Mated To My Boyfriend's Dad

Chapter 84: _ A connection

As Rhett turned to leave after seeing to it that she was safely in, a fleeting glimpse of movement caught his eye. A dark blur darted across the pale brick wall of Isleen’s apartment building, its movements too swift for him to discern any details.

A frown creased his forehead. What was that? It seemed to speed up the wall and climb— into her window?

Was it a stray cat?

Or something more?

After considering all the odds and knowing that Isleen had no cats, he dismissed it as paranoia. There was no way in hell even a cat could move so fast. The encounter with Isleen must have left him emotionally drained and then, there was the lack of sleep.

While still dwelling on that, the window on the second floor – Isleen’s apartment – creaked open. A ray of light spilled onto the fire escape, and there, framed by the window, was Isleen.

He chuckled to himself, relishing the fact that even as she was eager to get rid of him earlier, here she was, peeking at him. Was she worried?

Or maybe a little— curious? The thought sent a thrill through him.

Their eyes met for a moment, and a teasing smile appeared on Rhett’s face and he waved at her. As if she were sensitive to his smile and wave, she pulled back and shut the window with a decisive click.

"That defiant little cute fox." Rhett chuckled to himself again and shrugged with a secret smile playing on his lips. He’d worry about the mysterious figure later. For now, Isleen was safe, marked as his and they were almost ready to proceed in their relationship.

Wait. They weren’t in a relationship yet but that too was just a matter of time.

He returned to the precinct. The events of the night, however, continued to replay in his mind. He spent the night poring over reports, strategizing for the upcoming meeting with Aceco, and stealing glances at the clock, yearning for the moment he could see Isleen again. He suddenly regretted why he didn’t suggest another meet-up.

Well, he could find her number and call her just any time he wanted.

.

The next morning, Rhett was still in his office, working. He had spent the whole night trying to connect the data.

"I can’t help but feel like these are just random murders at first. It seemed the killer wasn’t following patterns but just killing people to fit whatever situation he/she wanted to solve. However, Cora’s story is lacking." He tapped on Cora’s statement report continuously, his hand under his chin.

He picked up Liam’s report too. Liam shouldn’t be on his suspect list but the rate of his suspicion concerning the boy had indeed increased.

All he needed was for one thing. One major or minor thing was all he needed to happen for him to crack this. He was very certain of himself that he’d crack it.

He was about to head out for Alpha Beowulf’s residence since it was barely an hour left for the meeting when a sharp rap on the door changed his plans.

"Come in," he called out with a raspy voice.

The door creaked open, revealing Alistair who carried a worried expression on his face. "Gamma Rhett," he began, saluting him, "There’s– there’s been a report of a murder."

A wave of nausea washed over Rhett. Another death? He gritted his teeth, the anger simmering inside of him threatening to boil over.

"Oh, no. Not again." His jaw clenched as he sprang up. "Let’s go," he barked at the lieutenant before grabbing his coat and heading out the door.

Alistair scurried after him.

The news had already spread like wildfire in the precinct. They collided with Farkas in the lobby. Farkas seemed to be heading to Rhett’a office with a face contorted with worry.

"Rhett," He sighed with a strained voice... "Just heard about the murder. W– where are you going?"

Was that question even necessary?

Rhett shrugged. "Where else? To the crime scene, of course."

"Alistair can handle it. You have that meeting with— the Alpha, remember?" Farkas awkwardly tried to remind Rhett while avoiding mentioning Aceco in front of Alistair.

Dumb; Rhett thought. How could he forget the meeting?

Alpha Beowulf might prioritize a meeting with the fairy but Rhett couldn’t abandon his duty as Gamma too. Not with another pack member possibly dead.

"There’s still time," he argued, his voice firm. "I want to check out every crime scene myself for now."

Farkas knew there was no point arguing with him in Instances like this. He merely sighed, the tension evident in his broad shoulders. "Alright, fine. But you leave after a quick visit. You can’t keep the Alpha waiting."

The mention of the Alpha was making Rhett feel sick. He was still yet to know where he’d find the strength to deal with the Alpha and his harpy or perhaps, the harpy and his Alpha.

He nodded curtly at Farkas who patted him on the shoulder. He left with Alistair and a couple of accompanying soldiers. They piled into a nondescript van and set off to the crime scene, wherever it was.

Rhett hoped that this would be the one thing that would either link this murder to the past ones or give him a clue. He hoped to find a clue.

As they sped through the streets, Rhett wondered where they were headed. The route seemed to be the same as Isleen’s place. He leaned toward Alistair and asked with a low voice.

"Where’s the crime scene?"

Alistair consulted a map on a tablet. "It’s on Elm Street, near the park."

Rhett froze.

Elm Street?

His mind did a short jingle.

It was Isleen’s street. A connection. Isleen was close to the previous crime scene and now, this too. Was it a coincidence or did these two deaths...

Hold on a second. Principal Thorne’s words crossed his mind again. The last victim was a bully. One that seemingly used to billy Isleen.