Chapter 14
In the wee hours, Seraphina was sitting in the dark in Leandro’s study, finishing up the last sip of her coffee.
Leandro’s study offered a perfect view of Balch’s house, an excellent spot for some observing. Seraphina reckoned the time was about ripe.
She yawned, ready to get up and leave, when a flicker of light caught her eye.
Surprised, she moved to the window and clearly saw a room in Balch’s house was lit.
She glanced at the clock, it was 3 a.in.
Word was, there were no live–in maids or hourly workers in the Balch’s residence.
So Balch might be the one turning on the light Seraphina stood quietly behind the window, watching the orange glow and the ticking clock.
Ten minutes passed, the light was still on.
Twenty minutes passed, the light didn’t go out.
Thirty minutes later, Seraphina looked down to check on the time, and when she looked up again, the light
went out.
At 3 a.m., when most people were tucked in bed, Balch was in a room with the light on for a solid thirty
minutes.
Seraphina let out a long sigh.
Last night, she didn’t tell Leandro the truth.
Her interest in Balch wasn’t about some inside trading, but to uncover the truth behind the murder of Balch’s wife, Janetta Lawson.
Two years ago, Balch’s wife Janetta Lawson was murdered at home in Sunburst City. The cops quickly nabbed the suspect, Wilbur. Despite his pleas of innocence, Wilbur was soon found guilty due to motive, physical evidence, and witnesses. A few months later, his health deteriorated and he died in prison.
But Seraphina believed Wilbur was innocent, so she chose to return to Sunburst City to investigate.
She believed the closer she got to Balch, the closer she would be to the truth.
Maybe this 3 a.m. light was part of the truth?
Because of this thirty minutes, Seraphina stubbornly stayed in Leandro’s study till dawn, keeping her eyes on the house across the street, but she didn’t notice anything unusual.
Not until 7 a.m., when she saw Balch’s driver arrive, and then Balch came out and got in the car.
Seraphina stayed hidden behind the window, watching the car leave. She remained still, pondering the secrets. of the house across the street.
Not until she heard a slight noise behind her did she snap back to reality. Turning around, she saw Valerio standing neatly at the entrance, quietly watching her.
That’s when Seraphina realized Leandro hadn’t come home all night.
Stepping out, Seraphina took Valerio to a street–side hot dog stand.
During the morning rush, the stand was packed. Seraphina bought two drinks and hot dogs. With no seats available, she simply stood at the entrance to eat.
Valerio was obviously not used to this kind of street food, holding it in his hand unsure of how to eat it.
What’s up?” Seraphina asked him while munching on her hot dog, “Just chow down.”
After a moment of silence, Valerio started eating, full mouthfuls. It was completely different from his usual breakfast, but it tasted really good.
Seraphina smiled contentedly, facing the bustling crowd, savoring her hot dog.
Her makeup–free face still radiated charm, occasionally looking at the delicate and pretty boy next to her. The pair, one big, one small, were eye–catchers on the street.
In the car parked by the street, Valerio’s driver watched the scene, sighing helplessly.
After dropping Valerio off at school, Seraphina returned to her little home, packed some toiletries and daily necessities, and quickly returned to Leandro’s villa.
She set up a small camera in Leandro’s study facing Balch’s house, so she could monitor any movement there.
After setting it up, Seraphina sat in the living room going through case–related files. The amount of information was overwhelming. She analyzed and recorded each one, and after a few hours, she was exhausted and fell asleep on the table.
The sound of doors opening and closing woke her up. She lifted her head and saw Valerio and the driver standing at the entrance.
Valerio looked at her sitting on the carpet, his expression complex.
“What’s wrong?” Seraphina asked.
The driver laughed and answered, “You didn’t pick him up this afternoon, he probably thought you’d left, so he’s a bit upset.”
Seraphina stood up and walked over to help Valerio with his backpack, “I’m sorry, I accidentally fell asleep. I promise I’ll pick you up from school tomorrow!”
Valerio didn’t respond, and silently walked over to sit on the couch.
“How about this!” Seraphina patted his head, “Tonight, I’ll treat you to something delicious. What do you want to eat? How about pizza? I know a great pizza place. Do you like pizza?”
Before Valerio could answer, the driver said, “Ms. Bennett, Mr. Reynolds doesn’t really like the smell of pizza.”
“I’m not buying it for him, whether he likes it or not isn’t important!” Seraphina turned to Valerio, “Shall we eat this?”
Valerio was silent for a moment, then nodded.
Forty minutes later, the room was filled with the aroma of pizza.
Seraphina sat on the carpet next to the low table, eating pizza and going through the files, while Valerio sat next to her, eating pizza and doing his homework.
This quiet and harmonious scene was silently recorded by the surveillance equipment in the room.
