Sometime later, she said, “I have unspeakable secrets just like you, Christopher. I hope you understand.”
Then, noticing the suspicion in his gaze, she added solemnly, “However, I swear I’m not here to steal the formulation. I have no use for it. People resort to such activities for money, which I do not lack. I can earn far more money than any of these people through perfectly legal means. Rest assured that I’m not a part of a drug cartel.”
She continued, “Based on what you said earlier, the two drug lords still have their eyes on Professor White. That means no one knows about the formulation I’m looking for unless Harold already has the formulation but is keeping the two parties in the dark. If he gets his hands on it, his production capacity will soar, and many more people will fall victim to his drugs.”
Her hypothesis struck a chord with Christopher, who replied, “That’s right. He has smuggled several tonnes of drugs into Chanaea in recent years. It’s impossible to count the number of lives he has ruined. I must say, though, that I’m more inclined to your first assumption. The person you’re looking for might be monitoring the situation while deciding on a future partner. Though Harold is stronger now, the real power lies in General Kane’s hands.”
Here, he explained, “General Kane is closer to the other drug lord, Mr. Cabell. Plus, Harold’s expansion has been so rapid over the past few years that it may soon be difficult to control. General Kane has been wary of Harold and keeping him at arm’s length. That’s why I believe the person you’re looking for hasn’t found a buyer and is hiding until he makes his decision.”
“That makes sense.” Winnie mulled over his explanation and commented, “It’s easier for me to take him out before he finds a buyer anyway.”
As she spoke, she checked the time and added, “It’s late. I came here with an innkeeper yesterday. He might be in trouble if I don’t return now. Do you have a way of getting my granny and Rachel out of this place?”
“Yes, but I’ll need a couple of days. They’re safe while Zyon is lying low. No one will harm an elderly or a patient. Once I get rid of Zyon, their job is done, and I’ll send them back to you in Lightspring,” promised Christopher.
“What if…” Winnie paused before continuing, “This is a big ‘what if,’ but what will happen if you fail to defeat Zyon?”
He reassured her, “Don’t worry too much. I have a plan B. I have a friend here who’ll send your granny and Rachel back should I perish with Zyon. We’re police officers, and they’re our citizens. We will always prioritize their safety, no matter where we are. That aside, you should have more faith in my abilities. Zyon is hardly my match. I won’t let him ruin our plans.”
Winnie nodded earnestly. “I believe you! You’ll definitely be safe.”
“Thank you for your conviction.” Christopher smiled at Winnie tenderly and said, “Come on. I’ll send you out.”
Christopher brought Winnie to the yard.
It was now bright enough for her to ascertain her surroundings.
Winnie surmised that the shootout had happened in this very yard.
There was a swimming pool in the center of the yard, and someone was still dragging a body out of the blood-stained water.
Winnie quickly averted her gaze from the pool.
Further ahead, she saw the innkeeper gathering all the women he had brought over last night.
He was counting the number of people before him. Suddenly, he exclaimed, “Why are we missing one person? Was she shot dead last night?”
He had barely finished speaking when beside him, a woman tucked in a man’s embrace smacked her lips in Winnie and Christopher’s direction.
“She’s not dead. There she is!”
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