Chapter 36
Richard shouted desperately. “Where’s Claire? Why isn’t Claire here?”
I yearned to embrace him and tell him that I was dead and that even my charred remains had been consumed by fire. Nothing was left.
“Keep your cool, mate. Maybe Claire’s just not here, yeah?
Ronald’s attempt to soothe Richard only fueled his agitation: “So, Kate lied to save her life?*%
Ronald nodded. “It’s a strong possibility!”
Richard refused to believe it since he had harbored thoughts of killing Kate. She wouldn’t dare lie in such a situation.
His gaze swept over the low table around him, finally resting on my bracelet.
With an excitement akin to discovering a new world, he dashed over, his rain–soaked hands trembling as he clutched my bracelet. “Claire’s bracelet. Mr. Collins, Claire was here. This bracelet is from her parents, her most prized possession. She’d never take it off. Something must’ve happened to Claire.”
Ronald immediately ordered the cabin to be cordoned off with police tape. Remembering the other charred cabin and its hidden cellar, he commanded, “Check for any cellars hiding something”
After issuing the orders, he handcuffed Richard, “I will help you find Claire, but you need to tell me where Kate is now!
Richard slumped against the wall, his gaze fixed on my bracelet, before letting out a bitter laugh. “I won’t say anything until you find Claire. After all, I’ve got nothing left to lose, just my life.”
Ronald seemed troubled. He had to find Kate and Claire.l
“Don’t worry. I won’t let Kate die. I’ll ensure she gets water and food. I’ll tell you where Kate is when you find Claire!”
Richard was taking on the cops for my sake, and in that moment, I hated myself for messing him up.”
“Take him away” When Ronald ordered to take Richard away, a thunderous rumble echoed.
“Oh no. we’ve got mudslides and falling rocks.”
Close to the slope, the heavy rain made mudslides and rockfalls frequent, yet it was strange how Scar Man and his crew had never encountered thern before.
I watched as Ronald dragged Richard out of the cabin, who clutched my bracelet tightly while fleeing for his life.
Once they reached a safe distance, catching his breath, Ronald pressed Richard, Tell me where Kate is, okay? Through her we can lear more about Claire, right?”
Richard asked, “Mr. Collins, can you find Claire? Then, can you cancel the warrant for her? A girl’s reputation is important.”
Even then, Richard was concerned about my reputation.}
“Okay,” Ronald answered solemnly.
Richard looked back at the cabin. “Claire’s not in there, right?”
Ronald was sure. “No, we checked. There’s no cellar nearby.”
As the rain slowly eased, they descended the mountain and headed to an abandoned factory on the outskirts of town. However, they found only bloodstains but no sign of Kate.
“Where is she?” Upon seeing the blood, Ronald Immediately started an inspection but found nothing.ll
Richard was stunned, unable to reach the person he had tasked with bringing Kate food and water. “When I left, she was still here!” Puzzled yet believing. Ronald decided, “We’ll have to head back to the police station for further investigation.”
Chapter:17
