Years ago, a fatal accident occurred at a construction site where Oliver Smith worked. Though initially ruled accidental, the victim's father, Old Reynaud, harbored deep suspicions. A stubborn and resilient man, he had lost his only son, and his world had crumbled. A father's intuition kept him awake at night, convinced there was more to his son's death. He appealed to the police multiple times, but without concrete evidence, the case was eventually shelved. Yet, for years, he never gave up his search for the truth, like a lone hunter silently gathering fragmented clues.
By chance, Old Reynaud overheard a casual conversation in a tavern about Oliver Smith, who had worked at the fateful construction site years ago and had hastily left shortly after the accident. This seemingly insignificant detail struck Old Reynaud like lightning. He immediately grew suspicious, connecting the name to the mystery surrounding his son's death.
He began to inquire about Oliver Smith's whereabouts and quietly made his way to Evans Village. Through observation and questioning villagers, Old Reynaud learned that Oliver Smith had become addicted to gambling and had undergone a drastic personality change; the once sunny youth was now dark and unfamiliar. He vaguely felt that his son's death might be connected to Oliver Smith, perhaps even being the beginning of his escape from responsibility. The unease in his heart and his profound longing for his son finally prompted the elderly man to bravely report the old construction site accident anonymously to the local police department. He also provided the suspicious details he had collected over the years, along with the crucial name: Oliver Smith.
Upon receiving the report, the police took it seriously and immediately formed a special task force. This cold case, dormant for years, was finally reopened. They secretly interviewed other workers from the site at the time, reviewed the dusty accident files from years ago, and re-examined the scene. As the investigation deepened, new clues emerged like threads being pulled from a complex tapestry. All the evidence pointed to Oliver Smith, who had left in a hurry years ago. Some details that had gone unnoticed back then now appeared remarkably clear from a new perspective.
The police secretly deployed officers and began searching for Oliver Smith around Evans Village. Meanwhile, Oliver Smith was completely unaware of the danger quietly approaching. His mind was entirely focused on selling Isabelle LeBlanc as quickly as possible to get the money that would temporarily free him from his predicament. He even began to scout for suitable buyers, frequently contacting strangers with cold eyes and suspicious demeanors. His behavior grew bolder and more frantic.
On a dark night, Oliver Smith decided the time was right. A light rain fell outside, the night was deep, and all was silent—it was the perfect moment for his plan. He quietly drugged Isabelle LeBlanc's water, watching her slowly drift into a deep, steady sleep. Like an old phantom burdened by years of sin, hiding all his wickedness, he carefully picked up the unconscious Isabelle LeBlanc. He deceived himself, imagining he could take her to the meeting point he had arranged with the human traffickers, then use the money to pay off his debts and start anew. He even mentally pictured a false future of "turning over a new leaf" after clearing his debts.
However, just as he was about to carry Isabelle LeBlanc out the door, a sudden, urgent, and loud knocking—like the knocking of death—shattered the night's stillness.
"Police! Open up!"
Several uniformed officers, holding batons and with serious expressions, appeared at the entrance of the dilapidated yard. Their figures appeared exceptionally tall and imposing in the dim light. After confirming no one answered inside, they decisively broke down the door, which emitted a shrill cracking sound under the immense force.
Oliver Smith, holding the unconscious Isabelle LeBlanc, froze as if struck by lightning. All his illusions collapsed at that moment. Cold handcuffs were mercilessly fastened to his trembling wrists with a clear "click," signaling the end of his freedom. He was arrested on the spot for multiple charges, including illegal gambling, attempted human trafficking, and negligent homicide and fleeing the scene related to the construction site accident from years ago.
Isabelle LeBlanc slowly awoke under the effects of the drug. She opened her eyes hazily, dimly seeing the chaotic scene before her. She only saw the blinding flashlight beams moving around the room and the cold eyes of the police. She didn't know what had happened but felt a sense of relief and a profound sense of having narrowly escaped danger.