Red Roses dark Secrets

Chapter 9: The Heart of the Investigation

The next morning, the sunlight filtered through the blinds of the precinct, casting stripes of light across the cluttered desks. Detective Alex Miller sat with his coffee, staring at the whiteboard filled with photographs and notes. The events of the previous night replayed in his mind—Carter Wells's cold defiance and Ryan's palpable fear. He could feel the weight of the investigation pressing down on him, the urgency to find the truth propelling him forward.

"Hey, you look like you haven't slept," Hayes said, breaking into his thoughts as she approached with a steaming cup of coffee. "You okay?"

"I didn't," Miller admitted, rubbing his eyes. "I can't shake this feeling that we're missing something. Carter is too cocky. He knows something we don't."

"Maybe we should dig into his past," Hayes suggested, her brow furrowing in concentration. "See if he's been involved in anything similar before. There's bound to be a paper trail."

Miller nodded, grateful for her insight. "Good idea. Let's check with the records department and see if there's anything on his previous assaults or any history with Sarah."

As they worked, the office buzzed with the activity of officers coming and going. Miller felt a familiar sense of determination rising within him. They needed to tighten the net around Carter before he could slip away again.

Later that afternoon, they gathered around the conference table with Ryan, who looked increasingly anxious. "I can't believe you guys are really going after him," he said, his voice shaky. "What if he finds out? What if he comes after me?"

"We're not going to let that happen," Miller reassured him, his voice steady. "We'll make sure you're protected. But you have to help us by being honest about everything you know."

"I swear, I'll do whatever it takes," Ryan said, his resolve hardening. "I just want to make sure justice is served for Sarah."

"Then let's start with what you remember about Carter and Sarah's relationship," Miller prompted, leaning forward. "Did they have any fights? Any incidents that made you think he was dangerous?"

Ryan bit his lip, contemplating. "I saw them arguing a few times at the bar. Carter could get really aggressive when he'd had too much to drink. I never thought he would actually hurt anyone... but there was always this tension between them, like he was possessive of her."

"That's important," Hayes interjected. "Possessiveness can escalate quickly. Did Sarah ever mention feeling threatened by him?"

Ryan shook his head. "Not directly. But I could tell she was uncomfortable sometimes. She'd make jokes about him being a bit too intense, but she never wanted to confront him about it."

Miller exchanged glances with Hayes, recognizing the implications of Ryan's words. "It sounds like Carter had a hold on her," he said thoughtfully. "We need to figure out the extent of that relationship."

Just then, Miller's phone buzzed with a text notification. He glanced at the screen—it was from one of the officers at the station. "Got some intel on Carter's background. Need you to see this ASAP."

"Looks like we have a lead," Miller said, excitement coursing through him. "Let's go."

They made their way to the records department, where Officer Daniels waited for them, his expression serious. "You need to see this," he said, pulling up a digital file on his computer. "Carter has a more extensive history than we thought."

Miller leaned closer, his heart racing as the screen displayed a series of past incidents: multiple assault charges, a restraining order filed by an ex-girlfriend, and a record of harassment complaints. "This isn't good," he murmured, his gut twisting with dread.