Chapter 36 Summary
Jennifer Bennett waited outside the Hyatt Hotel as the clock neared six. When Javon Morris arrived, she met him at the car, and he courteously opened the door for her before they set off for dinner. As they navigated through St. Louis traffic, their conversation flowed easily from light pleasantries to more serious topics. Jennifer asked about the Jenkins case, and Javon, keeping their exchange off the record, shared the limited progress that had been made. Jenkins had last been seen in Florence, Italy, but after checking out of his hotel, his trail vanished. There were still no ransom demands and no confirmed leads. He mentioned the mysterious envelope that had appeared in his bureau, but he downplayed it with humor when Jennifer pressed for details.
The tone lightened as they shared personal stories. Jennifer discussed growing up in Chicago after being born in Toronto, sharing fond memories of her family. Javon, in turn, revealed he had been born and raised in St. Louis, though his parents had died in a car accident and his brother had passed away as a child. The mood turned somber until Jennifer, sensing the heaviness, changed the subject with playful teasing. Their laughter returned, easing the tension and hinting at a growing personal connection.
Across town, Jeffrey Kruger sat alone in his office, weighed down by guilt and fear. His failed attempt to have Walter Jenkins abducted continued to haunt him. Though he had destroyed evidence and met with the FBI, the hired man’s veiled threat still echoed in his mind. Kruger feared that his secret might still be uncovered.
Daniel Bruner entered Kruger’s office to discuss his recent meeting with Anthony Russell. The encounter had not gone well. Bruner admitted that it only worsened tensions, as Russell remained determined to expose GenaSeed’s questionable practices. Kruger, angry about Bruner’s decision to meet Russell, warned that Russell was not someone to challenge lightly. Still, Bruner was firm; they had to find a way to stop him.
Their discussion quickly took a darker turn. Bruner suggested discrediting Russell entirely, turning his strengths into weaknesses, and removing his public support. Kruger agreed that a smear campaign alone wouldn’t be enough; it would require something much more damaging to ruin Russell’s reputation. As the two men shared a purpose, their mutual resentment of Russell grew stronger.
