Ethel beamed.
âKiki.
â
Nicole reciprocated the smile.
Then, pausing briefly, she delicately removed the jade pendant encircling her neck and tenderly placed it in Ethelâs palm.
âI really appreciate your efforts in digging up my fatherâs case.
Please take this as a token of appreciation.
â
âPlease, take it back.
This is far too precious!â Ethel protested, visibly flustered.
Gold might possess a tangible value, but jade embodied a value beyond measure.
This particular piece, flawlessly crafted and exquisitely detailed, undoubtedly held significant worth.
âThe value of a gift transcends its monetary worth.
Considering your steadfast dedication to my fatherâs case, this is the least I can offer,â Nicole asserted earnestly.
âThank you.
â
Regardless of the caseâs outcome, Nicole knew one thing remained sure.
Ethel had undeniably poured her heart and soul into uncovering the truth about Wessonâs death.
Ethel appeared torn but eventually voiced, âKiki, the protocol of the police station prohibits the acceptance of gifts.
â
âAm I still an outsider to you?â Nicole queried.
âIsnât this jade pendant a gift from a friend during your off-duty time?â
Ethel found herself unable to refute Nicoleâs logic and conceded to Nicoleâs perspective.
Despite their limited interactions, a profound bond seemed to have inexplicably formed between them.
Nicole shared Ethelâs sentiment, envisioning Ethelâs resemblance to her little sister in her dreams growing stronger with Ethelâs hair lengthening and feminine attire.
Placing the jade pendant around Ethelâs neck, Nicole recounted its significance.
âMy father presented this to me on my eighteenth birthday.
Each year, I received two gifts, one for myself and one for the sister I once had.
â
âWhat happened to your sister?â E Nicole said.
âIâm sorry,â Ethel swiftly offered her apologies.
âItâs alright,â Nicole reassured her.
âI believe sheâs in heaven now, watching over me alongside my father.
â
With a serious gaze, Nicole said solemnly, âI hope this can be your lucky charm.
May it guide you safely on every mission.
â
âKiki, I am truly grateful.
I will hold this close to my heart,â
Ethel expressed, deeply moved by Nicoleâs sincerity and the significance of the gift.
Unbeknownst to them, they had already reached Brettâs residence.
Fortunately, this antiquated neighborhood had remained untouched by renovations for two decades and now faced impending demolition.
Had they arrived post-demolition, locating Brettâs home might have proven challenging.
Perched on the third floor, Brettâs home was an antiquated, dilapidated apartment.
Nicole rapped on the door tentatively, uncertain if Brett still occupied the premises after years of absence.
If Brett had truly been entangled in murdering her father, he might have fled long ago.
A senior woman with gray hair swung the door open.
âWhom do you seek?â