Chapter 26 Investigation

Mrs. White also heard the commotion. "What happened to the photos? Which club is Alyssa dancing at?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern.

"Strip club," the deputy team leader said firmly. He suspected that Alyssa's disappearance might be related to her job, and this unspoken truth had to be confronted.

"What? How did Alyssa end up in there?" Mrs. White cried, her voice breaking. "My poor daughter... what happened? Did that club force her to dance?"

Luke interjected, "Why do you think that? Did she ever mention anything about it?"

"No, but I can't believe my daughter would do something like that. I'm a teacher; I didn't raise her that way..."

Luke turned to Mr. White, "Where did you put those pictures?"

"I burned them all. I couldn't bear the thought of anyone seeing them."

"Have you talked to Alyssa about it?"

"I tried, but the conversation didn't go well. I got too emotional, and Alyssa didn't want to discuss it. We ended up arguing and drifting apart. I want to help her, but I don't know how."

"Do you have any idea who might have put those photos at your door?"

Mr. White shook his head, "No, I can't think of anyone who would do such a terrible thing."

"Do you still have the bag the photos came in?"

"I burned that too."

Luke felt a pang of disappointment. The photos and the bag could have been crucial evidence, potentially leading to a breakthrough in the case. But with them destroyed, a vital clue was lost.

Luke escorted the Whites out of the office, promising to keep them updated on any news about Alyssa.

After they left, the deputy turned to Luke, "What do you think about the person who sent those photos?"

Luke pondered for a moment. "This person isn't just a bystander. Even if they're not the main suspect, they likely have a connection to the case."

"Exactly. We need to check the club again. If someone took photos of her dancing, they must have been there and might have had a conflict with Alyssa."

"I'll head over there soon. I'll clean up during the day and make an official report," Luke replied. He looked at David. "David, you're not going to back out this time, are you?"

David stood up, grabbing the car keys from the table. "What are we waiting for?"

Marcus glanced between Luke and David. "If you need, I can join you."

"No, I don't need your help," David said bluntly. He tossed the keys to Luke. "You drive. You know the way."

Half an hour later, they arrived at the Ball Club. Unlike the bustling nightlife, it was quiet and almost deserted now. Luke knocked on the door.

A large man peered out. "We're not open yet. Come back tonight."

Luke flashed his badge. "I'm Detective Luke. We're here to see Paul."

The man hesitated. "What's this about?"

"Do you really want to know?" Luke raised an eyebrow.

The man started to close the door, but Luke held it open. "We'll wait inside."

The man reluctantly allowed them in. The club was empty and eerily silent. Luke pulled up a chair and sat down. "We should have come at night."

Luke's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and saw Daisy's number. He hesitated before answering. "Hello."

"Luke, are you free tonight? Let's grab a drink."

"Sorry, I'm busy tonight. Maybe another time."

"Okay, another day then."

Luke hung up. David grinned. "That Daisy again?"

Luke nodded.

"Aren't you interested in her? Why not go? Don't tell me you have to work overtime."

"I can't say for sure. Let's just leave it for now." Luke liked Daisy, but he wasn't sure of her intentions. If she was interested in him, he'd be happy to go for a drink. But if it was just out of gratitude or related to a case, he wasn't interested. However, her invitation was a positive sign, and even if things weren't clear now, it gave him a reason to invite her next time.

"Well, well, if it isn't Officer Luke! Didn't expect to see you again so soon," Paul said, sauntering out from the back.

"Hey Paul, this is Inspector David. We need to ask you a few more questions."

"Officer Luke, I told you everything I knew last night. Do I need to repeat it?"

Luke gestured for Paul to sit. "Last night, we were just getting the initial information. We now believe something bad happened to Alyssa, so we need more detailed answers."

"You mean, Alyssa was really kidnapped?"

"It's possible."

"That means she didn't send that resignation text on Saturday."

"Probably."

Paul sat down. "That's terrible. She was a good person. If she didn't send that text, she's still my employee, and I'm responsible for her. Ask away."

Luke turned on his recorder. "How long had Alyssa been working here?"

"Four months."

"You remember that well?"

"I checked her file after you guys left last night."

"I'll need to take her file with me."

"Do I have a choice?"

"No."

Paul shrugged. "Then there's nothing else to say."

"How did Alyssa apply here?"

"We have three recruitment methods: through acquaintances, ads at the club, and our website. She applied online. I thought she seemed fine, so I interviewed her. She was great, and many clients liked her."

"Why did she apply for this job?"

"I didn't ask, but it's usually for the money. People don't dance in clubs like this for fun—except for me, of course," Paul said with a grin.

Luke sighed. "Did Alyssa have any trouble here?"

"We have security to handle any issues."

"Was there any client who was particularly obsessed with her?"

"Is that relevant? You guys are really overstepping." Paul was evasive, protecting his customers.

"During our investigation, we found someone took photos of Alyssa dancing and sent them to her father. Is that allowed here?"

"No, we protect our dancers' privacy. Photography is not permitted."

"Well, someone broke your rules. This could be linked to Alyssa's disappearance. Do you think this is a minor issue? What if other dancers' fathers received similar photos?"