Answer:
C) Was
Explanation:
Though all these options could technically work and be considered grammatically correct, "was" is the most fitting word to use here. The sentence is in the past-tense, which we know by the use of the words "said" and "then (in reference to past event)". Because of this, we can conclude that the missing word will be in past-tense to. "Was" is the only option that fits that criteria.
