"Chief! Someone's looking for you," said a police officer who had just entered the chief's office.
The chief looked up from the papers he was reading, his brows knitting in curiosity.
"A young man—his name's James. He says you know him," the officer added.
"Let him in," the chief replied at once. The moment he heard the name, he set aside the documents and waited for his visitor.
A few moments later, a young man stepped inside. "I'm sorry for coming unannounced," James said politely.
"No, it's all right. Please, have a seat," the chief said, gesturing toward the empty chair across his desk.
James nodded and sat down. Since he and his siblings had returned to the city, he had kept in touch with his father's former partner—a man who was now the Chief of Police. Back then, this man had been a sergeant and one of his father's most trusted allies. Even after James and his siblings were taken to the province by their aunt and uncle, he continued to communicate with him. They shared a common goal: to seek justice for the murder of James's parents.
Together with the police, James had been helping gather evidence against the senator they believed responsible—not only for his parents' deaths, but also for countless others.
"I've spoken with a lawyer about reopening your parents' case," the chief began. "But he said that if we want to build a strong case, we'll need more solid evidence—and a witness."
"That's the hard part," James replied grimly. "The senator himself has been hiding the evidence."
"You're right," the chief said, leaning back in his chair. "But if we could convince Dranred to—"
"He won't testify against his grandfather," James interrupted. "You saw what happened before. He denied everything. What makes you think he'll speak up now? Of course he'll protect his grandfather."
The chief sighed. "Are you still angry with him?" he asked quietly. He knew well the bond the two young men once shared. It was a shame, he thought, that their friendship had come to this—all because of one tragic event.
"It's impossible to bring back what we once had," James said quietly, his voice steady but tinged with regret. "Let's just find another witness—or some other evidence."
"Don't worry," the chief replied, his tone calm and reassuring. "That's exactly what I'm working on. Once we have solid evidence, we can reopen your parents' case."
"Thank you so much for everything, sir," James said sincerely.
"Come on, you don't have to thank me," the chief said with a faint smile. "You and your siblings aren't strangers to me. Your father—Lieutenant Ramirez—was like family. This is the least I can do for him."
James managed a small smile, though the heaviness in his chest remained. He was deeply grateful that his father had once had a friend like this—a man who, even after all these years, still stood by their family and continued the fight for justice.
"Wait a minute, Rosette," Estelle said, stopping abruptly as they stepped out of the hospital doors.
That day, Estelle had gone with her sister for another checkup. The doctor who had been helping with Rosette's eye treatment needed to run more tests in preparation for the upcoming surgery. Since it had been years since Rosette's last examination, everyone was being extra careful—especially Bryan, who insisted that everything about her operation be perfect.
"What's wrong?" Rosette asked. "Did you forget something?"
"Yes," Estelle replied. "Can we go back inside for a moment?"
"I'll wait here instead," Rosette said.
"What? No, it's too crowded out here."
"Not right at the door, of course," she said with a faint smile. "I'll wait by the side. I get dizzy inside."
"You could visit the kids in music therapy," Estelle suggested. "I know you enjoy talking to them."
"The smell of the medicines is too strong. I'll just stay here," Rosette answered softly.
Estelle looked at her sister, still uneasy about leaving her alone. She knew how anxious Rosette became whenever strangers got too close.
"I'll be fine," Rosette assured her. "You won't be long, right?"
"No, I just need to tell Bryan something," Estelle said.
"Go ahead, then. I'll behave," Rosette teased lightly.
"Okay." Estelle led her sister to a quiet spot near the door, where she could still see her easily. "Don't go anywhere, all right?"
"I won't." Rosette smiled.
"I'll be right back," Estelle said before hurrying inside.
For a while, Rosette waited patiently. Then she heard faint footsteps approaching from behind.
"Estelle?" she called out uncertainly, her brow furrowing as the sound drew closer.
"Miss Rosette."
A deep, baritone voice broke the quiet. Rosette frowned. She didn't recognize it. Her grip on her mobility cane tightened.
Then she felt a hand touch her arm. Startled, she flinched and pulled away.
"Sorry," the man said quickly, his tone softening. "Did I scare you?"
"Who are you?" she asked, tense. "What do you want? How do you know me?"
"Don't be afraid," he said gently. "I'm a friend. Dranred sent me — he asked me to pick you up."
"Red?" Rosette asked, surprised.
"Yes."
"Why didn't he call me himself? Why didn't he just come?"
"He's busy preparing for the game," the man explained smoothly. "He couldn't make it, so he sent me instead."
"I see… and what for?"
"He has something important to tell you — about your eye operation. I'll take you to him."
Rosette hesitated. "Can we wait for Estelle? She'll worry if I suddenly disappear."
"I don't think that's a good idea," the man replied after a pause. "You know how things are between Dranred and your sister. She'd never let you come with me if she knew he sent for you."
Rosette fell silent, considering his words. He was right. Estelle was still angry at Dranred. If she knew he wanted to see her, she'd never agree.
"All right," Rosette said softly. "We won't take long, will we? James and Estelle might get upset."
"It won't take long," the man assured her. "Dranred said he'll take care of your siblings."
He gently guided her toward a waiting car. Rosette's pulse quickened; she wasn't entirely comfortable being led by someone she didn't know. But Dranred had sent him — and she trusted Dranred. So she took a deep breath and followed.