Chapter 25: Investigation

Henry kept his mouth shut, but inside, he was fuming. At the afternoon case analysis meeting, the autopsy report finally came in.

Ethan started, "So, Alan died from mechanical asphyxiation, strangled by an electric wire. Axel Bennett got stabbed twice and was also strangled. Lyric Vaughn, the hostess, died from a stab wound to the abdomen."

The projector flashed the results on the screen for everyone to see. Despite the morning's events, some officers still looked pretty shaken by the graphic images.

Olivia furrowed her brows, studying the autopsy report closely. "Mr. Phillips, based on the scene investigation, there were no signs of a struggle. This means it was probably someone they knew."

Henry nodded in agreement.

Soon, new evidence popped up on the screen. "Our forensic team found three footprints at the scene," Henry said. "One had blood on it, one was in the dust on the floor, and the third was a wet footprint. This suggests the perp came back to the crime scene multiple times! It also means they knew the family; otherwise, they wouldn't have gotten in so easily."

As Henry finished, Olivia and the others nodded.

"If it was someone they knew, it could be someone from the neighborhood!" Olivia suggested, thinking ahead.

Hearing this, Zephyr instinctively glanced at Olivia. Her head was down, hair falling by her ears, giving her a serene beauty from the side.

Olivia didn't notice Zephyr's gaze. But Henry did, and it made him furious. "Zephyr, this case is now handled by the Detective Units. You can go back!"

Zephyr was stunned and wanted to argue, but since the Detective Units took over, his job was done. Before leaving, he reluctantly glanced at Olivia, making Henry frown and almost curse. Where was he looking?

Olivia, unaware of these minor distractions, kept studying the forensic report.

Henry asked, "Olivia, did you get any useful info from your visits?"

Olivia nodded, opened her notebook, and started to report. She instinctively tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing her delicate ear and graceful neck.

Henry suddenly felt a bit flustered and quickly looked down, coughing lightly.

Olivia reported, "Odette and I talked to Alan's neighbors and friends. They all said Alan's son, Axel, recently got a new girlfriend and was about to get married, so Alan was planning to buy a new house in the county for the wedding."

She continued, "Also, neighbors often saw lights on in Alan's house, but neither the scene investigation nor the forensic team could figure out why."

Henry frowned at the examination report on the screen, and everyone fell silent.

Henry concluded, "The killer came back to the crime scene multiple times, meaning he knew Alan well. People in the neighborhood knew he was buying a house for Axel. Also, did you notice there were no valuable items or even household appliances in the house?"

Olivia's eyes lit up. "Right, I almost forgot. If the killer kept coming back, they must've been stealing something. If it was someone familiar, they probably live nearby. We need to check out residents with criminal records, people who are always hanging around, and those who gamble a lot."

Olivia's face flushed with excitement, looking vibrant. Henry gave a subtle smile and immediately ordered, "William, help Olivia with the investigation. The rest of you, split into three groups and check every household in the neighborhood!"

Olivia nodded, put away her notebook, and left with William. Henry headed to Benjamin's office.

Henry asked, "You needed to see me again?"

Benjamin replied, "Henry, you've been in Emerald City for three years now. That's a long time. Don't you think it's time for you to transfer back? They really need someone with your expertise where you were before!"

Benjamin felt like his place was just a temporary stop. Talented people who came here would eventually be taken away, and he couldn't keep them, which was very frustrating.

"Did he call you again?" Henry asked, looking deeply at Benjamin, who guiltily nodded.

Henry said, "I'll give him a call to explain the situation. He doesn't get to decide when I return! Also, Lyle discovered something, and I need to update you on it."

Benjamin's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked Henry to bring the materials. Henry took out a USB drive, plugged it into Benjamin's computer, and showed him the information Lyle sent. "So, Olivia's accidental capture of Pinecrest Village is actually connected to an overseas network!"

Henry nodded. Sometimes, he thought Olivia had a bit of luck, always bringing unexpected surprises.

Meanwhile, Olivia and William were visiting residents in the neighborhood, focusing on the building where the crime happened and the three adjacent buildings.

Previously, Olivia only visited the floors above and below the crime scene and people close to Alan and his family. This time, they had to visit every household.

They knocked on the door of apartment 101, and a tall, thin man answered.

The man looked nervous and asked, "What... what do you want? Why are you here?"

Olivia frowned; something was off. "Are you Finnian Kim?"

Finnian replied, "Yes, I am! What do you want?" He wore a dirty, oily khaki coat, and his house was messy, with no sign of a woman living there.

Olivia suddenly stepped closer. "Finnian, are you afraid of us?"

Finnian instinctively stepped back, then turned and ran inside. Olivia quickly caught up and pinned him against the wall. "Running from the police? What did you do? Tell the truth!"

Finnian trembled with fear but didn't dare to say anything. Olivia handcuffed him and took him to the police station.

After Olivia applied for a search warrant, they found several tens of thousands of dollars in cash at Finnian's house. According to the local community, they learned he had a prior record of theft.

Additionally, Olivia found key-making tools in the bedroom. Finnian was a locksmith and a thief. Back at the police station, Olivia and William began a thorough interrogation.