Chapter 37

A few people took the search warrant and drove to the neighborhood where Brian lived.

On the way, Alexander and Zoey started discussing the case again, as if the argument at the interrogation room door had never happened.

Alexander asked, "Zoey, what do you think about Lawrence covering for Brian like this?"

"After several interactions with Brian, I don't think he has the ability to manipulate others' minds. It seems more likely that he has some leverage over Lawrence." She looked out the car window, watching the scenery pass by.

Zoey thought, 'What kind of leverage could make Lawrence take all the blame?'

The car fell into silence.

They all wanted to know what this leverage was. But the only two people who knew the truth, one refused to admit it, and the other pretended to know nothing, making it impossible to find out.

Zoey thought for a while and said, "I remember we investigated Brian's family before, right?"

Alexander replied, "Yes, his family is of average economic condition. His parents are still alive, and he has an older sister."

"Okay, I got it." She took out her phone and started chatting with someone.

Alexander guessed she might be consulting someone about Brian's family, checking if there were any recent police records involving them.

He said, "He only started committing crimes this year. Do you think it has something to do with his family?"

Zoey didn't answer his question. Instead, she philosophically said, "The possibility of someone committing a crime always exists. All the evil factors are waiting for an opportunity. When the opportunity comes, the evil reveals itself."

"This is the first time I find you so cultured." Alexander pursed his lips.

Zoey rolled her eyes. "Can you shut up?"

Alexander said, "Zoey, I'm complimenting you. You've made a lot of progress since joining our department. It must be from being around me so much."

Zoey was silent for a moment. How could someone be so shameless?

The next second, she angrily said, "Get lost!"

Alexander fell silent. He thought Zoey really couldn't take a joke.

They drove for a while longer and finally arrived at Brian's house.

They found Brian's house easily by the house number.

Fortunately, everything went smoothly. As soon as they knocked, someone opened the door.

A middle-aged woman, appearing to be in her sixties, glanced at them and, realizing she didn't recognize them at all, was about to inquire who they were.

Alexander took out his badge and flashed it in front of her, saying, "Hello, sorry to bother you. We are police officers from the Emerald City Criminal Investigation Department, here to investigate a case involving the suspect Brian Scott in a serious murder case. May we come in?"

"Murder?" Brian's mother, Zara Jenkins, was stunned upon hearing that. Her first reaction was to block the door. "You must be mistaken! My son may have a bad temper, but he would never dare to kill anyone!"

From her actions and her words-it seemed even she didn't believe what she was saying. Otherwise, why would she block the door?

"No, you misunderstood us." Zoey, with a smile on her face, walked to the door and explained clearly, "Madam, we are only suspecting, not confirming. And we have a search warrant. If you don't let us in, it might delay our evidence collection. If we can't collect evidence, and your son is innocent, wouldn't it delay your son? Then you could also be detained for obstructing police work."

Zoey perfectly used the gentlest tone to say the strongest words. Her logic was clear, giving no room for rebuttal. Finally, she stared at Zara with sharp eyes.

Zara felt uncomfortable under her gaze and immediately looked away.

But she still blocked the door. "Brian is definitely innocent. This is my home and you have no right to force your way in! I'm the owner of this house, and I make the decisions!"

Zoey's patience was running out. She had said all the nice things. And Zara still wanted to play tough?

Alexander held Zoey's arm and walked closer with the search warrant, trying to make Zara see it more clearly. He explained, "Madam, do you see this warrant? We are not forcing our way in. It gives the police the right to forcibly enter a suspect's residence for a search without anyone's consent. Do you understand?"

Zara said, "I never go to school, so I don't understand the law; I don't even know what it says!  Unless I'm sure you are police officers, none of you are getting into my house! Anyway, I'm sick. If you dare to force your way in, I'll have a fit and show you!"

Alexander fell silent.

He finally understood where Brian's stubbornness came from; it was genetic.

Alexander took a deep breath, feeling helpless with Zara.

He turned around, intending to discuss alternative solutions with Zoey. In that instant, he saw Zoey with a cold expression, extending her hand to grasp Zara's shoulder, poised to execute an over-the-shoulder throw. But halfway through the move, Zoey seemed to remember Zara's age and showed some mercy. In the end, she pushed Zara.

In Alexander's eyes, it was a light push, while Zara, losing her balance, was about to fall backward. Fortunately, Alexander quickly grabbed her.

Zoey took the opportunity to stride into the house.

"Oh my God! They actually forcetheir way into my home in broad daylight!" Zara sat on the ground, wailing.

Zoey glanced at her indifferently. "Do you need me to call the police for you? You can shout inside the police station. There are more people there."

Zara fell silent. After all, her age commanded respect in this harmonious society, and wherever she went, people treated her with reverence. Now, nearly being assaulted by Zoey, she was infuriated.

"You... you are a disgrace to the police as you don't even respect the elderly. How dare you call yourself a police officer!" Zara's fingers trembled as she pointed at Zoey and scolded her.

Zoey completely ignored her. "Madam, I'm helping you. If you obstruct our investigation, you could be detained. You said you are sick. If you have a fit in the detention center, then what should you do? No need to thank me. I usually do good deeds without leaving my name."

Zara looked at her hateful face, exasperated.

Alexander was really afraid Zara would get seriously ill from anger and quietly reminded Zoey, "Alright, stop talking."