417: Conversations by the Pond

The backyard, with its serene pond and the gentle swish of feeding fish, seemed worlds away from the tension-filled rooms of the house. Emma approached Bauer, who was scattering food into the water with a thoughtful expression on his face. The air between them was charged with the remnants of her previous conversation with Alex. "You heard everything, then?" Emma's voice was soft, a mix of resignation and relief. "I suppose I wasn't as discreet as I thought." Bauer turned to face her, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I did. And it's not just about being discreet, Emma. It's about what you're dealing with. You shouldn't have to handle Alex—or anyone—on your own." Emma sighed, watching the fish dart through the clear water, their movements swift and decisive. "I know. But it's complicated, Bauer. With Alex, it's always been... tangled. We have a history, a messy one. He thinks he's helping, but he’s just entangling things further." Bauer stepped closer, his presence reassurin