Chapter 5: The Real Killer Is Close at Hand (Part 3)
It was my rental apartment.
A homeowner had walked past and noticed the lights on inside. The group chat was buzzing with discussions about me.
"Marcus Zhang's ex-wife came to stay at his apartment."
"What's she doing there?"
"Marcus's mother is disabled—she brought the old woman to the city for medical treatment. The girl's sweet. Shame she ended up with a piece of work like him..."
"I always knew Marcus Zhang was no good. I can read faces—he's got an evil look between his brows. I even did a divination and predicted he'd be involved in a murder!"
"So you're a master now? Your face-reading is that good? How about you do a divination for me—when will our building project resume?"
"My predictions are heaven-sent, revealing the secrets of the universe! Remember, divine knowledge must not be shared lightly. I foresaw Marcus Zhang's fate but dared not speak, because doing so would cost me ten years of life. Now that it's happened, I can tell you. Don't ask me for another reading!"
I had no patience for these people. I tapped the video. On screen, Elena was carefully helping my mother sit on the bed, their luggage piled on the floor.
She had left that little home, but now she'd come back—for my mother's sake, she'd returned to this place of heartbreak.
Wendy Xu said quickly, "That's the girl from earlier..."
I didn't respond. Watching this scene, a sharp ache rose in my chest.
Mom... I wondered if she was still in pain.
The camera lingered on Elena and my mother long enough for Elena to notice. The person recording quickly shifted the lens toward the hallway.
But in that brief pan, my heart nearly stopped—and Wendy Xu gasped aloud!
In the last few seconds of the video, a man was leaning against the hallway railing, smoking a cigarette.
It was... Tiger Lin! The truck driver!
I jumped to my feet. How had he found my home?!
A thousand fears flooded my mind. I thought of Tiger Lin's ruthlessness, and then of Elena and my mother's safety. Panic gripped me.
This place might be safe for now, but I couldn't stay. My family was in danger!
I couldn't waste another second. I turned to Wendy Xu: "I'm going out. Watch her. No matter what she says, don't trust her, and don't untie her."
Wendy Xu looked frantic. "What am I supposed to do by myself?"
"Block both doors—the front door and the secret passage. Make sure no one can get in. If I haven't contacted you within 24 hours, call the police and tell them everything. Forget about my case—just finding this secret passage is enough to earn you credit for a reduced sentence."
"Got it. I'll wait for you. Be careful—that man is dangerous!"
I gave her Detective Sullivan's business card. If trouble came, she could bypass the regular emergency line and call the lead detective directly—every second counted in a crisis.
As for me, I'd already memorized Sullivan's number, just in case.
I tucked the rolling pin down my pant leg and hurried out.
Howard Li wasn't in the hallway—probably still handling business. I rushed downstairs and out of the complex. It was late, and there weren't many people around. The darkness helped.
I sprinted toward home, pulling out my phone and dialing Elena on the new SIM card.
When she answered, I said urgently, "It's me. Don't say anything, and don't let Mom know it's me on the phone—I don't want her to worry. Are you at the apartment with the door open?"
"Huh? Yeah, I opened it to let in some fresh air."
"Listen to me—lock every door and window right now. No matter who knocks, do not open the door! I'll contact you again soon."
"Why?"
"Don't ask. Just promise me."
"I... I promise..."
I hung up and let out a breath.
They were safe for now. Thank God.
I couldn't believe Tiger Lin had found my place so fast. I had to track him down!
Even as that thought crossed my mind, I was getting close to the apartment building. And sure enough, down the alley below, I spotted a figure in a cap. I couldn't make out his face in the dark, but he was definitely moving toward me. As I kept walking, he picked up speed.
It had to be Tiger Lin.
Damn it... I had to put an end to this bastard!
I scanned the street. Four cars were parked ahead, two more behind. The narrow lane was crowded, but the vehicles would provide more cover.
I ducked behind one of the cars and drew the rolling pin, listening to the approaching footsteps.
Closer and closer...
I seized my moment. I spun around and swung the rolling pin at him with all my strength, roaring, "Go to hell!"
In that instant, all six cars around me suddenly flash their headlights and started their engines.
The man in the alley wasn't Tiger Lin.
It was Detective Sullivan.
I was completely stunned. How could it be him?
He instinctively threw up an arm to block my blow, grunting in pain. Then he shouted, "The suspect has spotted me! He's assaulting an officer! Move in!"
I stood there foolishly holding the rolling pin as officers poured out from behind every car, blocking the narrow street in all four directions and surging toward me like a tide.
"Assaulting an officer!"
"On your knees! Hands on your head!"
"You're surrounded! Don't resist!"
I stood there dumbly with my rolling pin as a swarm of detectives closed in from every direction...