Chapter 4 The Female Thief Takes a Bath
Benjamin strolled over to the window and ripped open the envelope. Inside, there was a bank card and two keys, nada else. He was expecting a letter from Daniel, but nope, just these random items!
He flipped the bank card over a couple of times, looking for any hidden clues. But it was just a plain old bank card, not even a signature on the back! After giving it a good once-over, he shoved it into his pocket.
The keys were different sizes. From his experience, Benjamin figured the bigger one was probably for a front door or a room, while the smaller one looked like it might be for a locker. But who knows what kind?
Could it be a locker at Daniel's place? Benjamin thought. If so, he could just go check it out! He suddenly remembered that when he left home, his house was in an old neighborhood in Crystalhaven Athena Heights. This key had to be for some fancy security door!
In the kitchen, Benjamin hollered, "Hey Emma, did Daniel move to a new place?"
Emma was busy cooking, and after shaking the water off her hands and wiping them on her apron, she walked over and said, "You didn't know? Daniel moved two years ago. He’s living in the Royal Court estate in the Aspen District Azure Mountain now. It's a swanky area, but he kept the old house too!"
"Daniel never really got to enjoy life. When he was a doctor, he did the most surgeries but made the least money. Right after you left, he quit and started a business. He finally made some cash, but then he passed away!" Emma said, her voice heavy with regret.
Emma was just talking, but Benjamin took it to heart. He was a vengeful guy and hadn't realized how unfairly Daniel had been treated at the hospital. No wonder Daniel always locked himself in his study, looking all gloomy.
Hmph, I'll remember this grudge. Sooner or later, I'll get my revenge! Benjamin thought, his mind cold and calculating.
"Thanks, Emma. I need to head home and check things out. I'll swing by again when I have time!" Benjamin was itching to dig into Daniel's death. He wouldn't rest until he nailed the killer!
Emma, always the kind soul, thought about how Benjamin had no family or friends to go back to and would probably end up eating out. "You're too polite. It's not every day you come by. Stay for dinner; it won't take more than an hour or two!"
Sophia, now rocking a sexy low-cut dress, came out after putting the kids to bed and overheard Benjamin saying he wanted to leave. She chimed in, "Why bounce, Benjamin? Stay for dinner! Or is it that now I'm married, I don't have the same charm?"
What could Benjamin say? With two persuasive women on his case, he had no choice but to nod and smile, "Alright, I'll stay. Thanks, Emma. I came in a rush and didn't bring any gifts, and now you're cooking for me. I feel bad!"
"Don't be silly!" Sophia shot him a playful glare. "Benjamin, you've changed! You used to insist on staying for dinner at my place, and we couldn't get rid of you. Now you're all different. Enough talk, come help me!"
"Alright, you two catch up. I'll call you when dinner's ready," Emma said, watching them with a hint of regret. She wished the old flames could rekindle.
Sophia grabbed Benjamin's hand and led him to her bedroom, pointing to the wedding photo above the bed for him to comment on. Benjamin felt a swirl of emotions. He had once crushed hard on this girl, three years his senior, and now she was someone else's bride. He looked at the photo; the groom was average-looking but didn't strike Benjamin as the honest and straightforward guy Emma had described.
He felt the guy was hiding something beneath that seemingly honest exterior—a sense of sleaziness and lechery. Benjamin prided himself on his ability to read people after four years of experience. He could usually size someone up at a glance.
Sophia didn't dwell much on Richard. In the bedroom, she and Benjamin reminisced about their childhood, feeling all nostalgic. The memories seemed like they had happened just yesterday, flashing through their minds.
Soon enough, Emma finished cooking. After dinner at Emma's place, Benjamin grabbed a car to the Royal Court estate in the Aspen District. He found his house number and discovered it was a standalone villa. Using the key, he opened the door and found the lights on inside, with the sound of running water.
Could there be a thief? Benjamin tiptoed towards the room where the light was coming from. The door was open, and the sound of water was coming from the bathroom inside!
This thief must be nuts, stealing and taking a bath!
Benjamin crept into the room and was stunned. Through the bathroom glass, he could see a woman's body and long black hair. Her full chest was faintly visible, and he could see a dark patch below. It was a female thief!