Trouble in Paradise

Chapter

0052

Chief Jefferson remarked, "Well, that's his stance, but it needs further investigation. In any case, he struggles financially, often begs, appears somewhat opposed to wealth, and is antisocial. His mental state seems quite unstable indeed." I nodded in response. "Could you send me his file?"

Chief Jefferson offered a grin but declined. "Perhaps you should approach Mr. Hawk instead. He has all the information you're looking for."

Knowing it would be difficult to extract further information from him, I chose not to linger any further. As Chief Jefferson escorted me to the entrance, I turned back and asked, "Do you know which jail the suspect will be sent to?" "Southridge Jail," he replied.

"Do you have a good rapport with the warden there? I'll appreciate your referral when the time comes." "Not an issue at all. Just reach out if you need anything Chief Jefferson handed me his business card with both hands and closed the car door for me before I left. He seemed eager to get rid of me and indifferent about which jail I might end up visiting as long as I didn't end up encountering the suspect under his supervision.

The driver turned to me. "Ma'am, where to next?"

I didn't hurry to respond. Instead, I sat in the car and called Nicholas' number. It took him a while to answer, his tone as chilly as ever.

"What do you need?" he asked.

"Nicholas, I need to see that homeless man from yesterday. Can you arrange that?"

He shouldn't have complete control over this matter. Even with low odds of success, I acknowledged that confronting him head-on was the swiftest path. I'd never been one to choose the scenic route or to let others take advantage of me. Nicholas paused on the phone before responding. "Are you eager to revise your statement in a rush? Don't fret. If he accuses you, I'll ensure the police reach out to arrange a conversation with you promptly."

His words stunned me. His sharp tongue cut so deep that I couldn't bear it any longer and retorted, " Nicholas, you're out of your mind!"

I ended the call in frustration and instructed the driver, "To Jay Caldwell & Co.!"

It seemed Nicholas was set on painting me as the mastermind of it all. Why was he so convinced? Did he truly think so little of me?

I was furious, burning with the need to uncover the truth and give him a piece of my mind.

With the homeless man now facing criminal charges, he definitely needed a lawyer. I hoped Yasmine could assist me.

Just because Nicholas was cautious around me didn't guarantee he'd extend the same wariness to

others. Yasmine might manage to uncover what I couldn't.

I needed to gather some information about the homeless man, at least. When the moment arrived, Nicholas would hopefully realize I had no connection with the man. The thought of him wrongly accusing me of harming Claudia pained me deeply. Upon arriving at Jay Caldwell & Co., I instructed the driver to depart before entering to locate Yasmine. To my surprise, she wasn't present today. The office area was entirely deserted.

I called her at her desk and learned that she was heading to court. Not wanting to distract her before the trial, I kept our conversation brief and bid her farewell.

Later, I remained seated, staring blankly ahead with a troubled look when Silas caught sight of me. He swung open the office door and called out, "Ariana, come on."

Silas wore a gentle smile, appearing every bit the lively young man he was. Time had blessed him with handsome features, showing few signs of hardship.

He seemed upbeat as he asked, "How's everything been lately? The firm's been landing new cases all thanks to your efforts."NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

I knew exactly what he meant. It was likely due to the banquet hosted by the Hawks. The guests certainly know how to butter up quickly.

Silas slid several folders across the desk to me, saying, "Yasmine probably mentioned that I'll be mentor from now on."

My gaze fell on the documents. This caught me off guard.