Chapter 178
Chapter 178
Robert finally managed to get his hands on the surveillance footage from outside Zane's house. Despite the dusk lighting making the video a bit blurry, he and Ethan could still make out key figures through certain details in the footage.
"Aw, man, it's that cop for real!" Ethan exclaimed, his tone dripping with resentment. "We barely left, and they already found Zane's place. This is a direct threat to Zane. They're definitely keeping tabs on us."
Robert stayed quiet for a moment, seemingly unfazed by the situation. Zane's cautious behavior all this time had a purpose, and Robert could sense his fear and vulnerability in the current scenario. It was evident that what Ethan called a "warning" wasn't unfounded; Zane's tension and the messages he conveyed reflected the seriousness of the situation.
As they contemplated the situation, Albert's voice crackled through the communicator.
"Update, Joseph's car has been located," Albert's tone was steady but urgent. "The car is parked near East Park, Sophia and Joseph's phones are inside, but they're nowhere to be found."
Frowning, Robert responded in a hushed tone, "Their phones are in the car, so they can't be far. They might have been moved. We need to find them quickly, before they get too far."
"Gary's yellow truck hasn't been found yet," Albert continued, sounding somewhat defeated.
"He must have another ride," Robert's voice remained calm. "Since we can't track him down with the current leads, we need to find a more direct way to locate him."
After a moment of contemplation, he gave instructions, "I'll have people tail Ken. Ethan, keep an eye on Joe."
Joe Fisher used to be the principal a decade ago, then moved up to the education bureau, and recently claimed to be on a business trip. Ken Carter, on the other hand, retired five years ago from a high-ranking position and now lived a secluded life in his old mansion.
"Albert, you get eyes on Jim," Robert added firmly.
He had a clear idea in mind: these three individuals were likely targets of Asher's vendetta.
Robert was well-versed in Asher's history, with the Monkey case being the trigger for Asher's revenge. Among the three, Jim was probably Asher's primary target, considering the Beckett incident at the police station and Jim's close ties to the event.
Meanwhile, Sophia was being dragged out of the suitcase by Gary. She felt sluggish and numb, her limbs barely responding. Gary seemed to have more in store for her than just confinement.
Before she could gather her senses, her eyes were covered, her mouth taped shut, and she was hoisted up by someone.
She could sense the warmth and weight of the person holding her, likely a woman. Sophia couldn't help but wonder if this woman was the third party or the one she had recently spoken to Gary.
Sophia found herself in a dimly lit room, securely tied to a chair with tight straps binding her limbs. Each struggle brought sharp pain, leaving her no choice but to endure, unable to break free.
In the distance, she heard Gary's voice, "Get her a blanket."
Soon, a warm blanket was draped over her legs. Despite her dire situation, the room's warmth slightly eased her inner tension and fear. It hinted that they weren't planning an immediate end for her.
As her hair was gently moved aside, the sound of scissors snipping made her heart race.
Were they planning to change her appearance?
A daring thought crossed her mind: Gary and his associates had strong connections to the Beckett case. Beckett, wrongly accused of rape, had tragically died an innocent man.
Sophia began to piece together that all of this was intricately linked to that wrongful case.
"They should be here soon, right?" Gary's voice sounded impatient and anxious.
Softly, the woman replied, "Yes, once they arrive, we'll proceed."
"I have to wait for them before I go," Gary's tone grew more determined.
The room fell silent, only interrupted by the occasional clatter of kitchenware. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, carrying the scent of food. Sophia faintly heard voices outside, but the distance made it hard to make out details.
Then, the sound of multiple people breathing, followed by shuffling footsteps nearing her.
Gasping, Gary remarked, "One person is missing."
Silence filled the room, time seeming to stretch endlessly, Sophia's heart rate escalating as if she were enduring an eternity.
Finally, the woman spoke again, "You can leave now."
"He hasn't shown up yet, he must be suspicious," she said softly. "It's expected, he's a cop after all."
"What do we do?" Gary's voice grew more anxious, sensing the situation turning against them.
"Just leave; you can't help here," the woman responded calmly. "Remember, keeping quiet is the only way to survive. You know nothing, I orchestrated everything."
As Gary's footsteps faded, a click sounded, plunging the room into darkness.
Even with her eyes covered, Sophia felt the darkness closing in. Previously, she could glimpse faint light through her eyelids, but now, it was pitch black.
Her heart raced, realizing she was in serious trouble.
She struggled fiercely, the straps nearly suffocating her, but she couldn't break free. A surge of pain hit her, yet the bindings on her wrists remained tight.
With all her might, Sophia struck the back of the chair, but it remained sturdy, intensifying her agony.
"Don't be scared." Suddenly, a gentle voice reached her ears, the woman's tone soft like the warmest starlight in the night sky. However, instead of comfort, Sophia felt a deeper fear creeping in due to the woman's proximity.