Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Brett waved it off as a work disagreement. He then drove Callie to a secluded suburb, instructing her to wait in the car while he went off with a shovel.
The shovel was later discovered at the crime scene. Callie waited patiently, yet her father never returned. Restlessness consumed her as she sat in the car.
Despite her father’s cautionary advice against following him, Callie eventually succumbed to impatience and ventured out to search for him, only to stumble upon a gruesome scene.
Her legs buckled beneath her, and she promptly dialed the police. That was everything.
The most suspicious aspect arose from the phone call Brett had received. Ethel presented a call log from that period, revealing a single call that matched Callie’s description.
However, it originated from an untraceable burner phone.
The prime suspect appeared to be Jamie, considering the scarcity of women associated with Brett. Brett had remained unmarried, dedicating his time to his daughter and elderly parents.
Despite Callie’s grandmother’s persistent efforts to persuade Brett otherwise, he had no desire to impose on anyone else.
It was confirmed that Brett hadn’t been romantically involved with any women, heightening the likelihood that the woman he had argued with was Jamie.
After Callie underwent additional examinations and was advised to rest, Ethel and Nicole exited the room in unison.
Outside, Nicole shared her theory. She believed Jamie, acting alone, wouldn’t have had the strength to fatally injure Brett and inflict so many stab wounds.
Brett, a robust man standing six feet tall, wasn’t easily subdued. Conversely, Jamie had been physically frail, frequently fainting during her time working with Jemma.
Moreover, Jamie had recently attempted suicide by slitting her wrists, resulting in a substantial loss of blood, which made a swift recovery improbable.
Therefore, Jamie likely had an accomplice or could not have committed the crime singlehandedly.
Stabbing someone over sixty times showcased a profoundly disturbed psyche, signifying that this individual posed a significant menace to society—a true madman.
Ethel concurred with Nicole’s speculation. Based on her interactions with Jamie during Jamie’s hospitalization, she couldn’t envision Jamie overpowering Brett. Moreover, the absence of drugs in Brett’s system, as indicated by the autopsy report, eliminated the possibility of Brett being incapacitated.
Considering Jamie’s frail condition, Brett could have easily overpowered her several times over.
The primary goal now was locating Jamie and figuring out the next steps. However, the challenge lay in discerning Jamie’s whereabouts.
Engrossed in her thoughts, Nicole exited the hospital and inadvertently collided with someone. To her surprise, it was Rhett.
“Miss Lawrence, what a coincidence,” Rhett greeted her with a faint smile.
Nicole was startled. “Why are you…”
Interrupting herself mid-sentence, Nicole speculated that Rhett must be there for a medical appointment.
Recalling her neglect of Rhett since Austin’s abrupt illness, Nicole felt remorseful. After all, Rhett had been assisting her, inadvertently exposing himself to infection.
Yet, for the sake of her own child, she had left him behind.
“I apologize, Mr. Bates. Austin’s condition deteriorated suddenly, and I’ve been attending to him incessantly. I regret not finding the time to visit you,” Nicole expressed her remorse sincerely.
“It’s alright. How is Austin now?” Rhett inquired, genuinely concerned.
Nicole felt heightened remorse. She had neglected to inquire about Rhett’s well-being, yet he showed genuine concern for her child. Rhett truly exemplified kindness.
“He’s vastly improved now. And you, Mr. Bates? You indicated the results would be available in two weeks. Have they returned?” Nicole inquired eagerly, hoping for positive news. She wished for Rhett’s well-being. He deserved it.
“That’s reassuring. I’ve confirmed I’m uninfected. The prophylactic medication likely played a role,” Rhett remarked casually.
Nicole experienced immense relief. Rhett’s prompt initiation of the medication after the incident likely contributed significantly to his well-being.
Nicole released a long sigh of relief. “That’s wonderful! Thank God it was just a false alarm!”
She gazed at Rhett, her expression serious yet full of gratitude. “I owe you, Mr. Bates. If there’s ever anything you need, just say the word.”
Despite Rhett being unaffected, Nicole knew the ordeal wasn’t over. The odds had been fifty-fifty, and Rhett had likely endured significant mental strain.
Yet, he had remained composed throughout. She couldn’t help but admire his resilience.
“Really, it’s nothing to fret over, Miss Lawrence,” Rhett reassured her with a casual smile. “Are you here because of Austin?”
Shaking her head, Nicole clarified, “No, Austin’s not here. I’m actually here to see a friend.”
