Charles waited anxiously for Dr. Patel's analysis. Finally, his phone rang. "Detective Charles, I've finished analyzing the fabric," Dr. Patel said. "It's a piece of a tactical glove, commonly used by snipers. "Charles's eyes narrowed. "Does it match any known manufacturers? , It's a custom-made glove," Dr. Patel replied. "But I found a unique thread pattern. I can try to match it to a specific batch or production run. "Charles's mind raced. "How long will that take?", "A few hours, max," Dr. Patel said. "But I have something else. The fabric has a faint scent of gun oil and...something else. "Charles's ears perked up. "What else?", "A cologne," Dr. Patel said. "Expensive, high-end. I can try to identify the brand. "Charles's eyes locked onto a photo of Marcus Thompson on his desk. "Send me the report, Doc. I'll follow up on some leads."As he hung up, Charles couldn't shake the feeling that he was closing in on the killer.
Just then he's mind reeled on how the piece of glove got there, could it be during the self-defense fight, or was the killer deliberately leaving clues behind?
Suddenly, his computer beeped, signaling an incoming email from an unknown sender.
Subject: You're getting close
The message was blank, except for a single sentence: "Look closer at Victoria Lee."
Charles's eyes narrowed at the anonymous email. He quickly typed a response. "Who is this? What do you know about Victoria Lee? "He hit send, waiting for a response. Minutes ticked by, and his computer beeped again. "I'm someone who knows the truth. Meet me at the coffee shop on 5th and Main at 5 PM if you want to know more. "Charles's instincts screamed caution, but he couldn't ignore the lead. He arrived at the coffee shop early, scanning the area for potential threats. A figure in a hoodie sat in the corner, sipping a coffee. Charles approached, his hand resting on his gun. "You're the one who's been emailing me?" Charles asked, his voice firm. The figure nodded, pushing back its hood, revealing a young woman with piercing green eyes. "I'm Sarah, a former employee of Marcus Thompson's company. I have information about Victoria Lee's involvement in Diana's murder. "Charles's ears perked up. "What do you know? "Sarah hesitated, glancing around nervously. "Victoria was in deep financial trouble. Marcus offered her a deal: help him take down Diana, and he'd wipe her debts clean. "Charles's grip on his gun tightened. "What's your proof? "Sarah handed him a folder filled with documents and recordings. "This is just the tip of the iceberg. Be careful, Detective. Victoria is ruthless. "Charles's mind raced as he left the coffee shop. He needed to investigate Victoria Lee, now. He arrived at Victoria's office, a sleek high-rise in the financial district. Her assistant, a poised woman with a cold smile, greeted him. "Victoria is busy, Detective. What's this about?", "I need to ask her some questions about Diana Cruz's murder," Charles said, his eyes locked on the assistant. The assistant's smile faltered for a moment before she composed herself. "I'll check with Victoria. Please wait." Charles waited, his eyes scanning the office. Something didn't feel right. Finally, Victoria emerged, her smile icy. "Detective Charles. What can I do for you?" Charles's expression turned stern. "I know about your deal with Marcus Thompson, Victoria. I know about your debts. And I know about your involvement in Diana's murder. "Victoria's smile never wavered, but her eyes flashed with anger. "I don't know what you're talking about, Detective. "Charles smiled, a cold, calculated smile. "Oh, I think you do, Victoria. And I'm going to prove it. "Charles leaned forward, his eyes locked on Victoria. "Don't play dumb, Victoria. I have evidence. Sarah, a former employee of Marcus Thompson's company, came forward. She knows about your deal. "Victoria's smile faltered, and for a moment, Charles saw a flicker of fear. But she quickly regained her composure. "I don't know what Sarah's talking about," Victoria said, her voice icy. Charles pulled out the folder Sarah had given him. "We have recordings, Victoria. Recordings of your conversations with Marcus. We know about the money he paid you. "Victoria's eyes narrowed. "Those recordings are obviously fake. "Charles smiled. "We'll see about that. I'll get them authenticated. And even if they're not, we have other evidence. Evidence that links you to the crime scene. "Victoria's expression turned calculating. "I want a lawyer. "Charles nodded. "You're entitled to one. But before I let you call one, I have one more question. What did you do with the gun? "Victoria's eyes flashed, and for a moment, Charles thought he saw guilt. But then, her mask slipped back into place. "I don't know what you're talking about," Victoria said, her voice dripping with innocence. Charles leaned back, his eyes never leaving Victoria's face. "We'll see about that. I'll get a search warrant for your office and your home. We'll find that gun, Victoria. And when we do, you're going down. "Victoria's smile returned, but it was tinged with desperation. "You'll never find it. "Charles stood, his expression cold. "We'll see about that. "As he left Victoria's office, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing something.
What was Victoria hiding? She was definitely hiding something big!