Page 108 of Ruthless Regret

"I know. Thank you. I'm just ... trying to figure things out."

"Okay. Just be careful. I know you want answers, but don't lose yourself in the process. Promise me."

"I promise. I'll keep you both updated."

I hang up, tuck my cell into a back pocket, and head back downstairs. Zain is still at the table, his eyes focused on hislaptop, the glow from the screen highlighting the sharp angles of his face. I’m about to ask if he wants some breakfast when there’s a knock at the door. Zain's head snaps up, his eyes narrowing.

We exchange a glance, both on high alert. After what happened with Ramsey, we can't be too careful. Zain stands, and we both walk down the hallway. When I open the door, I'm surprised to find Zain's mother standing there.

"Mrs. Ryder," I say, my voice coming out higher than I intended. "Is everything okay?"

Her eyes flick between us, her expression guarded. "I need to speak with you both."

Zain steps aside, gesturing for her to come in. She walks past me, and we follow her into the living room. Zain takes a seat in the armchair, I perch on the edge of the couch. His mom sits on the other end, closer to Zain. It feels like a subtle reminder of where her loyalty lies.

"Why didn’t you just call?" Zain asks.

She takes a deep breath, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "I've been thinking about that man I mentioned before—the one who came asking questions after your arrest. I remembered something. I thought it would be better to come and see you about it rather than call."

Zain's eyes sharpen, his focus entirely on her. "What is it?"

"He had a scar on his left hand. A burn mark across his knuckles. I can't believe I forgot it until now."

Oh my god. Is this something we can use? Is it possible to trace someone from that description?

Mrs. Ryder's eyes meet mine briefly, then her attention shifts back to Zain. "I told you before that he knew things about the case that weren't public. But one thing I didn’t tell you … He mentioned Louisa's pregnancy. Asked if I knew who the father was."

"Mom." Zain’s voice is tight. "Why didn’t you mention this before?"

"I honestly forgot about it, until you started asking questions again yesterday."

"Do you remember anything else?"

His mother nods, and this time she looks at me. "He asked about you, Ashley. Whether you were close to Zain before the murders."

A chill runs down my spine. "Me? Why would he ask about me?"

Mrs. Ryder shakes her head. "I have no idea. I told him we barely knew you."

She talks for a little longer, repeating everything she’d already told Zain about the man, and it’s almost an hour later when she stands up.

“I have to go, sweetheart. I promised your dad I’d meet him for lunch.”

"Thank you for coming," Zain says. “I’ll walk you out.”

"Oh, I almost forgot ... regarding Ashley's memories … I have a colleague who specializes in memory recovery techniques. If you decide to pursue that avenue, she might be able to help."

The idea sends a chill down my spine. The thought of delving into those repressed memories terrifies me, but if it could help uncover the truth ...

"We'll consider it," Zain replies, before I can.

As she reaches the door, Mrs. Ryder turns back, her eyes finding mine. "Ashley, this can't be easy for you either. Please be careful. Both of you."

Once she’s gone, Zain comes back to the living room. He moves over to the window, his back to me.

"Your mom still doesn't like me."

Zain turns, his gaze locking onto mine. "Give her time. It’s not easy for her. But she’ll come round."

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