Chapter 55

Around ten in the morning, the investigative team gathered in the conference room to share what they knew.

Inspector Janice, who had just finished a briefing with the Commissioner, led the proceedings. Matthew took charge of organizing the statements, and it was through him that Alex learned a curious detail about Nathan.

“To be honest, Nathan White’s statement yielded far more information about the culprit than Amy Winnings’ did,” Matthew noted, leaning back as he addressed the room. “He’s a doctor, so he’s sharp. He remembered even the most trivial details. The victim herself was too traumatized to recall much of anything, and since both witnesses are Betas, we still have no way of knowing the suspect’s secondary gender.”

It was a common obstacle. Victims often lost segments of their memory as a subconscious defense mechanism.

Hearing this, Inspector Janice interjected. “That’s fine. The culprit could have used a scent-blocker anyway.”

Deodorants that masked pheromones for a set duration were a staple for criminals in London. Janice looked at the whiteboard, her finger tapping the personal information of the two witnesses pinned beneath the photos of the victims.

“Amy Winnings is a pharmaceutical researcher. While the victims’ professions haven’t overlapped so far, there might be a common thread, so look into it. We’ll treat trait-hate as a last resort for the motive.”

The current Mayor of London was a Beta, and trait-based tensions alongside racial issues remained a volatile focal point in the city’s politics. If the investigation officially labeled these as Beta-hate crimes, and the culprit turned out to be an Alpha or an Omega, the political fallout would be irreversible. While the public had already reached their own verdict, convinced that the forced transformation of Betas into Omegas was a clear act of trait-based hatred, the police were officially withholding judgment.

Alex scribbled notes in his pocketbook, his gaze constantly drifting back to Nathan’s photo on the board. Even as a low-quality, black-and-white printout, Nathan’s expressionless face was striking.

Sensing his distraction, Anna leaned in and whispered, “He’s incredible, isn’t he? The female officers were practically losing their minds when they saw him yesterday.”

Alex glanced at her. Her social grace made her a bridge between the rookies and the various departments within the precinct. Janice, overhearing the whisper, turned to Alex.

“Alex, head out and meet with Nathan White. Matthew will fill you in on the details. Anna, what’s the status of Amy Winnings’ transfer?”

At the sudden mention of his name alongside Nathan’s, Alex’s eyes widened, but Anna was already launching into her briefing. “We’ve selected a safe house in Slough for now. Once we have all the necessary information, we’ll discuss whether a relocation to the Midlands is required.”

While Anna continued, Matthew led Alex out of the conference room. The presence of a witness had injected a fresh surge of energy into the precinct, and the hallway buzzed with activity.

“What exactly is going on?” Alex asked, catching Matthew’s arm as his heart began to race with a chaotic mix of nerves, dread, and an inexplicable spark of joy.

“Well, I went to see that psycho examiner yesterday to get the new autopsy results, and he mentioned Nathan White.” Matthew fell into step beside him. “Apparently, they know each other. The psycho used to work at that hospital, and he said the head of the Trait Research Institute thinks the world of Nathan. Usually you need years of experience after your residency to join their research, but the kid’s a prodigy, so they fast-tracked him.”

The ‘Institute’ undoubtedly referred to the facility at the Royal London Hospital, the most prestigious institution of its kind in Europe. The police had actually requested an analysis of the trait mutations from them, but the staff were all away at a conference in Europe and wouldn’t be available for interviews until next week.

During these top-secret summits, the researchers remained completely isolated from the outside world. Though the situation was urgent, the Commissioner was prioritizing results from the forensic team in the interim.

“So, we’re going to get his advice. He’s already agreed to it.”

“…Is he completely cleared as a suspect?” Alex checked, despite already knowing the answer.

“He submitted his shoes for testing, and he has a rock-solid alibi for the times of death, verified by both hospital cameras and his colleagues. We’ll get his initial input now and cross-check it once the research team returns.” Matthew signaled for him to follow. “Let’s go. We’re late.”

Before Alex could press further, Matthew was already moving.

Following with a heavy heart, Alex could only think of the Nathan who had brushed past him with such icy indifference the night before.

☂