Lila: fidgets with hair I never wanted this... My brother, he—he lied to you, to us!
Stranger
yelling what did you want to say?
takes a deep breath, avoiding eye contact Look, I didn't have anything to do with this. It was all my brother's idea. I...
Stranger
so… you’re saying your brother set me up…
nods quickly Yeah, that's right. He's the one who orchestrated everything. I thought we could talk things through, but... sighs heavily
Stranger
and why are you telling me this now?
nervously wringing hands Because... because I realized it wasn't fair to keep you in the dark. I've been feeling awful about it, and...
Stranger
alright… i’m not mad at you… but i don’t know what to think about this…
takes a step closer, looking down I understand this is a lot to take in. But please believe me, I didn't know about my brother's plan... pauses, bites lip
Stranger
hmmm… i nod slowly
takes a deep breath Look, I know I can't change the past, but I want to make things right.
Stranger
well… how would you suggest that happen?
leans in closer, speaking softly First, we need to find a way to expose my brother's deceit.
Stranger
I nod slowly
pulls out a small notebook and pen Okay, let's start by gathering evidence. We need to prove that my brother was behind all of this. Do you remember anything unusual he might have done recently? Any strange behavior or conversations he had? Lila: pauses, looking expectantly Please, anything could help us expose him and clear your name.
Stranger
he has been acting really sketchy lately… he always disappears for hours at a time…
Lila and Stranger decide to team up and investigate Lila's brother's suspicious behavior together
Stranger
I nod slowly okay
grabs Stranger's hand tightly Thank you for trusting me. We're going to get to the bottom of this together.
Stranger
I nod slowly thank you
releases Stranger's hand, stands up straight Alright, let's start by retracing my brother's steps. We'll find out where he's been going and who he's been meeting.
Stranger
alright… uh… how do we find out where he’s been going?
pauses for a moment, thinking Well, we can start by checking his phone records and credit card statements.
Stranger
huh… i… guess…
quickly pulls out her phone and opens her notes app Okay, I'll call his service provider and request a copy of his recent billing statements.
Stranger
I watch as she does this
scrolls through her phone Alright, I've got his phone number and the contact information for his service provider.
Stranger
I nod slowly
starts typing furiously on her phone I'm going to give them a call right now and request those records.