02 The Detective

"Jake," her voice trembled. "I loved you and gave away everything I had to you. But you are a liar and a crook! How do you live with yourself?"

"You have only yourself to blame, Ash," Jake scoffed, taking another sip of his drink. "The business world is a dangerous game. Gullible, weak women like you are doomed to perish! You should learn a few things from your stepsister."

Jake's eyes shimmered like a bottomless ocean, invitingly evil. Even though Scarlet had manipulated him, that was no excuse for his behavior. Without a doubt, Jake Grayson was a monster hidden among men, and Scarlet unlocked that monster. He had taken everything from her ruthlessly, leaving her naked and exposed.

No more.         

Ashley walked towards the table, picked up a pen, and signed the divorce papers. "You think you've won, Jake Grayson! But you are mistaken. I have already talked to my attorney about the illegal takeover of Palmer Industries. I've reported you for fraud and will definitely take back my company!"

Jake gritted his teeth viciously. Something had snapped in his submissive wife. She was no longer under his control. For a moment, Ashley saw fear in his eyes.

"You wouldn't dare…" Jake replied through his teeth. It was more of a threat than a warning.

"Goodbye, Jake. I will see you in court."

Ashley turned sharply around and exited the office, leaving behind her seething ex-husband. Outside the building, as her heels tapped across the pavement, she sighed in relief.

"It's finally over!" she exclaimed aloud. "I've taken control of my life!"

A million things ran through her mind. What was she going to do now? She was in pedestrian clothes and was utterly penniless. Her phone pinged suddenly.

It was a message from her attorney. The court had passed an interim order. She was to be reinstated as Chairperson of Palmer Industries until an investigation into the corporate fraud was complete. The way Jake and Scarlet had gained her shares was mala fide, and a jury would rule in her favor.

"Yes! Everything is going perfectly!" Ashley rejoiced. "All I had to do was stand up to Jake!" 

Her phone beeped again. It was a message from a private investigator, Harry Doyle. Ashley had always been curious about the suspicious circumstances of her father's death. The authorities claimed his car went off a cliff. However, neither the vehicle's wreckage nor Arthur's body was found.

With most of her remaining savings, Ashley hired Harry to investigate the mystery and find the truth. The detective's new message was as follows.

[Harry Doyle: Miss Palmer. Your father didn't die in an accident. He was murdered, and I know who the culprit is! Come to the usual location.]

***

Ashley abandoned the Grayson household car and took an Uber to Macintosh Square, where Harry Doyle was waiting for her. The location was a more serene part of the city with parks, fountains, and greenery, making it the perfect site for clandestine meetings.

On the way, Ashley texted her sister-in-law, Tessa. The latter was the only person in the world she trusted. Even though Jake was abusive towards Ashley, Tessa was an angel who supported her secretly.

When her brother wasn't around, Tessa was kind to her sister-in-law. She would bring Ashley better food and supplies and let her use proper washroom facilities and toiletries.

[Ashley: I served divorce papers to Jake!]

[Tessa: Woohoo! I'm glad you're finally rid of my horrible brother! I'll arrange a party at a friend's place!]

[Ashley: Lol. Nothing over the top, please!]

[Tessa: I promise… *lying face emoji*]

Ashley wondered what her life would be without Tessa. She'd probably have killed herself. The eighteen-year-old was young but mature for her age. She was always sensitive to her misery, listening to her ordeals in great detail. Tessa was her one loyal friend. 

The Uber stopped beside Crown Fountain, a popular site for lovers' meetings. Couples of all age gaps were present, making it ideal for those trying to be inconspicuous.  

Harry Doyle was an elegant, clean-cut man in his early thirties. Dressed in a sharp trenchcoat, he leaned on the bonnet of his old Toyota Prius, smoking a cigarette. Doyle stubbed out the bud as he saw Ashley approaching.

"How are ya, doll?" he asked gruffly. "You look chipper than usual. Any good news?"

The young woman smiled warmly. "I got rid of an immense burden today."

Doyle was always flirtatious and asked Ashley questions about her life, which annoyed her. However, the man was reliable and discrete and came highly recommended.

"I can see you haven't gotten rid of your Prius yet, Harry," she jibed.

"This thing helps me blend in, doll," he replied, tapping the car's trunk with the ring on his finger. He was divorced but never took off his wedding ring. "And the decent mileage doesn't hurt."

"If you say so," Ashley teased, leaning on the trunk beside him. 

"So this burden you speak of. Is it your marriage? Are you finally divorced?"

Ashley shot him a disapproving look. "Yes. But that doesn't mean you can hit on me."

"Jeez!" Doyle exclaimed, throwing up his arms. "Was just being nice… That isn't a crime…"

"Alright," the beauty said, putting on a severe look. "Spill the beans. Are you sure my father was murdered?"