Chapter 26: Desperate Measures

Jason stood in his office, staring at the TV screen in disbelief. The news anchor was detailing the revelations made by Kate Miller, and Jason wondered how she had learned about the torn piece of the Rubaiyat and the symbols around the belly button. He had kept all the findings of this case confidential upon the commissioner's instructions.

"How did she find out about these facts?" Jason muttered under his breath, his forehead furrowing with concern. The thought crossed his mind that Commissioner Bob must have seen the news, and his body went numb with apprehension.

"She's going to get me fired," Jason said, his gaze fixed on the photo of Kate displayed in the background behind the news anchor.

"I don’t know how she gets such accurate and timely information... Who is her source?" Jason wondered aloud.

"I know someone from my police station is working on her payroll, and I have to find out who that black sheep is," Jason thought, casting another glance at the photo of Kate with anger.

Before he could dwell further on the matter, the ringing of his mobile phone snapped him out of his thoughts. He glanced at the caller ID.

"Commissioner Bob," Jason muttered as he moved toward his desk. Taking a deep breath, he mustered his courage and answered the call.

"Hello, sir," Jason said in a steady tone.

"Hello, Jason. Have you seen the newspapers and news channels praising Kate Miller's efficiency while criticizing the slow pace of the police?" Commissioner Bob's voice boomed through the phone.

"Yes, sir," Jason replied weakly.

"How did she become aware of the torn page and the symbols on Ryder's body?" Bob inquired.

"I don’t know, sir," Jason admitted.

"There must be someone in my police station leaking information to her," Jason added.

"And when are you going to find out who that person is?" Bob pressed.

"Soon, sir, soon," Jason promised hastily.

"Jason, this Kate Miller made you a headline when you lost evidence about Rick Hudson, who murdered his wife, and today she's made you a headline again by highlighting your poor performance," Bob stated in a serious tone.

"I don’t need a person like you on my team who is becoming a source of embarrassment for me," Bob continued, expressing his frustration.

“Jason, I have to answer to my superiors. What am I supposed to tell them? That my incompetent officer once again leaked information to the media?" Bob grunted loudly.

"Sir, please give me one last chance, and I will catch the killer," Jason pleaded urgently.

"You have to, Jason, otherwise I’m going to transfer you to some far-off place where you won't be able to thrive," Bob said in a vengeful tone.

"Sir, please, just one last chance," Jason begged desperately.

"You know I have a family, and I can't uproot them and take them to some remote location," Jason said in a low voice.

"I'm giving you one week. Find me the murderer or pack your bags and leave Adelaide," Bob declared firmly.

"Thank you for giving me a chance, sir," Jason responded immediately.

"You have seven days to find the murderer. I don’t know how you’re going to do it, but you have to do it for the sake of your career and your family," Bob said before disconnecting the call.

Jason collapsed into his chair, wiping his sweaty forehead with the sleeve of his blue shirt.

“Kate Miller is going to ruin my career," Jason thought to himself.

There was a knock at the door of Jason's office, and Oliver entered.

"Sir, are you alright?" Oliver asked with concern.

"No, I’m not alright," Jason replied, gesturing for Oliver to come inside.

Oliver closed the door behind him and took a seat opposite Jason.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Do you really need to ask?" Jason responded angrily. "You must have seen the news and know about Kate Miller's revelations. So don’t ask me that."

"Did the commissioner call?" Oliver inquired.

"Yeah, he did," Jason confirmed quietly. "He gave me seven days to solve the case or pack my stuff and prepare to leave Adelaide."

"What are you going to do now?" Oliver asked.

"I don’t know," Jason replied irritably.

"Sir, there’s a way to solve the case in one week and avoid your transfer," Oliver suggested.

"What is it?" Jason asked, intrigued despite his irritation.

"Call Kate and ask her to work with you," Oliver said seriously.