Seven

Cale's jaw tightened, and for the first time, a flicker of fear crossed his face. Cassandra pressed on.

"You know, Mr. Mr. Callaghan, we have evidence linking you to Michael Foster. Phone records, financial transactions. It's all very incriminating."

Cale's confidence began to crumble. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “What do you want from me?”

“The truth,” Cassandra replied calmly. "What is your relationship with Michael Foster? And why is Antonio Franches' name also on his phone list?"

Cale's eyes darted around the room, looking for a way out. “I don't know what you're talking about,” he said, but his voice lacked conviction.

Cassandra leaned in closer. "You're in big trouble, Callaghan. Work with us, and maybe we can help you. Keep lying, and it will only get worse."

The tension in the room was palpable. Cale looked at Cassandra, then at the photo of Michael Foster, and finally sighed in defeat. "All right, I'll talk. But I want protection. If the Franches know I'm talking..."

“We'll protect you,” Cassandra assured her, feeling a small sense of victory. “Now, start at the beginning.”

After a few minutes of interrogation, Cassandra came out with several pieces of paper in her hands. This was not the first interrogation, they had met several times, but Cale kept his mouth shut and covered up the truth because he felt he would win the trial with the money he had. This was a cliché. Money will pay for everything.

"Hey, how was the interrogation? Going well?"

Alexander walked after Cassandra and Cassandra nodded her head. “It was much better, though he still said he'd beat us with his lawyers.”

“By the way... I bought this for you,” Alexander said.

Cassandra snapped to attention and looked at the plastic her police coworker had brought. One eyebrow raised. “McDonalds?”

"You missed your lunch hour, that's bad. I told you that this case would be complicated because it involves a lot of important people in the city, didn't I?"

“Tsk, you've got to be kidding me, Alex.”

Alex smiled, he was always like that. Handing the plastic to Cassandra, he said, “Take this. You need to fill your stomach before Cale Callaghan brings his lawyer here."

Alexander's words and attitude really made Cassandra feel better. She accepted the food Alexander gave her and held it up in the air. “Thank you.”

“And, one more thing, this is also yours.”

When Alexander handed Cassandra a brown folder, Cassandra didn't respond immediately. She stared at the folder in confusion, then looked at Alexander again. “What's this?”

"The case about your parents. You were looking for this a few weeks ago, I'm sorry that I'm only giving it to you now."

Cassandra's face changed quickly. She looked both shocked and pleased. As she carefully accepted the folder, Cassandra smiled for Alexander. "I really appreciate your kindness, Alex. But I think this is too dangerous. Won't Detective Martinez notice?"

“This is a case that happened fifteen years ago, what do you expect from Detective Martinez?”

Subconsciously, Cassandra really felt happy now. She jumped up to hug Alexander and that meant a lot to Alexander. The man had liked Cassandra for a long time, but expressing feelings was not an easy thing.

"Thank you so much, Alex. You're really a hero to me."

After Cassandra pulled away, Alexander tried to cover his flushed face. He cleared his throat, hiding the feelings of pleasure that could have been seen very clearly on his face. Alexander nodded his head, then said, “You don't have to praise me like I do. How about as a reward, we try some ice cream at Uncle Chuck's tonight?"

“Ice cream?”

"It's not a date, you don't have to worry. It's just -"

Alexander's words were cut short by the sudden ringing of Cassandra's cell phone that filled the room. Cassandra raised her index finger in the air, then said, “Wait a minute, I have to take this call.”

And Cassandra's face changed instantly when she heard a familiar voice on the other side. It was Antonio.

“I think I should go now,” Cassandra whispered to Alex, and Alex just nodded his head even though he looked very curious.

Cassandra immediately ran outside the police station and continued the call she was holding. “H-hello?”

"Hey, Baker. How was your day?"

Damn, how could he say such a trivial thing?

Cassandra cleared her throat, “I was busy taking care of my pigs. They're... still a little sick, and a little poisoned."

Damn pigs, but they could be used as an excuse.

Antonio laughed on the other side, a very distinctive and seductive sound. God, even that laughter was addictive to Cassandra now. But Cassandra tried to restrain herself. She had a mission.

“Didn't you finish your work last night?”

Cassandra's eyes widened, she was shocked that Antonio was suddenly discussing their failed 'one-night-stand'. Swallowing, Cassandra tried to respond calmly.

"Well... I don't know if I can continue. How about a plan to just cancel it?"

"You can't do that, Ms. Baker. I already paid Ms. Wallan in full to hang out with you."

Cassandra's brows furrowed. She inwardly cursed, “Jessica, damn it! Apparently she took money out of the moment." And Cassandra laughed to ease her confusion. "Oh, yeah, I kind of forgot about that. How about we meet next time?

“No other time, I want us to meet tonight.”

“Tonight?!”

"Yep. I'll send you the address. Make sure you come in your best dress. OK?"

“B-But -”

The phone was disconnected by Antonio without waiting for a response from Cassandra. And all Cassandra could do in her place was pensive while thinking about her fate tonight.

A message had just arrived on her cell phone. It was from Antonio. He sent Cassandra an address, apparently a motel nearby from where they last met.

"Damn. How am I supposed to handle this? Shouldn't I just kill him on the spot? But why do I feel guilty and feel like this isn't the right thing to do?"

Cassandra slumped down, she sat on the floor. Beating herself over the head with the brown folder in her hand, she cursed, “You should think clearly, Cassandra. You shouldn't be thinking dirty thoughts about Antonio's body!"