Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Travis clenched his fists. 

Just a warning, and they killed two elderly people in their seventies!

Even the family dog wasn't spared.

This is unforgivable!

As police officers, they couldn't even provide basic safety for these people.

This wasn't just a warning; it was a provocation.

The two of them stepped out of the charred room.

Travis wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes. "What do you think?"

"I want to catch them myself."

Travis lowered his voice. "Could it be those people?"

Elaine's eyes widened as she looked around and whispered, "It shouldn't be. They wouldn't do something like this."

Hearing Elaine's words, Travis sneered and retorted, "If they wouldn't, then so many people wouldn't have died back then."

Elaine didn't respond. Could it really be them?

It shouldn't be. They were too proud to associate with drug dealers.

"Captain Smith," Kian said, walking over with a disappointed look. "We didn't find anything."

"I asked the villagers. They rushed over as soon as they saw the fire, but it was too late," Kelvin reported truthfully.

Elaine looked at the house and approached a charred piece of wood, gently rubbing some ash between her fingers.

She brought it to her nose.

Besides the smell of charcoal, there was a faint scent of diesel.

Elaine frowned, and a name popped into her mind.

Eris!

From what Elaine knew about this woman, she was someone who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals.

But there was one thing Elaine couldn't understand.

Eris had no reason to do this.

Aurora and Jesse's parents' case happened before Eris arrived; it had nothing to do with her.

Considering the Thompson family's background with the state government, Eris shouldn't have done this.

And then there were Tate and Ewan.

They had already been released from custody, and Jesse had admitted to Aurora's death. There was no need for them to go to such lengths.

Elaine rubbed her chin. Who else could it be?

Suddenly, the phone rang.

Travis answered it, his expression turning grim as he responded.

After hanging up, Travis looked at the group. "Let's go back to the station. There's something we need to deal with."

Elaine and the others didn't ask any questions. They got into the car, and Travis drove, staring straight ahead.

Back at the station.

They were immediately notified to head to the conference room.

Carter stood at the front.

Even the narcotics team was present.

"Wow! Is some important leader coming?" someone whispered in the hallway.

"The entire narcotics team being called to a meeting is very unusual."

Carter scanned the room with a stern look and ordered, "Straighten up your uniforms."

"Yes, sir!"

Everyone adjusted their uniforms and took their seats at the back of the conference room.

Travis looked at Jerry beside him and curiously asked, "What's going on? Who's coming to inspect?"

"It's rare to see your entire narcotics team summoned to a meeting like this."

Jerry remained unusually silent, his clenched fists indicating he knew something.

Just then, the elevator doors opened, and footsteps echoed down the hallway.

At Carter's signal, everyone stood up straight.

Eris pushed open the conference room door and walked in, nodding in satisfaction.

She stepped aside, allowing a young man to follow her into the room.

He looked about Elaine's age, wearing thick glasses that weighed heavily on his nose.

He looked at them somewhat nervously.

Travis rubbed his chin, noting that Eris personally recommended him and introduced him in such a setting. He must have some skills or background.

Thinking this, he exchanged a glance with Jerry, who seemed to have the same thought.

Eris spoke softly, "This is Dash Stewart from the state police's technical department."

"Starting today, Dash will join the criminal investigation team and provide technical support."

In the crowd, Charles looked at Dash with disdain.

He had seen this guy before at a technical exchange event held by the state police.

Dash's skills were decent, but he didn't like to interact with people and was very introverted.

After a brief introduction, Carter led Dash to his designated spot.

Right next to Charles.

"Dash, Charles, you two should collaborate and exchange ideas," Kelvin said, holding some documents.

"Didn't expect to see you here," Dash said softly.

Charles rolled his eyes. "I didn't expect you to join the criminal investigation team either."

"Not sure if you're up to it."

Dash didn't respond to Charles' comment, just smiled and focused on his work.

In Eris's office.

Carter, Joshua, Travis, Jerry, and Elaine sat together.

Eris held a file and handed it to them. "Take a look."

"Jesse's parents died in a fire yesterday."

Upon hearing this, everyone except Travis and Elaine, who were already aware, was stunned.

Carter looked at Travis, surprised that such an important matter hadn't been reported to him.

Elaine stood up. "This happened early yesterday morning. Captain Smith and I rushed to the scene immediately."

"We haven't had a chance to report it yet."

Eris chuckled lightly. "Don't be so tense. I'm not blaming you."

"Jesse's case was just closed, and his parents died in a fire."

"This is a provocation against our department!"

"Was there any evidence at the scene?"

Travis and Elaine shook their heads simultaneously. "The fire was too intense. No evidence pointing to arson was found."

Jerry stood up with a grim expression. "I suspect it was the drug dealers."

"Explain in detail."

Jerry took out a prepared report.

"This is my compiled report. Everything traces back to Ethan's café."

"I've integrated the criminal investigation team's data. Jay's death, Tony's death, all are related to drugs."

"Jesse's ex-girlfriend Aurora was a party girl at the café. Jesse must know some inside information."

Eris leaned back in her chair and put down her pen. "And? Have you found any new leads?"

Jerry shook his head. "Tate and Ewan were released. Their sons have evidence proving they didn't directly participate in the café's drug dealing."

Eris snorted. "We rely on evidence. Don't talk about things without proof."

Jerry suddenly raised his voice. "Ms. Thompson, what I'm saying is, Philip and Russell shouldn't be released. Even if they didn't deal drugs, they know some inside information."

"Their detention period is almost up. I hope we can extend it."

Eris glanced at Jerry, thought for a moment, and nodded.

"The criminal investigation team will investigate the fire case thoroughly. I want to know if it was arson or an accident."

Eris looked at Jerry from the narcotics team. "Continue following up on the café's drug dealing case. Interrogate and arrest anyone involved."

"Yes!"

The meeting ended.

The group walked out of the office.

Jerry pulled Travis aside and whispered, "Tell me the truth. Did Jay use drugs?"

Travis's expression changed, the answer already clear.

"Don't let it get out."

Jerry sighed and nodded slowly.