Examining the Dead Got Me Branded a Cheater Chapter 09

Examining the Dead Got Me Branded a Cheater Chapter 09

I sat down, nice and calm. “No need to rush me out. We deserve an explanation, right? Let’s sit for a bit and get this sorted today.”

Claire frowned and called in her team to throw me out.

Just then, a joyous shout came from the hallway. “Professor Robinson and his team have caught the suspect! The case is finally solved!”

The task force filed into the office.

Tyler gave me an approving nod. “Well done. You didn’t let me down.”

As expected, Tyler had noticed something was off long ago. He hadn’t told me right away because he wanted to test the chemistry between me and the task force.

Luckily, with years of casework behind me, I caught on fast.

I looked at Harry and Claire and asked coldly, “With Professor Robinson standing right here, are you still going to cover for Julian?”

Harry was visibly rattled. He forced a show of calm as he reached to shake Tyler’s hand. “You guys are the real task force, solving the case so quickly. We were even considering assigning additional personnel!

“Professor Robinson, Evan got the composite sketch wrong. That’s totally out of line. We’ll fire him immediately!”

Tyler gave him a sidelong look and didn’t return the shake. “Chief Langford, your conduct today was flat-out unethical. I’ll be filing a report with HQ.”

Harry went weak in the knees. He almost dropped to the floor. “Professor Robinson, what’s that supposed to mean? How is Evan’s mistake my problem?”

Tyler said nothing. He turned to me, waiting for me to lay out the trio’s scheme.

I smirked at Julian. “You swapped the report, didn’t you? Claire deleted the surveillance footage to cover for you, which is why she wouldn’t let me see it. And you passed the stolen report to Chief Langford.

“He’s been getting shown up by Professor Robinson these past few days, so of course, he wanted to beat him to the arrest. Nice teamwork, the three of you.”

Once Julian was busted, he knew the game was over. He grabbed Claire’s hand and pleaded, “Claire, you said you’d have my back! I only did this to remain in the department.

“You’ve seen the streak Evan’s been on. We’re never going to be together if he sticks around! Please, you have to help me!”

Claire had been gearing up to spin a story, but the proof nailed her.

She ripped her hand free, glaring at him with pure loathing. “Idiot! I told you not to pull this. Julian, have your studies taught you nothing? I’m done covering for you. Get ready to face the consequences!”

She ditched Julian and stepped out of the conference room.

With the serial killer finally in handcuffs, news outlets requested interviews with the task force. At the task force’s request, they invited me as well.

They went on at length about my contributions on camera. Tyler was about to place the medallion around my neck with the whole country watching.

“Evan, your professional expertise meant more to this case than anyone else’s. This was the first award I ever received. I’d like to pass it on to you. And one more thing, the task force will always have a place for you.”

I dipped my head so Tyler could place the medallion around my neck.

The government presented me with a recognition plaque and named me Person of the Year.