| C H A P T E R - 10 |

ANASTASIA:I entered David's office, finding his workspace just as cluttered as mine, filled with case files and evidence. He was engrossed in a file when I entered, reading intently, totally lost in it. But upon hearing my footsteps, he swivelled his chair around. His eyes lit up with surprise and a gentle smile on his lips. "A! What a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?"My memories of him from my last visit to this town were vivid – brown eyes, detective glasses, a chiselled jaw, a sturdy build, and a charming smile. I returned his smile. "I've been missing my best friend," I replied.He was dressed in a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and khaki pants, a gun holstered at his waist.David let out a half-mumbled laugh. "Ah, thank God, finally you missed me. I thought you never would!"Frowning in fake offence, I threw, "I see, you've underestimated me then."He casually rolled his eyes as I took a seat opposite him. Finally nodding to my sarcasm, he asked, "So, what are you really here for?"I took a deep breath. "I think I've got a serious problem, Dave," I responded."What problem?""I've got a stalker!"His brows frowned as his voice became more somber. "A... you might be overthinking this," he suggested."Someone sent me that video intentionally last night, and it feels like a warning. Although I'm not exactly sure what it's a warning about," I retorted. I sighed. I was literally frustrated from all this by now. "Also, I told you how I saw someone standing right before my balcony every night. Do you think it's all a coincidence?""You could have jet lag! Hallucinating could be possible when your mind is tired or...""After almost five days?" I retorted in disbelief.He took a long breath, finally giving up before he continued, "Look, I checked the number the video came from; it was a random news telecast. Some local news companies sent you the video knowing you were in that car. They know you're CEO James' daughter. They just want to add some more spice to it. Lucky for you, I got it all covered."I rolled my eyes in frustration. "And what about Ben's car? Why would someone burn it down?"David sighed, trying to explain. "Well, for starters, it was an accident, A. Ben's report says he was drunk that night. Fortunately, you weren't with him during the accident." His brows frowned. "But right after he dropped you off at your house, he went to a gas station. Being intoxicated, he forgot to close the oil tank lid. The oil spilt the whole way. He was smoking a cigarette throughout the ride, and when he got home, he tossed it near the car. That's what caused the accident."It was a lame story. Yet a brilliant one built by the manipulator.David, while a brilliant investigator, always assumed my interest in cases was solely because I enjoyed reading thrillers and mysteries. In reality, my passion ran deeper; I wanted to uncover the truths, not just for some obsession with books, but something deep, something to seek justice. Something to dig into the past."This is too much to be coincidental, Dave."David raised an eyebrow. "What are you suggesting?"I took a deep breath before continuing, "Well, all I'm saying is that this mystery guy who's been stalking me is something we should dig into," I said, my voice carrying a sense of urgency. "And it's not the first time I've felt like this. It all started six months ago in New York, after the Gala at Brown's." I said. "I'm sure of it. Something's not right, and I can't shake this feeling.""Six months?" He frowned.I nodded my head as I finally gave him all the details.He finally relented, sighing. "Fine, if you're so sure about it, I'll look into it.""Thanks," I said, a sense of relief washing over me. Maybe now, the cat-and-mouse game will finally stop. Dismissing the topic from my head, I focused on another one. "Also, I found some interesting information from last week at college."Dave leaned closer, his interest piqued. "What is it?""Have you heard about Alessandro Russo?" I asked.He nodded, recalling the name. "I've heard of him, yes. He's made quite a name for himself. I think he's associated with...""The Alpha Group," I finished his sentence. "The name did ring a bell in my head, but it took me a few days to find out who he was."Dave waited for me to continue, his curiosity growing.I smirked, "Well, his cousin is a student at Preston, and guess what?" I paused for dramatic effect.Dave's brows furrowed as he waited for me to spill the beans. "What?"I leaned in closer, whispering, "He's a hotshot bully of Preston. And he hides behind the Russo name tag with all this. He's managed to amass a following of students who find amusement in the suffering of others. He's successfully become a source of fear among the students. And I watched myself how cruel he is, and the fact that this was going on for more than we can think of, made me think that..."Dave's eyes widened in realization. "Wait, are you suggesting that Olivia's...?""Death might not have been an accident or a suicide," I finished his thought. "There's a possibility that she...""Was bullied before death," he completed my sentence, the weight of the revelation sinking in.I nodded, my expression serious. I proceeded to explain every detail of what had transpired at Preston, and Dave listened attentively, absorbing the information. "So maybe besides this mystery Devil guy, Oliver could be a suspect.""You are right," he nodded. "I haven't thought about this side of the fact. Why would a young girl like Olivia commit suicide all of a sudden?" David's face became stoic with each realizing thought. "Maybe she was forced to do so or..." His voice