Chapter 685: Suspected of Murder
Hayley’s POV:
I only relaxed when I saw Samson leading the group. “Alpha King,” Frederick greeted him with a respectful bow. “What brings you here?” “I wanted to check on things,” Samson replied, then finally turned his attention to me. His expression softened at once. Stepping closer, he asked gently, “Why are you here?”
I narrowed my eyes, tilted my chin toward Frederick, and smirked. “Your man thinks I’m the murderer.” Samson’s face darkened immediately. He turned to Frederick, his tone laced with reproach. “Is that true?”
Frederick quickly defended himself. “The evidence points to Ms. Carson as the prime suspect.”
“That’s impossible,” Samson stated firmly. “My people will handle this. You’ll cooperate with them.”
“Alpha, that’s improper,” Frederick hesitated.
“There’s nothing improper about it. If anything goes wrong, I’ll take full responsibility,” Samson declared with authority. His commanding presence made the surrounding Beta enforcers instinctively lower their heads. Turning back to me, he spoke softly, “You should head back.”
“Alpha!” Frederick objected, his frustration evident. “We have both witnesses and physical evidence. The law allows us to detain a suspect for 48 hours.”
“Do you not understand plain speech?” Samson’s voice turned cold, his wolf instincts flaring. “I said Hayley isn’t the culprit. Are you questioning my judgment?”
“I didn’t mean that,” Frederick quickly backtracked.
As far as I knew, Samson had always been fair and impartial in handling pack matters as the Alpha King. He never shielded criminals. He stood by me without hesitation because he trusted his keen instincts and had a deep understanding of my character. Frederick, who had worked closely with Samson for years, should have known that. Yet, he was clearly singling me out.
“You claimed you didn’t mean that, but you still refuse to follow my orders, don’t you?” Samson’s icy tone snapped me back to reality.
Before Frederick could respond, he glanced up at the police officer observing the scene and shouted, “Where is Max Green? Bring him here now!”
He said it was a suicide case and there was nothing more to investigate.
Samson bellowed, “The suspect is still here! How could he leave first? Tell him to come to my office tomorrow!”
“Yes, Alpha. I’ll deliver the message,” the officer replied, his legs trembling.
Turning back to Frederick, Samson gave him a condescending look. “Did you hear that? Max is the most skilled forensic expert we have. He’s already determined there was no foul play, which means there’s no suspect.”
“Are you keeping Hayley here for the sake of justice, or is this personal?”
“Alpha, how could you question my intentions?” Frederick looked hurt.
“You’re doubting Hayley, aren’t you? Why shouldn’t I doubt you?” Samson’s tone grew colder. He then ordered his Beta, “Issue a medical leave for Captain Langston. He needs time to clear his head so he doesn’t let personal feelings interfere with his duty.”
Frederick stared at Samson in disbelief. “Are you suspending me because of her?”
“Think what you want,” Samson said indifferently before walking away with me.
Frederick’s POV:
As I watched Hayley leave, my frustration boiled over, and I hurled my phone. She was just a little pretty – was that enough for everyone to shield her, even at the risk of seeming biased? Even the Alpha King I respected the most wasn’t any different. Hayley, just wait and see! I’d uncover your secrets!