Chapter 134: Chapter 134

[Meanwhile, at the Police Station…]

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Hank remained stubborn, refusing to back down. He sat slumped in his chair, exhaustion etched into his face. Honestly, it was impressive that he had lasted this long.

Hours had passed since they brought him in, and the detectives’ relentless interrogation was beginning to take its toll.

Detective Jenkins leaned forward, his voice firm yet controlled, the lines of fatigue evident on his face. “Hank, we’ve been at this for hours,” he said. “We know you were involved in Joanna McGregor’s accident, and we need to know why.”

Hank looked up, his eyes bloodshot and tired. “I’ve told you everything I know.”

“No, you haven’t,” Jenkins replied, his tone steady. “We need names. Who put you up to this?”

“Or, if not, what’s your motive for trying to kill her?” Ramirez added. “Was it revenge? What’s your connection to Joanna McGregor? Why did you talk to Grady Thompson that day?”

Hank’s silence hung in the air like a heavy fog.

Detective Ramirez tried a different approach. “Hank, we know you’re protecting somebody,” he said bluntly. “But think about your own situation. The longer you hold out, the worse it gets for you.”

Hank’s resolve began to crack, but he stayed silent.

Jenkins scanned a document in his hand and slowly turned his gaze back to Hank. “Mr. Brooks, we already know that this isn’t your real name. You aren’t Mr. Howard, either.”

Surprise flickered in Hank’s eyes as Jenkins continued, “Hank Turner, 34 years old. You used to be a factory worker, but you got laid off. Months later, you assaulted a co-worker for no reason, and…”

“No!” Hank suddenly exploded, his expression twisted with rage. “It wasn’t for no reason!”

“Oh really?” Jenkins said, his interest piqued. “Go on, then. Tell us why.”

Hank’s anger hadn’t subsided. They had caught him, hook, line, and sinker. “The bastard tried to molest my wife. I saw him!” he said furiously. “He even drugged her and tried to—”

“I see,” Jenkins interrupted, the understanding dawning on his expression. “You don’t have to go into detail.”

Tears welled in Hank’s eyes. “I… she… she was desperate. I tried to control my anger, but I couldn’t,” he whispered. “I was so drunk that night. I was so out of it that I didn’t even realize. I was the one who invited him to my house for dinner, and when I stepped out for a while, he started making moves… and when I walked in on it, I just saw red…”

Jenkins crossed his arms over his chest. “But he reported that you attacked him out of nowhere because he got promoted and you didn’t. In the end, you were fired.”

Hank shook his head vehemently. “That’s not true. That bastard lied,” he said bitterly.

“Hmm, I see,” Jenkins mused. “So, Hank, where are your wife and daughter now?”

Hank’s expression turned pitiful. “My family… they’re in debt. I just… I wanted to…”

“Is that why you resorted to theft after you got out of prison for the assault?” Jenkins asked gently.

Hank nodded miserably. “We were barely getting by. No company would hire me because I had a criminal record. I was out of work for months.” He took a raggedy breath. “My wife and daughter were suffering, and we were about to be thrown out on the streets because we couldn’t pay the rent or the bills. I had to do something.”

“I understand, Hank. Is that why you tried to kill Joanna McGregor? Because someone told you to? Was Grady Thompson the one who gave the order, or was it someone else?”

Hank instantly stiffened. “I…”

Detective Ramirez shook his head. “You should stop lying, Mr. Turner. If you really want to protect and help your family, you need to tell the truth. We can help you.”

“No one has helped me. Not even the police,” Hank said bitterly.

“We will,” Ramirez assured him. “We’ll help your family. You can trust us.”

“I don’t trust words, only actions,” Hank said stubbornly.

The door suddenly opened, revealing Michael McGregor.

Jenkins and Ramirez were startled. “Mr. McGregor, you can’t just barge in here—”

“I will help you,” Michael said calmly. “Tell me where your wife and daughter are. I’ll help them.”

Hank stared at him warily. “And how are you going to do that?”

“I’ll give them a place to stay and food to eat for a while until they get back on their feet. If your wife needs a job, I’ll provide one for her, too,” Michael answered calmly.

Hank’s resolve began to waver. “But… my daughter… she needs tuition…”

“I’ll also help your daughter attend school, if that’s what you want,” Michael said, his tone gentle. “As long as you tell us who told you to do this, I’ll help you without hesitation.”

“And how can I trust you?” Hank muttered.

“I’m a man of my word,” Michael said firmly. “I’m telling you this in front of my brother and the police and even on tape. If I don’t keep my promise, I give permission for my words to be leaked.”

Hank looked hesitant. “But…”

“I’ll also tell you this,” Michael added quietly. “The woman you crashed into? She’s my sister. My older sister, actually.” He lowered his gaze guiltily, but quickly met Hank’s eyes again. “I admit that we don’t have the best relationship, but she’s still my sister. I love her with all my heart. It hurt when I heard that something happened to her. Like you, she has a family. A husband and two sons. If your family were hurt, wouldn’t you want justice?”

Hank finally gave in. “I… okay… I’ll tell you.”

Jenkins looked relieved. “All right, let’s hear it.”

“Thank you,” Michael said quietly before leaving the interrogation room and closing the door.

“I hit her with my car,” Hank admitted softly. “I was supposed to make it look like an accident. A hit-and-run. Then I was supposed to leave the country immediately and change my identity. But I… failed. I couldn’t kill her.”

Jenkins nodded, encouraging him to continue. “Why, Hank? Why go to such lengths?”

Hank looked down at his hands, the cuffs clinking quietly. “Like I told you, I’m a convicted felon. My family… they’ve suffered because of me. We’re drowning in debt.”

“Who hired you, Hank?” Ramirez asked the crucial question. “Who’s behind this?”

Hank hesitated, his face twisted with pain. He looked like he didn’t want to tell, but he had already made his choice.

“It was a woman.”