Chapter 142

Ruben hesitated on the other end of the line for a long time before stammering out, "Uh, Ms. Johnson..."

"Hey, what's up?"

"Is Zoey there?"

This was unusual for Ruben. Normally, he'd be more straightforward, either asking me directly or calling Zoey himself.

I glanced at Zoey, who was on the phone with Erica, letting her know she was safe. Zoey seemed to sense my gaze and, realizing it was Ruben asking about her, she looked a bit flustered. She waved her hand repeatedly, but a small, involuntary smile flickered across her lips.

"Yeah, she's here. She's on the phone with her mom right now. Want me to pass on a message?"

I smiled to myself. When it came to relationships, I was inexperienced. Alan was my first love in college, and we got married without any other romantic experiences. These two seemed a bit childish, and I couldn't predict how things would develop. But Zoey's unintentional smile made me wonder if there was something more.

Wait, weren't these two supposed to be just friends?

I really didn't understand young people these days.

There was a commotion on the other end of the line, and it sounded like someone had grabbed the phone from Ruben, followed by a yelp from him. Then I heard Benjamin's angry voice.

"Seriously, Ruben? You're still thinking about Zoey? You know you don't stand a chance, right? You made a fool of yourself last time at her office!"

"I didn't think it was embarrassing," Ruben replied, sounding hurt.

"Of course you didn't. I was the one embarrassed!"

These two... It seemed like Benjamin was recovering well. It had only been a couple of days, but his resilience was impressive, a testament to his career as a detective.

Leonard had mentioned that Benjamin wasn't seriously injured. Most of his wounds were superficial, and his main issue was exhaustion from prolonged stress. In a way, his coma was more of a deep rest.

"Hey, Nancy. How are you holding up? You were amazing back there, like a professional stuntwoman. You should consider joining our detective team. We need someone with your skills!"

Benjamin's voice was strong and joking, which reassured me.

"Are you okay? And what about Cindy?" I asked.

Cindy was about to give birth, and we had kept Benjamin's coma a secret from her for safety reasons. Only his parents and Ruben knew, and they had told Cindy that Benjamin hadn't returned to Silverlight City yet.

There was another yelp from Ruben, probably from another kick from Benjamin.

"I'm fine, just needed some rest. Cindy found out I was back in Silverlight City the day after I arrived."

"What? I thought only your parents knew?" I aksed with astonishment.

"Yeah, but Cindy somehow found out and called Ruben. His loose lips spilled the beans after just a few questions. I can't believe I trained him!" Benjamin sounded exasperated but also happy.

"I think Cindy is stronger than she looks." I smiled.

Cindy was known for her calm demeanor in college. She rarely got flustered and was very steady.

"Absolutely!" Benjamin said proudly, "Cindy brought all her essentials to the hospital and registered for a room in advance. She stayed there every night and sat by my bed during the day. The first person I saw when I woke up was Cindy."

Benjamin added, "She may seem delicate, but she really stepped up, even with her pregnancy."

I felt a pang of guilt.

Benjamin had been reassigned for a case, and it seemed he wasn't coming back. But he had uncovered the mastermind, Ronald, and I had found the child trafficking ring's base thanks to Cindy's mom, Jody.

"Benjamin, I'm sorry you both had to go through this. I feel responsible."

"No need, Nancy." On the phone, Benjamin became serious and earnestly said, "This is more than just about you. It's a case spanning over twenty years. I'm a cop; it's my duty and mission to see it through. Even if it costs me my life, I have no regrets. I swore an oath to serve and protect."

"Understood." I nodded firmly.

Ruben called out, sounding urgent. Benjamin told me to hold on and not hang up.

I sensed something had changed. How could so much happen in just two days away from Silverlight City?

"Hey, Nancy? You still there?" Benjamin asked.

"Yes, go ahead."

Benjamin hesitated, "Two things. We just got some news. First, Frank... is dead."

I was stunned. Frank was dead?

My first thought wasn't Ronald or anyone else, but Alan.

I had been certain that Ronald had captured Alan, not to kill him but to keep him from interfering. Ronald wanted to prove he was the best among their childhood group.

Now, with Frank dead, Alan's safety was uncertain.

"Who did it? Ronald?"

There was a pause before Benjamin replied, "Anna, Tony's wife."

"Anna?"

Everything clicked into place. Anna, Laura, Frank, Ronald... there had been a falling out.

But that wasn't important.

"What about Alan?" I asked urgently.

"Well..." Benjamin sounded puzzled. "Do you know how I found out about Frank?"

"Tell me."

"Ruben was handling his discharge papers when a man approached him and told him. When Ruben asked who he was, the man said..."

Benjamin's voice was filled with relief and joy. "Alan Smith."