Chapter 72

On the way to the police station, Aurora planned her explanation: "Hiking and exercise." More than a decade earlier, after her mother's disappearance, the police investigation yielded nothing. She doubted they could find anything now, with all traces gone. Telling the truth would risk a leak; if Jaxon learned of her involvement, her investigation would be compromised.

As expected, the policewoman remained unconcerned. "Why did you leave the avenue and go to that spot?" she asked.

Aurora replied, "It was hot; I rested in the shade."

"You were quite close. Did you notice anything unusual? An unusual smell, perhaps?" The policewoman's gaze was unwavering, scrutinizing Aurora's every reaction.

Aurora calmly folded her hands. "No. I was likely on the leeward side."

The policewoman consulted the officer taking notes, then asked, "One last question. Do you know the two men?"

Aurora pressed her lips together. "No. They asked for directions halfway up Bradley Mountain, then we parted ways." She didn't even know their names; only that one was surnamed Whitaker—a common surname, so she paid it little mind.

The interrogation concluded. Before dismissing Aurora, the policewoman requested her phone number, explaining she might need her assistance in the investigation. Aurora complied.

Less than ten minutes later, the two adjacent interrogation rooms opened, releasing Dexter and John. Their questioning followed a similar course, both providing their phone numbers before leaving.

The officers reviewed the records. "Aurora's father is Jaxon Crawford, president of Crawford Furniture Company. A Mereida High student. She's the least suspicious. As she stated, she went to Bradley Mountain for exercise," one officer observed.

The victim was a man in his fifties or sixties. It seemed impossible for a high school girl to strangle him without injury. Aurora's identity surprised some officers. "Crawford Furniture is huge in Mereida. Why Bradley Mountain, not a high-end gym? She's unlike other wealthy women," one commented.

The policewoman added, "I heard Jaxon recently brought Aurora back from a rural welfare home. His current wife is his second; she has a daughter near Aurora's age. Aurora's position in the Crawford family is…awkward."

A collective understanding dawned.

"Jaxon's first wife disappeared on Bradley Mountain, didn't she?" an experienced officer mused, his tone heavy with implication regarding Aurora. "I recall Jaxon showed little concern then. Could Aurora have gone to Bradley Mountain to remember her mother?"

The possibility seemed plausible. Aurora's suspicion evaporated.

Leaving the station, Aurora took a taxi to the Sunrise Pharmaceuticals R&D building, immediately resuming her research. She was developing a hair-loss treatment—a promising market, and her trump card for Tuesday's negotiations with Whitaker Group hospitals.

She spent the afternoon in the lab, oblivious to the passage of time until Jaxon called. "Aurora, what have you done?" His roar filled her ear, followed by a torrent of furious, rapid-fire accusations, leaving no room for explanation. He berated her for associating with "hooligans," for not being like Maura, for constantly causing trouble.

Aurora set the phone down, packing her equipment, ignoring his tirade.

Jaxon, expecting a fearful explanation, was enraged by her silence. He continued shouting, but Aurora remained unresponsive, wetting a towel and calmly wiping the bench.

"Aurora! Answer me!" His voice, distorted with fury, crackled through the phone.

Finally, she picked up the phone, her tone calm and laced with sarcasm. "Dad, what did you say?"

Jaxon, breathless from his outburst, asked, "Where have you been? Did you hear me?"

"Sorry, Dad. I was busy," she replied, her apology unconvincing.

Jaxon, feeling helpless and increasingly irritated, said, "The police called. What happened?"

Aurora calmly explained, "I went for a run on Bradley Mountain and found a body. I called the police."

Jaxon's heart leaped. "What were you doing there?" he demanded, recalling Victoria's disappearance in the same location. Had Aurora discovered something?

Aurora, shouldering her bag, repeated, "I went for a run."

"Why there?" Jaxon disbelieved her.

"It's free," she replied.

Jaxon was speechless. "Didn't I give you 300,000 dollars and a card? Don't go back."

"I spent it all," Aurora said, pressing the elevator button and heading to a hotel near Sunrise Pharmaceuticals.

Jaxon exploded, "What did you spend it on? No one can afford to support you. Ask me before spending anything in the future!"

Aurora sneered, recalling Maura's 150,000-dollar monthly allowance. Jaxon's 300,000 dollars and a card with only 30,000 dollars felt meager, especially given his constant reminders.

Collecting her room key, Aurora told Jaxon, "It's late, Dad. I'll stay out tonight." Her work was unfinished, and Crawford Manor was too distant.

Jaxon countered, "No, you're coming home. You can't stay out all night!"