Chapter 15

Emily's POV

"The VR equipment sales manager said the buyer claimed they were developing mental health products," Thomas explained, flipping through his notes. "These VR headsets cost over $1,000 each at wholesale price, but once they add some so-called 'psychological healing' videos and package them as therapy tools, they sell for thousands more."

Raymond snorted from his corner of the room. "Sounds like a scam. Anyone with basic judgment would see through it." He crossed his arms over his broad chest. "But ironically, these things sell pretty well—over a hundred units annually."

Michael's face remained impassive as always, but I could see his eyes narrow slightly. "VR equipment can be legitimately used in professional therapy settings," he noted.

"True," I interjected, leaning forward in my chair. "Virtual reality exposure therapy is a treatment for phobias. But most of these products are just riding the mental health trend to jack up prices."

Michael nodded, turning his attention to the promotional flyer Thomas had placed on the table. "Oak Tree Mindful Energy Center," he read aloud. "We should look into whoever runs this place."

"I'm afraid that's not possible," Thomas replied directly.

Raymond stepped forward. "The guy took the money and ran. Reportedly fled abroad. Two weeks ago, customers complained about fraud, and as soon as he heard the news, he disappeared with the cash. FBI hasn't caught him yet. The center is shut down now."

"What about the staff?" I asked.

"Most were detained for questioning related to the fraud allegations," Raymond explained. "And get this—almost none of the 'therapists' had any background in psychology."

Michael's jaw tightened slightly. "Is there anyone in custody who knows about the situation?"

Thomas consulted his tablet. "Nathan Evans. He was one of the partners."

"I want to talk to him," Michael said, standing up. "Counselor Gray, you're with me."

I nodded, gathering my things. This was getting interesting.

---

We arrived at the interview room where Nathan waited, looking remarkably composed for someone facing fraud charges.

He had silver-rimmed glasses perched on a narrow nose, and despite being in his forties, his skin was remarkably smooth—probably expensive skincare products. His demeanor was calm, as if this whole situation was merely an inconvenience.

"Mr. Evans," Michael began after introductions, "we're investigating three deaths connected to your center."

Nathan's eyebrow rose slightly. "Deaths? I assure you, our practices may have been... financially optimistic, but they weren't dangerous."

"Brad Thornton, Christine Moore, and Brian Coleman," I said, watching his face carefully. "All participants in your programs. All dead."

His composure faltered for just a second—a microexpression of genuine surprise flashed across his face before he regained control.

"Yes, I knew them," he admitted. "They were participants in our fear management program."

"Tell us about them," Michael prompted.

Nathan adjusted his glasses. "Brad attended two sessions before declaring the whole thing was ineffective. Called me a con artist and never returned." He smiled thinly. "Not everyone appreciates our methods."

"And Christine?" I asked.

"Very stubborn, quite domineering," Nathan replied. "She refused to follow instructions and demanded a refund after a few sessions."

"What about Brian?" Michael pressed.

Nathan's expression softened slightly. "The most volatile of the three. Flipped a table in his first session." He paused. "But after some guidance, he completed the entire program."

"Did they know each other?" I asked.

"I don't believe so," Nathan replied. "They attended different program cycles."

Michael leaned forward. "Let's talk about the VR headsets you gave them."

"We didn't give them away," Nathan corrected quickly. "We sold them. The product was typically bundled with our healing courses."

I narrowed my eyes. "What were these headsets used for?"

"They could help users calm their minds and relax," Nathan paused, then sighed. "The packaging was impeccable, but it was just basic relaxation videos. You could find similar content for free on YouTube."

"So you were selling overpriced equipment with mediocre content," Michael stated flatly.

Nathan shrugged. "In the mental health industry, counseling and courses alone don't generate high profits. Clients need tangible products they can hold in their hands."

"The VR videos we found on the victims' headsets—were those your company's?" I asked.

"No," Nathan replied immediately. "Ours weren't that high quality. Some weren't even true VR format. Those must have been user-imported videos."

Michael exchanged a glance with me before continuing. "We need a list of all participants in your phobia treatment classes, as well as your company's employee roster."

"I'll cooperate fully," Nathan said, his eyes calculating. "I assume this might help reduce my charges?"

Michael's expression didn't change. "That's for the prosecutor to decide. You're still looking at fraud charges and potential imprisonment."

---

Back at the precinct, we pored over Nathan's company records. His laptop contained detailed operational data, including employee information and course registration lists.

"The phobia treatment course had twelve participants total," Thomas announced, scrolling through the files. "Including our three victims."

I studied the staff list. "The main instructor was Nathan, with two assistants—Eva and Bobby Owens."

"What do we know about them?" Michael asked.

"Eva is 32, married," Thomas read. "She started as a program assistant but moved to customer service after a knee injury."

"And Bobby Owens?" I prompted.

"28, single, previously worked at an advertising agency until he was laid off. Joined the center handling promotional materials and assisting with activities."

"What about the other course participants?" Michael asked.

"We've contacted most for statements," Raymond replied. "A few we couldn't reach—officers are being dispatched to check on them."

I closed my eyes, visualizing the profile I'd created. "Based on my profile and the timeline of when the victims registered for classes, we should focus on Eva, Bobby, and a participant named Greg. But I think Bobby fits the suspect profile best."

Michael nodded. "What makes Bobby stand out?"

"He fits the profile best," I explained, opening my eyes. "Young male, unmarried, assistant rather than lead therapist. Plus, he had contact with all three victims. Eva primarily worked with female clients after her transfer to customer service."

"We need to find Bobby," Michael decided. "We've tried calling with no response."

"I'll lead a team to his residence," Michael announced. "Counselor Gray, you should stay behind."

"Don't worry, I'm very good at predicting danger, I'll stay far away," I replied, already grabbing my coat.