Chapter 22

"I already quit my job," Jesse said, his teeth clenched.

Kian looked at him, confused. "Quit? Why?"

Jesse let out a bitter laugh. "How could I keep working there? Every day I felt like a fool, watching my girlfriend cheat on me with our boss."

"Fair enough," Kian and Kelvin nodded. Then Kian got to the point. "Aurora is dead."

Jesse shot up from his chair. "Dead? When did this happen?"

"Yesterday."

Jesse stared at Kian. "Officer, you don't think I had anything to do with it, do you? We broke up and haven't spoken since. I was at work all day yesterday."

Seeing Jesse's agitation, Kelvin waved a hand. "We're not accusing you. We just need some information."

"Did Aurora act differently when you were together?"

Jesse thought for a moment. "Yeah, she went out every night and came back all dazed."

"And you never asked her about it?"

"Of course I did, but she wouldn't tell me anything. She just said not to worry about it."

"Officer, is there something going on with Aurora?"

"Nothing you need to worry about. You can go now. We'll contact you if we need anything else."

Jesse looked at the two of them, puzzled. They called him in just to ask these seemingly pointless questions?

Jesse left, Kelvin turned to Kian. "Is this guy really that clueless? His girlfriend went out every night, and he wasn't curious?"

"Who knows if he's telling the truth," Kian said, organizing his papers.

"We can't rule out a crime of passion. Maybe he wanted to get back with Aurora, saw her with another man, and snapped."

Kelvin gave a thumbs up. "Your theory makes sense."

"Of course it does," Kian said smugly.

"Where's Travis?" Carter's voice interrupted. Both men stood up straight.

"Chief Johnson, Captain Smith is with the narcotics unit. He hasn't returned yet," Kelvin replied.

Just then, Travis walked in, looking preoccupied.

Carter waved him over. "Bring the case files. We're having a meeting."

Travis looked at Kelvin and Kian. "What's the meeting about?"

They both shrugged.

In the meeting room, Travis was surprised to see an unexpected guest: Councilman Tate, Philip's father.

Next to him sat Joshua.

"Come on, we've been waiting for you," Carter said impatiently.

Once Travis sat down, Tate got straight to the point. "Captain Smith, how's the investigation into Ethan's case going?"

"Ethan's death was ruled a suicide, but his café is suspicious. We found a lot of drugs at his house. We suspect he was using the café for drug trafficking. The investigation is ongoing."

Tate nodded. "Good work. When do you plan to close the case?"

"Mr. Mitchell, we can't close the case until the investigation is complete."

Tate looked at the three of them. "Philip is about to start college. I don't want him dragged into this. Do you understand?"

Carter realized Tate was applying pressure.

"Don't worry. We'll clear Philip's name before closing the case. But if we need information, I hope you won't interfere, Mr. Mitchell."

Tate's eyes flashed with anger, clearly displeased with their attitude. "Fine, I'll be waiting."

With that, he stood up and left, radiating anger.

Carter and Joshua turned to Travis. "You're getting bolder, aren't you? Investigating a councilman's son without telling us?"

"Tell us the truth. Is Philip involved in the drug case?"

Travis sighed. "We haven't even questioned Philip yet, and the councilman is already on our case. If we do, who knows what will happen?"

Carter and Joshua exchanged a look. "Investigate! I'll cover for you. If there's evidence against Philip, arrest him. No exceptions."

Travis nodded. "In that case, give me a subpoena. After all, he's the son of a councilman. It's not appropriate to just take him away directly."

Carter and Joshua smiled, pointing at Travis without saying a word.

With the subpoena in hand, Travis's lips curled into a slight smile.

Meanwhile, in the upscale neighborhood, Tate sat on the couch, his face dark with anger.

"Philip's a suspect, and you can't do anything about it? You're a councilman and can't even protect your own son," a woman nagged incessantly.

Philip stood behind her, looking miserable.

"Enough!" Tate shouted, standing up and pointing at Philip. "Ask him what he's done. He's involved with drug dealers. This is your doing."

"I went to the police station to see Chief Johnson. He wouldn't even talk to me. I'm a councilman, not the president. I can't interfere with police decisions. What do you want me to do?"

He pushed her aside and grabbed Philip by the collar. "Tell me, did you have anything to do with Ethan's drug dealing?"

"Tate! What are you doing?" The woman screamed, hitting Tate. "Philip is a good boy. He wouldn't be involved with drug dealers."

Philip hid behind her, fear in his eyes, unable to meet Tate's gaze.

Tate pointed at them, speechless with anger. "You can't protect him forever. Trouble is coming."

"I don't care. You're a councilman. If anything happens to Philip, you'll regret it."

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?" Tate shouted, glaring at Philip before opening the door. He was surprised to see the police.

"Mr. Mitchell, we have a subpoena. Philip needs to come with us. We have some questions."

Tate's anger dissipated instantly. "Come in. What do you need to know?"

"Sorry, but we need to speak with Philip."

Tate nodded. "Please wait a moment."

Ignoring the woman's protests, he pulled Philip aside. "Tell me the truth. Do you have any connection to Ethan's café? If you lie, I can't help you."

Philip glanced at the officers by the couch and whispered, "It's not like that. Ethan just asked me to look after the café sometimes. He paid me to hang out there occasionally."