Chapter 4

No one said a word in response.

The officer just stood there, staring at the stain. His expression grew more serious by the second. "Open the trunk. I need to inspect it."

Upon hearing that, Marvin snapped, "On what grounds? What right do you have to search my car?"

He took two steps back, placing himself in front of his car. "This is my car! No one is allowed to check it, not even the police!"

Although he tried to sound tough, his eyes were wide, and his lips were dry. Those are signs of extreme guilt.

Staring at him, I firmly said, "Open the trunk."

"You think you can order me around? Who the hell do you think you are?"

Clenching his key tightly in his fist, he turned to the police officer. "I'm starting to think that this dealership is trying to extort me! Are you all in on this together?"

The officer's expression darkened. "Watch what you say."

By now, the showroom was packed wall-to-wall with onlookers, all filming on their phones.

Even though blood was running down my brow, I still hadn't let go of his wrist.

Anthony stood right next to me. "Mr. Haas, open the trunk. If you've got nothing to hide, then this will be all over once everyone has a look.

"But if you refuse, then I have to assume there is something you don't want seen."

Under the pressure of the crowd, Marvin slowly turned pale.

The officer frowned. "Sir, if you cooperate, and there's nothing wrong, this will be resolved quickly. Your refusal will only raise suspicion."

Marvin's hands started shaking. After a long pause, he loosened his grip. The key fell to the ground with a sharp clink.

He glared at me, his eyes growing cold and threatening. "Fine. Take a look, then. But you're going to regret this."

I picked up the key before heading over to the rear of the car.

I took a deep breath. The entire place went silent as I inserted the key. But inside the trunk was empty.

There were no red stains or suspicious packages, only a spotless black carpet.

The crowd went eerily quiet. Marvin broke into a nasty grin. "See? There's nothing. My car is spotless!"

He strode up to the police officer, pointing at me. "This guy's making false accusations! He hit me, pushed me, and restricted my freedom! I'm pressing charges!"

The officer turned to me. The suspicion in his eyes had turned into disappointment. "And where is the thing you claimed?"

Anthony walked over to look inside as well, and his face fell.

Dave finally broke the silence. "See? I knew it. There's no way Mr. Haas is that kind of person. Great! Now our reputation is ruined!"

Ivan approached us. "My S-Class deal just fell through. The customer walked away."

While the crowd began to disperse, Marvin straightened his collar. "Officer, I want him charged. Also, I'm going to sue this dealership!"

The officer sighed. "You'll need to come with us to give a statement."

I stood there, my eyes locked on the G900. No, something didn't add up.

For dark liquid to be leaking out from the gap of the trunk meant it couldn't have been this clean on the inside.

I walked slowly around the car and then suddenly stopped. A thought broke through my mental fog in an instant. "That's it!"