trailed off.He leaned back in his giant chair, continuing to ponder. "That means we have to keep an eye on him from now on," Dave concluded. "If Oliver really had a hand in this, we would need proof.""I can do that," I quickly said. The fact that Oliver and his team were making people suffer in that place, using the name of his uncle, was alone enough to boil my blood. No matter what, I won't let them suffer any more.Dave looked at me with a hint of worry. "Just be careful, A. If Oliver really has a hand in Olivia's death and has the backing of Russo, he could be dangerous.""I know," I replied. Determination rushed over me. Despite knowing the danger, I refuse to back down now. "But I will not give up, Dave," I said. "I will find out the truth."After a sigh, David continued, "Many bullying reports indeed have been filed against Preston, that I have come across on this day," he explained. "But none of them were addressed because maybe nobody dares to stand against Russo. He ensures they're silenced before they can speak.""But he can't silence me," I replied, my anger evident. "I never imagined a prestigious university like Preston would harbour such bullies. It's terrible. I'll speak to Dad if necessary, but I won't let this go."Looking up, David's eyes met mine. Worries were written all over them. "It's just your first week in college, A.""Doesn't matter, Dave. It may be my first week. But it could be someone's first month, first year, or maybe decades, Dave. I cannot let this go," I replied. "I watched how terrified those students were and how confident Oliver was knowing nobody could harm him. But I will make sure he gets the punishment for his deeds.""But what about your dad?" David asked. "Would he be okay with you going in with all this dirty work?"I shrugged. "I know he won't. But that doesn't mean I will not try," I said. I know what getting bullied feels like, and I can't forget what it did to my childhood. I can't let it happen to others as I watch it. Tears welled up in my eyes for some reason, and I tried to blink them away. "If Olivia really is dead because of Oliver, he will get punishment, Dave."Finally understanding my determination, David nodded and said, "Alright, I'll do what I can to protect you. Just promise me you'll be cautious, okay?"I nodded in agreement. But silently, I vowed to expose Oliver's true nature to the world. Whatever it takes. I would seek justice for Olivia and all those who had suffered at the hands of his despicable bullying.David changed the topic, asking, "Have you finished reading the files I gave you last week?"There were a few top-class classified cases he was co-handling apart from Olivia's in this town."Yes. But no potential leads that could lead us to the Devil. He is an intelligent.""That fast? You should be in the police department, A."I chuckled at his comment. "Well, that's thankfully your job. I'm here to ask for an update about those two individuals I asked you about.""Diana Moretti and San Dios?"I nodded."Diana and San were sentenced to twelve years in jail for a major theft in Medford back in 2009. They attempted to flee but were apprehended after a year with the assistance of your mother, Emma Brown, as per the record. And soon after, they were transferred to Harrington Jail," he explained. "About six months ago, they were released.""Did you manage to find out where they are now?"He shook his head. "No, they've sold off their house and relocated." My heart sank at the information. Taking a deep breath and with determination in his eyes, David reassured me, "Don't worry, I will find them, A."****Taking a promise from him about the case, we bid each other farewell, and I approached my car. It started raining heavily all of a sudden, and I hadn't even brought my umbrella today. So, David came out, with his, to help me reach my car. That's when something caught my eye. An elderly woman, drenched in rainwater, came rushing toward David, catching both of us off guard.The old lady seemed shaken, distressed and tormented."Please... You need to help me!" she pleaded with David, her breath unsteady. Her clothes looked ragged, and her tears mixed with the rainwater and dirt."Uh- Yes, ma'am, I will," he assured as he tried to console her. "But please, tell me what happened?""My... My daughter..." She sobbed. "She's missing!"****David offered her a glass of water, which she didn't even touch. She appeared deeply disturbed, resembling a mother desperately seeking help. Something told me that a terrible incident had occurred in the town again, and I couldn't just leave yet."Don't worry, ma'am," David reassured her, settling into his chair. I sat opposite him, the woman by my side. "Can you please tell us what exactly happened?"Finally managing through her hiccups and cries, she began, "She... she's a senior at Preston. She worked hard to get in there through a scholarship." Tears began to flow from her eyes. "My baby, she was so-so happy..." She said, then looking up, meeting David's eyes she said, "But after a few weeks, I started noticing changes in her behavior.""What changes?" I inquired with a little frown."She... she stopped laughing altogether. She became utterly quiet, and then...""And then?" David prompted."And then, I began to notice a few marks on her body," she said, her voice trembling. "When I asked what happened to her, she ignored me, saying it was nothing. But... But I think she was lying. Trying to hide something." She said. "One night, I decided to check on her and found out that the marks are no ordinary but the bruises of being beaten."My brows furrowed in concern. It was such an alarming situation. And even in this