Chapter 174
Chapter 174
Robert spent the whole afternoon sifting through files in the police station's records room. The dim light cast a shadow over the thick stacks of files piled on the table, making the dusty space feel frozen in time.
When he finally spotted a familiar name in a record from ten years ago, his fingertips trembled lightly on the paper, stirring a mix of emotions within him. His gaze sharpened briefly, then settled into a solemn expression.
According to the records, the year Beckett jumped off the building was a standout year for Police Captain Jim Carter. He earned two collective second-class merits and one individual second-class merit within a year, making him a role model in the department. His career advanced smoothly, leading him to become one of the top leaders in the district police department.
Robert stared at the name "Jim" on the file, memories of the Beckett case flooding back. Every clue seemed to point to Jim.
Robert's emotions swirled. Jim's rise seemed too perfect, possibly concealing a darker truth. He might have influenced the direction of the Beckett rape case.
His thoughts were interrupted by his phone ringing. Robert answered, trying to sound composed, "Ethan, after taking statements from Joseph and Sophia, have them head back to rest as soon as possible. They don't need to..."
"Wait, Officer Davis," Ethan cut in, sounding puzzled, "Joseph and Sophia never showed up. Sophia's day shift should've ended at four."
Frowning, Robert's gaze sharpened. He knew the emergency center's schedule well, and Sophia and Joseph should have been there by now.
"Check on them," Robert said quietly, a hint of unease in his voice. The longer Sophia remained unreachable, the more complicated things could get.
But for now, meeting with Jim was a priority.
As the sky darkened, city lights blurred by mist, Robert sat in his car, feeling the cold wind on his face, sending shivers down his spine.
He dialed Jim's number, speaking humbly, "Hello, this is Robert from the city detective team. Do you have a moment to talk?"
A warm laugh came from the other end, "Oh, Officer Davis. Good to hear from you. What can I do for you?"
Robert gripped the phone tighter, trying to steady his emotions, "Our investigation leads back to cases in your jurisdiction ten years ago, but we're short on records. We'd like your guidance on where to look next."
The question sounded polite but held a hidden agenda.
Jim's laughter remained hearty, but a hint of caution crept into his tone, "Ten years back, I was still a rookie. If it's about that time, ask away; if it's something else, I can help you find out."
"Thanks." Robert paused, his voice slowing, "We've stumbled upon a high school rape case from a decade ago, where the suspect supposedly committed suicide in the police station later."
"That's gotta be a tall tale!" Jim chuckled heartily, almost too cheerfully, "If that really went down, it would've caused a ruckus back then! Our crime-fighting efforts ten years ago were top-notch."
Listening closely, Robert analyzed. He sensed Jim's calm facade on the phone masked a guarded stance, likely aware of their probe into the "Beckett rape case."
After ending the call, Robert started the car and headed towards the town. Night descended, casting dim light from streetlamps on the deserted road, distant honks echoing harshly.
While driving, Albert called.
Albert sounded urgent and thrilled, "Officer Davis, we've hit a breakthrough! We located Turtle's kin, and I've sent samples to Ryan for DNA testing."
Albert added, "His relative mentioned he's been out of touch with family but heard he made big bucks smuggling. Once, when he was drunk, he bragged about knowing a big shot in the town."
Albert then sent a photo of the suspect, Asher, from the past. In the picture, Asher appeared plump, sporting glasses and a friendly smile amidst a crowd, a stark contrast to the stern, lean figure in the police system's ID photo.
Gazing at the photo, a daring idea raced through Robert's mind: Had Asher transformed himself by purposefully gaining weight, altering his appearance, or even undergoing plastic surgery?
His train of thought was interrupted by another call.
This time, it was Ethan, "Officer Davis, Sophia and Joseph aren't answering their phones. The emergency center confirmed they only worked a bit late but have left by now."
Robert's heart sank. Clutching the steering wheel, his tone turned icy, "Check the hospital's surveillance immediately."
"On my way," Ethan replied, "Want to join?"
Robert hesitated briefly but composed himself, "No, can't make it now. Stay in touch, update me ASAP."
As night deepened, tree shadows by the roadside flickered eerily under the car's headlights. Robert's vehicle sped along the highway, while a yellow-plated truck carrying Sophia and Joseph traveled in the same direction. Though on different routes, the two vehicles drew closer.
Approaching the toll booth, Robert's phone rang once more. Ethan's voice dripped with anger and urgency, "Officer Davis, Gary has kidnapped Sophia and Joseph!"
In an instant, Robert's mind went blank, a shiver running down his spine.