Heir of Blood and Secrets by Linda Xia

Author:Linda Xia [Xia, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781636767956
Publisher: New Degree Press
Published: 2021-07-31T14:09:51+00:00

Nine

The Suspect

I go to see Ever the next day. The front desk is still abandoned, so I head straight up to her office and knock on her closed door. It swings open almost immediately, revealing Ever, who is dressed from head-to-toe in black. The irritated scowl she greets me with is the first indicator that she is not thrilled to see me. The second indicator is that she immediately slams the door in my face. I shrug, lift my hand, and knock until she finally cracks it open again.

“Do you have another ridiculous lead that isn’t going to pan out?” Ever demands through the small opening. “My lieutenant already chewed me out for going on a wild goose chase with a civilian. And not just any civilian, but a suspect’s daughter and a potential witness.”

“I have a lead that I’d like to run by you,” I say.

“Look, I don’t want you involved in this case. You might enjoy playing at detective, but this is actually my job. Let me do it.”

I smile at her winningly. “This has nothing to do with my father’s case. How do you feel about the Crown?”

She studies me skeptically. I must pass muster because she swings the door open fully. “I’m just a lowly detective. I don’t care much about any politician so long as they’re not committing any crimes.”

“What if they are?” I ask. “Would you be interested then?”

She frowns at me and gestures me into the uncomfortable visitor’s chair. “And you’re sure this has nothing to do with the Rheas murder case?”

“I am. I think the Crown is involved in something illegal.” I lay out the rumors about the factories and the Crown’s insistence that it’s all for the greater good. I gloss over the part about Project Longevity. I don’t think that’s meant to be common knowledge. Thankfully, Ever doesn’t mention it.

She eyes me across her desk, clearly unconvinced. “Are you sure? She’s one of the few politicians who hasn’t been accused by the media of perpetuating some heinous crime.”

“I saw her in a place where illegal activity was definitely taking place. That factory should not be allowed to continue operating. Maybe she’s not the mastermind behind it, but she is definitely involved.”

“What exactly did you see?” Ever asks.

I start to describe it, then give up. “You know, it’d be easier if I could show you.”

Ever throws her hands up in exasperation. “I assume that if I don’t agree to go with you on this wild goose chase, you won’t leave me alone. You’ll just keep knocking on my door until I go. Correct?”

I blink innocently at her. “Would I do that?”

“Yes. Yes, you would.” Ever ponders this for a moment and checks the time. “You know what? I am entitled to a lunch break.” She pushes to her feet and grabs her coat. “This better be worth it.”

“Really?” I ask.

She rolls her eyes. “Look, if what you’re saying is true, it needs to be investigated. I refuse to be the person who lets some wealthy politician get away with something heinous.

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