The door clicked open, and Bryan stepped in with an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry to disturb you, sir, Madam.”
Zack messaged his temple, feeling a bit irritated for disrupting the moment. He gestured, allowing him in. “Did the detective call? Is that why you returned?”
“Yes.” Bryan replied.
Ivy had settled on one of the plush sofas; her initial fervor was gradually giving way to a sense of tranquility but it swung when she observed the look on Bryan’s face. She could only hope whatever news he got from the detective would be good.
The two men sank into the sofa, Zack sitting beside, while Bryan sat opposite them.
Zack’s expression turned serious as he struck up the main discussion. “What is it? Is it related to the unpleasant news you told me earlier today?”
“Yes, it is related, and it’s terrible news.” Bryan responded.
Ivy furrowed her eyebrow as his words triggered her curiosity. “What happened, have they found the perpetrator?”
The look on Bryan’s face said otherwise. He shook his head; his eyes were hinting at a bigger pickle than she imagined. “No, the detective is still investigating. It seems the mastermind is a crafty one. There has been no trace, leaving us with no exact conclusion, not to mention any clue of some sort.”
Ivy let out a silent sigh, admitting to the intensity of the situation she was in.
Bryan continued. “Isabelle was one step away from escaping her cell today.”
“What?” Ivy’s eyes widened in surprise. That was definitely not what she expected. “Did she succeed?”
“No, she didn’t.” Zack replied, his eyes narrowing slightly as he fixed an inquiring gaze on Bryan. “So what’s the other news you’re not telling me?”
“Isabelle was murdered in prison a few hours ago.” Bryan’s voice dropped to a whisper, his words slicing through the air like a razor as his eyes locked on the couple.
“What?” Ivy’s eyes flashed with shock, the gravity of the news sinking in like a weight.
Zack’s expression was inscrutable as he reclined into the sofa’s fluffy cushion. “It looks like someone wanted to silence her permanently.”
The impact of the news was still sinking into Ivy; though she never liked Isabelle, she didn’t wish for such a downfall nor have deep animosity towards her to the extent of triumphing in her death. “It’s certainly the perpetrator’s doing; he clearly wanted to ensure his secret dies with her.”
Bryan nodded affirmingly, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. “This would have been a perfect opportunity to trace the mastermind, but the police were also left with no leads as their system was tampered with.”
Zack’s forehead wrinkled, intrigued by the fact that the mastermind outsmarted the police, carried out a murder right under their noses, and left no trail behind echoes how much larger threat the perpetrator was. He began to think deeply about the situation, worried about Ivy’s safety. “I’m highly disappointed by the police’s lack of progress in their investigation. I need to speak to that detective. The sooner this is resolved, the better it is. We need more security. I’m afraid of what might happen next; who knows if my wife is his next target.”
Ivy exhaled deeply, a hint of fear washing over her, but she quickly brushed it off with faith in the police and her reliable husband, who would do anything to guarantee her safety. “Shouldn’t the detective do a roundup of all suspects and carry out a separate investigation?”
Zack’s gaze locked onto her; his eyes narrowed, trying to comprehend what she meant. “What are you implying?”
An idea popped up in her head, but the issue was it was too dangerous, and she was sure Zack would strongly disagree. “Jake Black and Irene are my suspects, even though no evidence pointed to either of them. I couldn’t think of anyone else who hates me badly enough to want to hurt in such ways. I thought that what if we delve deeper into investigating both of them, we might get a lead; one of them might be the perpetrator.”
The room went silent; both men began to consider her perception.
What if it was the truth. One of them planned her abduction and then silenced Isabelle from ratting them out. But the head scratcher was, there was no clue or hint of some sort to enable the police to question any of the two people mentioned.
“Madam, did Isabelle insinuate anyone working with her at that time?” Bryan broke the silence.
Ivy shook her head, “No, I tried to rip it out of her, but she was smarter than I thought. She only said I messed with the wrong people and went silent after that.”
She then recalled Isabelle’s ordeal after the press conference. “She narrated how she got out of prison, someone bailed her out, used her and offered her two million.”
Zack let out a sharp sigh, anger building up in him coupled with a hint of worry. He was riled by the inevitable motives and existence of sinister individuals and anxious about the foreboding implications of meeting such personalities. “Call the chief and tell him how disappointed I am; it will put pressure on them to press deeper into investigating.”
“Yes, sir,” Bryan said and stood up. “I’ll take my leave.”
Ivy was lost in thought, her mind inching her to layout her idea to Zack as the fear of the battle ahead was troubling her deeply. “Should I confront my sister; maybe I can extract information out of her.”
Zack stared at her incredulously, not liking what she was hinting at. “And you think she will willingly blurt out the truth.”
“I can tactically rip it out of her because I know the trigger that can light up her fuse,” Ivy said defensively. “I’ll meet…”
“Ivy…” Zack cut her off, his tone stern, annoyed by the idea of confrontation. “Even if you succeed, do you think she will let you go free? You said she is a suspect and maybe she really is behind everything. I can’t let you meet her; she might be dangerous.”
With Zack’s disagreement, Ivy decided to give up on the idea for the time being. She admitted Zack was right, but there was no harm in trying. She could only hope the police find a lead soon before something unpleasant happens.
She exhaled, while her mind raced. Her troubled expression didn’t go unnoticed by Zack. He inched closer and placed his comforting hand on her shoulders. His eyes flickered with concern and affection, fueled by determination to help her get through the challenges before her. For now he decided to calm the tension Ivy was feeling at the moment.
“You’re perturbed, aren’t you.” Ivy gave a wry smile, attempting to conceal her worry. “No…” When her eyes locked on his concerned gaze, she was compelled to be honest. “I am perturbed, slightly, though.”
Zack gently rubbed her shoulders, leaning in closer. “A hug might help.”
Ivy quickly looked away and adjusted her posture on the sofa, pulling away from his hold. “I’m fine; I don’t need it.” Zack chuckled, a small smirk curving up his lips. “Don’t be shy.”