Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 873

He flicked the ash off his cigarette, taking another drag. "Feels kinda familiar, meeting someone who actually knows me." With that, he turned to the officer. "Turn off the camera. This case is buttoned up. Caught him red-handed at home with millions in counterfeit cash. We'll wait for the right folks to come pick him up. Meanwhile, let's take it easy-just make sure it's not on tape, or we'll get our pay docked."

Just then, Donnie's voice buzzed in Chad's colleague's earpiece: "Don't really turn it off, just make it look like you did to fool Gregory."

"Got it, Officer Chad."

The officer pretended to fiddle with the camera, acting like it was off, then sat back down.

"Officer Chad, aren't you gonna keep digging into this?" the suspect asked, trying to sound casual.

Chad replied, "Already solved it."

"Not gonna dig deeper?" the suspect asked, confused.

Chad suddenly stood up, leaning against the table, eyeing the man with a sarcastic grin. "Dig deeper into what? What's left to dig? By pinning everything on you, I get another feather in my cap. I don't care about the truth; my version is the truth. And you, well, you're on a dead-end street. What, thinking of ratting out your buddies to lighten your sentence?"

The suspect's face turned serious.

Chad chuckled, taking a puff, exhaling slowly. "Naive. I've been watching you guys for a while. I know who's who. Selling out your small fry pals won't change much; you're still looking at the death sentence. Might as well protect them like a boss would. After you're gone, someone should look after your mom and your brothers."

"Getting a sentence reduction's tough unless you bring a bigger fish to the table. Seen plenty like you take my advice. The death sentence isn't the scary part. It's thinking about your mom, who raised you solo, left all alone when you're gone. Your brothers should step up and care for her."

Officers outside the window were stunned, glancing back at Donnie in disbelief.

Donnie nodded, tapping a colleague on the shoulder. "My mentor, Chad, he's got tricks up his sleeve, sly as a fox."

"How does Officer Chad come up with this stuff?" someone asked.

Donnie pondered. "If you had a wife like my mentor's, you'd be full of ideas too."

"What's up with Officer Chad's wife?" the group grew curious.

Donnie recalled a few stories. "You'd better ask him yourself; he's got the best tales."

The group turned their attention back inside.

"Chad, is this how you earned your stripes?" someone asked.

Chad grinned. "How else did I climb the ranks so fast, becoming the youngest squad leader?"

"Aren't you worried they'll come after you?" Gregory chimed in.

Chad replied, "If you've heard of me, you know my background. They want to go against me?" He patted the nearby officer's shoulder. "Guess they're done with this line of work."

Chad noticed whenever he smoked, the suspect got more agitated. Chad tossed a cigarette across the table. "Have one. Looks like your days are numbered-counterfeiting cash is a big no-no."

After handing over the cigarette, Chad said, "Waiting's dull. Let's chat. You and that Taylor, are you two a thing? Any kids? Ever take her to meet your mom?"

As he lit a cigarette, the suspect, caught off guard by Chad's questions, said, "Her? Not a chance. Wouldn't want to dirty my mom's eyes."

Chad nodded knowingly. "So you knew. I worried you'd replace out the truth and be upset, so I kept a few surprises under wraps."

"What do you mean?" Gregory asked, pressing for more.

Chad feigned surprise. "You didn't know?"

He tossed the question back, fanning Gregory's doubts, confirming his suspicions.

"Hmph, I had my suspicions!" Gregory snapped, agitated. "Taylor buried someone right by the door, then came running to me when things got hot. To keep things cool,

she must've... well, you

Chad's eyes sharpened, nodding slightly to his colleague.

AQUMS

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He then stubbed out his cigarette. "Her running to you dragged you down. If they hadn't come, you'd be living a good life-devoted mom, maybe a nice wife and kids in the future, sharing holiday meals

together. But now, what's left for the

holidays is just... well, it's sad."

Chad mentioned the suspect's mom multiple times. Early on, he'd had someone look into it; the town called him a devoted son, doting on his mom. Chad could see where his weak spot was. Speaking slowly, he watched the suspect's emotions shift, watching him step neatly into Chad's trap.

Chad's words struck a chord. If they hadn't shown up, he wouldn't have been caught so soon.

"They killed Rory because he wanted out. Rory asked for my help before. He was a decent guy from a farming family, couldn't stomach tricking

e anymore. But leaving meant he might spill the beans. We're organized; everyone would get dragged down. Taylor pushed the others to act. Our ops split into three areas to spread risk; you checked out the first, my area's down, they've probably moved to the third."

Chad suddenly sat up straight, handing a notebook to his colleague, his gaze serious. "Where's the third location?"

Gregory glanced between Chad and the officers now busy with their work, finally eyeing the camera.

Chad shifted from laid-back to serious. "Handing you over, I've got some say. Cooperate, report all the illegal stuff, help crack this case, and you'll get some credit."

The suspect realized he'd been played by Chad, chuckling at their worthlessness.

Now, he focused on his mom, the one who truly cared for him.

"In Sun City."

Chad pressed for more, "How many people? Who's leading, and give me the details."

At that moment, Donnie opened the door. "Boss, someone's here."

Chad instructed, "Tell them the suspect's cooperating. Ask them to hang tight."

Donnie closed the door, and Chad turned back to the suspect. "You say what you need to, and I'll do my part. Let's get started."

Chad continued the interrogation until around four in the afternoon. When he finally emerged, he was tired but wore a satisfied smile.