America: The Gear-Up Detective

Inside the car, Rod sat in the passenger seat, watching Hank drive. Finally, unable to contain his curiosity, he asked, "Is there something going on at noon?"

Hank smiled and explained, "It's about my brother-in-law, nothing serious."

Seeing this, Roald didn't ask any more questions.

The two drove to Evelyn's parents' house.

Previously, it was Jose who had been in contact with them, so this time Rhodes wanted to come and ask in person to see if there were any new clues.

As soon as I drove into the community, I saw missing person notices posted on nearby utility poles and trees.

The picture shows Evelyn with her head tilted to the side, a bright and happy smile on her face. Her eyes are clear and bright, yet still have a touch of childlike innocence.

Hank parked his car in front of a two-story villa. The large lawn in front of the villa was very well maintained, and there was a sizable outdoor swimming pool to the right of the villa. Just from the appearance of these villas, it was clear that Evelyn's family was well-off.

But given her family background, how could Evelyn possibly listen to others for a so-called high-paying part-time job?

Rhodes could only guess that this old friend must be very familiar with Evelyn, and that they had a close relationship, which allowed Evelyn to lower her guard and trust him.

The two got out of the car, and Rod stepped forward and rang the doorbell.

A short while later, a haggard-looking middle-aged white woman came to open the door, her red and swollen eyes looking at Rod and Hank.

"Murder and Heist Division, Detective Rhodes, this is Detective Hank."

Are you Evelyn's mother, Ms. Rachel?

The woman spoke, her voice hoarse, revealing that she had cried a great deal during Evelyn's disappearance. "It's me. Do you have any information about Evelyn?"

Rhodes shook his head, then said, "I have some questions I'd like to ask. Would it be convenient for us to come inside and talk?"

Rachel nodded, came in, and sat on the sofa. She said painfully, "You've asked me everything you could possibly ask, why is there still no news of Evelyn?!"

Hank said softly, "Madam, we are doing everything we can to find Evelyn. Trust me, we will not let our guard down."

Rhodes looked around and asked, "Where is Evelyn's father?"

"We can't just stay at home and wait for your news. It's better for him to go out and hand out some missing person flyers than to stay at home."

Rhodes nodded and got straight to the point, "Detective Jose should have told you before that Evelyn found a new part-time job?"

Rachel shook her head. "We didn't know about that. Her previous part-time job was performing with the club in various places to earn some living expenses..."

"Based on your understanding of Evelyn's interpersonal relationships, does she have a friend who can offer her a high-paying job?"

Rachel thought for a moment, then shook her head. "We don't know much about her friends. I'm sorry, I really want to help..."

As she spoke, Rachel burst into tears again, seemingly blaming herself for not knowing enough about her daughter.

It seemed there wouldn't be any new clues, Rhodes thought, and then prepared to leave.

As Hank reached the door, he turned back to look at Rachel, who was still crying, and asked, "Your family seems quite well-off. Is Evelyn short of money? Why...?"

Rachel wiped away her tears and said haltingly, "She's a very independent girl. Since starting college, she hasn't asked us for a single penny except for tuition. She covered her living expenses with part-time jobs. We never expected this to happen..."

I left Evelyn's house.

Rhodes sighed, "That's enough for today. There aren't any new leads for the time being..."

The two returned to the police station.

Rod arrived at the parking lot, ready to leave work.

It's not that Rod didn't want to stay and work overtime.

On the one hand, the case is now at a standstill, and the testimonies and clues from all sides cannot prove that Evelyn met with misfortune. Now, Jackson and Jose's investigation of the surveillance footage from Osaka is enough.

On the other hand, tonight is the family gathering that my grandfather arranged. This time, my grandfather Edgar's leg injury is not serious enough to prevent him from walking, so the gathering will still be tonight.

Rod drove to a supermarket and bought some seasonings and ingredients. Despite having been in this world for so long, Rod still had a Chinese stomach. Although his father could cook some Chinese food, Rod always felt that it wasn't quite authentic. So tonight, he decided to show off his skills.

That evening, Rod returned to his grandfather's ranch.

Laura, Edgar's mother, and Li Zhi, his father, had already arrived. Edgar sat on the sofa with two bottles of wine, seemingly considering which one to drink.

Laura held the tablet, which looked like a medical report or a paper, and looked at it carefully, but Rhodes couldn't understand a word of it.

After exchanging brief greetings, Rhodes looked around and then asked, "Mom, where's Kyle? I don't see him."

Laura didn't even look up, her fingers swiping back and forth on the tablet screen as she replied to Rod, "He said he has an urgent matter at the law firm and can't come tonight."

Rhodes shrugged. He had other questions to ask him, but he'd have to wait until next time.

"Where's my uncle? Didn't he come either?"

Edgar put down his bottle and said, "He's gone to rest. Wesley seems to be very busy lately; he just got back from Washington. He's in his bedroom. Rhodes, remember to call him later."

Rod nodded, sat on the sofa, and then thought of his ingredients.

He then went to the kitchen and began to arrange the ingredients.

There were still some ingredients cooking in the kitchen; it must have been Edgar's dinner.

Rod was a good cook in his past life, but unfortunately tonight he only prepared simple ingredients and made Mapo Tofu and Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce.

Anyway, Rod was really craving it.

When it was time for dinner, Wesley came out.

Wesley has short brown hair and blue eyes inherited from his family. His gaze is focused, and his facial features are angular with a clear jawline.

As a professional lawyer, even when staying at home, he is still dressed in a suit and leather shoes, looking capable and professional, and also exuding a scholarly air.

"Hey, Rod, long time no see."

Wesley looked at Rhodes, smiled, and walked over.

Rhodes stood up and hugged Wesley. "Yes, it's been a long time, Uncle Wesley."

Grandpa said you've been very busy lately?

Wesley sighed and said with a wry smile, "Yes, there's a case recently where the defendant is accused of rape, and we've been looking for evidence... In short, it's a bit troublesome."

The group sat together chatting and preparing to eat.

Rod had barely taken a couple of bites when his phone started vibrating in his pocket.

The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number. Rod initially wanted to hang up, but then he remembered the two business cards he had handed out that day, so he answered the call anyway.

"Hello? This is Rhodes."

A familiar female voice came from the other end of the phone, "Officer Rhodes? This is Willow, do you remember me?"

Rod frowned. "Of course, we just met this afternoon. Is there something you need now that you're calling?"

"Of course, I was just chatting with a friend, and we happened to be talking about Evelyn's disappearance, which you asked about at noon. I thought I should call you to let you know."

Rhodes glanced at the group of people eating, stood up, indicating it was work-related, and walked outside before continuing, "Have you remembered any new leads?"

"Yes, I have a new lead!"