CHAPTER 45
That day, Bill Sentou was immersed in his office, imbued with his responsibilities as a judge. Throughout his career, he had dedicated his life to preserving local peace and the relentless pursuit of justice. For him, these were not just empty words written on the pages of the law; they were principles that he lived and breathed every day.
His town, although small, was not exempt from the challenges that plague many communities. Conflicts, crimes and injustices could arise at any time, and Bill was always prepared to face them head on. He saw his position as an opportunity to serve the community, to ensure that everyone had the chance to seek truth and fairness before the law. He knew that local peace depended on the efficient functioning of the judicial system and the fair application of the laws.
Nathan, Elizabeth's husband, was a dedicated police officer. As partners in life and uncompromisingly committed to maintaining order and security in the city, they shared a common vision. Nathan was equally committed to protecting the community and making everyone feel safe. He knew that his duty was not only to apprehend criminals, but also to prevent crimes from occurring, acting as a protective shield for those who were vulnerable.
Elizabeth, Bill's adopted daughter, was the link that bound these two men even closer together. Although she wasn't his biological daughter, Bill's love for her was unconditional. He saw her as his own flesh and blood, and was willing to do anything to ensure her safety and happiness. Nathan and Bill shared a deep desire to provide Elizabeth with a peaceful life full of opportunities, far from the threats that sometimes prowled the city.
Bill knew that the world could be a dangerous place, but he was determined to protect his adopted daughter. Bill and Nathan were aware that in order to ensure local peace and do justice, they also needed to take care of their own home. Their commitment was not just limited to office hours; it was a mission they fully embraced, even as the shadows of night approached.
While Nathan organized the reports to send to the mountie battalion, describing everything at the scene of the incidents, Bill pondered the best approach to solving this mystery. He knew that justice depended on every piece of the puzzle fitting together perfectly.
Bill, looking seriously at the papers, began to speak:
- Nathan, the situation is becoming increasingly complex. We need to make sure that no one gets away with it this time. Elizabeth is counting on us and so is the town. And you know that she is a daughter to me.
Nathan nodded in agreement:
- Bill; I'll check all the statements and evidence again. We can't leave any room for error. I can't let anything happen to my wife.
As the investigation progressed, Bill and Nathan kept in constant contact with the witnesses Willian, Thatcher and Robert, because they were among those involved, even though it had only happened a few hours ago, they needed a solution as soon as possible before another attack took place. It was crucial to remain calm and professional, despite the growing efforts in the city.
Bill had an idea and phoned an informant he knew in a nearby town, saying that they needed more information, and they needed it quickly, and passed on some details to the man on the other end of the line. Any clue could be a key to solving this case, whoever was in the town doing these cruel things, it was someone who wanted to hurt Elizabeth.
The informant on the other end of the line spoke in a whispery voice:
- I understand, judge. I'll do my best.
Nathan continued to look through his papers and the clues that they had collected from all the places of attack:
- I found something interesting here, Bill. It might belong to a suspect.
Bill looked at the cigarette butt and his eyes lit up:
- This looks promising. This is from a gang, and from this tip we can find out who might be involved. Let's identify, we need to find this individual.
As the investigation progressed, Bill and Nathan moved closer to solving the case. They would face challenges, but their determination to protect the city and ensure that justice was done would never wane.
Bill commented to Nathan:
- We have a new lead that takes us to the heart of this problem. Let's move forward carefully, but firmly.
- We're ready, judge. Let's make sure that no one gets away with this and that Elizabeth is safe. Nathan said very seriously.
Elizabeth went to the hotel to take care of her father's wound, which was inflicted in the bear trap during that incident in the morning where they almost lost their lives. Her father, stubborn as ever, insisted that she stay at the hotel so as not to disrupt his family's life. However, she couldn't allow him to suffer without assistance.
With kindness and care, Elizabeth prepared a small area in the hotel room to treat the wound. She brought a basin of warm water and soap, along with a first aid kit. Her father, sitting on the edge of the bed, looked at her with gratitude and pride in his eyes.
- Dad, you can be stubborn, but I won't let you suffer. We'll take care of it together. Elizabeth smiled, she knew that wound caused pain, but she wanted to give her father strength.
She began to carefully clean the wound, removing debris and sterilizing the area. Her father, although reluctant at first, finally relaxed and trusted in his daughter's care.
Willian Thatcher sighed and smiled:
- You're amazing, Elizabeth. I don't know what I'd do without you.
- We're here to look after each other, Dad. That's what families do. Elizabeth was talking about something she had always wanted.
And Willian noticed that for many years, he hadn't been there to tend to his daughter's wounds, leaving her alone in her grief and at the worst of times, but he was determined to change all that.
As she continued cleaning, Elizabeth made light conversation with her father to distract him from his pain. She knew how much he valued these escapes into nature, and she didn't want this experience to turn into a nightmare.
- Dad... Remember the first time you took me camping? I was just a child, but that's when my love of nature began.
- Yes, it was a special moment, wasn't it?
After cleaning the yeast and carefully applying a bandage, Elizabeth made sure her father was comfortable and well looked after. She knew he still wanted to enjoy a family trip, and was determined to make that possible, after all he was determined to regain love and all the time lost away from her and her family.
- There you go, Dad. Now, you need to rest and recover. Let's not let this ruin your vacation, you rarely take vacations.
- You're amazing, my dear. I'm so proud of you.
Elizabeth sent and hugged her father, knowing that, despite the challenges, the family's love and support was unwavering. She was willing to do anything to ensure that the trip continued smoothly, and her father was grateful to have such a loving and determined daughter by his side.
