Chapter 5

Nik hurried down the hallway, eager to refill Adelmo's coffee cup. Meanwhile, Adelmo seized the opportunity to acquire what he desired by taking his friend's key card. He smoothly extracted the key card from Nik's jacket pocket and then noticed some paperwork on the desk that could be useful for his personal needs. Carefully pocketing a few documents, Adelmo settled back into his seat before Nik's return. When Nik reentered the room a minute later, they engaged in a casual conversation, reminiscing about the past as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

Glancing at his watch once more, Adelmo realized that it was already one o'clock in the afternoon, and he had not even had a chance to enjoy the freshly poured coffee. Deciding to take the coffee to go, he bid Nik farewell, mentioning the need to catch up again soon, before making his way out the door. Nik, on the other hand, had to return to his work duties, leaving the brief encounter behind as he refocused on his tasks at hand.

The exchange between Nik and Adelmo was a blend of subtle maneuvers and friendly banter, showcasing a dynamic between the two friends that was both intriguing and light-hearted. Despite the minor incident with the key card and paperwork, the camaraderie between Nik and Adelmo remained unaffected, with their conversation flowing effortlessly as they caught up on old memories. As Adelmo departed with his coffee in hand, and Nik resumed his work responsibilities, the day continued on its course, with the promise of future reunions lingering in the air.

Adelmo exited the bustling police station, his mind filled with a mix of determination and curiosity. He briskly made his way towards the police station's lab, eager to delve into the mysteries that awaited him there. As he reached the lab's entrance, he paused for a moment to take in the sight of the imposing doors that stood before him, a gateway to a world of scientific exploration.

With a sense of purpose, Adelmo swiftly retrieved the necessary paperwork from his bag and meticulously filled it out. Each stroke of his pen was deliberate, ensuring that every detail was accurately recorded. As he completed the final signature, a surge of anticipation coursed through his veins. He knew that the information he was about to hand in would play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.

As Adelmo approached the entrance, he reached into his pocket and retrieved his friend's key card. The small plastic card held the power to unlock the secrets that lay beyond the door. With a steady hand, he inserted the key card into the slot and watched as the door clicked open, granting him access to the realm of scientific discovery. Stepping inside, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and excitement, knowing that he was about to embark on a journey that would push the boundaries of his knowledge and bring him closer to the truth.

Adelmo approached one of the scientists with a sense of urgency, his heart pounding in his chest. He needed their expertise to solve a perplexing mystery that had been entrusted to him by his friend, Nikusubila, the brilliant detective. With a confident demeanor, Adelmo introduced himself and explained the situation, handing over what appeared to be official police paperwork. The scientist's eyes widened as they realized they were now dealing with potential crime scene evidence.

Curiosity piqued, the scientist carefully examined the documents, their eyes scanning the details. It became evident that this was no ordinary request. Adelmo's determination to uncover the truth was palpable, and the scientist couldn't help but be intrigued. They knew they had to assist him in any way possible. However, they also understood the importance of thorough analysis and the time it would take to provide accurate results.

After a moment of contemplation, the scientist informed Adelmo that it would take until the following day to extract and analyze the necessary information from the hair follicles. Adelmo's face fell slightly, but he understood the meticulous nature of their work. Determined not to waste any time, he made a request, his voice filled with anticipation.

"If you happen to discover anything earlier or come across any peculiarities in the hair's DNA, please don't hesitate to contact me," Adelmo said, his eyes locked with the scientist's. He swiftly jotted down his contact number on a piece of paper and handed it over. The scientist nodded in acknowledgment, their curiosity now fully ignited by the intriguing case at hand. With a final nod, Adelmo bid them farewell and continued on his mission, leaving the scientist to delve into the enigmatic world of DNA analysis.

Adelmo returned to his quaint bookshop to have a chat with Lana, a woman of average height but with striking beauty. Lana possessed flawless dark skin that seemed to glow under the soft lighting of the shop. Her long, curly hair cascaded down her back, flowing like a dark river. The glasses perched delicately on her high cheekbones added an air of sophistication to her appearance, concealing her mesmerizing emerald green eyes.

Lana moved with a sense of grace and purpose as she navigated through the aisles of the bookshop, attending to her daily tasks with precision and care. Customers often found themselves drawn to her not only for her knowledge of literature but also for her warm and welcoming demeanor. Lana's presence seemed to elevate the atmosphere of the shop, making it a place where people felt comfortable and inspired to explore the world of books.

Adelmo couldn't help but admire Lana's dedication to her work and the way she effortlessly blended beauty with intelligence. Their conversations were always filled with lively discussions about books, authors, and the magic of storytelling. As he watched Lana interact with customers and recommend new titles, Adelmo felt grateful to have such a passionate and knowledgeable partner in running the bookshop. Lana truly was the heart and soul of the store, bringing a touch of elegance and warmth to everyone who crossed her path.