Chapter 17

Dennis let out a heavy sigh, "Man, such a pervert!"

As a veteran investigator, this angle hadn't even crossed his mind.

But Charles wasn't buying Zoey's theory. "I trust my eyes. Your logic makes sense, but your claim doesn't add up. These photos look alike, but the hair seems too real to be fake."

Zoey didn't mind Charles's skepticism; she appreciated the challenge.

Debates like these were crucial among colleagues.

"Charles, I never said the hair was fake," Zoey clarified calmly.

Charles's eyes widened with sudden realization, fear creeping in.

Dennis felt a chill too. Zoey's theory, though wild, wasn't impossible.

So he said, "Yeah, Zoey's got a point. We found someone living in the guest room at his place. These women all seem connected to one person. If Lawrence killed someone and made a wig from their hair, it wouldn't be that hard."

Dennis's face grew serious. "I need to go tell Officer Davis about this."

He grabbed the files and headed out.

After a few steps, he paused. "Wait, who's gonna talk to Lawrence's family or friends?"

Zoey volunteered, and Alexander quickly chimed in.

Dennis nodded at them, "Alright, you two handle it."

"Got it," Alexander agreed, gathering the files and discussing the plan with Zoey.

Lawrence ran his own supermarket, mostly dealing with his employees.

Since Lawrence's case hadn't turned criminal yet, getting the employees to spill any dirt on him was tricky.

Zoey was already in the car, eyes closed, catching a quick nap.

Alexander hopped into the driver's seat, chuckling at Zoey's ability to sleep anywhere.

An hour and a half later, they pulled up to Lawrence's supermarket.

Even without Lawrence, his employees were hard at work.

"Didn't think Lawrence's little supermarket would be this busy," Alexander remarked, eyeing the bustling store.

It was after work hours, and the place was packed.

Alexander unbuckled and stepped out.

Zoey followed suit.

They walked in with the crowd, greeted by a friendly employee, "Welcome! Need any help?"

"Actually, we do," Alexander replied.

A female employee smiled, "What can I assist you with?"

"We need to talk about your boss," he flashed his badge.

The employee's face changed. To avoid a scene, she suggested, "It's pretty busy right now. Could you wait upstairs? I'll get our supervisor."

Alexander nodded, "Sure thing."

The female employee directed them, "Head to the second floor, first room on the left."

"Thanks." To keep things smooth, Alexander and Zoey made their way upstairs.

The first room on the left was easy to spot; there were only four rooms up there, one being a storage room.

Zoey's instincts kicked in, and she slipped on disposable gloves to gather any potential evidence.

Alexander watched her, feeling the silence between them.

Since leaving the station, they hadn't exchanged a word.

Even when he tried to chat, Zoey barely responded.

It felt like she was keeping him at arm's length, which only made him more curious.

As Zoey carefully opened the door with her gloves, examining the office, Alexander asked, "Think we'll find anything here?"

Lawrence only visited a few times a month. What could they possibly find?

Zoey snapped, "None of your business!"

Alexander went quiet.

The desk was spotless, just like Lawrence's home.

Besides some office supplies, there was only a computer and a notebook.

Zoey checked each drawer, finding nothing but random items.

Hearing footsteps, she quickly removed her gloves and pocketed them.

A man in his thirties walked in, looking puzzled but polite. He sat on the guest sofa.

Zoey and Alexander exchanged glances, guessing he was the supervisor the employee mentioned.

Zoey flashed her badge, "Hello, Sir, you must've heard from your staff. We're here about Lawrence Parker."

"Please cooperate with our investigation," Alexander added, his tone firm.

The man eyed their badges, then them, skeptically. "You both look pretty young. Are you sure you're cops? Have you even graduated? And can women be cops?"

Zoey chuckled at his words. "What, women can't be cops?"

The man retorted, "Sorry, but with all the scams these days, I have the right to protect myself. You need to prove you're real cops!"

"Prove it?" Zoey was fuming.

Alexander patted her shoulder, calming her down, and showed the badge again, "Look closely! If we weren't cops, we wouldn't be here by ourselves. Or do you think it's fake because we came in person? I can also invite you to the station!"