Inspector Nyanchama gazed pensively out of his office window, his expression strained and tense. For the past hour, a growing commotion had been brewing outside the police station, right at the entrance. The crowd had swelled to over twenty people, their voices filled with aggression and heavy profanities, clearly expressing their discontent and disapproval of the police. The presence of a media van parked just a few meters from the crowd only added to the Inspector's unease. It was becoming clear that the situation was spiraling out of control, attracting an unwarranted amount of attention.

Preston Arina, seated across from the Inspector's desk, inquired, "What's happening down there?"

Turning away from the window and taking his seat, the Inspector, dressed in faded black jeans and a blue shirt with sleeves rolled up to reveal hairy arms, responded, "That's precisely why I called you into my office."

"What is it?"

"A young girl was reported missing one week ago. The parents stated that the girl left for school early in the morning but did not return in the evening. The school confirmed that the girl attended classes that day and left with her classmates in the evening."

"How old is the girl?"

"Fourteen. Her name is Linda Were."

"A teenager? Isn't there a possibility that she ran away from home?"

"That's what the officers attached to the case thought at first, but the parents claimed the girl loved home and she would never run away," The Inspector responded, then added, "I called you here because I need a third eye on the case."

"Don't you already have officers on it?" Preston countered. He knew he couldn't handle any other case, now that all his energy was focused on Diane Rucho. This would only slow his progress so far.

"Look at the attention the case is causing," The Inspector pointed to the window. "We can't handle this getting to the Director General of Police. I need you on it because I believe you have a good instinct and you would probably catch on to anything faster than Officer Abil and Collins."

Preston stirred back on his seat, more from a growing sense of discomfort in his belly than from the scorching sun's ray that fleeted from the open window to his face. He asked, "What about my case?"

"Arina, I'm not telling you to put your case on hold. As far as I am concerned, that should already have been closed by now. I just want you to have a look at the missing girl case and see what you come up with."

Preston kept silent a second longer. He picked up on the growing displeased shouts from the entrance, then quietly replied, "Okay. I'll do it."

"Good. I'll inform Officer Abil to keep you updated," Inspector Nyanchama said. "Now, away from the missing girl, where are we with the Diane Rucho case?"

Preston briefed him about the shootout at Hijos Pub and the connection between the victim and the CFO at Co Dillers Ltd.

"So, this Ezra was Mr. William Khayi's son?"

"Yes."

"Do you think there's any connection there?"

"I believe Co Dillers Ltd is involved in the case. I'm not sure how, but I will find out."

"Why do you think so?"

"Officer Edward had interviewed Ezra Khayi just a few days before his death. He was certain that Ezra knew Diane Rucho. Additionally, Gary Wako claimed to have encountered Diane Rucho on the side of the road—assaulted and unconscious. However, we recently discovered that the top managers of Co Dillers Ltd had dined at Amara Restaurant and were served by Diane Rucho that evening," Preston said, before adding, "I think there's something significant there, Inspector."

"Was Ezra Khayi at the meeting?" the Inspector asked.

"No."

"How certain was Officer Edward that Ezra knew Diane Rucho?"

"I'm not sure. But I suspect that Ezra and Diane may have known each other. Just as Gary was kidnapped, possibly even killed, Ezra was also killed to keep quiet."

Inspector Nyanchama remained silent for a brief moment before asking, "Any updates on the kidnapping of Gary Wako?"

"The witness from the warehouse in Syokimau met with the sketch artist yesterday. We should have the full result today."

Nyanchama pulled his black leather seat back, the screeching sound barely audible over the continued shouts echoing from the entrance. He stood by the window and looked down below. He then asked, "What's your take on the situation so far?"

"I believe we may have ourselves something big. Diane Rucho's murder was not random. It was much more than the assault. The door to her house had not been jammed, which makes me think that maybe her murderer was waiting for her in the house. Must have known where she kept the spare key. Close shot to the back of her head. An instant kill. Someone wanted her gone. And whoever that person is, he is keen to keep the ghost of Diane back in the past."

"Are you still suspecting the boyfriend in the murder?"

"He's currently my top suspect. Even though the house search for a gun came back negative, I still believe we can get some information out of him."

"Have you released him?"

"Not yet."

"Why not? I thought I had given strict instructions to release him by early morning."

"Yes, I know. I wanted to talk to you about that."

"About what?"

"I don't think it's right to release him yet. We could schedule another interview; maybe he'll talk."

"We don't have any concrete evidence against the boyfriend. It's all circumstantial. What if he lied about his identity? What if he met with Diane on the night of the assault? Does that pin the murder on him? You said yourself that nothing was found in his house—"

Preston interrupted, "We need more time, Inspector."

Inspector Nyanchama shook his head, "Until you have solid evidence against the boyfriend, then we can discuss more time."