“Then what?”
“They want Iris to lead and sue the company. It’s what the woman outside was trying to convince her. It won’t be long before they pressure her.”
“What did Iris say?”
He answers in an impassive tone. “She said she’ll think about it.”
“She won’t sue.”
“How can you be so sure?”
I keep my expression sealed. “She would’ve already done it.”
“If you say so.”
The mistrust in his voice is unmistakable, which angers me. “You still think she’s hiding something.”
“My judgment isn’t clouded.”
“You think mine is?”
“Yes,” he replies, unafraid. “When I say she’s hiding something, it doesn’t automatically mean she’s the bad guy. I mean that she could be keeping key information to herself that could point us toward her attacker.”
“She gains nothing from it,” I counter defensively. “All you need to know is I trust her implicitly. Don’t make me repeat it over and over.”
“I won’t be dishonest if you ask for my opinion, Kian.”
“Who else is your suspect?” I demand instead. Otherwise, we’ll keep going in circles. “Find anything useful?”
“I’ve been going through the footage to see who they interacted with the most. A guy named Mahesh, who wasthe mentor, came out looking shady. He can be quite a flirt. However, he was on leave the day Iris was attacked the first time.”
“So, it can’t be him.” Frustration laces my voice.
Zenith leans forward. “I think he’s being used as a scapegoat. Someone else could be pulling the strings. Mahesh asks the girls out, they meet outside alone or in a group outing, and the actual kidnapper meets them there.”
“He’s very likely to interact with the girls outside.”
“Exactly.”
“Did you uncover any texts on the company’s communication app?” I probe. “They couldn’t possibly talk to one person.”
“I’ll be checking it next. I’m also keeping a close eye on Mahesh, chatting with him to join his circle of friends. He’s the solid lead we have so far.”
“I agree.”
Tapping the armchair once, he cautions, “You need to quieten the chatter. The louder it becomes, the higher the chance of the person going into hiding.”
I nod. “I need your help with one more thing.”
“Sure.”
“I want a list of all of Rakesh Singhania’s assistants. The reason why they quit and where they are right now. If they’re any who he remained in touch with after they left.”
Instead of questioning me, he simply nods. “By when do you need this?”
“The missing women’s case is your priority. So, whenever you can spare time, share the list.”
Once he leaves, I rotate the chair to stare at the view from the floor-to-ceiling glass wall. I have no idea what kind of skeletons I’m bringing out of the closet.
