Page 84 of The Smart Killer

“I’m sure Edison didn’t leave empty-handed. I mean, anyone working for a year without some form of payment would be an idiot.”

“I guess they would be, or extremely pissed. I’ve always wondered if those patents were Tesla’s or Edison’s.”

“A lawyer probably could tell you. I’m not much of a historian, detective. I prefer the present, the future, even more so.” He glanced at his watch. “Which reminds me, I have an appointment. Is there anything else I can help you with, detectives?”

Noah turned to Porter. “Do you have anything to add?”

Porter shook his head. “No, I think that’s all.”

Noah looked back at Michael. “I hope the fortune you’ve gained has been worth the losses.” With that, they exited his office and passed by one of several patrol cruisers. The officers inside would closely monitor Taylor’s movements.

“Now that Emmett knows we know; you think he will come for him?”

“We’ll see.”

30

Life constantly felt like a balancing act between life and death.

By early evening, a hushed tension filled the hospital corridors as Noah entered the room where his son lay. The monitors’ soft glow and the medical machines’ rhythmic beeping greeted him, creating an atmosphere of quiet intensity. Ray sat by the bedside, his tired eyes reflecting the weight of the situation.

“Not working tonight?” Noah inquired, his voice a low murmur that matched the solemnity of the room. With a shake of the head, Ray signaled he wasn’t on duty. Noah took a moment to survey the room — a small space filled with medical equipment, tubes, and the constant hum of life-saving machinery.

Ethan lay motionless and pale in the hospital bed, surrounded by sterile white sheets. The machines monitoring his vital signs beeped steadily, punctuating the somber atmosphere. The air carried the clean scent of medical disinfectant, a smell that seemed to permeate every corner of the room.

Noah took a seat; he couldn’t help but feel a heaviness in the air, a weight that seemed to press down on him. His gaze shifted from the machines to his son’s face, which held traces of vulnerability and strength.

He and Ray shared a silent understanding, a duty that went beyond the boundaries of blood. His brother’s presence was a source of solace amid so much uncertainty.

“What about you?”

Still looking at Ethan, he responded, “Waiting for an update on Landon Emmett.”

“Who?”

“The guy believed to be responsible for the family murders.”

Ray raised his eyebrows. “About time.” He took a deep breath. “So, I imagine you heard the outcome of the raid.”

“Yes. Kind of figured it would end that way. Seems like it will be more of a marathon than a race for answers.”

“We might not have gotten them this time, brother, but eventually, we will catch up with them.”

Noah leaned forward and placed a hand on his son’s hand, his mind more focused on his kid than anything else. “If I lose him…”

“You won’t,” Ray said. “You didn’t lose me, did you?”

Noah glanced at his brother, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“He’s a Sutherland, Noah. We’re made different.”

Noah smiled. “I wish I could believe that.”

Ray got up and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You want a coffee?”

“How many is that for you today?”

“I lost count.”