Chapter 196

Chapter 196

Now that they were all adults, Zoey didn't bother meddling in other people's business.

On the way back, she habitually sat in the back seat.

Just as she found a comfortable position, she heard Sable ask, "Hey Vernon, someone wants to add you on Facebook. Can I give them your info?"

"Why would they want my Facebook?" Vernon frowned slightly. "They're your friends, not mine."

Sable replied, "Maybe they want you to treat them to something."

Vernon grunted, "I have nothing to talk about with your friends. They're too young, there's a generation gap. Be polite when you turn them down, though. We might run into them again."

"Got it."

Zoey in the backseat was trying hard not to laugh out loud.

As expected, they were all idiots.

The next day, Zoey went to work at the police station as usual.

After signing in, she walked through the office and noticed that her colleagues were looking at her differently than before.

Everyone seemed very curious.

It was a strange feeling she wasn't used to, as if having dinner with classmates meant she was announcing a relationship.

How bored were they to be so interested in prying into other people's privacy?

She had just sat down when Alexander showed up.

He asked, "How was dinner last night?"

Without looking at him, Zoey replied, "Delicious, very delicious. Didn't get enough."

"Seems like that Mexican restaurant is popular for a reason."

Zoey responded coldly, "Maybe I'm just not picky."

"Finding happiness in food isn't something everyone can do."

Zoey shrugged, "I guess so."

She opened her computer, ready to get back to work.

But Alexander wasn't ready to work. Before Zoey could start entering files, he asked, "How did your chat with your classmates go last night?"

"Alright."

"Where are your friends working now?"

"I don't know."

Alexander pressed on, "You didn't ask? What did you talk about then?"

Zoey frowned, "Why are you asking so many questions? What does it have to do with you?"

Alexander was taken aback and quickly explained, "I was just curious. If you don't want to talk about it, I won't ask."

"Good, then you can shut up now."

"Okay..." Alexander turned his chair back to his desk but didn't sit down. Instead, he headed to the break room.

A moment later, he returned with a cup of coffee and placed it on Zoey's desk.

Zoey took off one of her earbuds and looked at him curiously, "What's this?"

"A peace offering. Enjoy."

"Smart move."

Zoey accepted the coffee and took a sip.

The rich flavor spread in her mouth, getting more aromatic with each sip.

No wonder Alexander liked it; it was really good.

The morning was uneventful. Zoey finished her work and, during her downtime, started writing her novel.

After updating two chapters, she took a break and played some games on her work computer.

After winning a few rounds, she was about to start another when the Criminal Investigation Team received a call.

They quickly grabbed their gear and got into the car.

Charles was driving, and Robert checked his phone for the address. "Summit University."

"A university? Could it be a jumper?" Charles speculated, then sighed. "Society's getting tougher, and students are under more pressure. We've handled over a dozen jumpers this year, haven't we?"

Robert cut him off. "It's not a jumper."

"Not? Then what?"

"Just drive. We'll find out when we get there."

Charles shrugged. "Alright."

Summit University was the most bustling college town in Emerald City.

As they drove in, the vibrant students came into view.

Dennis remarked, "College days were the best."

Robert replied, "Yeah, the hard part is after graduation. Look at the two college grads in our car, working day and night with us."

Alexander smirked. "Officer Davis, college life was boring. I felt like it was a waste of time. I prefer doing something meaningful every day."

Zoey couldn't help but laugh.

Alexander was speechless.

Summit University had a relaxed policy, allowing anyone to visit the campus.

But after 11 PM, outsiders and vehicles weren't allowed in.

Their police car drew attention as it entered the university.

Some students noticed the police car and started whispering among themselves.

Charles parked the car near the sports field. It was around five or six in the evening, usually a busy time, but now it was almost deserted.

Robert and the others got out, followed by some tech personnel from the other cars.

A man with glasses approached them, looking like he'd been waiting for a while. "Finally, you're here. I didn't know what to do if you didn't come."

Robert asked, "And you are?"

The man replied, "I'm the school director. You can call me Oscar."

Oscar shook Robert's hand, which was sweaty, making Robert quickly pull his hand back. "Where's the victim?"

Oscar said, "In the women's restroom." He then instructed someone nearby, "Katerina, take the officers there."

Katerina Moore nodded and led them toward the restroom.

Zoey followed closely behind Katerina, eager not to miss the crime scene.

As they walked deeper, the smell from the public restroom grew stronger.

It made everyone pinch their noses.

Summit University was an old school.

The visible areas were luxurious, but the restrooms were old and dimly lit, with flickering lights adding a horror movie vibe.

Inside, the restroom smelled of both the usual odor and air freshener.

Zoey regretted eating so much at lunch. She felt like throwing up.

Alexander noticed her discomfort and asked, "You okay?"

Zoey didn't want to speak, so she shook her head.

They followed Robert to the farthest stall, which was closed.

Alexander, seeing Zoey's discomfort, opened the door first.

The small space could barely fit one person.

In the filthy restroom, a woman's twisted body sat on the floor, her legs bent inward, one draped over the other. Her hands hung limply on her thighs, her head tilted against the wall, eyes wide open, face contorted. Her lipstick-smeared mouth was slightly open, with extra red around it, as if it was poorly applied or smudged.