The bearded man and the Chevrolet driver knew they were finished.
Even if their department protected them, it would be nearly impossible for them to return to frontline duties. They'd likely end up in mundane, less important roles from now on.
Martin continued speaking.
"At that time, I thought the cars following us were just some media friends. So, I thought, the more people, the more help we'd get, and asked these two to get out of the car to help us fix it."
He let out a bitter laugh, spreading his hands. "Looking back, that was a stupid move. If they had malicious intentions, I practically handed them my life."
"Brakes, being followed, unknown people... I now suspect that someone is trying to target either me or Lady Diana."
By this point, the journalists were fully alert, and as Martin spoke, they began speculating that this incident might be more aimed at Lady Diana. Who could be behind it?
Prince Charles? Camilla? The royal family?
At this moment, the police arrived.
Martin had Gordon approach the officers.
After a brief discussion, Gordon led a middle-aged man toward Martin.
"Mr. Myers, I'm Detective Inspector Cartlton Weckham of the London Police Department. Since you've reported the incident, we'll be taking the suspects and the vehicle with us," the man said to Martin.
Martin glanced at the journalists around him and replied, "You can take the suspects, but not the car. It's a crucial piece of evidence, and I insist that it be inspected under media supervision."
"That's impossible!" Inspector Cartlton said, visibly agitated.
Martin shook his phone in the air. "This car belongs to Lady Diana. Maybe you should talk to her about it. Of course, you can forcefully tow it, but the public outcry afterward—that will be your problem!"
There was a veiled threat in Martin's words.
Sweat appeared on Cartlton's forehead, and he furrowed his brow. "Taking the suspects and evidence is standard procedure."
"Only if the victim allows it," Martin replied coolly.
Just then, the phone on the other end of Martin's line connected.
"Martin, what's going on? Have you arrived at the hotel safely?"
"Diana, something happened on the road. It's like this…"
After hearing the explanation, Diana let out a shout of rage, "Those bastards, they actually want to harm me."
Then, realizing Martin had nearly been put in danger because of her, she felt guilty and added, "I'm sorry, Martin, for causing trouble. I can't forgive myself if anything had happened to you."
Martin casually responded, "No need to apologize. It's not your fault! But there's an officer here named Cartlton, and he wants to take the car. I need your opinion."
"Hmph, looks like they've stepped up their game. But they've clearly underestimated me. Do they really think I'll just accept this? Martin, stall him for a bit. I'll make a few calls!"
"Got it!"
A few moments later…
Inspector Cartlton, who was being blocked by Martin and the journalists, suddenly received a call.
"Hello, Chief Hart?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Mm-hmm, I got it."
"Okay, I'll cooperate."
After hanging up the phone, Martin could clearly see that Cartlton seemed to relax, clearly under some pressure from elsewhere. It appeared that Diana had called in reinforcements, giving Cartlton a reason to step back.
"Alright, everyone, quiet down!" Cartlton ordered. "I've just informed our Chief. He agrees to have Lady Diana's vehicle inspected under media supervision."
At that moment, Martin pointed to the street, smiling. "Coincidentally, the tow truck has arrived. Why don't we all head to the repair shop together?"
The journalists quickly piled into their cars, while Martin and Gordon climbed into Cartlton's police vehicle.
The convoy, consisting of police cars and reporters, formed a long line behind the tow truck as they made their way to the repair shop.
On the way there, Cartlton sincerely apologized to Martin. "Mr. Myers, I'm sorry. I wasn't targeting you; I was just following protocol."
"I understand!" Martin waved his hand, indicating that he wasn't bothered.
Soon, the group arrived at the auto repair shop.
The shop owner was stunned by the sight of the crowd and asked the tow truck driver, "What the hell is going on? Why are there so many people?"
The driver excitedly responded, "Boss, you know whose car I'm towing, right?"
Before the owner could respond, the driver burst out, "It's Diana's! It's Diana's car!"
"What? Diana's car has broken down?" The owner's eyes widened. Then, noticing the police and journalists, he pointed at them, "I get the journalists, but what are the police doing here? Did Lady Diana have an accident?"
"No, no, it's worse than that!" The driver, who had a journalist with him in the passenger seat, was almost hyperventilating as he explained the situation. His speech was jumbled, but the owner could piece everything together. Shocked and delighted, the owner thought, Someone tried to cause an accident with Lady Diana? This has to be the royal family's doing—those bastards!
Then, his mind shifted. Wait, if this blows up, my repair shop could get famous!
Realizing this, he straightened his clothes and approached the crowd. Loudly, he said, "Hello everyone, I'm Paul George, the owner of Paul's Auto Repair. I'll personally inspect Lady Diana's vehicle and will do so under full media supervision."
"Remember, I'm Paul George, the owner. I've been in this business for twenty years. I'm experienced, and there's no way I'll make a mistake."
"Mr. Myers, Detective, officers, journalists, please follow me."
"Cartlton, bring the car to the repair bay."
The crowd surged forward into the repair shop, and the number of journalists seemed to increase. More reporters were seen coming down the street, eager to join the scene.
Martin, strolling at the back, felt that the situation was already out of his hands. Now that the incident had gone public, the royal family would have to weigh their next move carefully. They'd also have to ensure Diana's safety—if anything happened to her, whether they were responsible or not, the public would suspect them.
Still, Martin couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. If he hadn't noticed this in time, the consequences would have been unthinkable.
A bunch of despicable people!
He cursed under his breath, glancing at Detective Cartlton, who was at the back of the crowd, talking on the phone with someone.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