"So..." Stephanie began, her gaze probing Lauren, who remained steadfastly focused on navigating the winding roads to their destination.
"So what?" Lauren replied, her curiosity piqued by Stephanie's enigmatic tone.
"Are you still in touch with the wealthy admirer of yours from last time?" Stephanie inquired with a cryptic smile, her words layered with a deeper implication that Lauren couldn't quite decipher.
"Who exactly are you referring to?" Lauren countered, her puzzled expression mirrored in her voice as she attempted to unravel Stephanie's insinuation.
"Do I really have to spell it out for you?" Stephanie teased, a knowing smirk curling her lips as she realized that Lauren was fully aware of the individual to whom she alluded, her question leaving an intriguing mystery hanging in the air between them.
"I honestly have no idea what you're talking about," Lauren replied simply, attempting to mask the tinge of emotion that flitted across her heart at the mention of the familiar name.
"I'm referring to the most esteemed billionaire in the country, Mr. Damien Voltorie," Stephanie clarified, The name resonated with familiarity, causing a subtle flutter in Lauren's heart. Yet, the sensation wasn't intense enough to stir any painful memories. She found herself surprised at this unexpected reaction and inwardly deliberated whether her magical abilities played a part in her subdued emotional response. Nonetheless, she couldn't help but ponder, 'Is it truly better to feel numb than to experience the sting of hurt?'
After a journey filled with unspoken thoughts and quiet contemplation, Lauren and Stephanie finally arrived at their destination, the first stop being the local police department. Parking her Maybach S 650 Brabus in front of the station, Lauren and Stephanie stepped out, ready to immerse themselves in the labyrinth of the ongoing investigation.
As they ventured into the bustling hub of law enforcement activity, they were met with a chorus of hushed whispers and respectful nods, a tangible reverence pervading the atmosphere. Lauren, renowned as the illustrious leader responsible for orchestrating the successful rescue of the president's daughter and countless other high-profile triumphs, carried an aura of gravitas that resonated throughout the precinct. The presence of a figure of such prestige and accomplishment infused the officers with a sense of security and purpose, elevating the significance of their collaboration in the impending case.
While the idea of assistance from fellow agents was expected, the unforeseen arrival of a particular individual caught them off guard, igniting a wave of incredulous astonishment that reverberated throughout the precinct. Warm embraces and cordial greetings punctuated the air as Lauren and Stephanie were greeted with an outpouring of respect and admiration from all corners, encompassing everyone from the seasoned officers to the dedicated custodial staff.
Seated in the office of the sheriff, Lauren and Stephanie absorbed the comprehensive rundown of events that had unfolded since the discovery of the first victim. As the weight of the case file settled before them, they embarked on a meticulous examination, identifying overlooked nuances, offering astute suggestions, and ultimately formulating a strategic plan of action alongside the officers assigned to assist them.
Lauren adeptly guided and coordinated the officers, strategically assigning their positions in discreet segments of the district. Following an exhaustive three-hour discussion at the precinct, she and Stephanie made their way to the hotel where they would reside for the duration of the mission.
After settling into her lodging and indulging in a rejuvenating hot shower, Lauren lay upon the plush mattress, poised to succumb to the embrace of sleep. As she drifted into a drowsy state, interrupted by the faint echoes of slumber, her phone pierced the tranquility of the room. With a heavy, somnolent voice, she answered, "Hello, Chloe."
"Where are you? Aunt Veronica asked me to call you," Chloe's voice echoed through the receiver, instantly rousing Lauren from her dozing state. The abrupt reminder of her familial obligations caused her to sit up with a jolt, the drowsiness fleeing from her eyes. She had promised to return home on this very day, utterly unaware that her plans would be upended by the unexpected demands of her current undertaking, compelling her to spend the night in a distant hotel until the enigmatic assailant was brought to justice.
"Are you at home?" Lauren inquired, silently rebuking herself for not reaching out to her family sooner.
"Yes, I'm at home, and Aunt Veronica is here with me," Chloe confirmed, a smile evident in her voice, prompting a gasp of surprise from Lauren at the unforeseen turn of events.
Amidst the beeping signal of a disconnected call, Lauren swiftly initiated a video call, revealing that Chloe's account had been genuine—all members of her immediate family were indeed gathered within their home.
"Hello, Aunt. I am truly sorry for not reaching out earlier. It's been chaotic at the office, and I got swept up in work. As it stands, I'm currently stationed outside the city," Lauren explained, her words flowing in a single breath as she endeavored to assuage her aunt's concerns.
A palpable silence followed her explanation, leaving Lauren to contemplate whether her words had reached them amid the digital transmission. As she readied herself to inquire about the quality of their connection, a sudden burst of hearty laughter filled the room.
Lauren found herself perplexed by the sudden burst of laughter from her family. Self-consciously, she ran her hand across her face, wondering if something amusing or unexpected had adorned her features, but all to no avail, much to the amusement of her relatives.
"Alright, spill it. Why the laughter, guys?" she demanded, one eyebrow arched quizzically as she sought an explanation.
"Your rapid-fire speech earlier was priceless. Why the hurry?" Ariana quipped, prompting Lauren to roll her eyes in mock exasperation, a faint chuckle escaping her lips.
Turning to the poignant matter at hand, Madame Veronica inquired, "We heard about the spate of killings across the country. Is that the case you're currently tackling?"
"There's a limit to what I can disclose, but indeed, that's the current focus. I'm stationed outside the city for the time being," Lauren affirmed.
Curiosity tinged Madame Veronica's next question, "Which hotel are you staying in?"
"Salford VI hotel," Lauren responded, her mind registering the unusual nature of her aunt's inquiry.
"Ah, I see. I had thought you'd be returning to the city tomorrow for the award night," Madame Veronica expressed, her voice touched with a note of gentle disappointment. Lauren grimaced inwardly at the oversight, chiding herself for forgetting such a pivotal event.
"Yes, indeed. We'll likely return tomorrow, possibly in the evening," Lauren assured, engaging in further conversation before bidding her family farewell as she ended the call.