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“Olivia worked for me. When she disappeared, I had to ask. I even called you, remember? But you didn't care.”
“Maybe it's my fault. If I'd pushed harder, you might've listened and saved her.”
Dad froze. Zane's words erased his suspicion, replacing it with guilt.
He held his head in his hands. “I killed her. I'm not fit to be a cop… or a father.”
I was watching Zane closely. I saw the smug smile when Dad said that.
Rage burned inside me—for myself, and for my brother.
But Dad trusted him completely, pouring his heart out, oblivious to the malice in Zane's eyes.
Just as I was losing hope, Dad's phone buzzed.
A text from Lewis.
Even though Dad was suspended, Lewis kept him updated out of pity.
“We traced that call, but it led overseas. The killer knew we'd try. It was a decoy.”
“This isn't a random crime. It's meticulously planned—like someone studied how we work for years. That's why there are no clues.”
“If there was a 50% chance the killer was someone close before, now it's 90%.”
“Captain, you and your wife need to think—who have you angered over the years? And who's been hiding right under your noses?”
The description fit Zane perfectly, but Dad didn't seem to consider him. He frowned, deep in thought.
Zane said calmly, “I should go. I hope you find who did this… For Olivia.”
Dad let him leave. Just let the killer walk away.
Helpless and angry, I hated how weak I was, even as a ghost.
Later, Dad cooked a meal and helped Mom out of her room.
Overnight, Mom had aged. Wrinkles deepened, hair turned gray.
Her eyes were red, muttering my name like a madwoman.
Dad silently set four places at the table.
This time, there was a spot for me.
But I was already gone. What good did it do?
The next day, Lewis updated Dad again.
“During the second autopsy, we found traces of tissue in Olivia's mouth. It was cleaned, but not thoroughly. We think she bit the killer's throat before she died… We're running DNA now. Should have results soon.”
“This is the only real lead we have. Olivia fought hard for it.”
Dad stared at the message, speechless.
I felt relieved. If they caught Zane, maybe my name would be cleared.
But I never thought Zane would show up again.
I watched him walk in, dread growing.
He didn't even hide the wound on his neck.
