Chapter 90: The Cost of Wrong Information
After two days of continuous remorse over his own stupidity, James Clifford’s brain finally began functioning normally again. The shock of Eleanor’s sudden reappearance had shaken him, but now he knew he needed to get his emotions under control. He had to decide his next steps regarding Eleanor... strategically and carefully. Although he didn’t know the full truth, he had to formulate a plan with the fragments of information he had managed to gather so far.
Seated in his favourite spot at his outskirt villa... on a rocking chair beside the serene swimming pool... he took a long sip of his freshly brewed coffee. The sun glinted off the water’s surface, but James’s gaze was distant, dark, calculating.
"I need to inform the Whitmores," he murmured to himself. "If they run into Eleanor and react inappropriately in front of the Millers, it could be a disaster. Especially Jennifer... I know how volatile she gets when it comes to Eleanor."
But before that, he knew he had to be sure... gather all possible intelligence. He couldn’t afford any more mistakes.
He pulled out his phone and dialled a number he hadn’t used in a long time. It rang twice before being answered.
"Hello, Detective Harvey speaking."
"Detective Harvey, it’s James Clifford."
"Mr. Clifford!" The voice on the other end instantly brightened. "You’re an old client... I still have your number saved. Although... I must apologize again for failing to locate your former girlfriend all those years ago. That was a truly exceptional case. What can I do for you today?"
James spoke calmly but with urgency, "Actually, that’s the reason I’m calling. I’ve finally found her."