Chapter 12 - An Unexpected Visitor
As investigators continued searching the SUV, another vehicle arrived unexpectedly.
It wasn't a police car.
It was a dark executive sedan with government license plates.
A middle-aged woman stepped out, wearing a simple gray suit and carrying a leather briefcase. She showed identification to the troopers before walking directly toward Walter.
"You haven't changed much," she said.
Walter smiled faintly.
"Neither have you, Emily."
Detective Brooks looked surprised.
"You know each other?"
Emily Carter nodded.
"We worked together in the Insurance Fraud Bureau before Walter retired."
Brooks introduced himself quickly before explaining everything discovered so far.
Emily remained silent until he mentioned the mysterious text messages.
Then her expression changed.
"I was afraid of this."
Walter looked at her carefully.
"You've seen similar messages recently."
She hesitated.
"Three months ago."
Brooks immediately asked, "Why wasn't the case connected to the old investigation?"
Emily lowered her voice.
"Because every lead disappeared."
"What do you mean?"
"Witnesses withdrew statements."
"Evidence went missing."
"Digital records were erased."
Walter's eyes narrowed.
"Someone protected them."
Emily nodded.
"I believe someone still is."
Brooks looked from Walter to Emily.
"If that's true, we may have corruption inside more than one department."
Walter said nothing.
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But deep inside, an old feeling returned—the same feeling he had experienced years ago whenever an investigation reached people who possessed influence far beyond ordinary criminals.
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