Seventy Eight

CHAPTER 78

New York City Police Department.

"Alicia closed her communication with me."

Nicholas was sitting in his predominantly white room. There isn't much to see there, apart from a computer on the desk and a few completed reports next to it. As for personal data, the young detective keeps it in another drawer under lock and key.

"I don't think we can involve him in this case," Noel said, trying to make a suggestion. "She'll only hold us back, detective. Besides... she's in close contact with these people, her feelings or closeness to victims, witnesses, could affect the course of the investigation. You should decide to remove her from the case immediately."

"I'm sure she wouldn't involve her feelings in a murder case," Nicholas argued. "We all know that she's not easily provoked, don't we?"

Perhaps Nicholas was right. But Noel couldn't stop himself from commenting, "This time Ace might be involved and the girl might not be able to accept the truth." Noel then rubbed his shoulders. "Feelings are changeable. I don't think Alicia will be able to control her feelings if we can really prove that Ace is guilty."

Nicholas gave a short mumble; full of agreement. He then rubbed his chin and looked at his partner who was now sitting in front of him with a curious look. "Have you found any other evidence in this case?"

Relieved that the senior had finally stopped talking about Alicia, Noel smiled and nodded. Handing over a black flash drive, Noel explained, "I found the CCTV footage of the hidden corner of the Sunshine Cafe that was declared missing by the manager." Which made Nicholas immediately raise both eyebrows high. "Just from that corner, you could see Ace's late presence at the meeting."

Nicholas hurriedly inserted the flash drive into the computer and played the CCTV footage to confirm it for himself.

"At exactly three minutes and fifty seconds," Noel informed him.

And that triumphant grin spread quickly at the corners of Nicholas's thin lips. "I finally caught you, Ace." Then Nicholas looked back at Noel. "Can you confirm for me why Ace was late for the meeting, Noel?"

Noel nodded in agreement. "Oh, besides, Ace Blake was appointed CEO of several Golden Group companies and stocks six months ago due to his father's deteriorating condition," Noel said. "I heard that Mr. Wilson Blake also fell into a coma and Ace was forced to discontinue his education because of that."

"Sounds sad. But I don't see any motive in your story," Nicholas said. He then muttered something long. "What if you also find out Mr. Wilson Blake's relationship with the three victims?"

But Noel's gaunt face suddenly turned doubtful. He also scratched the nape of his neck, which was not itchy at all. "It seems a bit difficult. I heard that he was heavily guarded by several bodyguards after entering the hospital." Noel shrugged her shoulders again. "It seems like Ace is very worried about his father."

"So it's like that...," Nicholas nodded in understanding. "But try to find an opening. It seems like it will be very difficult to get information from Ace, because he hates me so much."

"I hear he's very aggressive and emotional."

"Hm... yeah, something like that." Nicholas' brow furrowed deeply. "But, why?"

"Maybe we can lure him with something?"

"Something?"

Then Noel nodded his head. "Yes. Maybe you can lure him with Alicia. Say something about her, lie a little, detective."

But Nicholas spluttered. "I'm honestly too lazy to go back." He then massaged his temple lightly. "That kid really pissed me off. I really want to beat him up."

"Then why don't you beat him up?" asked Noel lightly.

"Hey, I'm a cop! Not a bouncer, just a random guy," Nicholas replied irritably. Then he pulled himself up so that the wheeled chair backed away from the table. "Then did you find any other evidence on our first victim?"

"According to the call data report, the first victim and the second victim communicated frequently by phone," Noel explained. "Their communication intensified a few weeks before Natalie's death. But apparently, Rich tried to erase the traces of their communication before he died. He didn't want anyone to know about his relationship with Natalie."

"Could Rich have really killed Natalie?"

"Given his greedy, money-crazed nature, I think he would do anything to enrich himself," Noel commented. "Plus, all his possessions and assets started with the favor money given by his wife. His pride will definitely be hurt if Veronica keeps bringing it up."

The twenty-five-year-old detective nodded in agreement. "Your statement is quite concrete." Nicholas then grinned. "We just need to find proof that Ace is the mastermind behind all this."

"But...," Noel suddenly interrupted. "What if there's someone else behind all this and Ace is completely innocent?"

Then Nicholas chuckled amusedly. "We are the police. Our job is to suspect everyone. If Ace is innocent, what do you think we should do? We should just apologize and clear his name," he replied casually.

"But I don't think Ace is the type to forgive easily," Noel said cautiously.

He knew full well that the detective in front of him was really ambitious about the case they were working on. Nicholas would definitely not give up until this case was solved. Moreover, Ace was the very person he wanted to be the suspect. Instead of being professional, Noel began to worry that Nicholas wouldn't be able to control his own feelings now.

"Why are you so worried, Noel?" Nicholas then laughed; a short laugh that actually sounded scornful. "We haven't even issued any statements in the media."

"You're right too," Noel said with relief.

"We're not going to raise his status as a suspect until I have enough evidence to put him in jail," Nicholas added firmly. "I don't want my suspicions to turn against me. You know what I mean, don't you?"

"Yes, detective."

"Then you can go and start finding out everything." Nicholas smiled slightly. "I'm counting on you." []