Chapter 0043
Nan had an idea during dinner—maybe I should visit my father in prison. Maybe he could give me some insight on how to help his mate.
I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that.
But the next day, after school, I decided to give it a shot.
When I arrived at the prison, a guard at the entrance stepped forward, blocking my way.
“Sorry, ma’am. We were given orders not to let you in,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest.
I frowned. “Excuse me? It’s a prison. I’m in the visitors’ section—I have every right to be here. I need to see my father.”
The guard glanced at his clipboard, shaking his head.
“I have strict instructions to keep Judy Montague out,” he said firmly. “There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m sorry, but I have to ask you to leave.”
Anger bubbled inside me. I opened my mouth to argue, but another voice cut in from behind me.
“And who exactly gave you those orders?”
I spun around in surprise. Irene stood there, arms folded across her chest, her expression unreadable.
“If it was an Alpha, I assure you they didn’t get permission from my father before enforcing such a rule,” she continued. “Is there a reason my friend can’t visit her own father?”
The guard visibly stiffened.
“L… uh… Miss Landry,” he stammered, bowing his head slightly. “W-what are you doing here?”
“I happened to be driving by when I saw Judy enter the prison,” she said smoothly. “I followed her to see what she was doing, and I happened to overhear your little conversation.” She tilted her head. “So, I’ll ask again—why exactly can’t she visit her father?”
I stared at Irene, stunned.
I already had a feeling I knew who had ordered the guards to keep me out. Ethan. He probably paid them off too.
The guard hesitated, looking uncomfortable. He glanced between Irene and me, clearly unsure of what to do.
“I… I didn’t know you two were friends,” he finally said with a nervous laugh. “Of course, she can see her father. I was mistaken.”
He stepped aside, allowing me through.
I hesitated, glancing at Irene. She was still staring the guard down, her expression unreadable.
I wanted to say something—to thank her—but no words came. Instead, I just gave her a small nod before walking past the guard and into the prison.
A second guard escorted me into the visitation center, where I sat at a table, anxiously fiddling with my fingers. My stomach churned with nerves.
Then the door swung open.
My breath hitched as my father stepped inside.
One of the guards standing by the wall spoke up. “No touching.”
I barely registered his words.
I sucked in a sharp breath, my heart plummeting to my stomach.
His face was bruised—his lip split, his cheekbone swollen, dried blood crusted at his temple. He had been beaten so badly he was barely recognizable.
Pain twisted in my chest.
“Judy…” he croaked. His voice was raw, as if it hurt to speak. “You came.”
“Oh, Dad…” My voice broke as tears burned my eyes. “I’m so sorry…”
He gave me a sad, pained smile as he slowly lowered himself into the chair across from me. I sat down too, unable to tear my eyes away from him.
He was no longer the strong, confident man I had always known.
He looked broken. A shell of the father I had loved my entire life.
And it destroyed me.
“I never thought I’d see you again,” he whispered.
“I’m sorry it took me so long…”
He shook his head, his eyes filled with sorrow.
“This isn’t a place you should be in, Judy. I don’t blame you for staying away.”
Tears spilled down my cheeks, dripping off my chin. I clenched my arms around myself, trying to keep from falling apart.
“How’s your mother?” he asked.
“Not good, Dad,” I whispered. “That’s actually why I’m here. She’s… not happy. I think she’s depressed. She barely leaves her room, and I don’t know what to do…” My voice cracked. “I was hoping maybe you could help me.”
