CHAIN OF TRUTH

CHAPTER X

Copper took a deep breath, trying to piece everything together. "I think the unknown sender is the real criminal we're looking for. And if I'm not wrong, I believe it's Juliet, Mia's only living relative. Jane mentioned passing Mia's daughter to an aunt. If this is true, Juliet might be involved more deeply than we ever imagined." Agatha's tone shifted, becoming more urgent. "Juliet? But why would she—"

"I don't know yet," Copper cut in. "I need more time to dig into this, but when I do, I'll connect with you immediately. We have to move fast. Whoever is behind this is dangerous, and we need to find Enola and Edwin before it's too late." Agatha's voice softened, betraying a hint of concern. "Be careful, Copper. We can't afford any more surprises." Copper nodded, though Agatha couldn't see it. "I will. Just stay ready. We're closer than ever to cracking this."

Ending the call, Copper felt a renewed sense of determination. She was on the brink of uncovering the truth, and nothing would stop her from bringing the real criminal to justice. As she gathered her thoughts, she knew time was running out. Each second brought them closer to either a breakthrough or another deadly encounter.

On reading Copper's message, Agatha felt a wave of relief, but the pressing concern of not finding Enola and Edwin still hung heavily in the air. Chris, on the verge of losing composure, suddenly received an SMS on her phone. She checked it quickly and immediately called Agatha over to show her the message. Agatha's eyes widened as she read it. "We need to find them as soon as possible. I think I know how."

They moved swiftly, stepping outside where officers were waiting by the vehicle. Agatha turned to them and said, "We need to go somewhere personal for the time being. You can return to the office. We'll meet you there later."

The officers nodded and drove off, leaving Agatha and Chris to head in the opposite direction. As they walked, Chris asked, "What did the message say?"

Agatha handed her phone to Chris, who read the message: "We're safe. Have proof. Need to lay low. There's a mole. Meet at the old warehouse. E & E." Chris's eyes widened. "The old warehouse? But that place has been abandoned for years."

Agatha nodded. "Exactly. Which makes it the perfect hiding spot. No one would think to look there." They reached Agatha's car, and as they drove toward the warehouse, Chris couldn't help but voice her concerns. "Do you really think it's Juliet? Mia's daughter?"

Agatha sighed, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "It's a theory, but it fits. Jane's story, the mysterious texts, and the fact that Juliet is the only blood relative left. If she's involved, we need to approach this carefully." Arriving at the warehouse, they parked a distance away and approached cautiously. The old building loomed ahead, its broken windows and decaying facade a stark reminder of its abandonment.

Agatha whispered, "Stay alert. We don't know what or who we might find in there." They entered the warehouse, their footsteps echoing in the vast emptiness. Suddenly, a voice called out from the shadows. "Agatha, Chris! Over here!"

They rushed towards the voice, finding Enola and Edwin huddled in a corner, looking exhausted but unharmed. "Thank God you're safe," Agatha said, embracing Enola. Enola nodded. "We've been hiding here since we got the proof. But we can't stay long. The mole in the department is more dangerous than we thought." Edwin handed over a flash drive. "Everything we need to expose them is on here. We have to be quick."

Agatha took the drive, her mind racing with possibilities. "Let's get out of here. We need to get this to Copper and figure out our next move." As they made their way back to the car, Chris asked, "What's the plan now?" Agatha looked at her team, determination etched on her face. "We take this information back, expose the mole, and bring Juliet in. It's time to end this."

With renewed resolve, they drove back to the station, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The truth was within their grasp, and they wouldn't stop until justice was served.

Back at the station, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Copper sat in the dimly lit tech room, the hum of computers the only sound as he scanned the contents of the flash drive. Agatha and Chris stood behind him, their eyes glued to the screen.

"This has everything," Copper murmured. "Emails, transactions, surveillance footage. It's all here." Chris clenched his fists. "We need to find that mole. They could sabotage everything if they find out we have this." Agatha nodded. "We need to be careful. Let's keep this between us for now."

Meanwhile, Juliet paced in her small apartment, her mind racing. She glanced at the clock, knowing it was only a matter of time before the police pieced everything together. She picked up her phone and made a call. "We need to move up the timeline. They're getting too close."

Back at the station, Copper's phone buzzed. He looked at the message and his eyes widened. "It's from Enola. She says there's someone we need to talk to in custody."

Agatha frowned. "Who?"

Copper shook his head. "I don't know, but we need to find out." They hurried to the holding cells where they found Jane. Copper leaned in. "Jane, do you know who the mole is?" Jane looked up; her eyes weary. "I don't know exactly, but I have a suspicion. There's an officer who was too interested in my case, always asking questions, always around." "Who?" Agatha asked, her voice tense.

Jane sighed. ". He was always too curious about everything."

Chris's eyes widened. "Barnes? But he's been with us for years." Copper shook his head. "We can't trust anyone right now. We need to bring him in for questioning, quietly." Agatha nodded. "I'll handle it. We need to be discreet." As Agatha walked away, her phone buzzed again. Another message from Enola: "Be careful. Trust no one."

In Juliet's apartment, she packed a bag hurriedly. She knew her time was running out. The phone rang again, and she answered it, her voice trembling. "Yes, I understand. I'll be there." At the station, Agatha and Chris approached Barnes casually. "Hey, Barnes, can we have a word with you in the office?" Barnes looked surprised but followed them. As they reached the office, Agatha closed the door behind him. "Barnes, we need to talk about your involvement in Jane's case." Barnes's eyes darted nervously. "What do you mean?" Copper entered the room, holding up the flash drive. "We have evidence, Barnes. It's over."