His Sacrifice
After the DNA testing, Alison hurried to the YD Building.
Police cars were parked at the entrance of the building.
Several female employees whispered to each other in the elevator, discussing Manager Foster's death.
"I think it was murder," one said.
"Yeah, Manager Foster was such an optimistic person. How could he have committed suicide?" another agreed.
"Did he offend someone?" someone speculated.
"Probably. Otherwise, why would someone be so cruel?" I heard she was stabbed over a dozen times in the chest."
"I think the killer must be a man. So ruthless."
"Shh! Keep your voice down." Suddenly, one girl turned and spotted Alison. Remembering her connection to the Winston family, they immediately fell silent.
The elevator stopped at the HR floor.
As soon as it came to a complete halt, Alison slipped out.
The police had cordoned off Manager Foster's office, and a “No Trespassing” sign hung on the door.
Alison frowned and ignored it, starting to push her way in.
"Miss, please wait," a police officer called out.
"I need to go inside," Alison replied.
"This is a homicide scene. Without superior authorization, you cannot enter," the officer protested.
"This man's death is connected to some of my secrets. I must go inside,” she stated, deftly sidestepping the officer.
"Officer James, a woman is trying to enter," the officer reported urgently as Alison walked toward the office.
Just then, another officer emerged from the building. "Ah, Ms. Fairchild. You may come in, but please follow our instructions and stay within the designated area. Don't disturb anything at the scene or any potential evidence.”
"Understood," she replied with a smile.
A brand-new doormat lay before the door. She stepped onto it, carefully wiping her shoes. Some of the red soil she had picked up the night before in the courtyard of the ancestral home came off and landed on the mat.
She walked straight into Manager Foster's office.
The office was clean and tidy, except for a pool of blood beside the desk.
Forensic technicians were meticulously collecting evidence, not skipping a thing as they took fingerprints, not even the doorknob.
Alison moved cautiously, afraid of disturbing anything that might complicate the police investigation.
"Any leads, Officer James?" she asked with concern.
"We're gathering evidence. It's too early to tell if these clues will be useful,” Officer James replied.
“What about the body?” She pressed.
"It was taken to the police morgue early this morning. This is our second scene examination today.”
“Didn't you find anything the first time?” she pressed.
"Exactly. That's why we're being extra thorough this time."
The killer must be quite cunning.
"Officer James, I should probably leave now." Alison took a quick look around the office before stepping out.
Compared to solving the case, her more important task right now was finding Jack.
"Not staying a bit longer? Your perspective might uncover new clues." Officer James emerged from the office.
"Could I see the evidence you've collected? Just a glance.”
“Take Ms. Fairchild over there to look at it, but remember—just look; don't touch,” Officer James instructed.
"Yes, understood."
Alison approached rows of transparent plastic bags containing strands of hair and scraps of paper.
Suddenly, she spotted a small glass vial filled with red soil.
"Come here!" she called out, excitement flashing in her eyes.
Hearing her voice, Officer James hurried over. “Any new discoveries?”
"Where was this found?" Alison asked, pointing to the soil in the vial.
"That red soil was scraped from the doormat outside of Manager Foster's office."
"Try sifting through the new doormat we just replaced," she said excitedly. "See if the soil matches what's in this vial."
If the soil she had wiped off matched the soil in the vial, it would mean the Winston family was connected to Manager Foster's death.