Sixty Eight

CHAPTER 68

Sunshine Cafe, New York.

"Nice to see you again, Alicia."

Nicholas was now walking with Alicia towards one of the tables in the corner of the cafe. They had made a prior appointment to meet again and discuss the case further.

And after they sat down, their eyes began to glance around.

Sunshine Cafe itself looked very cozy and relaxed with its light blue walls. The building itself has two floors, the first floor is for indoor enjoyment while the next floor is quite distinctive with its outdoor feel. It's perfect for visitors who want to experience the air and the view of the busy streets in the Town Square area itself.

But this time, Alicia and Nicholas chose to relax on the ground floor. A room filled with air-conditioning and several colorful paintings on each wall. Each table consisted of four chairs, which meant that the ground floor was reserved for guests who came with a lot of friends, or family.

"How was the case?" Alicia asked straight to the point.

Honestly, meeting Nicholas alone in a cafe like that reminded her of their failed first date earlier. And that suddenly made the Brooklyn girl feel very awkward.

"I was planning to go check Natalie Heele's personal data at a hospital, but suddenly, the wife of our second victim came and agreed to do an interview yesterday," Nicholas replied. "So, I asked Noel to replace me there."

"And the results?"

"Just like the articles that appeared on the internet, the nurse who had worked at the hospital was not Natalie Heele, but Rosie Heele," Nicholas said. He then spluttered. "But unfortunately, the hospital did not clearly disclose Rosie Heele's personal data. Noel can't see her photo or where she lives."

Alicia nodded in understanding. "That's a pity."

"But you see, there was something strange about Rich Greek's wife when we spoke yesterday," Nicholas said. The young detective's gaze was full of seriousness now. "She seemed to be hiding something that--"

"Excuse me." Suddenly, a waitress in a distinctive white and black uniform stood up to them. With a smile, she handed Nicholas and Alicia two menu books. "This is our menu for today. Are you going to order now?"

Alicia and Nicholas exchanged confused glances. But Nicholas hurriedly interrupted, "Ah, yes. I'll have a cappuccino and chocolate pudding instead." He then turned to the girl in front of him. "What about you, Alicia?"

"But we're not here to relax, Nic."

"Come on, order up. Don't let your stomach empty while you're on a case," Nicholas ordered. Then he turned back to the waitress who was still patiently standing near them. "I'd also like to order a steak."

"Well, how about you, miss?" the waitress explained, throwing the question to Alicia.

And feeling forced, Alicia had to agree to Nicholas' offer. "Well, I'd also like to order a steak and caramel ice."

Then the tall waitress with the thin mustache smiled warmly after taking down her guest's order. Taking the menu book politely, he asked Nicholas and Alicia to wait before he himself waltzed away.

"Aren't you bored of those caramels?" said Nicholas with an amused chuckle.

"I've loved caramels for a long time. So, you should stop worrying."

Nicholas smiled before continuing, "So, this woman named Veronica--"

"Veronica?" interrupted Alicia curiously.

"Yes. Rich Greek's wife Veronica Smith came to the office with a sad face. Even just by looking at her face, we could tell that she was very lost after the death of her husband," Nicholas explained. He then frowned afterwards. "But when I asked her if she knew Natalie Heele, her behavior and expression suddenly changed. It was like she was scared, upset, or something I can't quite put my finger on."

"So you think they know each other?"

Nicholas immediately nodded his head and crossed his arms over his chest. "The plan is that I will visit their residence to check some things today. Can you come with me?"

That made Alicia feel bad again. Her decision to help Nicholas with this case certainly led to more interaction with the handsome young detective. And Alicia was getting worried now.

The further she went with Nicholas, the more her feelings for Ace seemed to be tossed about on the high seas.

"Alicia?"

"Ah, yes, yes. How was it?" The girl had just woken up from her reverie.

But Nicholas laughed when he saw Alicia's behavior. "What's wrong with you, Alicia? Is there something on your mind?"

And hurriedly the blue-eyed girl brushed it off. "Oh, no. I'm fine. Just a little hungry," she excused herself.

"Well, we'll have a bite to eat before we go deeper into the case." Nicholas then smiled mischievously. "I don't want to bring a partner who will be a bother to me."

Alicia naturally rolled her eyes lazily. But suddenly, she remembered one thing. She looked around and realized something. "Nic, there are a lot of surveillance cameras here," Alicia said.

Which made Nicholas immediately turn around and join her in looking at the ceiling of the room. There were four cameras in every corner. "Want to check the surveillance cameras now?"

Then the waitress who had taken their order returned with a tray of food. She smiled as she placed each item on the table. "Please," she said politely.

"Ah, sorry." Nicholas then showed his police identity to the man. "Can we check the surveillance camera data from a few days ago?"

"I see." The waiter seemed a little surprised to learn that his two visitors were part of the police force. "But I think I need to ask my manager for permission first."

"Go ahead," Nicholas said in agreement. "Tell him I'll check the surveillance camera data when the massacre at the Town Square center took place."

"Yes, detective."

The waitress then left, leaving Nicholas and Alicia.

"Please eat, Alicia," Nicholas said gently. "Just relax when you're with me."

"I know he's here," Alicia said suddenly.

Hearing an answer that was not synchronized with Nicholas' words just now, suddenly made the twenty-five-year-old detective frown deeply. "What?"

"I know Rich Greek is sitting in the same place as us," Alicia said in a mysterious tone. "This is the perfect position for the perfectionist Rich."

"I don't understand. But... yes, maybe you're right." Nicholas scratched the nape of his neck, which was not itchy at all. "I heard that Rich likes to sit in a strategic place and look in all directions. But I didn't know that you were so concerned about that, Alicia." She shrugged her shoulders quickly. "So, how did you know that?"

Alicia looked up, giving Nicholas a serious look. "We'll find out everything soon after looking at the data from the surveillance camera in the air corner of this room." []