Chereads / Who is the culprit / Chapter 5 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Evan Douglas...

The Richard High School Basketball Club…

Richard High has a large gymnasium that is specially equipped to play the game. The hall features a large basketball court with baskets hanging from the ends. The hall has adequate lighting systems to ensure good visibility during practice.

On both sides there is a seating area for spectators, where students and the public can watch the games and support the team.

There is also a locker room reserved for team players. The room has closets for storing personal clothes and sports equipment.

As well as the basketball equipment needed for training and matches.

The club includes specialized and experienced basketball coaches. They guide and train students, as well as develop their individual and team skills, and promote team cooperation and harmony. Training sessions are organized regularly according to a set schedule to ensure the development and improvement of the team's performance.

At this moment, Melinda arrived at the basketball club, who took a deep breath seeing this large hall and then decided to enter.

Melinda entered to find the bright gym full of activity and enthusiasm. The players train hard and exchange balls expertly on the field. The sound of sneakers filled the hall, bouncing balls that echoed loudly.

She saw the coaches guiding the players with warmth and care, teaching them the right techniques and giving them instructions to improve their performance.

The atmosphere was full of excitement and suspense as Melinda felt the spirit of teamwork and clear cooperation between the players and coaches.

Melinda looked expectantly around the hall as she tried to spot Evan among the other players. He had seen his photos before, as he is one of the famous young people, which the news on social networks constantly mentions...

As the heir to the largest film company in Hollywood, he was definitely a good topic for discussion...

Finally, Melinda saw a tall young man standing in a corner of the hall. He was wearing tracksuits and talking to a group of players. Melinda thought it had to be Evan Douglas. Because he was special in the group of other male students…

Ivan was a handsome young man with black hair that fell elegantly and rose harmoniously on top. His dark eyes shone with a special glow, as if they held untold stories.

While playing basketball, his high skills and quick movements came to the fore. His tall stature, which elongated his athletic body, made him stand out from the crowd on the field. He transitioned seamlessly and moved deftly between players, reflecting a high level of physicality and skill.

Not only did Evan's looks stand out, but he also had that natural charm that drew people's attention to him. At that moment, Melinda felt a contradiction between her admiration for his beauty and her concern for the problem they were facing.

When Melinda looked at Evan, time stopped for a moment and all the sounds around her faded away. She couldn't take her eyes off him, she was indescribably drawn to his allure. She continued to stare at him in silence, as if the entire universe had melted in this moment between them.

Evan felt Melinda's silent gaze from across the hall, but he had a cold expression on his face and did not care about her appearance... He had always had countless admirers, including a bunch of beautiful girls.. .

Evan continued to coach him and reflected a high level of skill in his performance... as well

Melinda continued to watch him, observing all his dazzling movements...

The training was exciting and full of enthusiasm as the students competed fiercely and passionately with each other giving outstanding performances and exerting great efforts on the field.

After the times and efforts, the two coaches felt that the players needed a short break to regain energy and focus. Head to the transit area and call both teams to assemble.

"Dear players." One of the coaches started loudly. "You've done a great job so far. However, we know you need some time to rest and recharge."

The other trainer then continued, "So we're going to give you some time to breathe, drink water, and relax a little. Use this period to rejuvenate and recharge your energy so that to be able to return to the field with renewal. momentum and be at your best."

When the players heard this announcement, they expressed their gratitude with smiles of relief on their tired faces. They began to spread out in the area, take their seats and begin their short rest.

During the break in the gymnasium, a calm atmosphere prevailed, with the deep breathing of the players sitting or lying down as they regained their breath. With the emission of weak sounds to drink water and breathe fresh air. Laughter erupted here and there as the players exchanged some friendly jokes and comments. Sharing experiences and encouraging them…

The coaches also used the time to reassess the performance and develop new strategies for the next half. They talk with great focus, share ideas and analysis and find the best ways to improve team performance.

Melinda noticed Evan in the corner, sitting quietly and covering his head with a towel. He did not engage in conversation with others, instead appearing cold and reserved. I was curious and interested in what was going on in his mind and why he was acting the way he did.

"I have to do this for Maria…" Melinda suddenly took a deep breath and pulled back. She slowly approached Evan…she knew she had to do this…

"Can I have a minute of your time...?!" Melinda tried not to interrupt their privacy. She said in a soft and respectful voice...

Evan slightly lifted the towel from his face and looked at this young blonde woman with golden hair and green eyes, no matter how beautiful she was, but Evan didn't feel interested in talking to her... Those black eyes were covered by the towel. ..

"I'm sorry to interrupt your break, but I have something important to talk to you about…" Melinda trailed off as Evan brushed her off coldly. I understand that this reaction is related to the status of the famous Douglas family and his popularity among girls and fans. Despite this, Melinda did not give up easily and decided to try the relationship with him again.

