When Secrets Surface (Book #1)

Chapter 13

Dorothy's POV

"Wow... wow... WOW!" I was extremely shocked to hear the hot, hot tea Sophie was spilling here.

"I get it. It's shocking, "Sophie commented as we were waiting in the bustling LA traffic.

I also informed her about the info I had learned about Xz, so we both knew about each of our different experiences yesterday.

"Just can't believe Theo did that, bro, " I said, still shocked.

"At least I don't have to go on a date with Ryan," Sophie clapped back.

"Sorry, sorry, chill on me. But seriously, you need to talk to him especially if you think he's taking Xz," I said, trying to sound serious.

"Oh, thank gosh finally this stupid traffic is moving, " Sophie exclaimed.

After what felt like 30 billion years of waiting in traffic, we got to Rio's house. I have no idea how Sophie finds the suspects' s houses but anyway, time to go in.

This time only I'm going to interrogate
Rio.

I furiously knocked on the door.

"What are you doing here? , " Rio told me.

"Just a few questions and I'll go please, " I begged, trying to convince
to let me in.

He huffed. " Fine, I'll let you shoot your shot". I entered the room and he beckoned me to sit down.

Dorothy: Is it okay if I record?

Matthew: Sure.

Dorothy: What were you doing at a party for teens?

Matthew: Ryan is my son. His mother and I got a divorce so we decided to split. Ryan threw that party in one of my houses so I decided to check in on him.

I didn't know Ryan had family issues. This topic is very sensitive, and I didn't need to know.

Dorothy: Okay... okay. Um, you and my Dad were known to be workplace rivals like big time. Why were you known as that?

Matthew: We weren't 'rivals' we just had friendly banter. It escalated to rivals on the day he spread rumors about it. He made everyone turn against me.

Dorothy: That doesn't sound like something he would do.

Matthew: He did spread rumors about me. I almost lost my job because of them.

Dorothy: What exactly did he say about you?

Matthew: He claimed I stole billions of dollars from the company. I was plotting to sell ideas to other companies and trying to steal company cars. Bad, bad stuff.

Dorothy: Where did he post them?

Matthew: On Facebook and X. Just type Matthew Rio 2019 allegations and you will find out.

Dorothy: Thanks for your cooperation.

Sophie's POV

I rang Theo's doorbell several times but nobody opened up. I had given Dorothy my car to drive to her surf practice and I had to walk for over 20 miles.

After standing there for 20 minutes, someone opened up.

"So sorry, Babe I was in the shower, " Theo said apologetically.

I hate small talk and he knows that. Theo knows I hate small talk. It's something he knows I can't deal with.

"We need to talk somewhere private," I flat-out stated.