Claire and Matthew were back at headquarters, sitting in front of a large monitor in the dimly lit room. After their visit to the internet café, Claire decided to put her focus on this matter that she neglected her work in order to find a clue from the surveillance video. Matthew glanced at Claire, noting the intensity in her eyes. “Are you sure you want to do this now? We can take a break.”
Claire shook her head, her eyes fixed on the screen. “I will not rest until I find a clue. We have to figure out who posted that video about my wedding. I don’t want another photo or video about me surface online.”
Matthew sighed, admiring her determination. “Alright, let’s do this.”
The surveillance video began to play, showing the entrance of the internet café. Just like the second café Matthew visited. This one only had two working cameras, one at the entrance and one inside the room. The camera inside the room only capture half of the space making it difficult to see all the people.
Claire leaned forward, her eyes unblinking as she scrutinized every frame. Matthew watched her for a moment before turning his attention back to the screen. They both knew how important it was to find a lead.
Minutes turned into hours as they watched the footage in silence. Finally, Matthew broke the silence. “Claire, have you spotted anything yet?”
Claire shook her head, frustration evident in her voice. “No, I am still looking. There has to be something here.”
Matthew leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes. “It’s hard to tell with such limited angles. Why would someone go through so much trouble to post that video? What do they gain from it?”
Claire sighed, her eyes still glued to the screen. “I don’t know, Matthew. Maybe they’re trying to ruin my reputation, or maybe it’s something more personal. We need to find out who it is.”
“I know but I still don’t understand why someone would do this if it’s not for revenge?”
Claire turned to Matthew. “I have a feeling it is a revenge, but I don’t know the person who did this.”
“Do you have any thought of the one behind this?”
Claire shook her head. “No. For the first time, I couldn’t think. Not to mention this person got access to my wedding photos and video. I have no idea who.”
Matthew was silent for a moment then he looked straight to Claire’s eyes. “The only one who got access to your wedding photo and video other than Alex is…his parents. Can it be them?”
Claire frowned as she hears Matthew assumption. “Are you saying that Joan and Michael is the one behind this?”
“Well…I mean there could be a possibility, right?”
Claire sighed. “I know them, Matt. Joan and Michael wouldn’t do such thing and they very much prefer to keep everything private.”
“I’m just saying anything is possible, Claire. Right now, is not wrong for us to be aware of the people around us. Remember people can easily change.”
Claire nodded. “You’re not wrong and I understand why you said that but trust me, they wouldn’t do such thing.”
Matthew shrugged. “Okay, if you say so.”
Claire then turned her attention back to the monitor replaying the video over and over again.
Matthew looked at Claire, who was deeply engrossed in the surveillance monitor. “I’m going to grab us some coffee,” he said.
Claire nodded, her eyes glued to the screen. “Okay, Matt.”
Matthew left the office, and Claire focused intently on the footage. She played the videos from the first and second internet cafés, comparing them to the third. Her eyes moved rapidly, scanning for any details she might have missed.
She played the videos in slow motion, squinting at the screen. After what felt like hours, Claire finally spotted something. There was one person in each video wearing the same hoodie with a distinctive border on the back. Claire’s heart raced as she watched the videos again, confirming her discovery. She quickly took screenshots of the person from all three videos.
She leaned back in her chair and laughed at herself. “How could I miss such an obvious detail?” she muttered.
The detail had been right in front of her all along, yet she had missed it.
Just then, Matthew walked back into the office, carrying two cups of coffee. He frowned at Claire’s laughter. “What’s so funny?”
Claire looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Come here,” she said, motioning him over.
Matthew placed the coffee down on the table and walked over to her desk. “What is it?” he asked, curious.
“I found a clue,” Claire said, unable to hide her smile.
Matthew’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “Really? What is it?”
Claire pointed at the computer screen. “Look at this,” she said, her voice brimming with excitement.
Matthew leaned in, studying the video footage. It showed a person in a hoodie, moving through the frame. “What am I looking at?” he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Claire pointed at the hoodie. “The
hoodie,” she explained. “This person has been wearing the same hoodie every time they show up on the surveillance footage. I can’t believe I didn’t notice it before.”
Matthew’s expression remained skeptical. “Maybe it’s just a coincidence,” he suggested. “A lot of people wear hoodies.”
Claire shook her head, her eyes fixed on the paused image on the monitor. “I’m a hundred percent sure, Matthew. Look at the way he walks, his build, and his movements. It’s the same guy.” Matthew remained doubtful. “But what if you’re wrong? What if it’s just someone who looks similar?”
Claire’s determination didn’t waver. “If I’m wrong, then my search isn’t over. I’ll keep looking until I find him. But I really believe this is our guy.”
Matthew sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Okay, let’s say you’re right. What’s your next move after finding this clue?”
Claire took a moment to think,
sipping the coffee Matthew had brought her. “We need more information. We couldn’t see his
face clearly or where he usually ne
hangs out. I think we should hack the surveillance cameras on the street to get a better look
Matthew nodded, considering her plan. “That could work. We’ll need to be careful, though. It’s risky.”
Claire rolled her eyes at his caution. “It’s not our first rodeo, Matthew.”
Matthew chuckled, a teasing smile on his face. “True. But still, we’re about to do something illegal. Again.”
Claire smirked, feeling a bit of the tension lift. “We’ve done worse. Let’s just get it done.”
“Claire, I have one question?”
She raised her brows. “What is it?”
“What if, once we find this person and they will not speak?”
“Then we will made them speak. Like we always do.”
“What if they said someone is paying them to post your photo to social media. What are you going to do about it?”
“First you are asking two question and second if that happened, then I will find the person who pay them to do this even if this person which we will find won’t say a word, I will use my ways to uncover the truth”