Within a few minutes, the police had arrived. Two of the officers examined the area for clues, while the third questioned Lawrence, Justin, and Chad.
After collecting the necessary information, the officer told them they were free to go. "We'll contact you as soon as we find anything or if we need any more information."
"We should get back to the office," Lawrence said to Chad as the officer walked away.
"Is it alright if I come back a little later?" Chad asked. "There's someone I need to talk to."
"Do you know who might have done this?"
"That's what I'm going to find out."
Chad parked his car in front of the building and stormed up the steps leading towards the main entrance. He barged into the office so suddenly that Lauren, sitting at a nearby desk, jumped back in surprise.
"Where's R.J.?" Chad demanded.
Lauren just stared at him in shock. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
"Chad. I'm surprised you dared to show your face here," R.J. stepped forward. "What do you want?"
"Where's Audrey? What have you done to her?"
Lauren turned pale and fumbled for her chair.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," R.J. replied.
"The hell you don't. I know what's been going on with you two and I want answers. Where is she?"
"I'm trying to run a business here," R.J. said looking nervously around. He didn't want his new employees to overhear something they didn't need to know. "Look, if you have something to say, let's take it to the back," he said in a quiet voice and calmly walked away.
Chad stormed after him, "Don't try these stupid games with me. Just tell me what you've done to her."
"I haven't done a thing."
"Damn it, R.J. I know all about the blackmail and how you've been tormenting Audrey since she got here. I knew you'd do something to hurt her again, but this is even worse than I expected. You've gone too far."
"You're one to talk. As I remember, you were the one who ran out on her -and me -after you took all of our company's money to pay off your drug dealers. If you hadn't cheated me, then we wouldn't be in this situation. I wouldn't have had to bother with Audrey at all."
Chad had to hold himself back to keep from lunging at R.J. "I'm not here to talk about the past. I just want to know where Audrey is. What have you done with her?"
"I've already told you, I don't know what you're talking about. I finished with Audrey a long time ago. She was useless to me. You're asking the wrong person." R.J. noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye. When he looked over, he saw Lauren watching them. "Do you want something, Lauren?"
"Um . . .I just wanted to make sure everything was ok. Do you need me to call the police?"
"Maybe you should," R.J. replied.
Lauren looked worried. Maybe the suggestion had been a bad idea. The last thing she wanted was to get the police involved.
"Don't bother, I'll leave," Chad said as he turned to walk away. "But I'll be watching you. If I find out you are involved I'll be back." As he walked back towards the front door, he took a good look at Lauren, who avoided his glance.
Lauren took a few steps towards her desk before turning around again. "R.J., are you sure I can't leave early, just for today? I promise I'll never ask again. I'll come in early to make the time up," she nervously bit at her lip, waiting for his answer. He just had to say yes. She had important things to take care of and now that Chad had been here asking questions, she knew they couldn't wait.
R.J. eyed Lauren suspiciously. He could tell she was up to something. "What have you done?"
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