REIGN ON ASHES

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

DEREK

The woman’s eyes searched mine, dark and gloomy then she sighed. Her fingers ran through her hair, her eyes slammed shut and she let out an exhaled breath.

She opened her eyes, gazing at me warmly, and the facade was gone. The show of the sad widow was over. Her lips curled, and she snickered, “You could already tell I was faking it, didn't you?” Her voice was lower than the one I had heard earlier, dense yet original.

With my hands tucked into my pocket, I stood in front of her, listening, studying every word that rolled off her mouth, studying her body movement and actions.

I smiled, “Why did you choose to show me who you are?” I asked.

She snickered again, “Because you won’t suspect that I killed him. I can see it in your eyes, you’ve already ruled me out of your suspect list.” she muffled.

She is sharp… very sharp.

When a husband dies, they tend to blame the wife, especially if the wife doesn't seem bothered. Judging from the scale of the Doc’s death, his wife is not involved. So she is right, I have already ruled her out as a suspect.

“I believe there is a reason you are standing in front of me right now, spill it,” I grunted. “You know something?”

She sighed, hands wrapped around her full chest. She is a beautiful woman if I must admit—tall, curly long hair. Endowed, with a full chest and nice curves, her dressing was elegant to the core. She is also smart, sharp, and knows when to speak and when not to.

Why would he have abused her?

She shook her head, “John was secretive,” she started, “He was always away for business for weeks and sometimes months. And whenever he is around, he blesses his kids with his love and attention and tortures me when he gets frustrated. Our marriage was not based on love so I never expected that from him.”

Her voice was calm and stern, faking this tough woman front but she probably doesn't realize how her fingers are trembling and how she is tugging at her dress.

“Anyways, he never tells me or anyone in this house anything relating to his research but I know him, he is a very powerful and inhumane being. If someone chose to kill him in that manner it’s because he deserved it. As I said, I don’t know much but if you catch whoever killed him, give her my thanks will you?” she smirked.

Research.

Research

Research.

Now that she mentioned it, John was a research doctor but there was never a record of what his research was about or who his research team was.

“I’ll be sure to pass the information when I catch her., .. This might be out of place, if your husband is really a man who abused you, I believe your children should know… so they make better choices.”

I got into my car, heading to the station to drop Jaun off.

“Are you really not going to tell me what the two of you talked about?” Juan grunted as he stepped out of the car.

My eyes dart towards him, hands on my wheel. I smirked and drove off, leaving him at the station.

I drove straight to my daughter’s new school to pick her up.

“Detective Derek!” My daughter’s voice roared through the streets as I stepped out of the car, waving at me while standing next to two boys, one with black hair and the other with brown hair, smiling and waving back at me.

It’s been what, a week, and my daughter already has two male friends? Hell no!

Stay away from my daughter you little devils!

“Good evening, Detective Derek, I am Officer Luke.” The brown-haired one was introduced.

“Salute, Detective, I am Detective Zion, pleased to meet you.” The dark-haired one added.

Oh boy!

“And we are the dark cops! We investigate crimes and get rid of criminals and make the school a clean, safe, and rid of corruptions.” My very smart daughter who seemed to be their leader blurted, arms wrapped around her chest, eyes squinted, brows wiggling.

I couldn’t help smiling as I watched these kids play cops, with no idea of the weight that hangs around those titles.

But they are kids who shouldn’t concern themselves with the weight. So I played along.

“Nice to meet you, Officer Luke and Detective Zion. I look forward to working with you in the future… in the meantime, I think your chief needs to head home… thanks for keeping the school safe and free from corruption.” I muttered, biting back my smile.

My daughter was grinning ear to ear. I could see the pride in her eyes as she watched me play along.

“Bye, guys! See you tomorrow!” she waved at them, we got into the car and I zoomed off. Taking her home.

“Thanks, Dad.” Mori muffled as I drove home.

I turned to her, eyes locked on her glinting eyes.

“For what?” I asked.

“For playing along and showing my friends how cool you are,” she said.

“Do you enjoy your new school?” I asked, as I gently stroked her hair.

“Absolutely! I love my friends. They’ll make good officers in the future.” she cheered.

The rest of the ride home was noisy as she went on to tell me stories about how they knocked down a bully and saved a student then reported to their teacher.

Getting home, I cooked, put her to sleep then I went to my home office. I designed a special room for my work. The kind of work I cannot get done at the station.

I turned on my laptop and flipped the board, showing my evidence and findings so far on this bloody Mary case.

There has been no progress.

I know she is wearing a mask but I have no way to find out what she looks like or her motive.

I leaned into my chair when my laptop dinged. A news article from a news company.

“The downfall of an empire. Governor Shackles.. Is this the end of the righteous politician?”

Now that I think about it, didn't this company also release an article on Doctor John?

I instantly ran through their website and their old articles.

“The end of Doctor John? Are they finally getting the justice they deserve?”

They? Justice?

Who was he referring to?

Bingo!

I think I just found my next c***k in this case.

I called Bart, “Hey Bart!” I blurted over the phone.

“I missed you too, Derek, what can I help you with?” His voice is annoying but pleasant to hear.

“I need you to dig into a company for me… a news company. Find everything you can, give me everything you have on…. I mean everything!”