CHAPTER 192: CARE, LOVE AND DRUGS

In the police station, Eleanor had just finished revealing the wrongdoings of every officer present to the others. At first, they were shocked. Then came the protests. Eventually, they all cast their gaze down onto their laps, feeling dejected.

She was receiving live updates through her earpiece, connected directly to her shadow team. When she realised the mission was complete and her team was returning to the station, she decided it was time to wrap up.

"Isadora, give me the box," she said.

Isadora placed an identical copy of the box that Eleanor had gifted the Inspector earlier onto the table.

Eleanor slid the box across to Inspector G. Reynolds and said, "Inspector, thank you for your cooperation. This small gift is for your team, as promised. I’ll leave the distribution to you."

She looked around. All the officers present were eyeing the box curiously.

She continued, "Officers, I came here to rescue someone. It seems my team has completed the job. What I expect from you will be explained by your Inspector later. I’ll take my leave now. You now know each other’s darkest secrets. I know a few more, but those are not important. The important thing in a force is unity. Despite knowing one another’s faults, if you can support each other, I believe you might still clean up the social pariahs of this area. Best wishes to you all. And thank you."

With that, she stood up and confidently walked out of the meeting room. Isadora and Livia followed closely behind.

Livia couldn’t help but ask, "Is Georgia okay?"

Eleanor replied, "She’s been through some kind of torture. She’s unconscious, but alive. I believe she’ll need to stay in hospital for a while to recover."

"Is it serious?" Livia asked with concern.

"No. Just some bruises and lack of nourishment. Nothing too serious. Don’t worry... you’ll see her soon."

As the group walked out of the station, Eleanor turned to the guard posted at the entrance and asked, "Did anyone come to the station while we were inside?"

The guard replied respectfully, "No, Ma’am."

Isadora chimed in with a laugh, "Looks like this station isn’t very popular around here."

Just then, they saw the rescue team approaching not far away.

Eleanor said, "Let’s get in the cars. We need to leave this area as soon as possible."

Isadora stepped forward, opened Eleanor’s car door, and Eleanor got in.

Livia wanted to see Georgia immediately, but Eleanor said, "Get in. You can see her once we’re back in Manchester. You’ll be staying with her at the hospital. I don’t have the time."

After settling beside Eleanor, Livia said firmly, "Don’t worry. That’s a given. She’s my friend. Of course, I’ll stay with her in the hospital."

Eleanor added, "You also have another task. Georgia will likely panic when she regains consciousness. You’ll have to explain everything that happened. And there’s another issue... her son. He’s in Durham Cathedral School. As a boarding school, it’s safe for a day or two. But if you delay, Georgia’s in-laws might find a way to harm him. You’ll need to figure out how to bring him to Manchester as soon as possible."

She paused, then said, "As for Georgia’s employment, contact Teresa. She may be able to help find her a job so she can settle in Manchester. It’s better for her not to return to Middlesbrough. My guards gave the people in that area a thorough beating. They might hold a grudge."

Livia nodded, "Okay. I understand."

The convoy began to move once everyone had boarded. Georgia was resting in the back seat of Sebastian’s car. The others rearranged their seating to ensure she had enough space.

***

After nearly two hours of driving, the convoy arrived at Hope Specialised Hospital. Eleanor had contacted Edward Miller in advance, so a medical team was already waiting at the gate to receive them.

Eleanor left Livia and Isadora at the hospital with Georgia. While Livia would stay there as her attendant, Isadora would return after Georgia’s initial check-up and after ensuring they were settled in their cabin. The hospital would provide meals for Livia, so there was no need to worry about her missed dinner.

Eleanor headed straight back to her villa.

She found Ethan waiting for her at the staircase landing on the first floor. He gave her a small smile. "You’re late. Freya’s already asleep. Go freshen up... I’ll ask the kitchen to prepare something hot for you."

Eleanor felt warmth spread through her heart. "Thanks. I’ll be right back."

She walked to her room.

