Chapter 546 - 142 Breaking Glass Silence

Chapter 546: Chapter 142 Breaking Glass Silence

Gideon’s POV

I glanced at my watch, weighing whether to contact Daniel. The weekend had just begun, and I was impatient for news about that storage facility where we’d discovered the key. Daniel had mentioned his sister-in-law could access its location and would conduct her own investigation. Patience had never been my virtue, particularly with a case this compelling, but waiting seemed my only option.

My phone buzzed unexpectedly in my palm. The screen showed my contact from the police department in Aria’s new territory—the officer I’d enlisted to surveil her movements. My pulse quickened as I answered.

"Well, look who it is, my favorite investigator," I said, anticipation building in my chest.

"Gideon, buddy! Think your hotshot detective friend could get me a position at his precinct?" His laughter boomed through the speaker.

"That depends on what information you’ve brought me," I responded, detecting promising news in his tone.

"That woman you wanted monitored? She’s in custody right now. We just dismantled her illegal medical operation. The entire enterprise."

I almost fumbled my phone. "You’re not serious!"

"Completely serious. She was posing as a licensed physician, conducting illegal procedures. You essentially delivered me the case of my career, friend. Our department had been pursuing this underground clinic for an extended period. Every time we closed in, she’d disappear into thin air. You understand how it works—this city offers plenty of places to vanish, and she consistently secured properties through private contacts using falsified documentation."

"This woman was genuinely operating such a scheme?" I couldn’t conceal my astonishment.

"Without question. Once you provided her details, locating her proved relatively simple, despite her departure from the address you’d given me. I conducted surveillance for several days and observed her entering this dubious residence—windows completely covered, no street visibility. Various women would arrive and leave at irregular hours. Then I witnessed one woman emerge appearing severely ill—she collapsed directly on the pavement. I transported her to the hospital where physicians confirmed she’d undergone a botched procedure. At that moment, I had no alternative but to file a report."

"You handled it perfectly," I confirmed.

"The lead detective mobilized a team immediately. We executed the raid during an active procedure—another woman was on the examination table. It was deeply disturbing, Gideon. The evidence we gathered connected her to multiple cases we’d been investigating for months. Both the fake nurse and her accomplice were arrested on serious felony charges—they’re looking at substantial prison sentences."

This exceeded my expectations. "Any possibility I could interrogate her? I require specific information."

"That’s precisely why I called. My detective wishes to express his gratitude personally and says you can do whatever you need except arrange her release," he chuckled. "He’s euphoric about solving this case."

"I’m heading there immediately," I declared, already reaching for my keys.

The long journey provided ample opportunity to process this revelation. I reached the police station that afternoon, where my contact welcomed me warmly and led me to the detective’s office.

The detective, riding high on his successful operation, proudly exhibited everything they’d confiscated from the illegal clinic. Remarkably, Aria had carefully documented all her criminal enterprises—client files, photographs, signed consent forms—as though managing a legitimate medical facility.

He walked me through the evidence with obvious satisfaction, detailing their discoveries thus far. The computer files contained records spanning years.

"But this represents the real treasure," he announced, opening a folder marked "Premium Clients." "These files were encrypted, but a technology expert from Port Harbor broke the security codes. They contain records of affluent clients. Aria’s operation functioned through referrals, but when clients ceased bringing new business, she’d initiate blackmail schemes."

"She was simultaneously running extortion operations?" This woman posed greater danger than I’d comprehended.

"Precisely. She’ll remain incarcerated for an extended period. Examine this particular case," he indicated a specific folder. "She’s been extorting this client for several years."

The family name on the file seized my attention. This couldn’t be possible—what were the chances? Yet in my profession, coincidences rarely proved coincidental.

"Could I review this folder more thoroughly?" I requested. The detective granted me mouse control and stepped away to process a recent arrest.

Although I attempted to convince myself it was merely a common surname, my instincts suggested otherwise. Better to verify. I retrieved my phone and contacted Daniel.

"Gideon, how’s everything?" His voice carried strain.

"Overwhelmed with developments. You?"

"Identical situation. My brother-in-law examined that storage facility. The missing diary pages were there, exactly as we anticipated."

My eyebrows rose. "That’s excellent news!"

"Yes and no. The contents are... devastating," he exhaled heavily. "We had to inform Lila of everything."

Now I understood his exhaustion. "I assume that conversation didn’t proceed smoothly?"

"It’s still developing. What about your situation? Any positive updates?"

I detailed Aria’s arrest, the illegal medical operation, and my current position at the police station examining evidence.

"This extends far beyond my initial assessment," Daniel observed.

"Indeed. However, I need to ask something—purely for thoroughness. As my mother frequently advises, to satisfy my curiosity." I hesitated. "Are you acquainted with a Sasha Mendez Martinez?"

His voice sharpened immediately. "Yes, why do you ask?"

My stomach clenched. I’d hoped my suspicions were unfounded. "She appears in Aria’s files. Had a procedure years ago and has been blackmailed in recent years."

The unmistakable sound of breaking glass echoed through the phone, followed by complete silence.