Reborn with Nothing but My Farm and Vengeance in the Apocalypse novel Chapter 554

Chapter 554: Chapter 554: Suspicion

"4-1601 Mona Lawson: Infectious diseases can break out easily after a flood, like bacterial dysentery, cholera, bacterial diarrhea, and viral diarrhea..."

"4-1601 Mona Lawson: If anyone experiences vomiting, diarrhea, or a persistent high fever, you must get treated at the medical center immediately. Don’t wait!"

"4-2009 Nina: @4-1601 Mona Lawson I see! We’ll go to the hospital right away."

"4-1209 Slacking Off: See, I told you! It couldn’t be the little mushrooms’ fault!"

"7-408 Gone with the Wind: @4-1601 Mona Lawson My kid has been having some stomach issues too. After hearing what you said, I think we’ll take him to the medical center to get checked out."

"..."

After scrolling through the chat history, Melody Summers opened the backend of The Arcadia Shop, found Paige Walsh’s chat window, and sent her a message.

The epidemic was already showing its first signs, and the medical center had begun admitting infected patients.

Melody Summers didn’t know the details of what Robert Lancaster meant by "man-made" or "an inside job," but someone of Paige Walsh’s standing would surely have access to front-line information. So, Melody discreetly asked Paige if she had noticed anything unusual.

Paige Walsh’s reply came as quickly as ever. Her answer was similar to what Mona Lawson had said in the group chat: a lot of people were indeed getting sick, but this was normal and not a cause for major concern.

Paige’s attitude was firm, which Melody could understand. After all, it was common knowledge, known since ancient times, that "a great plague follows a great disaster."

The period after heavy rains and floods was naturally a high-risk time for infectious diseases. Furthermore, the patients currently being treated were mostly suffering from vomiting and diarrhea caused by intestinal bacteria or viruses, so no one found it particularly strange.

After reading Paige’s reply, Melody was momentarily at a loss for what to do next.

’There’s no sign of what Robert Lancaster talked about—someone developing a new virus. I have no leads at all.’

’For now, all I can do is take it one step at a time. The most pressing matter is to deal with what Saul Archer mentioned.’

Melody took out her phone. After much thought, she sent a redacted version of the story to Roman Rhodes in a message.

Saul Archer’s "boss" was planning to cause trouble in the reconstruction zone, but who knew if this so-called "boss" had another "boss" above him?

Melody had tipped off her enemies before when she reported the Oceanus Hotel. No sooner had she called the police than the Hayes Family moved their base of operations to The Crestview Hotel. Who knew what kind of powerful patrons were protecting these shady, gang-related organizations from behind the scenes?

Calling 911 meant the report would have to go through multiple channels, and there was no telling at which stage it might alert their patrons and tip them off. Roman Rhodes was one of the few people Melody could trust. Plus, his position was relatively high, making direct contact with him the safest option.

After Melody sent the message, Roman didn’t reply for a long time. What she didn’t expect was for him to show up at her door a few hours later.

Seeing Roman return home with Winnie Summers and Colin Summers, Grace Sutton greeted him with a smile. "Officer Rhodes, you’re here too! Perfect, I’ll go get another place setting. You can join us for dinner!"

Roman smiled and accepted, then pulled Melody aside to speak with her privately.

Melody assumed Roman wanted to ask about her text message. She had already prepared her story, planning to claim she had overheard it by chance. After all, Saul Archer had dealt with Simon Lancaster and Robert Lancaster for her and had been kind enough to warn her about the impending disturbance. She had no intention of selling him out.

Unexpectedly, Roman didn’t mention Melody’s text. Instead, he asked about something else entirely.

His gaze shifted to Melody’s slippers. Her slippers had a decorative border of mint-green plastic squares, and right now, one was missing from the right slipper.

His profession made him keenly observant of details. Moreover, he had known the Summers family for so long and had seen Melody wear these slippers often. The moment he saw the plastic square, he guessed it might have fallen off her shoe.

Looking at the plastic square in Roman’s hand, then down at her own slippers, Melody cursed inwardly.

’I fought with Elaine Hughes in 1603. This plastic square in Roman’s hand was almost certainly ripped off my slipper by her during the struggle.’

’For whatever reason, Elaine Hughes had been clutching this plastic square tightly when she jumped, never letting go.’

’Thinking of this, I cursed my bad luck. Before she jumped, Elaine Hughes had pretended to be full of remorse. I can’t believe she was still so bitter, trying to screw me over even in death.’

Under Roman’s silent gaze, Melody took a deep breath and calmly replied, "That’s right. I was at the scene."

After the initial shock, Melody quickly relaxed.

’So what if I was there? Elaine Hughes really did commit suicide; it’s not like I pushed her. Even if Roman took me to the station for questioning, I have nothing to fear. They can’t just convict me based on suspicion, can they?’

Hearing this, Roman frowned at Melody, his thoughts unreadable. He remained silent for a moment before saying in a low voice, "I’m aware of the history between you and the Lancaster family... I just want to tell you, you’re still young. Don’t do anything rash..."

Before Roman could finish, Melody’s eyes widened, and her voice rose. "What are you trying to say? Are you suggesting I pushed her? Do you have any proof?"