Once inside, she immediately removed her suit and tossed it into the laundry basket, heading straight for the shower. The accumulated fatigue and sore muscles from a long, demanding day were washed away under the stream of hot water. She had badly needed this bath.

Almost half an hour later, she emerged wearing a fresh set of clothes.

She went directly to the dining room and found a full spread of steaming food on the table. Two place settings had been laid out, and Ethan was seated at one of them.

She took the seat opposite him and asked, "Why haven’t you had your dinner?"

"I thought you’d feel lonely eating alone," Ethan replied.

Eleanor’s ears turned crimson at his words. Despite that, she quickly regained composure and said, "It’s well past dinner time. You should’ve eaten already. Next time, don’t wait for me if I’m late again."

"Next time?" Ethan raised an eyebrow, a sly grin on his lips.

Eleanor stuttered slightly, "I... I said it casually. Meals should be taken on time... it’s good for your health."

She hurriedly began filling her plate with various dishes.

Seeing her flustered, Ethan had the urge to tease her further. But he restrained himself. Everything would settle in its own time. There was no need to rush. Quietly, he began placing food on his plate.

***

A Boeing 737 of Delta Air Lines landed at Norfolk International Airport after 10 p.m. local time. Passengers formed a line and began to disembark. Among them were three members of the Whitmore family. They had travelled from Manchester via Virgin Atlantic Airways, with a layover of more than three hours at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Their connecting flight had been delayed by over an hour during transit.

"Finally, we’ve successfully left the kingdom," William thought.

Jennifer and Jeanne also sighed in relief as they descended the aircraft stairs. They made their way towards the baggage claim area to collect their three suitcases.

Their luggage arrived promptly. They loaded the bags onto a trolley and headed towards the customs check-out line.

Suddenly, one of the security dogs barked and bolted towards William, who was walking slightly ahead, leading the way. Behind him, Jennifer pushed the trolley while Jeanne conversed with her about their immediate plans.

The surrounding immigration officers instantly became alert and followed the dog. In moments, they had surrounded the trio. A small distance had formed between William and the two women. The officers quickly closed in on William, encircling him and leaving Jennifer and Jeanne behind the line.

Several officers raised their firearms, pointing them at William. One officer stepped forward and said firmly, "Sir, please come with us to the screening room."

William looked around in confusion. He couldn’t see Jeanne or Jennifer. They had been cut off behind the circle. Sweat beaded on his forehead. Numbly, he nodded. He had no idea what was happening.

The officers escorted him towards the screening room. At that moment, Jennifer caught sight of her father.

"Dad!" she cried and rushed forward.

One officer held up a hand and shouted, "Stop!"

Jennifer froze, puzzled. The officer asked, "Are you with him?"

"Yes," she replied, nodding.

"Then follow us," the officer instructed.

Jeanne stepped forward as well. "I’ll come too. He’s my husband."

"Alright," the officer agreed.

The two women followed behind William and the group of officers.

Upon reaching the screening area, William was immediately ushered inside. Jeanne and Jennifer were asked to wait outside.

Inside, fluorescent lights buzzed softly. An officer seated William and began a polite but firm interrogation. William’s pulse thundered in his ears.

Finally, the officer leaned forward and asked, "Would you agree to a search? Is there anything you’d like to tell us? If you confess now, we may be able to help you."

William looked lost. He stammered, "I didn’t do anything. I’m a citizen of the kingdom. I have no arrest warrant."

The officer remained impassive. He turned to the officers beside William and gave a brief command. "Search him."

One officer unzipped William’s handbag, poured out its contents, and checked each item thoroughly. Nothing appeared unusual.

Another officer took William’s coat and began checking the pockets. He emptied them one by one.

Then, from one pocket, he pulled out a small container wrapped in black plastic... an object that immediately raised suspicion.

The officer tore away the plastic and opened the container. Inside were several white tablets. He stepped forward and poured them onto a metal tray on the table.

Another officer approached and scanned the tablets with a handheld device.

"Sir," he said grimly, "heroin."