Chapter 82

Yesterday, I went back home to visit my dad and stayed the night.

The idea that Alan might still be alive was just a hunch for now; the key was to see what evidence Joseph had.

Looking back, it definitely wasn't a coincidence that I ran into Joseph after leaving the police station. He wasn't just there to drop a few hints.

He was both a decoy, making me think Alan went to True Love Entertainment Club alone, and a guide, pushing me to dig deeper, making me question Alan's motives.

This way, I stayed somewhat rational during the trial instead of being consumed by grief over losing my husband.

Joseph's actions seemed a bit scattered, but if we considered him as one of the victimized kids from back then, it started to make sense.

He might be like Tony and Lally, wanting to tell me something. Actually, it seemed like he wanted to tell me something from the start but held back for some reason.

Looking at it this way, it seemed like he was on Frank's side.

But then again, everyone involved in the True Love Entertainment Club arson and murder case had been transferred, except for him. Could he have been overlooked by the leadership?

No way. The forensic doctor was the most direct evidence person. If he stayed, there had to be a reason. The most likely reason was that he had a direct connection with the people protecting the main culprits of the child trafficking ring.

Moreover, he might be deeply connected to this case itself.

But these details weren't important right now. Since he hadn't left Silverlight City, it meant he was confident, and I didn't need to rush to find him.

The most important thing right now was that my dad called again the night before last, saying I hadn't been home in a while and asked if I had a fight with Alan and was too embarrassed to see him.

I went along with it and said we had a fight over some small stuff, and Alan went on a business trip and hadn't come back yet. The next morning, I quickly bought some things, drove home, and spent the day with my dad.

My dad asked why Alan wasn't answering his phone, which really startled me.

It's been almost two months since the incident. Although Alan and my dad didn't usually talk much, the truth couldn't be hidden forever. If my dad noticed something, it would be impossible to hide it from him.

I quickly said that this business trip was a fully enclosed core training, and information couldn't be disclosed. I couldn't contact him either, let alone him.

My dad finally broke into a smile, adding more food to my plate. "My son-in-law is naturally successful, unlike some people who give up a good job at the prosecutor's office to become an editor-in-chief at a newspaper. Is that job stable? If the company goes under, they'll be unemployed again."

At that moment, I couldn't afford to discuss career choices with my dad, so I just nodded repeatedly in agreement.

This morning, I got up early, made breakfast for my dad, washed all the clothes at home, and cleaned the house.

Just then, Zoey called. I found an excuse, saying there was something at the company, didn't even have lunch, and hurriedly left home, driving back to the city.

Zoey called to check on me, saying there was a lot going on at the company lately, and Howard had dumped a bunch of tasks on her that she couldn't refuse, making her work overtime every night. It was clear he was trying to keep her from getting involved in the case.

It seemed like Howard was also trying to keep Zoey from getting too involved. Even though he wasn't her dad, their bond was pretty much like father and daughter. I got it, and honestly, I didn't want Zoey mixed up in this mess either-it was way too dangerous.

But I couldn't just come out and say that, so I gently reassured her, filling her in on the latest. I told her we found the child trafficking camp at the old steel factory, which is now the True Love Entertainment Club.

Oddly, Zoey didn't seem too thrilled. She gave a weird response, then said she had plans to have dinner with her dad and would catch up with me later.

Zoey didn't spend much time with her dad growing up; Howard mostly raised her. It was good they were working on their relationship now, so I gave her some advice before hanging up. She cheerfully agreed and then we ended the call.

I checked the time-it was 9:30 in the morning.

By now, the court was already in session. I thought for a moment, found Joseph's name in my contacts, which I got from his file the night before last.

What should I say when I call? Would he spill the truth?

If he, like Tony and Lally, had second thoughts about revenge, then maybe calling him was worth a shot.

But what if he didn't? What if what he said the night Alan had the accident was just to cover for the two people who went to the Entertainment Club with Alan?

I hesitated.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Leonard. "Nancy, are you back from your dad's place?"

I replied, "Yeah, I just got back. I'm on the road now, planning to head to the court."

Leonard knew about my visit to my dad. He also said that since we had a lead, there was no rush to find Joseph. We needed to be patient and make sure my dad didn't get suspicious.

"Don't go there, you won't be able to meet him," Leonard said.

I was confused. "Why?"

"Joseph's been taken in for investigation. They say it's for lifestyle issues. He probably won't be out today," Leonard's voice sounded a bit off.

"Lifestyle issues?" I repeated, thinking of Joseph as a pretty straightforward guy. Even when we met that night, despite him putting on some weight in middle age, he didn't seem like someone with lifestyle issues.

Plus, he was just a forensic doctor, not some big shot. Why would they target him?

Leonard was vague, not giving specifics, just telling me to ask the folks at Silverlight City Legal Journal. And Howard probably knew about it already.

I was puzzled and dialed Howard's number. "Howard, are you busy?"

"I'm listening to some juicy gossip! The court's got some real characters. I didn't expect this, someone so young already making waves," Howard said eagerly.

I was speechless for a moment. Leonard was right-my boss might be mediocre in the news business, but when it came to gossip in Silverlight City, he was always in the know.

I asked, "Joseph?"

Howard replied, "Nancy, you into gossip now? No, you don't seem the type. What's up, how do you know about Joseph?"

Howard got serious, "Could he be connected to that case too?"

I said, "Tell me about the lifestyle issue first."

"Oh, that," Howard teased, "First time in Silverlight City, a male forensic doctor having a sexual relationship with a certain leader. The video got posted online, and it was wild!"

"Focus," I reminded.

"That leader is also a man," Howard replied.