“What do you mean?” Ann says noticing the regret on Nicholas’s face.

“Look, I don’t know him very well personally and neither do you. But you can’t deny that his sister-in-law would know him,” Nicholas says as Ann looks at him surprised. “I am not saying she is right, maybe she’s frantic and a little irrational but, what if there is something?” Nicholas says as Ann considers his words.

“He says it’s a gut feeling,” Ann says. “Oz says he has a gut feeling.”

“Gut feelings are sometimes right,” Nicholas says as Ann lets out a sigh. “And other times they are wrong,” he adds as she looks at him and she gives a smile.

Back at the police station, Oscar arrives angry at his sister's behaviour. Waiting for him there is the clearly furious Dean.

“What is it?” Oscar says ignoring his stares. “Did we find anything else?”

“No,” Dean replies coldly and then looks at him. “Since you are not going to respond to my subtle gestures I am just going to come out and say it. What you did today was uncalled for, not to mention unprofessional!”

“What did you want me to say to him?” Oscar says as he turns to Dean. “I am sorry for your loss?” Oscar says sarcastically.

“You practically told him he was a suspect,” Dean replies.

“So?”

“You are not stupid. You know,” Dean is interrupted by Oscar.

“Yeah, I know. I just wanted to keep my sister safe,” Oscar says getting angry. “I mean why was she with him in the first place.”

“Oscar!” Dean shouts getting his attention. “I know you are worried about your sister and I also know why you suspect this guy. But now we must look for proof! Because without it this guy is innocent,” Oscar takes a deep breath and nods his head in agreement.

“Got the autopsy reports yet?” Oscar asks.

“Don’t you have plans today?” Dean asks.

“Not anymore,” Oscar says as Dean hands him the files from this case.

For the next three weeks, Ann does not talk to Oscar. She is unable to contact Benjamin as well, who hasn’t shown up for counselling either. Ann leaves the university one evening only to run into someone unexpected.

“You’re the woman who was with him that night,” Maria says as she approached Ann. Ann looks surprised, recognizing Maria. “So you are his new toy,” Maria says with her villainous eyes analysing Ann making her uncomfortable. “What is he giving you? A comfortable life? False promises?”

“No,” Ann replies softly unsure of what to say.

“Whatever,” Maria says. “I just came here to warn you. You think he is all nice and sweet, he is a monster.”

“He,” Ann despite being intimidated tries to speak but is interrupted by Maria.

“You're trying to defend him aren’t you?” Maria asks as she stares Ann down. “I have been keeping track of him for the past week. He’s up to something. Buying costumes, sneaking off to an abandoned building, he is definitely trying to hide something.” Maria says as she turns to walk away from Ann. “I warning you, don’t try and defend him again,” Maria says briefly looking at her angrily before walking away.

Ann returns home thinking about her encounter with Maria says. She meets Nicholas that evening but her odd silence is noticed by Nicholas.

“You want to call Oscar, don’t you?” Nicholas says as she gives Ann her phone. “Just call him. Seriously, you wanted to for days now.”

“I am still mad at him,” Ann replies sternly.

“Ok, what’s really going on?” Nicholas asks peering into Ann’s face.

“What?”

“Usually you tell me that ‘he’s wrong and the reason he didn’t call is that he’s got nothing on Benjamin,” Nicholas says as he puts the phone away. “What bothering you?” Ann then proceeds to explain her encounter with Maria as Nicholas listens intently. “So, why didn’t she tell the cops this?”

“I don’t know,” Ann replies sighing.

“That’s not what is really bothering you is it?” Nicholas says as she comes closer to Ann. “You are worried Oscar is right,”

“I just… don’t,” Ann is gently interrupted by Nicholas.

“Don’t want to find out you fought your brother to defend a murderer,” Nicholas says these words with such compassion. Every word he said was true and Ann is left contemplative. If it is true, she fought with her brother for nothing. As she lets out a deep sigh Ann, Nicholas too sighs and says “If it’s that important, I’ll do some digging.”