With insights from Beth still lingering in his mind, Elder Lin turned his attention to Becca, whose history with Mike was tumultuous and fraught with pain. Becca, though often self-doubting, had been present at the Christmas festivities, her participation a testament to her effort to overcome her personal challenges.
Becca's home was a stark contrast to Beth's book-filled haven. It was organized, with mathematical precision evident in every corner. As Elder Lin entered, he found Becca seated at a desk, surrounded by financial charts and calculators, a picture of concentration.
"Becca, I need to talk to you about Mike," Elder Lin started, his tone gentle.
Becca looked up, a flicker of unease crossing her face. "I heard what happened. It's... it's shocking."
Elder Lin observed her closely. "You and Mike had a difficult history. Can you tell me where you were when the incident occurred?"
Becca nodded, her fingers nervously playing with a pen. "I was at the festival, but I kept to myself mostly. I... I did see Mike arguing with someone, but I didn't stick around. Crowds can be overwhelming, you know?"
Her voice was steady, but Elder Lin could sense the underlying tension. "Did you see who he was arguing with?"
"I didn't," she replied, shaking her head. "And I wouldn't harm anyone, Elder Lin. Despite everything, I just wanted to move past the bullying."
Elder Lin believed her, but he also knew that trauma could manifest in unpredictable ways. "Thank you, Becca. Your information could be helpful. We're trying to piece everything together."
Becca's interaction with Elder Lin added another layer to the complex tapestry of the investigation. Her past with Mike, marked by torment and fear, made her a figure of interest, yet her gentle demeanour and efforts to rise above her past struggles painted a picture of resilience rather than revenge. The mystery continued to thicken, with each character in Pinecrest Village revealing depths and nuances that defied simple categorization. The investigation was far from over, and the true motive behind Mike's demise remained shrouded in the winter mist.