Chapter 98: What Gives Him the Right
Ella scoffed, "Why are you making such a big deal about us asking you for information? Don't forget, this is our jurisdiction. Do you think there are no issues here that need our attention?"
After signaling the administrative staff to leave, Erick smiled at Matthew and Ella, saying, "If you're here to ask about past events, I'll tell you everything I know. But if it's about future matters, I can't say much. Starting today, I'm no longer running this bar."
Ella immediately responded, "We want to know what happened here last night."
Matthew, however, frowned. He hadn't heard about the bar changing hands, and he also knew that someone named Oliver from the precinct supposedly had a stake in it. But the shareholder's name wasn't Oliver; it was his wife. Of course, this might not be true, as some people like to name-drop police officers to boost their status. For example, Matthew had heard that Ella was Erick's girlfriend, but today's situation didn't seem to support that.
Erick, understanding they were here to inquire about last night, led them into his office without showing any emotion. He realized he hadn't committed a crime; it must have been Charles who had gotten into trouble. Henry was the main player here, and Erick intended to push him into Matthew's spotlight to see who was backing Henry and how powerful they were.
Ella was stunned to see Henry sitting in the office. Henry, however, ignored her and Matthew, tilting his head to ask Erick, "Are you going to answer me now, or after you're done with your business?"
Ella blinked, momentarily unable to process the situation. She had initially mistaken Henry for a retired soldier and had looked down on him when she saw him in Erick's office, thinking he might be applying for a job as a waiter or a host. But Henry's demeanor and tone when speaking to Erick didn't match that of a job applicant.
Erick smiled at Henry, "Coincidentally, these precinct officers are here to investigate last night's incident. Why don't you listen in?"
His underlying message was clear to Matthew and Ella: Henry was involved in last night's events, or he wouldn't be saying such things.
Matthew and Ella understood Erick's hint and scrutinized Henry.
Henry didn't know Matthew and Ella were investigating Charles and his brothers. He thought they were here because Erick had reported the incident, wanting to understand what had happened in the office last night.
"Investigate what?" Henry asked. "Are you looking into how your office door got broken, or what's on your hard drives?"
The hard drives were Erick's Achilles' heel. He had intended to use them to blackmail people when needed, but now they were evidence in Henry's hands. Henry's point was clear: if the police pressed too hard, he would reveal the contents of the hard drives.
Erick quickly explained, "Brother, don't misunderstand. I don't know what's going on. These two suddenly showed up this morning, saying they wanted to know about last night. You were here last night, weren't you? Matthew, Ella, please have a seat."
After Matthew and Ella sat down, Matthew focused on Erick, while Ella kept her eyes on Henry. Henry remained expressionless, watching Erick while observing Matthew and Ella out of the corner of his eye.
Matthew said, "Here's the situation: we received a report that a hospital admitted many people last night due to a fight. We took statements at the hospital, but they denied any involvement in a fight. Among them were Henry and Zack, who we understand are associated with Charles. Charles appears to have a close relationship with you, Erick, and is said to be one of the bar's shareholders. We're here today to find out if anything happened at the bar last night."
Matthew then turned his attention to Henry, trying to figure out his connection to the incident.
Erick shrugged, "Oh, that? I really don't know. Think about it: this is a public place. If something that big had happened here, wouldn't all of Harbor Springs know about it?"
Matthew and Ella were puzzled. If that was the case, what did Erick mean by his earlier comments to Henry?
Henry understood that Erick hadn't reported the incident but wanted to use Charles and his brothers' situation to implicate him. He immediately asked Erick, "What does this have to do with me? Why are you making me listen to this?"
Erick quickly explained, "Oh, I didn't know what they wanted to ask about. I just thought I'd be honest. Running a bar is complicated. If you're going to take over, you might as well understand the situation."
Hearing that Henry was taking over the bar, Matthew and Ella were even more surprised. How could such a young, unknown person take over this place? Everyone in Harbor Springs knew that the Violet Bar was not only a high-end venue but also the most famous bar in the city. It wasn't something an ordinary person could handle.
Henry coldly said, "I understand the situation. When will we complete the transfer?"
Wow! Despite his young age, this guy had a powerful presence. He must have some significant backing!
Matthew and Ella exchanged glances.
Erick then smiled at Matthew and Ella, "I really don't know about Henry and Zack. As I said, you can ask me about past events, but I won't be in charge here from now on. If you have no other questions, I need to discuss the bar's handover with this gentleman."
Matthew and Ella stood up simultaneously, glancing at Henry one more time as they bid Erick farewell.
After they left, Matthew breathed a sigh of relief. Based on his judgment, Ella probably had no relationship with Erick. If she did, she wouldn't have been so indifferent about Erick transferring the bar to Henry. After all, the bar was Erick's mainstay. Without it, who would know Erick?
"Hey, Ella," Matthew wanted to confirm, "you don't know Erick, do you?"
Ella replied, "I know of him, but we've never interacted."
"But I heard you were his girlfriend."
Ella glared at Matthew, "Matthew, don't joke about such things!"
Matthew awkwardly smiled but was inwardly delighted, "Shall we head back to the precinct together?"
"You go ahead. I have another task. The recent anti-pickpocketing operation has been going well, and I want to expand our success."
Matthew nodded, "Be careful. Call me if you need anything."
"Will do."
"Oh, should I leave the car with you? I'll take a cab back."
"No need."
Matthew still handed the car keys to Ella and took a taxi.
Ella shook her head. She knew Matthew had feelings for her, but she didn't feel the same. Still, Matthew left the keys and walked away. After some hesitation, Ella got into the car and waited for Henry to come out. She was curious about his background.
After they left, Henry stood up and asked Erick, "What did you mean just now?"
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