Chapter Eighteen

Sheriff Gallagher arrives at the Sloane estate, determined to investigate Jasher's alibi. Afterall, the last conversation he had with Lizzie was about jasher. He's met at the door by Mr. Sloane himself.

"Sheriff, what brings you here?" Sloane asks, his tone cordial but guarded.

"I'm investigating Lizzie's murder," Gallagher explains. "I understand Jasher was at the hospital the night we found the second body."

Sloane nods. "Yes, our family dog, Max, bit him. He required stitches."

Gallagher's eyes narrow. "Convenient timing, don't you think?"

Sloane's expression remains neutral. "Coincidence, Sheriff. Jasher's devastated by Lizzie's passing."

Gallagher presses on. "I'd like to speak with Jasher."

Reginald hesitates.

"I'll check if he's available."

Gallagher waits, observing the opulent foyer. Sloane returns with Jasher, his hand bandaged.

"Jasher, Sheriff Gallagher has some questions," Sloane says.

Jasher nods, his eyes wary. "Sheriff?"

"What happened last night?" Gallagher asks.

Jasher recounts the dog bite incident. Gallagher listens intently.

"Did you see or hear anything suspicious around Lizzie's house?"

Jasher shakes his head. "No, Sheriff. I was studying at the local library."

“What time did you leave?”

“I…I can't remember. I wasn't time conscious but i came home immediately after that. That was when Dior bit me. He must've taught i was a thief or something.”

“I see. “ Gallagher thanks Jasher and Sloane. As he leaves, Gallagher can't shake the feeling that Jasher's hiding something. The dog bite felt too convenient.

He makes a mental note to investigate Jasher's alibi further.

Meanwhile, Sloane looks at his son for a long time. He grabs his chin, brows furrowed.

“Whatever's going on, just make sure it doesn't interfere with my campaign or i will end you.”

Jasher watches him go inside with a smirk. Luckily, he had anticipated the sheriff's visit and had carefully planned everything the night of lizzie's murder.

His eyes become hazy with ecstasy as his mind goes back to that night.

Jasher pulls into the Sloane estate's driveway on his bike, his heart still racing from the adrenaline-fueled encounter with Lizzie. He parks his car in the garage, careful to avoid any surveillance cameras.

As he drops down, killing the engine, the cool night air envelops him, but his mind remains heated. He can't shake the image of Lizzie's lifeless body.

Jasher enters the mansion through the side door, avoiding the main foyer. He moves swiftly, his footsteps quiet on the marble floor as he heads up to his room to drop his backpack.

After that, he approaches the door to the backyard, where his family's German Shepherd, Dior, awaits.

Jasher's eyes scan the area, ensuring no one watches.

“Dior!" Jasher calls out, his voice low and urgent.

The dog's ears perk up as Jasher approaches. Dior's tail wags, sensing his master's tension. Jasher's hands tremble slightly as he removes a handful of treats from his pocket.

The scratch on his hand throbs, a constant reminder of Lizzie's final struggle. With calculated precision, Jasher offers Dior the treats.

The dog's eyes lock onto the offering, and Jasher carefully positions his scratched hand near Dior’s jaws.

"Take it, boy," Jasher whispers, his voice steady.

Dior’s teeth sink into Jasher's hand, precisely on the scratched area. Jasher winces, his face contorting in pain.

"Ahhh!" Jasher shouts, his voice echoing through the yard.

Dior releases his grip, startled by Jasher's outburst. Jasher's father, rushes out of the house.

"Jasher! What happened?" The grumpy man exclaims.

Jasher clutches his hand, wincing in pain. Stammering, he mutters, “Max bit me.”

His dad’s expression turns stern.

"Get him to the hospital, now!" Sloane orders to his chaffeur.

The scrawny man rushes to the boy's aid, helping Jasher into the car. As they speed away from Sloane’s prying eyes, Jasher leans back on the seat, his grimace turning into a spine chilling grin.

He had just provided the perfect alibi.

At the hospital, Jasher is rushed into the emergency room, doctors swarm around him, attending to his wounded hand.

"What happened?" the doctor asks.

"Dior, our German Shepherd, bit me. It hurts so much, " Jasher explains.

The doctor nods. "We'll need to clean and stitch the wound."

Jasher nods, wincing in pain.

As the medical staff works on his hand, Jasher's thoughts drift back to Lizzie. He can't shake the feeling that someone will discover his secret. Perhaps that Billie girl.

But for now, his alibi seems solid and his dad’s influence should protect him. Although he still had work to do.