Deep lines creased Ernest’s forehead as he voiced the question burning in both their minds.
“Have there been developments?”
“There have been… developments, indeed.” Ellis paused, weighing his words carefully as he faced their expectant expressions, then committed himself to complete honesty.
“Here’s what we’ve discovered…”
He continued with deliberate precision, “Our team has conducted thorough inspections of every vehicle leaving the hospital after the incident, and we’ve uncovered something deeply concerning.”
One physician’s vehicle was removed from the hospital premises during a period when that same doctor was actively engaged in surgical procedures. This timeline made it impossible for the doctor to have been operating the vehicle himself.
Ernest and Hadley shared a loaded look before Ernest pressed further.
“What happened to the vehicle?”
“The vehicle was eventually returned to the physician’s home address.”
“What did you find there…?” Hadley’s pulse hammered against her ribcage as dread began its familiar climb up her spine.
Ellis met her terrified gaze and delivered the news with painstaking care.
“Our forensic team recovered DNA traces confirming Mr. Scott’s presence in that vehicle.”
“DNA traces…” The color drained from Hadley’s face as she echoed the phrase, each word dripping with horror as her desperate gaze found Ernest.
“Ernest!”
Her knees buckled beneath the weight of this revelation, her entire body threatening to crumble.
“Stay calm!” Ellis’ protective instincts kicked in as he lunged forward to offer support.
“Hadley!” Ernest’s reflexes proved faster, his arms encircling her before she could fall, worry etching deep lines across his features.
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“Don’t panic just yet. Allow Chief Gomez to explain the full situation,” Ernest insisted, his voice tight with controlled urgency.
“Please, Chief Gomez?”
“The situation is complex…” Profound concern shadowed Ellis’ expression as he continued.
“While we’ve confirmed Mr. Scott was transported in that vehicle, we have no definitive evidence regarding his present state or well-being.”
“Did you absorb what he said?” Ernest addressed Hadley with gentle firmness, fighting to keep his own panic at bay.
“Don’t let your imagination run wild with worst-case scenarios. Now focus on the positive aspects—we finally have a concrete trail to follow.”
Hadley sagged against Ernest’s solid frame, managing a jerky nod that betrayed the rigidity fear had introduced to her muscles.
Ernest then redirected his attention back to the man before him.
“What else can you tell us?”
Ellis pressed his palms against his weary eyes, defeat weighing heavily in his voice.
“I’m afraid not. This is where our investigation hits a dead end.”
“A dead end?” Ernest’s brows drew tight, his stare sharpening with suspicion.
.
.
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