Chapter 758
Owen said, “It’s like they’re trying to push the police into closing the case fast. Let’s give Ronald a heads-up. Maybe they’re already onto it.”
Just then, the elevator doors opened. Aria had just sent the message when Ronald’s call came through. “Not many people know about Mark’s arrest, but this media outlet already has photos and detailed information,” Ronald said.
Aria replied, “You’ll need to really look into this, Ronald. The issue seems to be on your side.”
“I’ll get to the bottom of it,” Ronald said, pausing for a moment. “Do you know anyone who’s a real coding whiz? The State Security Bureau has some, but it’s not easy to get them involved. Cathy said I should check with you.”
Aria replied, “Actually, I do know one. You met her last time.”
Ronald suddenly realized. “Oh, you mean that pretty actress?”
Aria nodded. “Sure.”
Ronald chuckled. “If you recommend her, I trust her. Could you help us get in touch?”
He then changed the subject. “You can help out with Mark’s case and the serial murders remotely. Try analyzing the suspect’s microexpressions from the surveillance footage.”
He added, “Miguel looked at your sketches and said your strokes are a bit too harsh. Next time, try to make them softer and hold back on your personal style a little.”
Aria was silent for a moment. “Are you guys trying to train me? I’m really swamped right now, so I probably won’t have the time,” she said. She was already with the State Security Bureau and couldn’t really spare any extra energy for anything else.
“Well, the State Security Bureau and we work together all the time anyway,” Ronald said cheerfully. “Miguel thinks you’re really talented. If you’re interested, you could always help out with more cases.”
Aria replied, “If I have some free time, I can try sketching for you.”
‘Or you could just contact Miguel? That way, you can send your sketches straight to him next time,” Ronald suggested. “He’s actually a pretty easygoing guy, just has a bit of a sharp tongue.
“But if you don’t want to add him, you can always send them to me instead,” he added. He’d be the go-between.
Aria didn’t mind at all. “Sure, I can add him.”
“Great, I’ll send him your info,” Ronald said, clearly pleased. “Get some rest, you two.”
After hanging up, they entered their room. Owen set down their luggage, then stood up and took Aria’s coat as she slipped it off. “You should go take a shower first.”
Aria nodded. “Got it.”
*本*亭亭
After her shower, Aria flopped onto the couch and texted Vanessa. Vanessa replied right away, She’d go to the station with her in the morning.
From the bathroom came the sound of running water. Owen was in there, showering. The sound was almost hypnotic.
1/2
Half-asleep, Aria felt her legs being moved. She opened her eyes and saw Owen squatting down, gently placing her feet into a basin of warm water. Her feet were completely submerged in the warm water, and she felt instantly comfortable.
“You actually brought a foot bath?” she asked, surprised. ‘No wonder he’d mentioned packing something extra before they left, she thought.
Owen gently squeezed her foot. “You’re always on your feet during those experiments. It’s cold out. Soaking them will help you sleep better. Just lie down, I’ll take care of the rest,” he said softly.
Aria bent over, grabbed his hand, and moved it aside. “No more massages. Let’s just soak together. The basin’s big enough for both of us.” At home, he’d often make her soak her feet. But they’d never done it together.
Owen sat down next to Aria and slipped his feet into the basin. Seeing their two pairs of feet-one big, one small-soaking side by side in the basin, Owen felt his heart just about melt. “Madelyn, your feet are so tiny.”
Their shoulders were pressed together. “They really do look a bit smaller,” Aria said with a smile. She was about to lean back, but Owen was quicker. He braced his arm, and she ended up nestled right against the crook of his shoulder.
He lowered his voice and asked, “Sleepy?”
“A little.” She murmured.
“Go to sleep,” he said softly.
“Okay,” Aria replied.