Chapter 69
Everyone’d been buzzing about Daniel’s mentor, the one they said was off the charts. Today, they were all set to meet this guru. But the wise old sage they were expecting turned out to be a stunningly young and beautiful woman–Quiana, Her youthful glow and charm had everyone all second–guessing.
A heavy silence fell at the Justice Bureau’s entrance; a couple of people stood there, eyes glued to Quiana, with only the wind whispering through the air.
Grant, still in disbelief, finally found his voice. “Dr. Pacheco, you’ve got to be kidding, right?”
Daniel gave him a look. “I’m not joking about my mentor. Once she steps in, you’ll see what she’s all about.”
Quiana glanced at her phone, her brow furrowing slightly. “Let’s make this quick. I’ve got a film shoot tomorrow.”
Daniel chimed in, eager to impress. “I’ll show
you the ropes right now.”
As they headed inside, Grant was still staring, his mouth hanging open. Erin, looking just as baffled, shook her head and hurried after them.
*****
“Are you pulling our leg? You’re letting some nobody actress do the autopsy? Dr. Pacheco, are you kidding us?” someone said.
“This isn’t a play; it’s a real–life investigation!” another one chimed in.
“This might even freak her out,” some of them sneered.
“Calling her ‘mentor‘? Daniel, what’s gotten into you?”
The forensic team has been working their butts off on this case, just like Grant. They were expecting Daniel’s mentor to be a seasoned pro, but she turned out to be a young woman in her early twenties. And Daniel showing respect to her right in front of everyone made them angry.
“Daniel, are you trying to insult us or yourself?”
“We’ve tried to tell him, but Dr. Pacheco just won’t listen…”
“You guys…” Daniel started, but was cut off.
“Who says actors can’t be forensic scientists?” Quiana looked up, her eyes clear and cold.
An older pathologist, Chad, looked at her with a dark expression. “Do you have any idea what it takes to be a forensic expert? At your age, I was still in school, studying my butt off!”
Quiana raised an eyebrow. “Ever heard of talents? I guess no, huh?”
“You!” Chad’s face turned red with anger. Spotting Grant entering, he shouted, “Grant, someone’s causing trouble here. Get her out of here.”
Daniel stepped in front of Quiana, his voice low and protective. “You touch her, and you’ll have to deal with me.”
Grant’s brow furrowed. He wasn’t buying that Quiana could handle the autopsy, but he knew Daniel wasn’t the type to joke around with something this serious. He pressed his lips together. “Dr. Pacheco, you know better than anyone how important this case is.”
Daniel’s eyes were set with determination. “I’m putting my reputation on the line,” he said, raising his hand for emphasis.
1/2
Chapter 69
“Daniel, are you out of your mind?” someone snapped.
“I can’t go along with this,” another voice chimed in.
“What if she messes up and ruins the evidence? We can’t let her near the body, someone else argued,
Quiana looked around the room, her eyes clear and steady, She reached into her backpack and pulled out a small notebook, holding it up. “Is this enough?” she asked, her voice calm and confident.
“You think waving around some…” Chad began, sneering. But as he got a closer look at the ID in her hand, his expression changed. His eyes widened, and he stammered, “A Senior Forensics Certificate?
Everyone was stunned. Grant reached for the certificate, flipping it open.
It was the real deal, issued by the Supreme Justice Bureau of Clusia, complete with a red seal. The name “Quiana” was clearly printed, and the issue date was two years ago. Quiana had earned the top forensic certificate at just 18?
“How is this possible…?” Grant was shaken, staring at Quiana in disbelief. “Is it really yours?”
“Seriously? Could this be fake?” Daniel straightened up, a smug smile on his face. “I’ve always said Ms. Levine is a genius. She got her forensic certification at 18,”
Yeah, he did say that. But who would’ve guessed it was Quiana, and she’s just 20?
“No way!” Chad snatched the certificate. “This can’t be real. No one can pull that off.”
AD
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