Chapter 99

The night progressed slowly. Florence, James, and the others waited anxiously outside the police station. Dahlia was the backbone of the Nicholson family. If anything were to happen to her, the Nicholsons would undoubtedly fall apart. Therefore, to save themselves, they did everything possible to arrange for her release; this meant pulling every string they could.

A policeman appeared. James immediately stepped forward and asked, “Mr. Clarke, how’s it looking? Can you let my sister go?”

“James, I’ve investigated and discovered that Inspector Gardner is in charge of this case. A mere policeman like myself can’t do much to help,” the man said, shaking his head.

“What else can we do? Do you have any other ideas?” James asked, panicked.

“Mr. Clarke, we would be eternally grateful for any help you can give us!” Florence pleaded.

“I’ll try my best, but I can’t promise anything. And don't forget the money.”

“Sir, I’ve just paid two million dollars. Take it for now; I’ll get more if it’s not enough. Please help us. We can discuss further payment later!” James cried, pulling out a card and handing it to the policeman.

“Alright then, I’ll try again.”

The policeman discreetly slid the card into his pocket, turned, and walked back into the station.

“James, two million isn’t a small amount. Are you sure we can trust your friend?” Florence asked uncertainly.

“No matter what, we have to try,” James muttered through gritted teeth.

“By the way, has anyone seen Mr. Laney?” someone in the crowd asked.

“Matt said he went to meet a friend who might be able to help get Dahlia out of this,” Florence replied.

“So that’s where he’s gone. With Mr. Laney’s help, we have double the assurance. I’m sure it’ll be alright.”

With that, the group sighed in relief.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious villa, Matt was enjoying himself with a gorgeous woman in a hot tub. Their bodies intertwined as they made love.

“I doubt you’re here just to visit. You must have a favor to ask,” the woman smirked.

“Nothing ever gets past you, does it?” he conceded with a slight smile. He began, “A friend of mine is being held at the police station, and I need your help getting her out. You know Swinton isn’t my home ground.”

“A friend? What’s her name?” she asked.

“Dahlia Nicholson.”

“Oh? A woman? Is there something going on between you two?” The woman raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

“Hehe… she’s just a friend. She helped me out once, so I’m returning the favor,” Matt said nonchalantly.

“Is that so?” Dubious, the woman pressed on. “Matt, don’t forget you are mine, and mine only. You’ll regret being promiscuous. If a woman tries to seduce you, I will make her life a living hell!”

“What are you talking about, baby girl? You’re the one I love most. How could I possibly have eyes for other women?” Matt quickly pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Since you say you love me so much, you’ll attend my birthday party in two days and meet my father as ‘my boyfriend’,” the woman said, smiling broadly.

“You’re introducing me to your family already?”

“Why? Are you afraid?”

“Your father is Sir Hummer. I bet you can’t name someone who isn’t afraid of meeting him! However, I would cross mountains and seas for you!”

“Aw, aren’t you the sweetest! Alright then, it’s a deal!”

At the same time, at Java Joys:

Natasha sat on the couch, reading silently, when Ruth burst in.

“Sis! Bad news! Dustin’s been arrested!” she blurted out.

“Arrested?” Natasha was taken aback. “What happened?”

“I just heard Dustin was arrested for theft of valuable items!” Ruth panted.

“Theft? Is that it?” Natasha was confused.

“The theft is a cover-up. Dustin is being framed. But things don’t look good; he’s fallen into Gardner’s hands,” Ruth continued.

Natasha protested immediately.

“That fat bastard! How dare he touch my man? Gather your men and follow me to the police station to get our people back!”

Meanwhile, at Hunter Anderson’s mansion:

“Dad! Bad news! Something major happened!”

Jeff Anderson rushed into the study, sweating profusely, startling Hunter who was painting.

“You idiot! How many times have I told you to stay calm instead of overreacting? Why don’t you ever listen?!”

“Dad! I’m not overreacting! Something big happened!” Jeff wiped his face.

“Jeff! Remember: no matter the situation, stay calm! That’s how a real man acts!” After delivering his lecture, he finally asked, “Now tell me, what’s going on?”

“It’s Mr. Rhys. He’s been arrested by Gardner!” Jeff exclaimed.

“What?”

Hunter trembled. Even the brush in his hand broke.

“Quick… call someone! We have to go to the police station,” he instructed his son. He roared, “That fat fuck Gardner! If he dares touch a hair on Mr. Rhys’s head, I’ll skin him alive!”

“Dad, shouldn’t you remain calm?” Jeff’s lips twitched ironically.

“To hell with calm!”

The news shocked Hunter; he broke into a cold sweat. “If Mr. Laney emerges unscathed, all will be well. But if anything happens to him, everyone in Swinton will suffer. Not to mention Gardner, you, and even myself!”

“Huh! Is it that serious?” Jeff winced, still unaware of Dustin’s true identity.

“What are you doing still here? We have to get him out!” Hunter ordered.

After slapping his son to alertness, Hunter rushed out the door.

Deep in his heart, he prayed, “Gardner, you fat motherfucker better not mess around! If you do, Swinton will be soaked in blood!”