situation, the first name that struck my mind was Oliver."Then, yesterday night she did not even come for dinner. Despite being called when we didn't get any response from her room, we went to check and found it empty." The woman broke into tears. "We thought, maybe she went with some friends, but when today, in the morning, she still didn't return, I went to her college, to ask for help.""What did they say?" I inquired.Meeting my gaze, she replied, "Nothing." David and I both were pretty shocked by her response. "They said that Miley had not attended her classes for a month!"I took a deep breath. It wasn't hard to understand that possibly Oliver and his minions had a hand in this. But my hands were tied. Without any valid proof, no matter how much I wanted him behind bars, it was a useless thought."Please..." she pleaded again, tears streaming down her face. "Please find her. She's been missing for two days now!"David sighed, his face filled with empathy. "I'll do my best, ma'am. But you need to tell me everything from the beginning!"****David agreed to let me accompany him on this case. We visited the lady's house. They were not rich like other Preston peers, living in a single room that barely accommodated the four of them: Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and their two daughters, Miley and Sofia. Miley had been missing for two days now, and there seemed to be some connection to Preston and possibly Oliver.As he spoke with each family member, it became clear that Mr. and Mrs. Smith knew little about their daughter's sudden disappearance. However, their younger child, Sofia, struck me as different. She seemed a bit reserved but observant, so I decided to talk to her separately while David took a look at the house."Hi," I began as I crouched down to her level. Sofia was in preschool, with fair skin, rosy cheeks, and innocent eyes."Hi," she replied."Are you close to your sister?" I asked.She looked at me with her doe eyes, and after a moment's pause, she nodded."Do you know if she was sad, crying, or unhappy when she was here?"Sofia looked at her parents who were engrossed in conversation with David. Then, she nodded again."Do you think she was unhappy here?"This time, she nodded no."Was she unhappy outside the house?"Once more, she nodded. There was a flicker of fear in her eyes, and she glanced towards her parents' direction. Finally, she turned back to me."She..." Sofia began, her voice barely above a whisper. "She was scared after coming back from college."I furrowed my brow. "Do you know why she was scared?""Because... Because she said she doesn't like the college anymore." She sobbed."Hey hey, shhh, don't cry Sofia, I am sure your sister is somewhere safe.""Will she come back home?" little Sofia asked in between her hiccups.I didn't know what to answer. "For that you have to help me okay?" She nods looking at me. "Did she tell you any reason why she was scared?"She nodded, a small shake of her head. I sighed. By this point, I was one hundred per cent sure that Miley was somehow a victim of those bullies too, and to prove that, I would need help."Thank you very much, Mr. and Mrs. Riley. I will ensure that my team diligently starts working on finding Miley. Any leads will be updated for you too," David's voice reached my ears. I looked at him as he wrapped up.I sighed and was about to get up when Sofia held my hand. I looked at her, hoping she had something more to say."Will you bring back my sister?" she asked."We will try," was the only hope I could give her.She hugged her teddy bear tightly as she said, "If you find her, please tell her that when I grow up, I will beat those people who hurt my sister."My brows raised in confusion. "Do you know if someone had hurt her?""Yes. She said there were students in her school who hurt her because she's poor.""And how do you come to know that?" I asked. By this time, David, Mr. and Mrs. Smith's attention was on us.Sofia glanced down, her young mind processing something, and then she hurried into her room. I let out a sigh. Interrogating a child was never easy, but the evidence pointed to the fact that Miley was very close to her sister. Perhaps, Sofia held some information that could help us.After a while, Sofia returned with a small diary clutched in her tiny hand. She extended the diary towards me and said, "She wrote here why she's sad. Because her best friend Olivia wasn't talking to her."Olivia?Sofia continued, "I can't read yet, so she told me to keep the diary and never show it to Mom and Dad because if I do, Mom and Dad will become sad when they read it.""Oh, my sweetie," Mrs. Smith embraced little Sofia. The mother's tender gesture toward her young daughter reminded me of my own mother.FLASHBACK:"Mommy, mommy... look..." I called out as I ran toward my mother, clutching a flower in my small hand. We were in our vast garden, surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery. My mother looked incredibly beautiful, and I couldn't resist giving her a gift of freshly picked flowers.But as I ran to her with all the enthusiasm a child could muster, my foot caught on a hidden rock, and I tumbled to the ground. Pain shot through my knee, and I began to cry.My mother rushed to my side, her loving face full of concern. "Shhh... baby, my little dove, it's nothing. I am here with you, and I will keep you safe," she comforted me as she gently caressed my wounded knee, her soothing words calming my distress."Do you think she might have written something about her problems in there?" Mrs. Smith asked David."I'm not sure, ma'am, but it's worth looking into," David replied, his investigative instincts kicking in.—X—