Evelyn Clayton suddenly stood up, hesitating, "Are you Mr. Gene Young?"
"It’s me." Gene Young nodded, extending his hand, "Hello, Miss Clayton."
Evelyn Clayton shook hands with him, her expression cautious. Gene Young showed a slightly helpless smile, "Miss Clayton, you don’t have to be so cautious, I’m just an officer at the Vernal Street Police Station."
They both sat down, Evelyn Clayton’s gaze was bright, staring for a moment at the badge on Gene Young’s shoulder, before speaking in a hoarse voice after a long pause, "I remember, Officer Young was already a squad leader in the city’s criminal investigation team back then... Is your presence at the station a personal choice, or was it related to past events that implicated you, Officer Young, and hence affected you?"
Gene Young’s eyes flickered slightly, and a moment later, he lowered his eyes, speaking calmly, "I’m not as outstanding as my father, Miss Clayton. You don’t need to think too much."
Despite his words, Evelyn Clayton knew that Gene Young was more than likely deceiving her.
Gene Young already had two stars on his shoulder; for someone his age to reach this level showed remarkable aptitude.
Evelyn Clayton felt as if something was stuck in her throat, unable to move up or down.
She took a deep breath, saying, "I called last night abruptly... How did you know my name?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Evelyn Clayton saw a moment of obscurity and emotion pass by in Gene Young’s eyes, as if recalling some unforgettable past events, a trace of sadness further deepened his temperament.
"It’s my father." Gene Young took a silent breath, "When my father went to Miss Clayton’s house for an investigation back then, this was a newly registered phone number, and after giving it to you, he hardly told anyone about it again. As time passed, very few people called this number anymore, aside from a few of father’s old friends checking in occasionally."
He paused, the following words made Evelyn Clayton’s eyes instantly red with tears.
"Moreover, my father once left instructions."
Evelyn Clayton’s brow twitched slightly, "Instructions on what?"
Gene Young remained silent for a while, seemingly searching for the right words.
Eventually, he lowered his clear voice, slowly saying, "That was before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Every day, he would take that old phone, repeatedly turning it on and off, always waiting. He said a little girl was going to call him, and he was afraid he might miss it, thus missing out on something important for that little girl."
Before she realized it, Evelyn Clayton’s face was suddenly covered with tears.
"Before I took him to the hospital, there was a moment my father suddenly became clear-headed and told me your name. He said if you called, I must bring you to see him."
Gene Young finished speaking and then looked up to see Evelyn Clayton silently in tears, a moment of panic flashed in his eyes.
There was no tissue on the table, and he awkwardly took out a clean, dark blue handkerchief, offering it to Evelyn Clayton.
"No need." Evelyn Clayton slowly wiped away her tears, speaking softly, "Thank you, Officer Young... Thank you."
She didn’t call him by name, as if thanking Gene Young, yet also thanking his father.
Gene Young withdrew his hand, his voice restored to its clear tone, "No need... This was my father’s wish, and I will fulfill it for him. But he now has very few lucid days left, so if Miss Clayton wants to see him, I can take you this weekend." Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs novel⚑fire.net
Pausing briefly, Gene Young averted his gaze, speaking softly, "However, my father can no longer do much."
Evelyn Clayton nodded gently, "I understand. I will visit him, but not now."
When the truth is revealed, she will certainly go see the old Officer Young.
She didn’t wish to linger any longer, getting up to bid Gene Young farewell.
"If you don’t need this number anymore, you don’t have to keep it. Officer Young, thank you, I will take my leave now."