The Ex and Her Riches

Cedrick knew Gwendolyn well enough to be aware that she would stop her car and contact emergency services if she encountered a stranger in danger or in need of help. However, she would never allow an unfamiliar person into her car.

As Cedrick examined the surveillance camera screens, his breathing grew heavy. It was evident to him that the person in the car was intentionally trying to avoid being captured by the public surveillance cameras.

While Cedrick could make out some details, such as a muscular physique and a partially visible shoulder, he couldn’t determine the man’s identity.

Salinsburgh had recently experienced a surge in mysterious incidents, placing an increased workload on the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Analyzing the scene, Cedrick concluded, “There are no signs of a struggle or any potential weapons that could be connected to a crime. It is possible that the man is indeed an acquaintance of Gwenny’s.”

He turned to Swain and instructed, “Check with the nearby businesses around the bridge and inquire if any of them have outdoor surveillance cameras installed. We might obtain valuable footage that can shed light on the situation.”

It could potentially be their first breakthrough in the investigation.

“You’re right, Boss. I’ll be right on it.”

As Swain prepared to leave, he felt a moment of concern for Cedrick’s well-being. He paused at the door and reminded, “Boss, I understand you’re anxious, but please take care of yourself too. It’s winter, the rain is freezing cold, and you’re still soaking wet. We wouldn’t want you falling sick before finding Mrs. Jenson.”

Cedrick’s stern look silenced Swain.

“All right, I’m off.” He shrugged and exited the room.

Despite his damp hair and dripping clothes since his return from the canyon, Cedrick chose to ignore his discomfort.

He reached for a pack of cigarettes from the drawer, something he hadn’t done in years since becoming a parent.

However, that night, he decided to indulge, knowing he wouldn’t be seeing the kids and, therefore, wouldn’t need to worry about smelling like nicotine.

With his lighter in hand, he lit the cigarette and took a deep drag as if releasing the built-up stress and tension within him.

bitter smoke filled his

your rules and smoked. I deserve to be punished by you. Can you see that? Please let me

to let go of all the heartache he had been suppressing since

in the face

rain outside masked

a deep breath, coughing slightly, and quickly finished his cigarette

to prevent Nico and Charles from reaching him, Cedrick reached into the drawer and retrieved another phone, dialing

that the number he had dialed was out of service and to please try again

was still switched

escape his mind. There were no signs of a struggle in the car, indicating that the man who got into her car was someone she

condition, meaning Gwendolyn had chosen

where the car had landed, there was no trace of blood

potential clues, leaving Cedrick haunted by the

by the surveillance cameras, a

up from his desk, walked out of the office, and retrieved the phone one

phone had been severely

of Investigation behind, he set off

in a transparent plastic bag to Owen, Cedrick asked, “Can you fix

sorry, Mr. Jenson. This

fix the phone entirely. Just put the chip back together and connect it to another

his request, Owen

will it take

smoothly, I’d say about two

blank check on Owen’s table. “I don’t care if you have to skip meals or burn the midnight oil,

brightened at the sight of the blank check. “Don’t worry, Mr. Jenson. I’ll survive on coffee

left his contact number and departed the