Again, Evan didn't answer her.

"Evan, I know you're tired right now, but we have an important issue that you need to shed some light on, and I think you have information that can help us with that. Can you give me a minute of your time?" Melinda was upset when she saw how this young man continued to ignore her, as he had never been before. She was treated coldly by…

"What exactly do you want?" With Melinda's honest voice emphasizing the importance of the matter, Evan's reaction began to change slightly as he was curious as to why she had approached him…

Melinda realizes that there is an opportunity to contact her, so she explains the case of Maria's murder in all the details and the desperate need for information that Evan might have. She tried to hint that his cooperation could have a positive effect on the search for the truth and the discovery of the culprit.

Evan received Melinda's words and began to pull back from his previous arrogant attitude. He may have understood the real importance of the subject and may play an important role in uncovering the truth.

"Maria was my best friend and I'm trying to figure out what happened to her that fateful night. Did I see or hear anything unusual? Any little details that might help us track down the suspects?" Melinda was a little relieved after getting a chance to talk to Evan and try to get information that might help them in their investigation...

"Maria...? No, I have no information about her..." Evan looked at Melinda with those dark black eyes and coldly said...

"You… please try to remember… you might have heard something about this…" Melinda's expression changed when she heard her answer and nervously said…

"I told you I don't have any information about this case… I've never even seen this girl named Maria…" Evan continued to look at her silently and said softly and coldly in his restrained tone…

"You've never seen…?!" At this moment Melinda's eyes reflected how confused her thoughts were and she mumbled in surprise as his expression looked…

His reaction was normal and there was no doubt about it...

"It's time to get back in the game." Suddenly, after the designated break time has passed, the two coaches gather again and blow the whistle.

"You ready? It's time to strike again, let's get ready to hit the field and make it happen!" One of them announces in a voice full of enthusiasm.

Smiles spread across the faces of the players, filled with enthusiasm and determination. They rise from their seats in full force and gather in a circle, ready to go and continue the game.

As movement and dynamism return to the pitch, tension and excitement return to activate the nerves and push the players to reach their full potential.

As they try to regain their energy and strength in order to give an unforgettable performance and dedication to the game they love.

Melinda wore a complicated expression as the sound of the whistle still echoed in her ears…

"You…" Melinda looked at this young man in front of her and muttered strangely in her voice… She wanted to get more information from him…

Evan, with his attractive athletic looks and tall stature, stood watching those green eyes as they glowed with strange lights...

"Evan...I still have a few questions...Can you give me more time..." Melinda was amazed at the height difference between them, her head only reaching his chest...

"Evan..? Since when did I let you call me by my name like we were friends...?! A girl like you should have more manners..." Evan pushed the towel off her head and stared at her coldly.. .

"...But I just need a few words. I'm looking for the truth about what happened to Maria, and I think you know something." Melinda heard those words and muttered strangely... As she looked at that beautiful face, she really did. they have the face of a real star. He seemed to be on another level when compared to other high school students…

"Really? I don't care about your business or your facts. Go to the police station if you want to get more information about the killer..." Evan didn't feel like continuing the conversation and then took a step away from him. ..

"How can you say that… Maria is dead… Don't you feel sad about her death…?!" Melinda felt a mixture of anger rise up deep within her after hearing his harsh and cold words and angrily said…

"And why should I feel sad about her..?! Just get out of my face…" Evan looked at her with those dark eyes and said coldly, he finished the steps….

"You bastard…" Melinda felt hatred and anger towards him and screamed loudly.

This scream drew countless eyes towards Melinda... Truly, there were many eyes that continued to observe this young blonde lady who had the audacity to speak to Evan Douglas...

As members of the same club with him, they know Ivan as a rich and wealthy boy with a material and abundant life. He lives in a world unlike others, where he enjoys privileges beyond the ordinary. He possesses the material and social resources that enable him to enjoy great power and influence, but despite his great stature and wealth, he once had a cold demeanor and quiet manner.

Some found it difficult to communicate and approach. Because he always behaves arrogantly and prefers to isolate himself and keep others away from him.

Seeing this blonde girl approaching him made them sigh deeply inside because they had seen Evan reject countless beautiful girls...

Melinda stood there with a complicated expression on her face, she didn't expect this person to be so arrogant… Although she wanted to grab him and ask him more questions, she knew she couldn't do it…

Those green eyes focused on him and did not leave him... I felt hatred and anger towards him...

