Christopher tightened his grip as James kicked his legs and held his strangling hands. "All I did was say the right words, and you were eager to straighten out the two witnesses. Tsk. You don't have the wisdom
or composure to fight me."
Humiliation washed over James.
"But I guess you aren't that stupid to do the job yourself. I thought I could get you all at once, but you got to live another day."
Christopher released his grip and walked away in chuckles.
James caught his breath in the empty meeting room, his body drenched in cold sweat.
Meanwhile, Bella and Justin arrived at the police station, protecting Rachel and another victim.
Steven, who was well-versed in the law, stayed with the victims while they gave statements. Steven and lan managed the paperwork for the victims' families and patiently navigated any questions and follow- ups.
"Thank you, Mr. Harris, and you too. You must be friends of Ms. Thompson."
Rachel's mother thanked Steven in tears. "Thank you... Thank you for doing everything you can to help us."
"Don't mention it, Mrs. Mead."
Steven's eyes welled up with emotions. "I'm helping you, Ms. Bella, and myself."
Rachel's mother, Susan, was taken aback. "Yourself?"
"Ms. Bella's sister, the girl who came forward and identified Charles during the livestream, is my girlfriend," Steven replied with pride.
"I see. You two are kind and made for each other. Honestly, I'm grateful to Ms. Amelia. We are able to get where we are because of your help."
Steven was overjoyed.
After leaving the interrogation room, Rachel went to the ladies' room to
get a grip on herself, not wanting to show her vulnerable side to her mother.
She especially did not want lan to be worried.
Worried sick, lan followed Rachel to the washroom and stood outside patiently.
The passing female officers gave
him strange looks, but lan, who was
be
always careful not to
embarrassing situations, did not care.
in
It took a while before the girl with puffy eyes emerged from the washroom, rubbing her eyes.
She looked up and saw the blue checkered handkerchief right in front of her.
"Here you go, Ms. Mead."
lan smiled at the girl. "Your makeup is running from crying, but I hope you feel better letting everything out."
Rach the handkerchief,
wanting to wipe her tears, but shot
did
Sit want to stain the fabric She
simply dabbed it on her cheeks.
"I feel a lot better. Thank you, Mr. Harris. I'll return you the handkerchief after I clean it."
lan stared intently at Rachel's face. Her fluttering lashes seemed to give him butterflies and make his heart race.
Suddenly, he reached out and put his hand on the girl's head, running his fingers along her curls. His voice was raspy.
"Just come to me if you have any problems. I will rush over no matter where or when."
Rachel lifted her gaze, meeting lan's sparkling eyes. Her heart skipped a beat.