CHAPTER 110
The metallic sound of the manhole cover being removed echoed down the dark alley as Joe and Collins exchanged anxious glances. Faint moonlight filtered between the buildings, illuminating a shiny object at the bottom of the damp hole. Joe reached out and carefully removed the buckle from the manhole.
As he examined the object, a chilling sensation ran down Collins' spine. It was a belt buckle adorned with the Spurlok family crest. Charles Spurlok, Rud's influential businessman, was not only known for his line of work, but also for his involvement in shady activities behind the scenes in the city, from forbidden drinks like whisky to prostitution.
- Collins, that can't be a coincidence. The Spurlok family crest here at the crime scene... - Joe muttered, as he examined the buckle.
The discovery of the buckle with the Spurlok family crest left Joe and Collins perplexed. The night was silent, but the mystery hanging over Rud seemed to scream in their ears. "What did Charles Spurlok have to do with the murdered girl? And why was the buckle in the manhole near the crime scene?"
The two investigators decided to follow the lead, but knew they had to proceed with caution. Charles Spurlok was a dangerous figure in the city, with connections that stretched far and wide, his family had never been any good and he only hung out with cruel people... Joe and Collins knew they were dealing with something much bigger than a simple murder.
The next day, they managed to gather information on Charles Spurlok.
They discovered that he had been hanging around, paying off cheap women almost every night. His confidence was impeccable and transparent, but rumors whispered about his business dealings, shields and undue influence, and tongues were wagging that he was hanging out with strange and dangerous people who were also very rich.
As they investigated, Joe and Collins couldn't ignore Hargraves' menacing presence behind the scenes. If he found out about their findings, it could make the situation even more dangerous. Hargraves wouldn't hesitate to use his influence to manipulate the situation in his favor, because this commander would use it to try to get a promotion, as he had been doing all along. They would not let this man be promoted at the cost of a young woman's death.
The pair planned to concentrate their efforts on the brothel frequented by the city's wealthy men. It was there that the connection between Charles Spurlok and the victim had begun, or at least they imagined that the biggest pimp of all would know about it, since nothing passed in that town without the pimp's orders...
Joe and Collins placed a young man undercover at the scene and infiltrated discreetly, watching every move, asking careful questions and gathering valuable information.
While the superficial calm stretched across Hope Valle, Jack drove Elizabeth from the infirmary to her home. The road was filled with a tense silence that echoed the emotional turmoil Elizabeth had been going through over the last few hours. Night fell over the small town, casting long shadows across the empty streets.
The wind whispered secrets that only the couple knew, but for now Jack was focused on looking after his wife. She clung to his arm, still weak and shaken by the traumatic episode she had experienced at school. Jack felt the weight of her silence, realizing that some wounds were not visible.
When they got home, Jack helped Elizabeth to settle down, remembering to be kind and compassionate in the face of her suffering. Elizabeth's eyes, normally full of life, were now clouded with unwanted memories. Jack held her hands and looked into her eyes with a loving expression, trying to convey reassurance.
The house, usually full of joy and warmth, was plunged into a dark and silent atmosphere.
Jack led Elizabeth into the bedroom, where the soft light of the candles would replace the intense luminosity of the lamp. He helped her to lie down on the bed and stayed by her side, watching with concern as she tried to find comfort.
The night advanced, but the silence of the house was broken by Elizabeth's restless sighs. Jack lay beside her, his soft touch providing quiet comfort. Her eyes, even closed, revealed the torment that plagued her mind.
As the night deepened, Elizabeth was gripped by nightmares that took her back to that moment of terror at school. Her body twitched involuntarily, and she mumbled indistinct words.
Jack, awakened by her agitation, held her tighter, becoming the safe haven in which she sought refuge.
She screamed in terror, and Jack was heartbroken to feel the pain of those screams, and the dread in her voice, but she wouldn't wake up.
The nightmares were like insistent shadows, haunting Elizabeth even in her dreams. Jack, with patience and love, stayed by her side, facing the ghosts of that day with her. She stroked her hair gently, murmuring comforting words and promising to protect her.
Tears rolled from her eyes like a stream, but she didn't wake up.
Over time, the nightmares began to subside. Elizabeth's breathing calmed down and her body relaxed in Jack's arms. He stayed awake, watching her as she finally found a more peaceful sleep. Dawn was approaching, but the darkness beneath Elizabeth was beginning to dissipate.
The light of dawn brought with it new hope. Jack would remain by Elizabeth's side, guiding her through the healing process. The trauma would leave scars, but with love and support, the shadows of the past would gradually lose their power over her. Hope Valle, known for her resilience, would witness the Thortons overcome this dark day in their lives