Chapter 104 Beneath the Surface

Katelyn’s POV I was in the middle of compiling the last piece of crucial evidence for Brian’s story when my phone buzzed with an incoming call. My fingers hesitated over the keyboard before I answered, expecting a simple update from the legal team. Instead, it was the witness. The one we’d spent weeks preparing. “Miss Katelyn,” they said with a heavy sigh, “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to testify after all. I’m heading back to my hometown tonight.” My breath caught. “Wait, what? You…why? You promised you’d…” “I know,” the voice cut in, weary and trembling. “But it’s too risky. My family’s scared. They’re already getting threats, since the live broadcast and I can’t drag them through this.” I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice calm. “But without your testimony, the case, Brian’s story, it could fall apart. You’re the only one who can confirm what happened with his ex.” “I can’t,” they repeated, firmer this time. “I’m sorry.” The line went dead before I could say anything else. I