Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Daniel wore a somber expression as he spoke, "Mrs. Lawson, I don't resent you. I understand your sentiments entirely. Were it my daughter, I would hesitate to see her with an anti-drug officer too." Shelly turned to look at Daniel, sensing in him a man of integrity. If not for his profession, marrying Sienna to him would be like winning the lottery.

"About Felix's medical bills-"

Shelly's words were cut short by Daniel's reassurance. "Mrs. Lawson, it's a small matter. There's no rush for repayment.

"Once Felix wakes up and recovers, he can take his time to repay me when he's financially stable. There's no deadline."

Shelly was moved beyond words. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she clasped his hand gratefully. "Thank you, and thank you on behalf of Felix," she choked out.

Daniel offered a gentle pat on her shoulder, feeling a pang of sadness. To him, matters that money could resolve were insignificant. As long as he could help Sienna, he would do so without hesitation or regret.

After a brief pause, Shelly suggested, "Captain Morrison, if you don't mind, you could become like a brother to Sienna..."

Daniel's expression darkened instantly, cutting her off. "Mrs. Lawson, that's unnecessary. I'm fine with the breakup, but becoming her brother? That's absurd."

Shelly felt a twinge of embarrassment and forced a smile. She felt guilty but had no clue how to make it up to Daniel.

Daniel felt mentally drained. Shelly knew exactly how to twist the knife.

Being a brother to Sienna meant they could still have a connection, but without romance, without crossing boundaries, and without sharing their lives together. He'd even have to witness Sienna's marriage and address her future husband as his brother-in-law. Even if it cost him his life, he couldn't do it.

Standing up, Daniel politely excused himself. "Mr. Lawson, I have some work to attend to. Feel free to call if you need anything."

Shelly replied, "Of course, go ahead."

With a nod of farewell, Daniel walked away.

As Shelly watched him leave, she sighed deeply. If only Daniel would quit his job as an anti-drug officer, that would solve everything. She wondered if he'd be willing tomake that sacrifice for Sienna.

Leaning back in her chair, Shelly sighed once more.

When Sienna learned that Felix's medical bills were taken care of, her first thought was of Daniel. Though Shelly didn't explicitly say it, Sienna knew it was Daniel's doing. When Shelly suggested that Daniel resign so they could be together, Sienna felt a mix of excitement and anger.

such unreasonable demands of Daniel. Don't force him to

held onto hope and said, "Captain Morrison is truly a good

a good person, but look at me. I come from a modest background, average

plenty of women

lucky that Daniel chose me. Do

Do you

sacrifice his career? Isn't

selfish?"

herself to make such selfish demands of

was moved out of the ICU

hospital with

there be a cigarette butt

a man must have taken Esther. Maybe it was a

it closely. Then, he sadly shook his head. "This brand is found everywhere. It looks like we won't

wrapped the cigarette butt in a napkin. "We can check it for

gave Pearl an admiring look. "Should we go get

going back now will waste too much time. I'll call Wayne to come here, and I'll give it to him to test. Let's

floor was muddy because it had just rained.

might be the culprits'

was sure that

the restroom before taking her to a car by the road. Then, they drove

Pearl couldn't tell if the car had gone east

said,

Surprised, Pearl asked, "Why?"

night, and the roads are straight with few turns. There are also police checking cars. It would be

the mountains.

looked serious. "I

to act fast to save Esther. "Richard, go get your car. We'll head