Though he said so, Brent was filled with regret inside.
Had he known, he would have disregarded the suspicions that would arise from being the only survivor and simply killed Lionel.
He had thought that after shooting Lionel so many times, the man would surely not survive. Unexpectedly, Lionel's will to live was incredibly strong, not only did he survive, but he also presented Brent with a troublesome issue.
Looking at the unfinished name "Brent" in his hand, a storm of thoughts churned in Brent's mind as his brain worked rapidly.
Finally, he decided to be preemptive to avoid suspicion.
"Miss, there's no need for you to test me. I have followed Master Gunner for decades, and now I am sent to assist you. You can speak directly to me," he said.
After speaking, he handed the gauze back to Deanna, his face a picture of loyalty. "Although the name on this gauze isn't completed, it's not hard to guess it's Brent, which is me. But I swear, I have not done anything to betray you or Master Gunner."
His straightforward approach took Deanna by surprise.
Could she have been wrong?
Deanna doubted herself internally.
Before she could speak, Brent continued, "Miss, if you doubt me, why not suspend my duties until Mr. Grant wakes up or the police close the case? Then I can continue working for you."
"Brent, you speak too gravely. I admit, seeing those strokes did make me suspect you. But as you said, having been with the master for so many years, if you had other intentions, you would have acted long ago. There was no need to wait until now. And your candid words just now, I believe you wouldn't betray me or our master," Deanna said, looking at Brent with trust.
Seeing Deanna so easily convinced, a smile began to form on Brent's lips.
However, before he could fully smile, Deanna suddenly changed her tone, "But I think you also made a point. Since things are unclear now, let's avoid any involvement for the time being. You haven't had proper rest since you arrived in the country; take this time to rest well."
"Miss is right. May I ask who will take over my duties?" Brent asked calmly, suppressing the turmoil inside him.
Deanna paused, realizing she hadn't thought of anyone to take over Brent's responsibilities.
But no matter, she could manage it herself.
"Let's do this; tomorrow I will go with you to the institute to hand over the duties."
"That works. I'll go back and prepare the documents for tomorrow's handover," Brent suggested as he excused himself.
Deanna didn't stop him and signaled for him to leave.
At that moment, Julia, who had been silent, approached Deanna and looked in the direction Brent had left. "Deanna, are you suspecting Brent?"
"A little. But we'll know the exact situation once Mr. Grant wakes up," Deanna replied as she looked through the observation window at Lionel's hospital room.
Julia also looked but remained silent.
Seconds later, Deanna suddenly turned to Shannon and ordered, "Have your sister keep an eye on Brent and arrange for a few more people to enter the hospital to protect Mr. Grant closely. Until Mr. Grant wakes up, apart from our doctors and nurses, no one else is allowed near him."
"Yes," Shannon nodded and went to carry out the orders.
Julia guessed Deanna's intentions and pursed her lips tightly.
She had wanted to remind Deanna to ensure Lionel's safety but considering her friend's troubles outside, she decided against it.
After all, her friend had already arranged for protection; she could come daily to watch over Lionel and would be the first to know if anyone tried anything against him.
Deanna was unaware of these thoughts.
She stayed at the hospital a while longer with Julia before leaving.
She still had to visit a villa.
Since the incident, she hadn't been to the scene and felt as if she might miss something if she didn't go.
Soon after, Deanna arrived at the villa.
By then, police tape was already up around the villa's entrance with two officers standing guard.
"Stop, what are you here for?"
"Hello officer, my name is Deanna; I am involved in this case and would like to see what's left in the laboratory," Deanna said while showing her ID for verification.
After confirming her identity, the officer smiled amiably, "Oh Miss Jones, we were informed about you. You can go in and retrieve documents but try not to disturb the crime scene."
"I understand," Deanna nodded and entered the villa with Shannon.
Upon entering, she saw a row of bodies covered with white cloths on the lawn by the entrance. The sight stirred a complex feeling inside her; it was deeply unsettling.
She bowed three times to the bodies in gratitude before turning away with teary eyes and entered the living room swearing to bring those responsible to justice.
The living room was in disarray from the incident; it was a mess with bloodstains everywhere. Several officers were moving about as if searching for something.
Deanna knew they were looking for any evidence that might have been overlooked.