Novel Xoo
Chapter 498
Josiah let out a sigh of relief under his breath when he heard the news. He had never met Tarquin before, but he knew of him by reputation. If the victim turned out to be one of Tarquin's doing, things could get extremely sticky. He might even have to throw himself into the mix! Dealing with high- profile figures was always a tricky business, best avoided if possible. But now, with the situation literally landing on his doorstep, Josiah had no choice but to face it head-on.
Thankfully, Tarquin's words served as a much-needed reassurance. If the man wasn't killed by Tarquin, that simplified matters. All he needed to do was quickly investigate, find the evidence, and clear Tarquin's name.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Josiah muttered a silent prayer of thanks and ventured, "Maybe tonight you could..."
"No need for any special treatment. I'll stay put right here."
Tarquin's understanding almost moved Josiah to tears! Procedurally, Tarquin was a suspect and should be held at the precinct for a certain period. But with his status, if he insisted on leaving, Josiah knew he wouldn't be able to stop him. And if Tarquin did leave, and word got out, Josiah would be the one facing the backlash.
Touched by Tarquin's cooperation, Josiah promised, "Rest assured, I'll clear this up as quickly as possible so you can return home!"novelbin
No sooner had Josiah finished speaking than Lowell rushed in, looking harried. Josiah, sensing an opportunity for them to talk privately, excused himself. Lowell had been working late at the office when he got the call about Tarquin being implicated in a homicide case. He came as quickly as he could.
"Tarquin, I've managed to dig up the details on that decoy. His name is Gregory, 28, born right here in Jindale City, but he moved abroad with his parents when he was young. His relatives still think he's living overseas. I've looked into his social and family circles, but nothing stood out. It's baffling why he'd be chosen as the decoy. Here's his file for you to review."
Lowell's efficiency was top-notch, unearthing everything there was to know about Gregory. Tarquin skimmed through the thick stack of documents without much interest. The mastermind behind this was clever, picking someone without any apparent connection to himself. It would be unusual to trace anything back to him from Gregory.
But still... Since Gregory had no ties to him, the mention of a long-standing acquaintance must refer to the mastermind himself. And this mastermind had a distinctive heart-shaped mole on his chest... For the life of him, Tarquin couldn't recall who it might be.
"Look into people with a heart-shaped mole on their chest, but keep it low-key. Start with those I've had dealings with in the past. Let me know immediately if you find anything."
"Right. And there's something else. Someone's trying to pin the murder on you tonight. Looks like they're trying to ensure the accusation sticks." Tarquin's lips thinned, a flash of disdain in his eyes.
Outside the interrogation room, Josiah was immediately surrounded by a group of curious officers. "Josiah, who is he, really? You even offered up your prized tea for him."
Standing in front of the window, looking at Tarquin, Josiah was filled with admiration. "He's truly an influential figure! Despite his status, he doesn't act entitled or demand special treatment. He's in a league of his own compared to those spoiled rich kids! I'll take the lead on this case. Keep me updated so we can get this resolved and send this significant figure on his way!"
Just as Josiah finished speaking, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and quickly answered. The caller's words took Josiah by surprise, "Find a way to keep Mr. Bradford from leaving?"
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