"Melinda…? What's wrong…?! I've been waiting for you so long…?" Outside the basketball club, Alex was standing there with a strange expression on his face… He didn't expect Melinda to spend so long inside…

"I'm sorry, but I kept staying inside to watch it a little longer." Melinda took small steps and said with a gloom in her voice…

"What happened...?! Did you talk to Evan...?!" Alex looked into those green eyes and felt something different, they weren't the bright lights he used to see...

"Yeah… but that tall bastard refused to say anything…" Melinda remembered the young haired man's face and said annoyed…

"Refuses to talk…?!" Alex listened to her words and a solemn expression appeared on his face…

"Yes, he said he had no information about the incident... He even claimed he didn't know Maria..." Melinda got angry when she remembered his harsh words and said...

"He doesn't know Maria...?! Is that the truth or just a lie from him...?! Melinda, have you ever seen any interaction between Ivan and Maria...?"

As a private investigator, Alex trusted his instinct to investigate and sensed that something was wrong...

"I can't confirm…but I've never seen them together…" Melinda's memories flashed back and she couldn't find any memory of Maria talking to Evan…

"After talking to Evan about Maria's incident, did you sense anything strange about his behavior or demeanor…?!" Alex continued and said…

"No, there was no change in his behavior after he mentioned Maria…" Since she wanted to become a detective, Melinda learned more investigative skills, but she couldn't make out anything from those dark eyes… Not even his facial expression didn't change...

"After meeting him, can you determine what kind of personality Evan is…? Was he friendly and gentle, or was he hard…?!" Alex thought he needed to gather more information about the so-called Evan Douglas and said

"He was so cold and reserved...like he was looking at everyone as if they were beneath him...I felt weird talking to him up close..." Melinda remembered the pressure she felt standing next to Evan. and said...

"A strange feeling…?! Can you identify what kind of feeling this is…?!" Alex didn't feel strange about Evan's arrogant personality, after all he was the richest guy in Los Angeles as the heir to the biggest film company in Hollywood and the famous Douglas family…

"He was different from the other students his age… like he was a grown man and not just an eighteen year old… He was so calm like nothing could bother him…" Melinda remembered Evan's actions and reactions as he was playing. basketball… She realized he wasn't doing his best to keep up with the rest of the student body…

"An adult…?! Maybe it's because of the environment he grew up in…" Those blue eyes had a strange glow… After Alex's investigation of Evan, he had gathered a lot of information about him… He knew that since Evan's childhood he was the focus of everyone. attention, so he took part in the acting of many famous films…

"The environment where he grew up...?! High society...?!" sighed Melinda as she understood the meaning of those words, while her life was very ordinary and surrounded by ordinary people, everyone around Evan enjoyed fame and stardom that imposed their own laws on their personalities.

"We can't tell what kind of personality Evan is by just exchanging a few superficial words with him... We have to investigate him closely..." As a very experienced investigator, Alex realized that he couldn't judge the actors because they could accurately control their personality...

"Investigate it closely…?" Melinda looked at him and muttered strangely.

"Yeah… we need to pressure Evan to reveal his true face and that will give us more information."

Alex sighed because he couldn't drag Evan into his private office and give him a session of intense and careful interrogation…

"I thought we should look for evidence that Evan had an affair with Maria and this proves the opposite of his words so we can have our evidence against him." After her meeting with Evan was over, Melinda continued to watch him from the bleachers and thought about this possibility.

"Proof that he's lying...?! That's a good idea…" Those blue eyes sparkled at this amazing thought, and Alex nodded solemnly, feeling that there was a great opportunity to understand this matter by examining the high school's security camera data…

"I'm glad to hear it…" Melinda was pleased to hear the praise from the genius detective Alford Alex and said in a weak voice…

"Melinda, thank you for always helping me, now I'm leaving…" Alex looked at the blonde lady again and said solemnly.

"Mr. Alex, are you leaving now...?!" All the while Melinda was feeling strange how Alex's form had changed from a thirty year old man to a twenty year old young man... She was surprised by this but realized that it was possible because of how handsome was...

"Yes, I will ask Thomas to investigate and look for evidence linking Ivan to Maria..." Thomas was the officer in charge of the criminal police department and the investigator in the case of Maria's murder...

"Well… I wish you success in your work and I really thank you for your efforts to find justice for my friend Maria…" Melinda was happy to see how dedicated Alex and his team are working on this case and respectfully said…

"You don't need to thank me, it's my job... Anyway, don't do anything until I tell you and don't go near Evan without my knowledge..." Alex realized how serious she was about helping. but he was afraid that passion and curiosity might make something unbearable for him...

"I understand that…" Melinda nodded solemnly, realizing that she would gain nothing if she decided to go back to meet Evan…

"That's good, I'll go now…" Alex looked at her and took a step away…

"Goodbye…" Melinda silently looked at his appearance and respectfully said…