CHAPTER 500: CHAPTER 296 TEAGUE, LIES_2

Fadili began, "After all, it’s not the fifties or sixties anymore. Carlo is a small town; everyone knows everyone. A situation like this just doesn’t add up. Yes," he continued, nodding with certainty, "I am certain that it was Teague who called the police. It’s just that he was young and scared. He wanted to sneak away, but he ran into the police officers who were arriving at the scene, and he fled."

Dean was silent for a moment, then said, "That’s not a normal reaction. What happened next?"

Fadili nodded sorrowfully. "Yes, Teague was too timid. Because he ran away suspiciously and no useful evidence was found at the scene, those bastards took Teague away for a polygraph test. Teague failed it, and so he became the prime suspect. The main problem is that the town isn’t big. Teacher Tori was murdered, which had a terrible impact. After the interrogation, the county prosecutor directly charged Teague with first-degree murder. But I swear, Teague is so timid; he couldn’t possibly be the murderer!"

Dean ignored Fadili’s staunch demeanor. Human nature is a very complex matter. Especially at times, honest and timid people, once impulsive, can be far more cruel and rash than ordinary individuals. He noted several key pieces of information from Fadili’s words: the police found no useful evidence at the scene, and Teague had failed the polygraph test. One could speculate that Teague also had serious issues during the interrogation. This kid, whether he’s the murderer or not, is hiding something.

Dean continued talking with Fadili for a while. When he realized he could not get any more useful information, he rose to leave. "All right, Mr. Fadili," he said, "I can’t give you any answers before I meet with Teague. Can you arrange it?"

Teague had already been charged by the local prosecutor. Dean was hired as a detective by Teague’s father, and without Fadili’s support, he couldn’t meet Teague.

"I’ll make the arrangements." Fadili knew that to exonerate his son, he had to do everything he could to help Dean, who was their last hope.

「Half an hour later.」

A police car arrived at Fadili’s home to pick up Dean and Fadili. The driver was a female officer who didn’t look old, had an average appearance, and a plain figure, though her neat ponytail gave off an energetic impression.

On the way, the policewoman kept stealing glances at the handsome and tall Dean. As they approached the detention center, she couldn’t contain her youthful excitement and, feigning casualness, addressed Fadili, who was seated in the passenger seat, "Mr. Fadili, is this the detective you hired?"

The two obviously knew each other.

Fadili nodded and introduced him. "Nellie, this is Mr. Dean, a special consultant from the Smith Detective Agency. He will certainly be able to clear Teague’s name!"

Actually, Fadili, as a small-town fried chicken shop owner, knew nothing about the status of the Smith Detective Agency. He had only learned through his lawyer’s introduction that this firm was highly competent and might be able to help his son. Nellie, apparently, hadn’t heard of the Smith Detective Agency’s reputation either; she just wanted to strike up a conversation with Dean.

"Hello, Dean," she said.

"Hello, and thanks in advance," Dean replied with a standard playboy smile.

His movements would now be fully accompanied by Nellie. A good first impression would improve the latitude for his subsequent actions, so a little self-sacrifice was a righteous act of professional integrity. Fadili was lucky to encounter a detective as upright and ethical as him.

During their casual chat, Dean learned that the small-town police department had only six full-time officers who mostly dealt with trivial matters. In special circumstances, a number of volunteer ’Auxiliary Police’ would also assist.

As for the prosecutor, the town did not have one. Teague’s case was escalated to Carlo’s superior authorities—Los Angeles County—for processing. County officials aren’t as effective as local ones; this kind of small-town case process is actually quite complicated. This was also the main reason Dean was able to meet Teague in his capacity as a detective. Fadili was just an ordinary fried chicken shop owner and didn’t have such extensive connections. Dean guessed Fadili could arrange the meeting with his son so quickly probably due to special permission from the town’s administrative officers and the police chief. After all, no mayor or police chief would want a case of a fifteen-year-old boy murdering his teacher in their town making news headlines.

The town’s detention facility was small. Officer Nellie exchanged brief greetings with the Keeper, and then Dean was in a small room, meeting the key figure in the case—Teague. Dean needed to talk with Teague alone.

The Teague he saw in person looked just like he did in the file photos—tall and thin—but his eyes were more vacant. Clearly, the events of the past weeks had taken a heavy toll on the fifteen-year-old.

"Hello, Teague." Dean looked at the dull-eyed, slow-reacting teenager and extended his hand. "My name is Dean. I’m the detective your father hired to help you. I can assist you, but I’ll need your cooperation."

Upon hearing the word "help," Teague’s listless eyes finally showed a spark of life. He raised his head and took Dean’s hand excitedly. "Can you really help me?"

Dean nodded confidently. "As long as you cooperate with me, of course, there’s no problem!"