Chapter 24

Alston's demeanor remained cool as he stepped on the gas pedal, driving swiftly to the district police station. Exiting the car, he casually draped his suit jacket over his arm and made his way into the chaotic lobby. Uniformed officers stood to the side, attempting to mediate a heated argument. One particularly stout woman, visibly agitated, pointed accusingly at a young girl, her back turned to Alston, hurling insults. "You little bitch! How dare you be so malicious at such a young age? You deserve not to have a father!" "How old are you anyway? Have you no manners? Where's your mother? Is she dead? Or perhaps she doesn't want you either?" This woman appeared to be the parent of the boy who had clashed with Gladys. Her voice boomed across the room, echoed by assurances from a man holding a child. Gladys trembled, gritting her teeth. "The one lacking manners is you! Don't you dare speak ill of my mother!" As she spoke, she leaned forward, seemingly poised to confront the woman physica