All Chapters of Alone In the Shadows: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

My boss was escorted into the police car. Pale-faced and frail, she seemed nothing like the figure I had imagined.Behind me, Lloyd had already changed into his clothes and stood quietly."Who would've thought?" he said, his voice carrying a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "Is this really related to that health report?"I didn't elaborate, but that report had indeed been a turning point. "Yeah. And honestly, I should thank you. You've helped me twice now."Lloyd laughed, a relaxed, warm sound, and waved it off."There's no need for thanks. After all, I still owe you for helping my brother."Only then did I remember—his younger brother had been sick, and I'd introduced them to a renowned orthopedic doctor, even booking an appointment. I had no idea how his brother was doing now.I mimicked his casual gesture. "No thanks needed. But by my count, you still owe me one!"The middle-aged officer approached, his expression calm but purposeful. "Ready to go? I can give you a ride back.

Three months after returning home, I received the news that my former boss had passed away.Lloyd sent me a message. Lloyd: [How's life back home?]I replied, though it was merely a polite gesture.Valerie: [It's good, peaceful. Come visit sometime.] To my surprise, after a brief pause, he responded.Lloyd: [I'll visit when I can.]…A week later, a message from the middle-aged policeman appeared on my phone. [All the perpetrators have been caught. That nurse and Wayne are dead. Your life ahead will be a happy one.]I looked out at my mother sitting in the courtyard, sorting through freshly picked vegetables. With a slight nod to myself, I replied: [Thank you. It's been hard on you. If you're ever working a case near my home, let me host you properly.]He messaged back almost immediately: [Alright, I'll hold you to that.]…Another month passed. One morning, while out for a walk, I spotted a familiar figure. A man with a large hiking backpack, looking every bit like an