Page 79 of Sebastian.

Today, I'm in the middle of a meeting when my phone buzzes, and I quickly glance at the caller ID. Gabi's name flashes on the screen. It's unusual for her to call during business hours, so I know it must be important. I apologize to my colleagues and step out of the conference room, making my way to my office.

Once inside, I close the door behind me and answer the call. “Gabi. Good to hear from you.”

There's a brief pause on the other end before Gabi's voice comes through. “Sebastian, I wanted to let you know that I'm reopening the case regarding the homicide of your family.” Her tone is formal, laced with her usual seriousness, but it’s what she says next that catches me off guard. “We’ve found good enough reason to reexamine the evidence regarding the car bomb that killed them.”

I lean against my desk, my heart sinking at the mention of that tragic incident. Then, there is a ray of hope that comes through at the idea of getting justice. “Really? Gabi, that's...incredible. You have my full support and I will do whatever you need to make this easier for you.”

"I’m not doing this on a whim, Seb, which I’m sure you know.” Gabi sighs, sounding stressed, but determined. “New evidence has come to light, and I believe it's crucial to revisit this case.” Despite her professionalism, I know perfectly well that is thanks to Julia herself that Gabi has reopened the case so quickly. If I’d have talked to her myself, I’m not sure if I could have been so persuasive. “I want to bring closure to you and your family.”

I can't help but feel a pang of sadness, fighting against the wave of memories linked to the case Gabi is speaking of. I’ve never expected to find justice for my family, to make things right, and now the chance is here. To make things even better, the sole reason I had Julia speak to Gabi about reopening the investigation about my mother and sibling’s deaths, is that solving the case will also put Karl behind bars for many, many years. But remembering still hurts. I think it always will. Shutting my eyes, I press two fingers between the bridge of my nose and focus on my breathing for a moment.

“Seb, are you there?”

“Yes, sorry. I appreciate your dedication, Gabi. It's just...I don’t mean to sound so shocked. This is exactly what I wanted. It’s just…the memories….”

“I understand, but we might finally get some answers.”

Sinking into my leather office chair, I tell her, “As Julia told you, I have a suspicion that it might be Karl Townsend behind it all. Given everything that's happened lately, it wouldn't surprise me. It just makes sense.”

“That's why I need your cooperation,” Gabi continues. “Send me all the phone bills and any transactions made from Karl's employee card during that time. We need to piece this puzzle together.”

I drum my fingers on the desk, deep in thought. “I'll get you everything you need. Thanks for doing this.”

There's another long pause on the line before Gabi speaks again. “You should thank your wife, too. I'm doing it for her.”

Julia.My heart tightens at the thought of her. She's been through so much, and I can't bear to see her suffer, just like I can’t bear the thought of us being separated much longer. This case will be the last push, and with Karl in prison, we will finally be free of him and the dark cloud that he brings with him, constantly hanging over our family. “Thanks, Gabi. I'll be in touch with the records that you asked for.”

“Take care, Seb,” Gabi says before we both hang up.

As I sit at my desk, I'm filled with a mix of emotions—a heavy, nostalgic grief, but also anticipation now that I know Gabi is moving forward, and fear that it might still all fall apart. It's time to uncover the truth, not only for myself but for Julia and the memories of the family I lost so long ago.

Taking Gabi’s advice, I pick up my phone and quickly type out a text message to Julia, my fingers dancing across the screen as I express my gratitude.Just spoke to Gabi. Thank you so much for this. I owe you one! X.

Sending the message, I lean back in my chair, my mind filled with a whirlwind of thoughts. Maybe I should take the rest of the day off so I can focus on retrieving all the documents Gabi needs. After all, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to continue working with all of this on the horizon.

* * *

A week later, as I’m preparing for the day, I hear my phone ringing from the other room. For some reason, a rush of adrenaline hits me–a gut feeling telling me this is a call I want to take.

I momentarily abandon tying my tie and head to the bedside table to retrieve the ringing device. I expect it to be someone from work, or maybe Hannah needing something before class, but no. It's Gabi. My instincts were right.

I had provided everything she requested–phone bills and transactions over twenty years old, which were quite challenging to locate–and haven't heard from her since. Every piece of evidence she discovers is crucial. If she’s found something substantial, our ordeal with Karl might soon be over.

Picking up the phone, I hear Gabi start speaking before I can even offer her a greeting. “Sebastian, I've got news,” she says, a hint of excitement evident. “Can you make it to my office around 2 p.m.?”

Without hesitation, I agree, and make a mental note to ask Paula to clear my afternoon. Hanging up, urgency consumes me. Could this be the breakthrough moment? With a sigh, I continue my morning routine, mentally counting down the hours until our meeting.

The day drags on, but finally, 2 p.m. arrives, and I find myself at Gabi's office building. After informing the receptionist of my arrival, I’m directed to a meeting room. As I enter, I find Julia waiting there, much to my pleasant surprise. Gabi hadn’t mentioned she’d be joining, but her presence immediately offers a sense of comfort.

“Oh, Julia,” I say, momentarily lost for words as I approach her. “What a surprise.”

Her lips curl into a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting both hope and concern. “Gabi told me she had an appointment with you today. I thought it’d be a good idea to join in and be here for you.” Her warm voice is a reminder of what I’m fighting for, and lost in her gaze all I can do is thank my lucky star to have such a kind woman beside me despite all I’ve put her through.

Without further words, I pull her into a deep hug, letting the weight of the moment sink in as I take in her familiar scent. “You did well.”

Moments later, Gabi walks in, a determined aura about her, accompanied by a team of professionals. If they’re with Gabi, I trust them implicitly.

Taking charge, Gabi motions to her team, preparing to introduce them before delving into the heart of the matter.

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