Michael's words left the room stunned.
Slowly, every gaze turned toward Anthony.
Michael broke the silence. "What really happened in that case, Chief?"
"Why are there contradictions between the police files and the public records?"
Anthony inhaled deeply.
For the first time, he looked unsettled—yet his voice remained controlled.
"The Nora case," he said.
"We received intelligence that Nora was going to meet Roy—a known smuggler—for a deal. Based on that intel, we initiated surveillance and pursuit."
The room stayed silent.
"During the chase, Nora was killed," Anthony continued.
"She was on her way to a deal, but the exchange never actually happened."
Emily stated in between,
"If we had declared it a police encounter..."
Anthony said, "it would have caused public unrest. So the incident was officially closed as a road accident."
He paused.
"Roy was eliminated a few months later."
"Aaron's death was unrelated—no links found. Just an accident."
Anthony looked around the table.
"That's the truth. Nora and Roy were executed. It was necessary. The details stayed within the department."
No one spoke.
The weight of the confession hung among them.
Silence ruled the hall.
A Few Days Later
The team continued digging, circling the same facts—always missing something.
Until one meeting changed everything.
Anthony suddenly looked up at Michael. "You showed us a photograph," he said slowly, "of a car parked outside the wrecked hospital."
Michael nodded. "Yes, Chief."
Anthony leaned forward, realization flashing in his eyes. "That's the mistake."
Everyone straightened.
"Look closely," Anthony said,
"The mask found in Rick's case matches the one in Sam's case."
Heads nodded.
"And Merry and Sam were seen together," he continued.
"At Merry's crime scene, another person had been restrained as well—meaning three people were involved."
Bethy's eyes widened.
"In Sam's case," Anthony added, "we found another person's blood sample—confirming the involvement of two."
Bethy spoke carefully, understanding forming. "So you're saying… the killer executed Merry first. Then Sam."
Anthony nodded sharply. "Exactly."
Excitement stirred through the room.
"And one more thing," Anthony said.
"The attack occurred inside Sam's car. Another vehicle was found outside the hospital."
He stood.
"That vehicle likely belongs to the same person."
Determination hardened his voice. "Find the owner of that car."
He looked at each of them. "That's how we uncover the truth behind the mask."
The room buzzed with renewed purpose.
For the first time—
They had a direction.