[Chapter 72: "Assisting with the Investigation"]
After Daniel finished speaking, the two officers immediately furrowed their brows. Even though Robert Downey Jr.'s reputation had taken a hit, he was still a well-known celebrity. Handling anything involving celebrities required extreme caution; one wrong move could cost them a lawsuit.
As for Logan Frick, they certainly knew him well. He was the father of one of the victims in this multiple-death case.
Seeing them fall silent, Daniel pressed, "Are you here seeking my help with the investigation because of Bella Frick's case?"
The plump officer stared at Daniel without replying at first. Then he said, "They've been missing for several days. We went to Hardwick Township, where they disappeared, but found no clues. How did you find them so easily?"
'Because you're incompetent,' Daniel thought bitterly but said aloud, "I'm an Exorcist, so naturally, I have some special methods. I found the bodies of all four in a small cabin by that lake. But you can't just assume I'm involved in their deaths because of that, can you?"
The plump officer's serious expression softened. "We know you're not the murderer. We only invited you to assist with the investigation."
Daniel was taken aback; they hadn't spoken to him like this before. Their attitude had shifted, likely because Robert Downey Jr. and Logan Frick were involved.
Noticing Daniel's displeased expression, the plump officer added, "It's the parents of those two children who suspect you're connected to their deaths. We're just following protocol by bringing you in to assist. We've already done autopsies on the bodies and their time of death gives you a solid alibi. We believe you aren't responsible."
Daniel sneered inwardly. They were all polite now, but without influential backing, who knew how things would have played out.
Wondering about the parents' suspicions, Daniel asked, "Why do they think I killed their children?"
The plump officer explained, "No one else could find the bodies, but you did. And you brought back Bella Frick's body but not the other three."
"Because of that, they suspect me?" Daniel admired their logic. "They missed one detail -- I was the one who gave Logan the exact address where the bodies were hidden. They ought to be thanking me, not accusing me."
The plump officer sighed, "You have to understand them. They just lost their children and will suspect anyone."
"I cannot understand," Daniel said gloomily. He had sincerely told them where to find the bodies, only to be repaid with suspicion. Fortunately, he hadn't transported the bodies himself at the time -- that would've been even tougher to explain.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, the door was slammed open violently, hitting the wall.
...
Officer Ford strode in quickly, escorting a middle-aged man in a sharp suit. "Mr. Cross, your lawyer is here."
The man stepped forward confidently. "I am Mr. Daniel's attorney. I suspect procedural errors in your handling of this case, and anything said before has no legal standing."
The two officers exchanged glances, relief washing over them. Good thing they'd kept their distance from Mr. Cross; he clearly had a stronger backing than they imagined.
"You misunderstand -- we merely invited Mr. Cross to assist with the investigation. No coercion was involved," the plump officer explained quickly.
The thin officer nodded in agreement.
"Can I leave now?" Daniel asked.
"After you sign, yes," the plump officer replied, reading the room astutely.
"Wait, I want to review this," said the lawyer, taking the transcript and scrutinizing it thoroughly.
After a careful read, he said, "No problem."
...
Daniel signed, gathered his things, and stepped out with Officer Ford and the unfamiliar lawyer.
In the hallway, he spotted the two couples.
When they saw him, the pairs lunged at Daniel, as if he were their personal enemy. "You killed my child!" they spat.
Officer Ford quickly restrained them, while the lawyer urged Daniel, "Come on, we should go."
Daniel stopped, facing the furious parents. "Why do you think I killed your children?"
One woman replied bluntly, "No reason. It's just you -- you're the murderer."
One man snarled, "If it wasn't you, how did you find the bodies so easily?"
"You didn't bring the other bodies back because you feel guilty."
"Not only that, you wanted to profit off us -- just like you did with Logan Frick -- but we're not stupid enough to treat our enemy like a benefactor."
"You might fool them, but you can't fool me."
Daniel almost chuckled at their rage. These accusations were just a projection of their grief. They not only resented him but laid blame without cause. It seemed like they needed a scapegoat to vent their sorrow.
Deciding not to bother wasting words, Daniel turned and left.
...
Outside the station, Officer Ford introduced the lawyer to Daniel. "This is Oscar, Douglas's attorney. I called Douglas to brief him on your situation and asked him to send his lawyer immediately."
Oscar handed Daniel a business card. "Call me if you need anything."
Daniel thanked him and saw him off.
He then climbed into Officer Ford's patrol car.
On the ride back to Cross Hall, Daniel asked, "They had no evidence, so why bother bringing me in?"
Officer Ford hesitated, then said, "They didn't handcuff you to leave some wiggle room. When they learned of your background, they spun it as 'assisting with the investigation.' If you were just some ordinary guy, after some intimidation, you'd probably agree to pay bail -- and the bail would have been at least six figures given your current finances."
Daniel's eyes narrowed. "So they were after money."
Officer Ford nodded.
...
Seeing that Daniel was safely returned by the police car in just over an hour, those neighbours who had been waiting to see him made a fool of himself were inevitably disappointed again.
Daniel had no patience for them. After seeing Officer Ford off, he reopened Cross Hall for business.
By 6 p.m., he hadn't made a single sale.
Daniel retreated to the back and pulled out the paperweight he always carried. Gently shaking it, Flesh-Mangled Face appeared before him.
"Remember those two couples from earlier?" Daniel asked.
Flesh-Mangled Face nodded eagerly.
Daniel said, "After nightfall, I give you permission to kill them."
Immediately, the maggots crawling across Flesh-Mangled Face's twisted face wriggled furiously, as if thrilled to be unleashed.
*****
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