“A friend?” Rhett’s curiosity was piqued. “I wasn’t aware you had friends in the area. Would it be too intrusive if I accompanied you?”
His request came unexpectedly, but it seemed entirely in character for the affable Rhett.
Without giving it much thought, Nicole politely declined. “Maybe next time. I just popped out for a bit. She’s an old friend, and she’s resting now.”
“Oh,” Rhett nodded. “Do you need a ride?”
“Thanks, but you don’t have to,” Nicole responded promptly. “Someone is already on their way to pick me up.”
At that moment, Jarrod approached. Clad in a black trench coat, his imposing stature dominated the space. He addressed Nicole simply, “Time to go.”
Unaware of Rhett standing a few paces away, or so it seemed, Jarrod maintained his focus on Nicole. Rhett and Jarrod had met previously, but it was Rhett who broke the silence, addressing Jarrod respectfully. “Mr. Schultz.”
Jarrod gave no reply, merely nodding slightly in acknowledgment without turning to face Rhett.
Sensing the awkwardness, Nicole attempted to smooth things over. “I just ran into Mr. Bates,” she mentioned casually.
At this, Jarrod turned briefly, offering Rhett a curt grunt.
Rhett, undeterred and smiling, remarked, “It’s nice to witness the plaintiff and defendant getting chummy. It’s heartwarming.”
Jarrod turned fully then, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. “Mr. Bates, you don’t have anything better to do?” His words carried an undertone of disdain, suggesting Rhett was simply lingering.
Unfazed, Rhett responded with a light-hearted grin, “Got a moment. Certainly less occupied than you are, Mr. Schultz.”
The exchange carried a subtle tension, catching Nicole’s attention.
Given Rhett’s previous display of fearlessness toward Jarrod, Nicole sought to prevent further misunderstandings and shield Rhett from their discord.
“Mr. Bates, I need to get going now. Let’s plan to meet up soon,” she said smoothly.
“Absolutely, Miss Lawrence,” Rhett replied, nodding with polite formality. He remained still, watching as Nicole and Jarrod departed, his expression turning thoughtful and calculating.
Deciding to visit Callie, Rhett made his way to her ward, only to be stopped by a police officer. “Sorry, no entry allowed,” the officer informed him firmly.
“My apologies. I must have taken a wrong turn,” Rhett said calmly.
He then approached the nurse’s station and asked in a low voice, “Excuse me, could you help me bandage this?”
Rhett held out his bloody finger, eliciting a gasp from the nurse. As she gathered her supplies, she asked, “Sir, you were just fine. How did this happen?”
Seemingly a bit sheepish, Rhett answered, “I was opening a can.”
A nearby nurse laughed. “Mr. Bates, it’s hard to believe someone as adept as you would get injured opening a can.”
Rhett offered a smile. “You’d be surprised. I’m actually quite clumsy with everyday things.”
“You’re always joking, Mr. Bates,” the nurse said lightly, smiling.
Rhett had a way with words, easing the nurse into a smile with his playful banter.
With a keen interest in his surroundings, Rhett inquired, “What’s going on over there? I was stopped before I could get past.”
“The little girl?” the nurse responded as she continued tending to Rhett’s wound.
“Her family was murdered, leaving her with selective mutism. She hadn’t spoken a word until someone she trusted coaxed her out of silence.”
Rhett’s expression softened. “A little girl? She must have been terrified.”
“Absolutely,” the nurse nodded. “She witnessed a family member being stabbed multiple times. It would traumatize anyone.”
“Such tragic cases… Finding the culprit would at least bring some closure,” Rhett commented solemnly.
“I doubt that,” the nurse sighed.
“The girl couldn’t provide any useful clues. Her father protected her from seeing anything. She didn’t have anything new to tell the police. I saw the officer leave, sighing deeply.”
This nurse was particularly well-informed because she regularly changed Callie’s bandages.
Rhett wanted to keep talking, but another nurse interrupted. “Julia, why are you still here? We’re swamped!”
“Okay, I’m on my way,” Julia replied, finishing up Rhett’s bandage.
Rhett expressed his gratitude, and Julia, blushing, responded, “You’re welcome.”
As Rhett walked away, the senior nurse cautioned Julia, “Be careful with your words. You shouldn’t discuss that case.”
“I haven’t shared anything confidential. Just what’s already common knowledge,” Julia lied.