. But now that Todd is gone, there's no more wedding.

" The whole police force is looking for them now, dad. Their faces are plastered all over the newspaper and television. They can't hide forever. Eventually, they will come out because they are not done with their revenge yet." I told him. My hold on my daughter tightened.

I am not letting them touch my family. Over my dead body! I will look for them myself if I have to. But where could they be? What are they plotting now?

" Starting today, we must stick together. Never go out of the house unescorted or go to places alone." I told them, then I turned to my mother-in-law.

" Mom, from now on, you have to stay here with us. It is not safe for you to stay at the house alone. Until these two are caught, we cannot be too relaxed. Tomorrow, I will get our things from our apartment and move back here." I continued.

" I cannot take a risk and let them have a chance to strike on my family, especially now that Bella and Collette are pregnant. We must protect each other." I added, and my dad agreed.

" Collette, sis. I promise we will have them pay for what they did to Todd. For now, let us all take a rest. Mom, can you bring Collette to her room? Bella and I will clear the table and wash the dishes." I told my mom. I stood up and carried Sophie.

" Mom, can you please take care of Sophie and help her to bed? We will be there as soon as we're done here." I told my mother-in-law and passed Sophie to her. She nodded, took Sophie from my arms, and went upstairs with my mom and Collette.

My dad stood up and helped us clear the table, then soon retired to his study. I can see that he's really upset with what happened to Todd and Collette. He looked 10 years older after he heard the news and Collette's admission.

" Baby, do you want to sit down? I can wash the dishes. You relax and watch my sexy back." I hugged my dear Bella to me and kissed her forehead.

" I'm okay, babe. I will help you so that we can rest together. I really feel sad for Collette, Liam. Why didn't she told us she's also pregnant? Todd died without knowing he's going to be a dad." She said in a hushed voice and laid her head on my chest.

" I know, baby. I feel terrible, too. I know how painful this is for her. All we could do is be there for her and support her. She needs all the support she can get." I told her and kissed the top of her head.

" Come on, let's get started. You look like your going to pass out of exhaustion." I told her, and we proceeded to wash the dishes.

" Babe, will it be okay if I sleep with Collette tonight? I can't let her sleep alone tonight." Bella asked after we're done with the chore.

" Sure, babe. I'm sure she'll love that." I answered her with a smile. She tiptoed and kissed my lips softly.

" Thanks, babe." She said. I checked all the windows and doors, making sure they're all securely locked.

Then we went upstairs to get ready for bed. We passed our daughter's room and peeked inside. My mother-in-law is holding her close to her, and both are fast asleep. My mom went out of Collette's room and saw us.

" How is she, mom?" Bella asked my mom.

" She's really hurt, dear, and won't stop crying. She fell asleep crying. That's why I left her for a while. I'll be checking on her later."  My mom answered.

" It's okay, mom. You take a rest. I'll take care of her tonight. I will keep her company and try to console her." Bella told my mom, which made my mom smile, grateful for her gesture.

" Thank you, dear. I am sure she will love your company." Mom said, kissed both of us, and went to her room.

" Goodnight, baby, and thank you for keeping her company tonight. Although I will miss you in our bed and beside me, I know my sister needs you more than I do. I love you, baby." I kissed her soft lips and hugged her tight.

" I love you too, babe, and goodnight." She tiptoed and kissed me one more time before going inside Collette's room.

I hope she will be able to ease some of Collette's pain. I cannot imagine losing someone you love the most. I cannot imagine losing any of them. I will surely go crazy and go on a rampage.