C490 The Cover Story

Cipher smiled. “You have to tell them everything we plan. We want them to get close to Tyson, Cloud, Cintia, Ignacio, Stacy, Bloom, and Destroyer.” She looked around at the others before continuing. “They need to get to know them first. Once they are close enough, they must start gathering important information from them. We don't want them to rush anything. The goal is to find out what these people know, who they communicate with, and whether any of them can lead us to Hanna.” Laura nodded. “I understand.” Cipher nodded back. “Good. Then we'll continue once they arrive.” For a moment, everyone remained quiet, thinking about the difficult task ahead. They were no longer simply looking for Hanna. They were building a net around everyone connected to her. Back in the city, the Scotland Police held a press conference that afternoon. Mark did not attend. The Mayor was excited to watch the broadcast. But the moment he realized that Mark had not appeared in front of the cameras, his expression darkened. He had specifically given Mark the task of controlling the story. Instead, Mark had allowed a random police officer to deliver the statement. The Mayor leaned forward, clearly unhappy.

On the television screen, the police officer stepped toward the microphone. “Good afternoon, everyone.” Several reporters immediately raised their cameras. “Today's press conference is being held to clarify the misunderstanding surrounding the Kinlore family.” The officer paused before continuing. “The police investigation is still ongoing, so we cannot provide the public with every detail at this stage. However, we can confirm that the accusations made by members of the Kinlore family are not accurate.” Reporters began whispering among themselves. The officer continued. “Mrs. Charlie Kinlore was seen leaving Scotland during the week before the incident. Records from Scotland International Airport also confirm that she left the country.” A few reporters looked surprised. “The incident involving the Kinlore family occurred after Mrs. Kinlore had already left the country.” The officer glanced down at his notes. “However, witnesses have come forward and reported that, both before and after Willy Harris's death, members of a drug cartel approached the Kinlore family asking questions about Willy Harris.”

The reporters immediately began taking notes. “We therefore suspect that the murder of John Kinlore may have been connected to those individuals.” The officer looked directly into the cameras. “The Scotland Police promise to continue working around the clock until we identify the people responsible for these crimes.” He paused. “Thank you for your attention. Unfortunately, we will not be taking any questions at this time.” The cameras continued recording as the officer stepped away. Mark sat at home with his family, watching the press conference in silence. Peter frowned. “This is strange.” He looked at Mark. “You are not there during a police press conference?” Mark remained quiet for a few seconds. Then he turned toward his father. “Father, I think the Lions were right.” Peter raised an eyebrow. “About what?” Mark lowered his voice. “The Mayor might be dirty.” Georgia looked confused. “What do you mean?” Mark stood up. “He came to threaten me again.” Everyone looked at him. “He threatened to have Alicia arrested if I didn't carry out one of his tasks.” Peter's expression immediately changed. “What task? Mark looked toward the television. “Guess what he wanted me to do.” Nobody answered. “He wanted me to provide a cover story to make Charlie look innocent.” Georgia's eyes widened. “The same statement we have heard?”

Mark took a deep breath. “The Mayor knows about the kidnapping of my grandchild. He knows Charlie was involved. He knows Charlie made that public post after the funeral.” Mark's voice became harder. “And despite knowing all of that, he ordered me to protect her.” Everyone froze. Peter stared at his son. “If that is true…” “It is,” Mark interrupted. He looked around the room. “And I think we finally have a serious problem.” At that exact moment, Mark's phone rang. He looked down at the screen. The Mayor. Mark immediately stood up. “Father, give me your phone.” Peter looked confused. “Why?” “Just give it to me.” Peter handed him the phone. Mark quickly walked toward his study. He closed the door behind him. Inside, he placed Peter's phone on the desk and began recording. He wanted a record of the conversation. Once the recording started, Mark answered his own phone and placed it on speaker. The Mayor's angry voice immediately filled the room. “Mr. Mooney! Are you undermining me? I clearly gave you an order!” Mark smiled slightly. “Mr. Mayor…” The Mayor interrupted him. “Call me Mr. Litchfield, not Mr. Mayor. My surname is Litchfield.” Mark remained calm. “Mr. Litchfield, can you remind me exactly what you ordered me to do?”

There was a brief silence. Then the Mayor answered with a cold laugh. “I clearly told you to cover Charlie Kinlore. I told you very clearly that you must distract everyone and make them stop looking at her as a murderer.” His voice became more aggressive. “I know she harmed your family, but I am in charge here.” Mark leaned back in his chair. “My first duty as Minister of Police is to protect the law.” He paused. “But because you are my superior, I did what you asked. What more do you want from me?” The Mayor's anger grew. “You think anyone will simply believe a random police officer?” Mark remained silent. The Mayor continued. “Tell me something. Why didn't you do that press conference yourself?” Mark cleared his throat. “Because you know very well the pain Charlie caused my family.” He paused. “And yet you still insisted that I protect her.” The Mayor gave a cold laugh. “Mr. Mooney, you have disappointed me.” Mark's eyes narrowed. “I gave you a simple task. I asked you to cover Charlie's crimes, and you failed.” Mark said nothing. The Mayor's voice became colder. “I hope you are prepared for the consequences.” The call ended. For several seconds, Mark simply stared at the phone. Then he stopped the recording. A small smile appeared on his face. For the first time, he had something far more valuable than suspicion. He had the Mayor's own words.

Mark opened the door and walked back into the living room. Everyone was still waiting. Peter immediately looked at him. “Well?” Mark smiled. “I guess I don't need to explain anymore.” He connected Peter's phone to the television. “I recorded the entire conversation.” Everyone became silent. Mark pressed play. The Mayor's voice filled the room once again. “Mr. Mooney! Are you undermining me? I clearly gave you an order!” Nobody moved. They listened to every word. Peter's face became increasingly serious. Georgia covered her mouth. The others stared at the television in disbelief. And Mark simply stood there with his arms folded.