âThis is now an official police record. Please take a moment to think carefully about where your father might have gone. In the meantime, weâll have some officers search the nearby area, Scott tried to reassure Josie.
However, Josie couldnât shake off her unease. âOfficer Buncho, my father couldnât have just lost his way like that. He was in the carâ¦â
Scottâs extensive investigative experience triggered a thought, âDo you know of anyone who might hold a grudge against him?â
The notion of enemies sent Josieâs thoughts spiraling.
She couldnât pinpoint them even if there were indeed any adversaries. Among the people she could recall, none of them seemed to have any direct animosity toward her father.
Josie pursed her lips, âLet me think again. Iâll let you know if I recall anything.â
Scott nodded.
As he was getting ready to enter his car, a colleague patted him on the shoulder and said. âRelax, Buncho. Youâre out here on duty for a reason. Whyâs still the long face? Donât worry. They wouldnât keep you waiting for an eternity.â
Scott responded with a teasing glance before addressing Josie, âDo you need a lift?â
Josieâs focus snapped back suddenly, ââ¦No, thank you.â
Having said that, she briskly walked to her car, pressed the gas pedal, and drove away.
As Josie sped away, the police officers exchanged hushed murmurs. One asked, âOfficer Buncho, are you handling this case, orâ¦?â
Scottâs usually furrowed brow etched an even deeper line, âI am. Her background is more complex than it seems.
âOh? Who is she?â Another officer queried.
Scott disclosed, âSheâs Dexter Russellâs wife.â
His colleagues immediately grasped why Scott had assumed personal responsibility for the case.
Josie drove straight to Russell Group. Amid the rush hour traffic, her driving was reckless and daring, as if she had no fear of consequences.
Navigating through the flow of people leaving work, she headed for the VIP elevator and swiped her card, gaining entry. She rode it to the top floor without hesitation.
Even at this point, Dexter did not return back the call.
âMrs. Russell?â
The employees in the secretaryâs office were taken aback by Josieâs hurried arrival. Observing that Josie seemed to disregard them, they hastened to add, âMr. Russellâs meeting is still ongoing. Heâs not in the office right nowâ¦â
Josie clenched her fists, her expression taut as she shifted her course and headed directly to the conference room.
âMrs. Russell, you canât enter. Mr. Russell is in a board meeting now!â
The room was filled with all departmental directors of the company, all wielding significant influence.
They were engrossed in discussing critical matters concerning the companyâs future trajectory.
Yet, undeterred, Josie stormed into the conference room, causing a stir among the attendees, who all raised their heads in unison.
Seated at the head of the table, Dexter reviewed his files, his countenance bearing the cold seriousness. befitting a business discussion devoid of his usual warmth.
He closed the folder.
One of the assistants from the secretaryâs office promptly clarified, âMrs. Russell insisted on entering, and I couldnât stop herâ¦
The directors exchanged knowing glances, their expressions conveying their collective sentiment. As Mrs. Russell, she was expected to observe protocols, and her abrupt intrusion wasnât taken lightly.
Josie stood her ground at the entrance of the conference room. She turned slightly and raised her voice, This meeting concludes now. Mr. Russell and I have an urgent matter to discuss.â
Her words carried resolve and fearlessness, though, upon closer scrutiny, faint beads of sweat were visible. on her forehead.
The directors exchanged looks and eventually directed their gaze at Dexter.
He closed his folder and spoke composedly. âDidnât you hear her? The meeting is over.â
With his directive, everyone had no choice but to rise and exit the conference room, passing by Josie.
âNow that itâs just us, whatâs the matter?â Dexter inquired gently. His tone was devoid of reproach;
instead, a hint of warmth was restored.
Josieâs previously steady posture began to waver. With Dexter, she had no need to feign strength. She uttered helplessly, âPop is missing.â
Her revelation jolted Dexter, his expression taken aback.