Chapter 71

Chapter 71
A few days later, Michael completed his resignation procedures at the police station. Just as he was finalizing the paperwork, news came that Mr. Thornton had been taken into police custody. The authorities had finally found substantial evidence against him.
That afternoon, as Michael packed his belongings, his colleagues gathered around, chatting casually. Although he had worked there for less than a month, he had already formed genuine friendships with the other officers.
"We should keep him here," Mark joked, leaning against the desk. "Don't let him go back to the military."
Several officers nodded in agreement.
"Michael is an EOD specialist," someone added. "An elite bomb disposal expert. He's too talented to spend his life in our little jurisdiction."
Michael continued organizing his few personal items, a slight smile on his lips as he listened to their banter. This camaraderie reminded him of his military comrades—different environment, but similar bonds.
"By the way," Mark said casually, "my friend in Criminal Investigation told me about Thornton's arrest. He refused to confess and kept shouting about filing appeals."
Mark shook his head. "His family was even worse—they kept blaming that reporter, saying some very nasty things. Cursing that she would 'face retribution' and 'won't come to a good end.' Really vicious stuff."
Michael's brow furrowed slightly, his hands pausing momentarily upon hearing this information.
CNN had approved Georgiana's resignation. The network expressed regret at losing such a promising journalist, but considering her health condition, they ultimately respected her decision.
They left the door open, indicating that if her situation improved, she could return as a freelancer or special correspondent.
Her farewell dinner was surprisingly well-attended.
Jessica had shown up after hearing about Georgiana's departure. Her work in the entertainment division seemed to have made her more approachable.
Amanda, who had the closest relationship with Georgiana, couldn't hide her distress. "Georgiana, what are we going to do without you? We'll have to rack our brains when choosing story topics."
"You can't always rely on someone else's instincts," Thompson gently admonished.
The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and good-natured teasing.
For the first time in months, Georgiana felt truly comfortable with her colleagues.
Jessica skillfully peeled a shrimp, looking up as she said, "Quitting over the school incident seems such a shame. You didn't really do anything wrong."
"I just need some time," Georgiana explained. "A break to clear my head."
"So what's next?" Jessica asked. "Another TV station?"
Thompson swirled his drink thoughtfully. "She'll probably go to New York. Her mother is there—could provide significant connections."
"Speaking of which," he continued, "I had no idea your mother was such an influential figure, Georgiana. I only discovered it recently when reviewing your personnel file."
This revelation immediately sparked curiosity among her colleagues, who all commented on Georgiana's low profile.
As the dinner ended, everyone said their goodbyes. Jessica stayed until the end, waiting until she and Georgiana were alone.
"Did you know Michael is no longer working at the police station?" she suddenly asked.
"Yes," Georgiana answered simply.
Jessica seemed surprised. "How did you know?"
"He told me," Georgiana replied, meeting her gaze calmly.
Jessica didn't pursue the subject further. Instead, she offered a genuine smile. "I wish you all the best."
"You too," Georgiana responded with equal sincerity.
A cool breeze rustled through the trees as Georgiana waited at the bus stop. The night bus arrived punctually, nearly empty at this late hour. She sat in the last row, taking out her phone to reread the text Michael had sent earlier. He mentioned his official resignation and that he was also having dinner with colleagues tonight.
As she browsed their conversation, a new message notification appeared—from Joseph.
In the text, Joseph explained that the investigation was nearing completion, and he wouldn't return to Westbrook Academy. This time his parents had taken the situation seriously and were arranging his transfer to another school.
The message ended with: "After Nicholas jumped, I was actually already standing on the rooftop. But then you called me. Thank you."
Georgiana felt a mixture of emotions but still sent him her best wishes.
The temperature had warmed slightly in the past few days, bringing the first hint of spring's belated arrival. Still, the night air carried a chill. Georgiana hugged herself against the cold as she walked deeper into the alley toward her apartment, regretting wearing only a light jacket.
Suddenly, she became alert to footsteps behind her—footsteps that weren't her own.
Looking back, Georgiana spotted two shadowy figures walking quickly toward her, wearing hats that concealed their faces. She didn't recognize them; they didn't look like residents of the community.
Perhaps they were just taking a shortcut, she thought, but uneasiness made her quicken her pace.
The alley was bordered by elementary school walls on both sides—no residences, no other pedestrians.
When Georgiana began to jog lightly, the footsteps behind her accelerated too. Her heart rate suddenly increased. She started running desperately, but they were faster. Within seconds, someone grabbed the hood of her coat, pulling her backward.
Fear surged through her entire body as she struggled—then suddenly a bright light flashed, temporarily blinding her attacker.
The metal blade glinted in the light, reflecting a cold, ominous glow.
Before Georgiana could process what was happening, a dark silhouette delivered a flying kick, knocking the attacker to the ground.
The two assailants, realizing they had encountered someone skilled, feared having their identities exposed and quickly fled the scene.
The silhouette turned, revealing Michael's face in the dim light, his expression concerned.
Michael was about to pursue the attackers when Georgiana firmly grabbed his clothes.
Georgiana held his waist, her forehead pressed against his back, her entire body trembling uncontrollably.
Georgiana clung to him tightly, as if he were an anchor in a storm.