บท 129: Bella’s request

Claudia's panic flared, her voice lowering in a harsh whisper. "Are you insane? That man was in police custody. The entire department will be hunting for the killer. And Theodore…he won't just let this slide."

"I had no choice," Franklin retorted. "I had to take the risk."

Claudia's frustration boiled over. "Didn't you say you hadn't revealed anything about yourself?" she snapped. "What were you afraid of? If he didn't know anything about you, how could he expose you?"

Franklin, now visibly agitated, shot back, "Oh, Mom, stop lecturing me. That man saw my face. He was a real threat. I had to make sure he was silenced."

Claudia's temper flared. "But what if the police discover your involvement?" she demanded. "And worse, Theodore finds out! What then?"

"Nothing like that will happen," Franklin said confidently. "I have reliable contacts in the police. As long as I keep paying him, he won't spill a word."