Chapter 3 You Better Make A Call First

Torin wanted to kick Jonah a few more times, but suddenly, several police officers burst through the door. The leader was a man in his thirties, with a full beard. He glanced around the scene and coldly declared, “Who dares to cause trouble on my turf!” Upon seeing the man with the scruffy beard, Jonah's eyes instantly lit up. He shouted, “Chief Zink, quickly arrest this guy! He hurt one of my men!” Zachary Zink, the police chief, quickly helped Jonah up with a smile. “Mr. Dawson, are you all right?” With a fierce glare, Jonah pointed at Torin and snarled, “Punk, you better prepare to rot in prison!” Zachary waved his hand and commanded, “Cuff him!” Two officers promptly pulled out their handcuffs. Without asking any questions or seeking clarification, they were set on arresting Torin. With a wave of his hand, Torin made it seem as if an invisible wall had sprung up between him and the two officers, preventing them from coming any closer. His voice was icy as he said, “Before you try to arrest me, you might want to make a phone call.” Zachary had served as a district police officer for ten years and was rich in experience. Upon hearing Torin's words, he couldn't help but feel intrigued. He asked in a cold voice, “Kid, what are you trying to say?” Torin deftly pulled out a business card, and with a flick of his wrist, the card gently floated down onto Zachary's hand. Zachary glanced at the card and spotted a name that was extremely familiar to him - Callum Zeller! He paused for a moment, then his whole body jolted. Wasn't Callum the director of the state police department? He glanced at Torin, asking in surprise, “You know Director Zeller?” Torin casually said, “Whether I know him or not, you'll know once you ask.” Upon witnessing the scene, Jonah felt a surge of anxiety. He quickly interjected, “Chief Zink, don't fall for this punk's tall tales. He's just a commoner, so there's no way he could know Director Zeller!” Zachary was a cautious man. He paid no mind to Jonah, promptly pulling out his phone and dialing the number displayed. In no time, a resonant voice echoed from the receiver. “Who is this?” This voice was distinct, and Zachary immediately recognized it as Callum's. He quickly straightened up, his face filled with a smile, and said, “Director Zeller, I'm Zachary Zink from the Willow Grove Street police station in Hofcaster—” Upon realizing that the other party was a minor figure, Callum's patience wore thin immediately. Cutting Zachary off coldly, he asked directly, “Do you need something from me?” Zachary hastily said, “Director Zeller, this is what happened. Someone gave me a red and gold business card. It had your phone number on it—” Zachary didn't get to finish as Callum suddenly interjected, “What? A red and gold business card? Is the person still there?” “Director Zeller, he's right next to me.” “Get him on the phone, now!” Callum urgently insisted. Zachary was shocked as it was clear that Callum seemed to recognize this person! He quickly handed the phone over to Torin. Torin took the phone, his voice cool and indifferent as he said, “Director Zeller, this is Torin Yelton.” Smiling, Callum replied, “Ah, it's you, Dr. Yelton! I heard you were released from prison today. Have you made it home yet?” Callum had originally intended to meet Torin when the latter was released from prison. Unfortunately, his status was too low - he simply didn't have the qualifications to do so! Torin said, “I'm currently under the control of your subordinates. They're planning to arrest me.” Callum paused, then erupted in anger, “What! Dr. Yelton, let that scoundrel answer the phone. I'll give him a piece of my mind!” Torin tossed the phone back to Zachary, whose face had turned pale. With a trembling voice, he said, “Director Zeller, I—” Callum didn't let him finish as he began to berate Zachary fiercely. Finally, he roared in anger, “I command you to apologize to Dr. Yelton immediately. Also, no matter what happens, you are not to make things difficult for Dr. Yelton!” “Understood! I'll definitely do as you say!” Zachary nodded fervently. After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Torin, Callum finally ended the call. Zachary wiped away his cold sweat before bowing deeply to Torin. “Dr. Yelton, I apologize for my careless work ethic. I'm sorry! You are a magnanimous person, so please forgive me this time!” Torin said nonchalantly, “You may leave now.” Zachary dared not say more. He quickly bowed and retreated. Seeing him about to leave, Jonah suddenly panicked and called out, “Chief Zink, don't go!” But Zachary didn't even spare him a glance. With a wave of his hand, he left with his subordinates. Jonah wore an expression of anxiety. Torin was just a pauper fresh out of jail, so how could he possibly have caught the attention of Callum? It must have been a scam. He must have used some trickery! He intended to chase after Zachary but was knocked to the ground by a powerful kick from Torin. The force of the blow was so strong that Jonah curled up into a ball on the ground, his face twisted in pain. He glared at Torin, his face filled with resentment. “Torin, this isn't over. I won't let you off the hook!” Yet Torin paid him no more attention, taking Zinnia's hand and heading toward the exit. No one dared to follow them out; his tactics had left everyone completely intimidated. Once inside the elevator, Torin immediately let go of Zinnia's hand. Sensing something off, Zinnia quickly said, “Torin, I...” “You don't need to explain.” Torin's voice was calm. “Three years is a long time. People change, and I don't blame you.” That had Zinnia growing panicked, and she exclaimed, “Torin! It's not what you think! Nothing has ever happened between Jonah and me...” “Enough!” Torin clenched his fists, his gaze fixed on Zinnia. “I've been in jail before, so I'm not worthy of a rich heiress like you!” At that moment, the elevator doors slid open, and he walked out without looking back. Zinnia was stunned, tears instantly rolling down her cheeks. Torin's words had deeply wounded her. All the explanations she had prepared were now stuck in her throat, not a single word could escape. She stood in the elevator for a few moments, then abruptly wiped her tears away and quickly caught up with Torin. Outside the club's main entrance, the car Torin had arrived in was still parked. He said indifferently, “Get in. The driver will take you home.” Zinnia silently settled into the car. After a few seconds, she turned to look at Torin again. Her beautiful eyes were filled with unshed tears, a sight that would stir sympathy in anyone who saw her. Yet, Torin steeled his heart, deliberately averting his gaze and refusing to meet her eyes. Sorrow filled Zinnia's heart. She lowered her head again, whispering, “Now that you're out of prison, I have nothing more to worry about. I... I'm leaving.” With that, she instructed the driver to start the car. The car slowly disappeared into the distance, yet Torin remained rooted to the spot, lost in thought. There was no way he could let go of three years of emotions just like that, nor did he want to. After a while, he let out a soft sigh, hailed a taxi, and hurried home. He hadn't seen his brother and niece for several years, and he missed them dearly. Dragon Lake Prison was a unique institution where inmates couldn't make phone calls to their families, but visits were allowed. However, his elder brother, paralyzed and bedridden, was unable to come to the prison to see him. His niece, being too young, was even less capable of visiting. Over the years, his only means of communication with his family had been through letters. However, none of his letters ever received a response. His only option was to inquire about his family's well-being through others. Thankfully, everything was fine. For three years, Zinnia had never visited him in prison, which left him feeling profoundly dejected. What he had just witnessed earlier only made things worse, leaving him utterly devastated.