Just then, my phone rang. Herbert.
"Alexander."
"Herbert. How is the investigation going?"
"Just as you instructed. We've questioned all the staff and identified a few people whose behavior has been suspicious, but we still don't have any proof."
"And you? Do you suspect anyone?"
He was silent for a moment. "I do. She was particularly active on the day of the incident and has been acting strangely ever since."
"Keep watching her," I said.
"Of course. I'll call if anything turns up."
I was about to end the call when he spoke again.
"What about Alicia? Aimy is recovering, isn't she?"
"Yes. She's doing much better."
"Has anything changed with Alicia?"
I let out a quiet sigh. "I can't say yet."
A brief silence followed.
"Well, I hope you haven't forgotten our agreement. If she decides not to stay, you won't force her—or you'll have to answer to me."
The protectiveness in his voice brought a faint smile to my lips.
