Chapter 351: No One Came
Sierra had been in a somber mood, but Mateo’s rambling had her laughing despite herself. Seeing her smile, Mateo added, “Sierra, you’re gonna run into more guys like that in the future. The second and third generations? They play way dirtier.” He didn’t know how else to put it. Sierra was just… too clean. She couldn’t stand filth. But some stains couldn’t be scrubbed away. Every family had a few rotten ones.
Sierra looked at him. “You think the way I handled Trev was wrong?”
“Of course not!” Mateo shook his head quickly. “He bullied you. You fought back. He had it coming.”
“I just meant…” He fumbled for the right words, and Sierra finished them for him. “Don’t be so cynical? Don’t be so self-righteous?”
“Something like that.” He’d noticed it back in Maviston—Sierra had a strong sense of justice. If she didn’t, Kason would’ve been dealt with long ago.
“I’m not trying to be righteous. I just keep thinking about myself.” Sierra lowered her gaze. “Back when I was in prison, when people were hurting me, I kept wishing someone would help. Someone who’d speak up and expose what they were doing.” But no one did. Not a single person showed up—not even when she got out. That’s why she chose to make everything public. Someone had to. Only people who’ve lived through it can understand how even the smallest hope can save lives. She didn’t expect everyone to get it. People who haven’t been there can’t possibly grasp what that kind of despair feels like.
“I’m sorry, Sierra.” Mateo got it now. He apologized quickly. “That was my bad.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong. We just come at it from different places.” Sierra didn’t want to keep talking about it. Just then, Mateo’s laptop pinged.
Johnathan stepped out when he heard the alert, and the three of them gathered around the computer as Mateo quickly sorted the results. “As far as domestic cases go, so far, Sierra’s is the only one. But there are a few cases abroad.” He pulled up the profiles while talking. “Look, here they are—different dates.” All of them were from a few years ago. The most recent one was just last year.
“That means the drug isn’t widespread,” Sierra said.
“Exactly. Might just be something a few people are playing around with.”
“Of course, there’s also another possibility—they just never had their blood tested.” In other countries, drug control was often much looser. Some people used all kinds of substances just for fun, so when they got hit, they might not even realize it. Johnathan was more inclined to believe that second scenario. In some places abroad, recreational drugs were so common that nobody batted an eye. He looked at the first patient’s data—dated five years back. Not exactly conclusive. What he really cared about was whether they were using his data.
“I’ll see if I can get my hands on it,” Johnathan said. Since there were overseas cases, that meant the substance existed out there. Johnathan had spent years abroad. He had the right connections.
They kept discussing the details over dinner. When it was over, Mateo left looking very satisfied. Soon after, Johnathan got an update. “They got a sample of a similar drug. In a few days, they’ll figure out how to get it to me.” He shared the news after ending a call.
Sierra blinked. “That fast?” She couldn’t help asking, “What does your friend do, exactly?” Johnathan glanced at her, hesitating. Sierra immediately held up a hand. “Forget I asked.” Better not to know. He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Some people survive off stuff like that.” At the end of the day, it was demand that kept crime alive.
“I get it.” Sierra nodded. “So don’t tell me.”
After spending another full day at home, Sierra was getting restless. She decided it was time to go back to the lab. Johnathan hesitated for a long time, then finally agreed. The lab was heavily guarded—relatively safe. “We still don’t know who’s behind this. So, I’ll be driving you there and picking you up.” Before Sierra could protest, he added, “Not up for discussion.” He wasn’t going to let her get hurt again.
“Alright,” she said.