Chapter 8: The Most Dangerous Place

Words : 1808 Updated : Mar 27th, 2025

The unexpected news Calvin picked up at the bakery gave him a bit of relief. The law enforcement team temporarily identified the deceased as Ezra, meaning their subsequent search would focus on the elderly, leaving him out of their radar. This realization allowed him to remain calm. After breakfast, Calvin left the bakery. George and the rest were still eating and didn't notice when he left as they were focused on the elderly passing by. They scrutinized every elderly person who walked by, even stopping some with hats to take them off and show their faces. Young people like Calvin were completely overlooked. Calvin arrived in Stonegate and checked into a nice hotel near the law enforcement office. Hotels didn't require ID, so Calvin checked in without any hassle. Based on stories he had heard from inmates, the law enforcement team primarily searched small inns and internet cafes, as most fugitives sought to hide in chaotic places. These places were ideal for concealing themselves amidst the crowd. Learning from this, Calvin picked a decent hotel right across from the law enforcement office, banking on the saying, "The most dangerous place is often the safest." Ezra had mentioned this, and it turned out to be true. Most law enforcement teams were sent to block roads around Stonegate and check internet cafes and small inns. With their manpower stretched thin, they just asked the staff at fancier hotels about any suspicious guests. As for the hotel opposite their base, it received even less scrutiny. After all, who'd think a prison escapee would have the guts to hide right under their noses? So, Calvin found a peaceful hideout in the hotel, resting for a day. After a good sleep, the night fell. He approached the window, scanning the outside for any disturbances. Seeing nothing unusual, he relaxed. He cooked up two packs of instant noodles, turned on the TV, and caught the local news from Stonegate. Alongside the local updates, a scrolling line at the bottom displayed the wanted notice for the escapee from Stonegate Prison. Calvin noticed they were still looking for Ezra, which made him feel better. This meant the law enforcement hadn't figured out the real identity of the deceased yet. Calvin had corroded Ezra's body extensively, so it would likely require a forensic examination to reveal the true identity. Given the inadequate forensic capabilities of Stonegate, the body would have to be sent to the provincial capital, a process that would take considerable time. However, it had been two days since Calvin's escape, and he knew the truth wouldn't remain hidden much longer. After scarfing down the noodles, Calvin looked out into the night, took a deep breath, put on his hat, and left the hotel. The streets were quiet under the cover of darkness. Using the night to his advantage, Calvin got to the hotel where the campus beauty had tragically died. The same place where he'd been arrested. It was the best hotel in Stonegate, and it cost at least fifteen dollars a night, a sum far beyond his father's means at the time. Back then, his father's monthly salary was less than eighty dollars. The room where the campus beauty died was the most expensive suite, priced over a hundred dollars per night. The room was beyond his means to afford. Yet, two hotel staff swore Calvin booked the room and forced the campus beauty upstairs, becoming key witnesses against him. Braving the cold wind, Calvin hid in a nearby alley, watching the hotel staff come and go. Around ten, a few hotel staff finished their shifts. Calvin immediately spotted one of them: Travis Baker, a witness who testified against him in court. Calvin followed him. After a while, the staff parted ways, each heading home. At a junction, Travis changed his route to head home alone. Calvin kept following him. In a secluded spot, Calvin lunged forward, covering Travis' mouth and pinning him to the ground. Travis struggled hard, but Calvin pressed a knife to his throat. "Don't move!" The cold blade touched Travis' skin, making him feel the threat of death. He immediately raised his hands, ceasing his resistance. Keeping a firm grip on Travis' mouth, Calvin gestured for him to move to the side. With no other choice, Travis had to comply as Calvin led him into a nearby field. They walked along a dirt road for over half an hour, arriving at an abandoned brick factory, isolated and desolate. Calvin finally released his hold on Travis' mouth. Thinking Calvin had lowered his guard, Travis darted away like a rabbit, attempting to escape. Before he could get far, Calvin grabbed his collar and, with a swift motion, stabbed his thigh. Travis let out a piercing scream of pain. Calvin immediately pressed the knife against his throat again. "Shut up!" Startled, Travis dared not make another sound, only managing muffled cries. He looked at Calvin in terror, trembling. "I... I don't have any money..." At this moment, with his hat casting shadows over half his face and the darkness concealing the rest, Travis failed to recognize Calvin. Calvin stared coldly and spoke in a low voice. "I don't want money. I have a few questions for you." Travis paused, confused. "What... what questions?" Calvin asked, "Who told you to frame Calvin Cox?" Travis didn't answer, glaring at Calvin with furrowed brows, angrily retorting, "Who the hell are you?" "Are you another friend of Calvin?" "I'm telling you, this is not your business!" "If you don't want to end up like Zayden, with broken limbs, you'd better let me go." "This matter will kill anyone who interferes!" Travis' words changed Calvin's expression immediately. Travis mentioned Zayden Lawson, a childhood friend of Calvin's, who had promised to seek justice for Calvin during his trial. Now, hearing Travis' implication, it seemed Zayden had suffered grievous injuries because of Calvin's case.

Chapter 8: The Most Dangerous Place

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