AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jen seems too anxious and on the edge of her seat, so I tell her, "Don't worry, Jen. I may not seem like much, but I have handled matters worse than this. I'll get your son back to you safe and sound. I promise."
Usually, people in my profession try not to make such promises. It saves them a lot of trouble, but, seeing Jen's tired and worn appearance, I can't help it. I want her to be able to breathe for a while.
Jen's misty sea-green gaze meets mine with a slight smile that says, "Thanks, Ryan."
I feel my breath catch, so I cough, turning away, "I'll be back soon."
The kindergarten has the records, so I share them with Gray to handle as I take Gwen and Jen to a booked suite in the Lalazia Hotel.
Gwen turns her confused gaze to me, "What are we doing here?"
Closing the door, I lock it, "The mansion is too far. You guys wouldn't want to be too far to reach here if you got any news. I booked the top suite here. Your car's here as well, Gwen."
"What about fresh clothes?"
Noticing Jen deep in thought, I touch her lower back, trying to guide her safely, "They have everything up there. Let's go."
I don't expect her to lean back on me, letting my arm wrap around her thin frame. Gwen notices but doesn't say anything as she heads in first, and we follow her leisurely.
Getting the keys from the reception, Gwen gets ahead and steps into the elevator, leaving us behind and alone.
Taking the next lift, Jen shakes her head, sighing, "She doesn't miss a chance even in these situations."
I can't help tensing, thinking she doesn't like being left with me, when she tugs my arm around her shoulders and leans more into me, "I'm sorry about this morning."
I turn to her in question, "Sorry about what?"
"About not listening to you. Making a fool of you. And ditching you."
Remembering this morning, I rub her shoulders in comfort, "It's fine. Even though I did feel like a fool, Gwen thoroughly enjoyed it."
Jen's smile widens, "She does get great enjoyment out of your misery."
Suddenly feeling down again, Jen quietens. The elevator ride takes longer than it should. I glance at the numbers and realize I forgot to push a button, "Damn. Forgot to press a button."
Hearing her sniff again, I turn to find her trying to stop herself from crying again. Feeling a pang, I can't help but press the emergency button.
Wrapping one arm around her upper back and another around her waist, I let her lean on me wholly, "Don't hold back, Jen. Just cry it out."
Jen hesitates for a while before completely breaking down. She squeezes her face into my chest, and her fingers grip my sweater. She holds no reserves; it is the first time she's completely let herself go. But it is better than her panic attacks, having had such a burden for a long time. Having to go through challenging situations alone, she probably never lets herself take a break.
We stand in the elevator for more than ten minutes until she is ultimately out of tears. She heaves as if she wants to cry more, but the tears disappear. I raise a hand to caress her face, attracting her attention, "It's fine. Whenever you feel like crying, you can come to me. I'll let you cry as much as you want."
I can't help leaning in to kiss her forehead, her shoulders shrunk, and her eyes squeezed shut.
Turning off the emergency mode, we let the elevator ride continue to the top floor, and just as we reached, Gwen greeted us sarcastically, "You guys took a long time. Even the room delivery guy arrived faster than you. We haven't eaten all day. Fill up. I already ate, so I'm going to go to sleep. Don't stay up too late. Both of you."
I can't help commenting, "She never lets a chance go, huh?"
Amused, Jen turns her gaze to mine. I would lean forward and kiss her if possible, but I don't want to exploit her vulnerability. So instead, I invite her, "Dinner?"
But Jen shakes her head, "I'm not hungry. I think I'll go get some sleep as well."
I can understand why she doesn't have an appetite after this whole roller coaster of a day, so I let her go.
Sitting alone on the kitchen island, I turn on my laptop and review today's reports. The autopsy report for Charles suggests that his time of death was between 8:15am to 8:30am, right around when Jen arrived at his villa. The cameras had been turned off for a reason, but the forensic team found they were active until 7:30. This could mean that either Charles or the culprit had turned them off. We could use this fact to prove that Jen wasn't the one who had turned off the cameras, but we still have to prove that she is innocent. Another point could have been that she couldn't carry his weight, but I had witnessed her throw a heavy fat guy over her shoulder. What about the motive? I don't know of any, but the opposite party could always devise a reason. I need to discuss this in-depth with Jen and Mike, so I emailed Mike asking him to meet for a discussion.
Glancing at the clock at midnight, I call Gray for an update, "Anything new at the surveillance points?"
