America: The Gear-Up Detective

Looking at Kerry's information, Connor said in a deep voice, "In any case, all of the above are just our speculations."

We currently lack substantial evidence to prove that Kerry Emerson is the murderer.

We need to investigate every suspicious point one by one!

This is our next task.

Connor stopped speaking, then glanced around at the six teams present, his gaze lingering briefly on Rhodes' face before continuing:

"This case is very special, and I think you understand what will happen if I submit the reopening application but we don't find the real killer."

Our team, Team Six, will be the laughingstock of the entire detective agency for the next year, especially the other teams in the Murder Close Division.

So, before I formally submit my report, Rod and Hank, you continue investigating Kerry's suspicions.

Anna and Jose, you are responsible for organizing and coordinating the intelligence data for the entire case, ensuring it is updated in real time.

Jackson and Evan, you two...you two should contact the family of the victim, Sophia Grant, and see if there are any new leads!

Let's get started, everyone!

......

The group left the meeting room and dispersed.

Rod and Hank sat together and began to discuss their next move.

Hank said, "Jose's intelligence is complete enough, why don't we go find Kerry himself first?"

Rod thought for a moment, recalling the information Jose had just compiled, and said to Hank, "Kerry's four marriages, the first two were because his wives couldn't stand his frequent extramarital affairs."

So what about the third and fourth wives? There must be a reason, right?

"If we start with his ex-wives, we should be able to find some clues."

Hank looked at Rhodes, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Kerry's situation might be a bit more special. Since you think there's something to dig out here, let's investigate first."

Rod found Jose and asked for detailed information about Carrie's several wives.

Rod and Hank began to investigate step by step.

It was discovered that Carey's first wife had passed away, and his second and fourth wives had emigrated to Europe many years ago.

Only his third wife is still in the United States, in Los Angeles.

Vanessa Temple and Carey Emerson have a daughter. They divorced after six years of marriage. Unusually, Vanessa stated during the divorce that she didn't want anything, not even alimony, but only custody of her daughter. She also strongly requested the judge to order Carey to stay away from her and her daughter.

Rhodes dialed Vanessa Temple's number. After a short ring, a slightly aged voice came through, "Hello, this is Vanessa Temple. Who is this?"

"This is the Murder Closed Case Division. I am Detective Rhodes."

Hello Ms. Vanessa, we have some questions about your ex-husband, Kerry Emerson.

Are you available now?

On the other end of the phone, Vanessa paused, seemingly surprised that someone would contact her about Kerry after so long. After a brief hesitation, Vanessa spoke:

"We haven't been in touch for a long time, and I don't remember much about him. I'm sorry."

As Vanessa was about to hang up, Rod, hearing this, urgently stopped her, saying, "Please wait, Ms. Vanessa."

I think I can reveal a little bit about the case, and then you can decide whether you want to be questioned by us.

Then, Rod briefly recounted the events of the case.

"A seven-year-old girl met with misfortune. I imagine she was about the same age as your daughter when you divorced?"

After a brief silence, Vanessa said, "What do you want to ask?"

Yes!

After thinking to himself, Rod immediately asked, "First of all, during the years you were married, did Kerry exhibit any strange behavior?"

Especially regarding some...little girls?

Rod carefully crafted his words.

After Rhodes asked the question, a snicker came from the other end of the phone, followed by Vanessa's voice:

"Detective Rhodes, do you know why I agreed to his divorce request?"

Why?

"There were two situations that were... a bit creepy."

Both of these incidents involved his daughter.

Once, I overheard him talking on the phone with his daughter from his first marriage. His daughter was twelve years old at the time. During the call, he used some very nasty language with his daughter. I have forgotten the specifics of the conversation, but I know that what happened... made me uncomfortable.

The second one was about my daughter. Once, while tidying up, I accidentally found something stuck in the crevice at the bottom of a drawer. When I took it out, I discovered... some... very private photos of my daughter!

I was terrified!

I had already started preparing for divorce proceedings at that time, but fortunately, he initiated the divorce shortly afterward, and I couldn't wait to leave him.

After listening, Rod frowned and asked, "Did he say why he wanted a divorce?"

"He said he had a new girlfriend, but I didn't care. As long as I could get a divorce, everything would be fine. In fact, it was a relief for me."

Rod composed himself, exchanged a glance with Hank, and said slowly, "Okay, thank you for your cooperation, Ms. Vanessa."

One last question: If necessary, would you be willing to appear as a witness at the trial?

"I would be happy to help you, but I do not wish to appear as a witness."

We haven't seen each other for many years, and he hasn't bothered us. I don't want to have any contact with him.

I'm sorry, I hope you understand.

Rhodes replied, "Of course, thank you again for your cooperation; it has provided us with invaluable clues!"

After hanging up the phone, Hank couldn't wait to exclaim, "That psychopathic bastard!"

Seeing Hank's emotional state, Rod expressed his understanding, because Hank had a young daughter, and no father could remain unmoved after hearing Vanessa's description.

Then, Rhodes continued his analysis, "Based on the combined descriptions of Ida and Vanessa, his various behaviors all indicate that he has a special or even perverse psychology towards 'little girls'."

His appearance also resembled that of Sofia Grant, a survivor at the time, and he was very familiar with the environment within the Sicamor community.

It's almost certain that he's our prime suspect!

Hank calmed himself down, crossed his arms, leaned against the edge of the table, looked at Rod, and said:

"Now, we also need to find evidence that his alibi is fabricated and ensure that his statement from fifty years ago is not true. Otherwise, we still cannot apply for a search warrant to arrest and interrogate him."