The prime suspect appeared to be Jamie, considering the scarcity of women associated with Brett.
Brett had remained unmarried, dedicating his time to his daughter and elderly parents.
Despite Callieâs grandmotherâs persistent efforts to persuade Brett otherwise, Brett steadfastly maintained that he had no desire to impose on anyone else.
It was confirmed that Brett hadnât been romantically involved with any women, heightening the likelihood that the woman he had argued with was Jamie.
After Callie underwent additional examinations and was advised to rest, Ethel and Nicole exited the room in unison.
Outside, Nicole shared her theory.
She supposed Jamie acting alone wouldnât have possessed the strength to fatally injure Brett and inflict multiple stab wounds.
Brett, a robust man towering at six feet tall, wasnât easily subdued.
Conversely, Jamie had been physically frail, frequently fainting during her tenure working with Jemma.
Moreover, Jamie had recently attempted suicide by slitting her wrists, resulting in a substantial loss of blood, which made a swift recovery improbable.
âs BunnyBookery Therefore, Jamie might have an accomplice, or she could not commit the crime single-handedly.
Stabbing someone over sixty times showcased a profoundly disturbed psyche, signifying that this individual posed a significant menace to society.
A true madman.
Ethel concurred with Nicoleâs speculation.
Based on her interactions with Jamie during Jamieâs hospitalization, she couldnât envision Jamie overpowering Brett.
Moreover, the absence of drugs in Brettâs system, as indicated by the autopsy report, eliminated the possibility of Brett being incapacitated.
Considering Jamieâs frail condition, Brett could have easily overpowered her several times over.
The primary goal now entailed locating Jamie and devising subsequent actions from that point.
However, the challenge lay in discerning Jamieâs whereabouts.
Engrossed in her thoughts, Nicole exited the hospital, inadvertently colliding with someone.
To her surprise, it was Rhett.
âMiss Lawrence, what a coincidenceâ, Rhett greeted her with a faint smile.
Nicole was startled.
âWhy are youâ¦â
Interrupting herself mid-sentence, Nicole speculated that Rhett must be here for a medical appointment.
Recalling her neglect of Rhett since Austinâs abrupt illness, Nicole felt remorseful.
After all, Rhett had been assisting her, inadvertently exposing himself to infection.
Yet, for the sake of her own child, she had left him behind.
âI apologize, Mr.
Bates.
Austinâs condition deteriorated suddenly, and Iâve been attending to him incessantly.
I regret not finding the time to visit you,â Nicole expressed her remorse sincerely.
âItâs alright.
How is Austin now?â Rhett inquired, genuinely concerned.
Nicole felt heightened remorse.
She had neglected to inquire about Rhettâs well-being, yet he showed genuine concern for her child.
Rhett truly exemplified kindness.
âHeâs vastly improved now.
And you, Mr.
Bates? You indicated the results would be available in two weeks.
Have they returned?â Nicole inquired eagerly, hoping for positive news.
She wished for Rhettâs well-being.
He deserved it.
âThatâs reassuring.
Iâve confirmed Iâm uninfected.
The prophylactic medication likely played a role,â Rhett remarked casually.