The Sway and Slide of Love

To avoid his superiors blaming him for Hendrix losing too much blood, Jerry had him taken to his office. As he questioned Hendrix, he also tended to his wound.

Just as he finished, officers returned from the scene with two more people in tow.

"What are you doing? We're completely legal! I even gave her mother a wedding gift! Why are you bringing me to the station?" the man kept shouting angrily as he walked in.

Jerry frowned and turned to his colleague. "What's going on?"

"Oh, the courthouse reported them," the colleague explained. "They were there to register their marriage today, but the bride's ID didn't match her. The age didn't line up, either.

"Plus, she couldn't remember her full name and seemed a bit off. The courthouse staff suspected human trafficking, so they called us."

As the colleague spoke, Jerry glanced at the two newcomers.

He noticed that the woman was quite beautiful. Though she was dressed in rough clothes and her hair was disheveled, her tanned skin and delicate features made it clear she wasn't a local. It was no wonder the courthouse staff had been suspicious.

After a few more glances, Jerry looked away and said, "Have someone investigate this thoroughly. And keep that man quiet. There are other people in the office."

After giving his instructions, Jerry returned to his office. Hendrix's arm had been bandaged, and the officer taking his statement handed the report to Jerry.

He skimmed through it, his brows furrowing. Then, he looked at Hendrix and asked, "Mr. Freeman, are you saying you came here to look for your wife?"

"Yes."

"Was she from here?"noveldrama

"No."

"Then, how can you be sure she's here?"

Hendrix lifted his head and looked at him. "I'm not."

"Then, why-"

"It's precisely because I'm not sure that I came here looking for her,' Hendrix interrupted. "I know they might be lying to me, but what if they're not?"

This was the longest sentence Jerry had heard from Hendrix since they met.

Hendrix's voice remained calm, but the rasp underneath it sent a jolt through Jerry.

After a moment, Jerry said, "I

understand. Don't worry. Once those men wake up, we'll question them thoroughly. However, since they're still in the hospital, you'll have to stay here for now."

He then quickly added, "Rest assured. Our chief has already arranged a hotel for you. I'll take you there now."

Hendrix remained standing where he was and asked softly, "Can I make a request?"

Jerry was caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone, but he quickly replied, "Of course. What is it, Mr. Freeman?"

"I'd like your help in finding my wife." Hendrix showed them a photo of Noelle on his phone. "They wouldn't have asked me to come here for no reason so I suspect my wife must be somewhere nearby. Dead or alive, please help me find her."

Hendrix's voice grew even more strained. When he said the word "dead", his teeth clenched visibly.