Chapter 154: A Fitting Timeline (2/2)

Why was I so chatty? It was therapeutic. The things I wanted to say to her for so long came tumbling out of my mouth, filling her with venom and doubt about her already bleak life.

I took in a cleansing breath. ”Or, you could condemn him and make him rot here with you. You can watch him slowly die… right beside you.” I tilted my head.

No, there was no love between Alicia and the man. She found someone perfect to obsess over and he used her for his pleasure. If she loved him, the frightening gleam of happiness at the thought of condemning him to jail and her hatred would not have overcome her. Instead, she would have been devastated.

”I don't know if his identity is real. But he is around Dr. Butler's age. His father is a man of power and his mom is a good-old housewife who has no idea the spawns of the devil reside under her roof,” she laughed. ”I don't know anything else.”

I raised a brow. ”What did you call him?”

She had clammed up.

”Aren't you a great detective? Find him yourself. Once he is inside, I want to tell him I had no hand in him getting caught. I can't lie to him, you see…” she trailed off and her laughter grew louder and louder.

I got up from my seat and dragged it to the farthest corner.

As I left the room, I saw Sebastian leaning against the wall already.

”Are you okay?” Was the first thing he asked.

I nodded. ”I feel… unburdened. Like I am finally free from her clutches.” I looked at the bright light hanging from the ceiling. ”It is like I had my wings injured and didn't dare to fly… like I couldn't dream to be happy because I knew it would hurt if I tried. But now, seeing her, I know that the wound was in the past.”

Sebastian smiled. ”I don't know if I should be upset that you are speaking in metaphors or not,” he breathed.

The superintendent looked ashamed as he made his way to me. ”I am so sorry, I didn't make the connection.” Which was stupid. ”I slipped out your name and led to trouble.”

I shook my head. ”It's fine. I didn't intend on her finding out who I was, but the results of her knowing my identity brought me more information than I anticipated.” And it liberated me. ”And please don't be frightened. I don't hurt people I interrogate. I have a grudge against that woman in there. She killed my family and tortured me for seven months.”

The man nodded nervously. ”You have every right,” he said quickly.

”I'll trust you not to let the word spread that she spoke about an accomplice,” Sebastian interjected, a warning clear in his voice.

”Dr. Butler. I will ask everyone to not speak of the matter,” he tried to please.

”I also want the list of guards who have been on duty over the years,” I said quickly.

Sebastian's eyes sparkled. ”Yes, do you mind giving us the list?” he asked. ”It would be better if you could help us identify someone. We are looking for a man around my age, with powerful allies. He should have an average appearance and gets along with people easily. Can you think of anyone?”

The superintendent scratched his head. ”We didn't have anyone with powerful parents of family and your description matches most of the recruits over the years.”

Sebastian went silent. ”It means he was hiding his family,” he told me.

I nodded. ”Anyone who spoke of an overbearing father? Maybe they hated their father or missed him. Like an obsession with a male figure?” I prompted. ”And a lack of female partners,” I added.

”All the delinquents and people looking for a power trip come here. Your description matches most of the prison guards. No one stands out… but I will give you the records.”

”I want everyone's name,” Sebastian pressed. ”Even if the person worked for a few hours or works part-time, I want to know.”

I smiled.