Chapter 622

She provided the police with all the details regarding the situation at the day’s occurrence.

Finally, she asked, “Officer, have you found the cause of the fire?”

The officer met her gaze, replying, “Our investigation indicated that the owner forgot to turn off the gas valve after cooking, instigating the fire.

”

“So, it was my mother’s inadvertent oversight?” Lindsey sought clarification.

“While it might be challenging to accept, that appears the more plausible scenario,” the officer explained.

The policeman brought up an additional possibility as they recorded the information.

“But there’s more to it than that.

An employee of a domestic service firm visited the homeowner’s home before the fire to carry out housekeeping duties.

”

“A domestic service firm?” Lindsey’s brows furrowed, a sudden disquiet manifesting.

She pressed, “Could it be that person?”

The officer remained composed.

“That avenue was explored.

Nonetheless, our investigations affirm your mother specifically designated the employee for routine household cleaning.

Their rapport was amicable, devoid of any acrimony.

The service company corroborated this.

That employee claimed that when cleaning that day, she did detect a slight gas smell.

But she didn’t look into it or stay too long since she was anxious to get home to look after her own child after work.

”

Lindsey clenched her fists, sensing a discordant element.

“You mentioned Juanita called an hour before the fire.

Maybe to ask you to come back for dinner.

” The officer’s tone conveyed a semblance of sympathy as he glanced at Lindsey.

Head bowed, Lindsey shook it repeatedly.

“No… Something isn’t just adding up!”

Lindsey said to the police officer, “I’m worried because my mom seemed so anxious on the phone.

She had something important to tell me.

Plus, I had already told her I wouldn’t be home for dinner.

So why would she cook? And even if she did cook, why would she head to sleep in her room right after starting to cook? There must be something wrong!”

One of the officers replied to Lindsey, “We’ve taken that into consideration.

However, we found a stockpot on the stove with spareribs simmering in it.

It seems they required a long cooking time, so she might have gone to her bedroom for a short nap.

Tragically, the fire was extinguished, but the gas kept leaking, leading to the unfortunate incident.

”

“Simmering spareribs?” Lindsey’s expression grew more troubled as she had a sudden realization.

She quickly stood up from where she was sitting and declared, “No, this doesn’t make sense! My mom… she never cooks stewed spareribs!”

“What?” The officer looked at her with surprise.

Lindsey remembered and said, “My mom specializes in French cooking.

She has never cooked stewed spareribs before!”

The police officers looked at each other, realizing they hadn’t fully considered this particular aspect.

“Alright, we have understood the situation now.

We will continue our investigation and reach out to you with any new information,” one of the officers said as he closed his notebook and got up.

Lindsey quietly acknowledged and remained silent.

Once the police departed, Lindsey exited the ward.

She planned to visit her mother in the ICU, but then she encountered Leonel, who arrived quickly.

“Linds!” Leonel rushed over and firmly grasped Lindsey’s shoulders.

His eyes were bloodshot, his face filled with anguish, and he appeared on the verge of breaking down.

He repeated in disbelief, “How could this happen?” How could this happen?”

“Leonel, take it easy.

Lindsey held onto Leonel’s arm, trying her best to remain composed.

“I stayed late at work last night and didn’t return home.

This morning when I got back, I saw the apartment… Thank goodness you’re alright.

How is Mom doing?” Leonel inquired with worry.

“Leonel, let’s go see Mom,” Lindsey said softly and started to walk.