I studied the case file, specifically focusing on Henry Allen. I remarked, "Wow, looks like Henry had quite the ego problem."
I overheard a detective addressing Mrs. Grayson, grumbling, "Seriously, why did you bring a girl into this important investigation?" Mrs. Grayson responded, "She might be helpful. Remember, if it weren't for her, we wouldn't have solved that simple case so quickly yesterday."
I was noticing an interesting detail in the transcript, spoke up, "Hey, you mentioned that Henry had a wife, right? Do you have a transcript of her interrogation available?"
Mrs. Grayson looked over at Detective Lee and instructed, "Detective Lee, please go get that transcript for her, and have her join us at the crime scene. She might be able to contribute something useful; trust the process."
Detective Lee let out an exaggerated sigh and shot me a forced smile, advising sternly, "Listen, if we head to the crime scene, don't you dare lay a single finger on anything, little girl."
I was mildly irritated and defensive, replied, "What exactly am I supposed to do if I'm not allowed to touch anything? What's the point of me even being here if I can't contribute to the investigation?"
Detective Lee, his irritation apparent, snapped back, "Don't argue with someone who's older than you! Remember, you're just a teenage girl. You don't know anything."
I was about to protest, but Detective Lee cut me off, asserting, "End of discussion. You will obey me, and I'm the boss of this investigation. Let's go. And I'm being dead serious; you're not touching anything."
I sighed in reluctant agreement and followed Detective Lee to his car, preparing myself for a potentially long and frustrating investigation.
I entered Henry's house, immediately noticing the disturbing sight of blood and disarray. I addressed Detective Lee, "Hey, have you interviewed Henry's neighbors yet?"
Detective Lee responded, "Yeah, we've spoken to his neighbors, and each person had a clear motive."
I was undeterred, requested, "Can we interview them again? I'd like to hear their testimonies."
I addressed the first suspect, Paul, and inquired, "I understand you all had grievances with Henry Allen. Paul, how old are you?"
Paul responded, "I'm 34... I was hosting a party with my family when he viciously killed those three. I was concerned for my family's safety, so we had a heated argument with Henry. But that jerk didn't care. Nonetheless, even though I hated him, I would never resort to such violence."
I focused my attention on the next suspect, Eric, and asked, "And what's your age?"
Eric replied, "I'm 39. As for what happened to Henry Allen, I'm out of that discussion. You see, I despised Henry too for cutting down my son's treehouse. It was meant to be for his treehouse, and I was disappointed. But I couldn't win an argument against Henry, so whatever happened to him, in my eyes, it was his own karma."
Christopher responded, "46... Any particular reason why you're asking?"
I was focused on the task at hand, declared, "I need to see the trunk."
Detective Lee, initially perceiving my request as mere curiosity, expressed surprise, "Wait, you want to inspect the chopped-off tree trunk? Are you messing with us?"
Undeterred by Detective Lee's skepticism, I proceeded to the trunk, completely ignoring his words. I began carefully counting as I observed the trunk.
With a sense of triumph, I exhaled a deep breath and yelled, "Forty!" I had successfully counted the number of rings on the trunk.
I turned to Detective Lee, excitedly explaining my observation, "Here's the deal—the killer planted this tree as a seedling. Look at the trunk; it has forty rings! That means this tree was alive for four decades. And now the question is, who's the main suspect here?"
Detective Lee retorted, "Are you dim-witted? That's why we're here searching for the culprit."
I replied, "No, I think you're the foolish one because I already know precisely who the killer is."
I promptly stated, "The murderer was Christopher. He's the one who initially planted this tree as a seedling."
Detective Lee countered, "We still need solid proof. We have no evidence yet."
I confidently responded, "We do have evidence. Just ask him if he planted this tree."
I re-entered the house, seeking out Christopher. I approached him and posed the question, "Okay, Christopher, did you plant that tree—the one Henry cut down?"
Christopher silently confirmed, nodding his head. I exclaimed, "See? I knew it! You're guilty of taking Henry Allen's life. You weren't asleep at the crime scene; your fury over the chopped-off tree led you to commit this crime. And then, there's Henry Allen's wife—she must have known about it all along, given her resentment toward her husband's behavior. But she remained silent, serving as your alibi."
Christopher retorted defensively, "You're talking absolute nonsense. You're just a student; you have no place in this investigation. This isn't something meant for kids. Stay out of it."
As Christopher reached out to grab my arm, preparing to forcibly eject me from the house, Detective Lee quickly interceded and firmly asserted, "Don't you touch her. You're not permitted to lay a hand on her like that."
Christopher's face contorted with anger, he snapped back, "Why? Is she your chick? She's just a student."
In a chilling display of aggression, Christopher suddenly withdrew the gun from Detective Lee's holster, brandishing it menacingly in the direction of me, Paul, and Eric.
Detective Lee swiftly positioned himself between me and Christopher, shielding me with his body. He urgently instructed, "Mela, hide behind the couch!"
I moved quickly, my trembling hands covering my ears as I ducked behind the safety of the nearby couch. My heart pounded in my chest as I sought refuge in the unfamiliar and frightening situation.
My heart raced as I fumbled my smartphone from my pocket with trembling hands, desperately trying to dial the police and request backup. I took a deep breath, attempting to steady my nerves, and quickly punched in the emergency number.
My hands trembled as I accidentally dropped my phone, my heart racing. In a quick move, I intervened, saving Detective Lee from being shot by the gun before swiftly darting behind the counter for cover.
Detective Lee scolded, "What has gotten into you?! I told you to remain behind the couch!"
I retorted, my voice almost cracking with emotion, "You were about to get hit by a bullet. I couldn't just sit there and do nothing!"
Detective Lee stroked my head gently, offering a reassuring touch as he issued a firm order, "I need you to focus now. I need you to distract him, and that's when I make my move, understand?"
I took a deep breath, summoning my courage. I slowly emerged from my hiding spot, my hands trembled with nervousness as I stood tall before Christopher.
Christopher's gaze fixated on mine, and he chuckled, "Well, aren't you a lovely looking student... Come here, be a good girl."
Without hesitation, Detective Lee sprang into action, shouting a command to me, "Duck now!"
I reacted instantly, ducking down in anticipation. As soon as I did, Detective Lee took the shot, hitting Christopher's arm, causing him to lose his balance and falter. In a swift move, I seized the opportunity, quickly grabbing the gun from his grasp.
With unwavering focus, I instinctively tossed the gun to Detective Lee, expertly flicking my wrist and sending it gracefully through the air. Detective Lee reached out, catching the weapon with ease, displaying precise coordination and reflexes.
The police soon arrived at the scene, promptly apprehending and taking Christopher into custody. With the situation under control, Paul and Eric breathed a sigh of relief, expressing gratitude for the safe return to their families.
Detective Lee then turned his attention to me, offering me a subtle gesture of affection by ruffling my hair. He chuckled warmly, acknowledging my bravery, "You're quite fearless I must say. Good job."
Detective Lee had drove me back to my house, as I stepped through the doorway, I was greeted by my mother's fury. My mother's voice thundered with frustration, "Where have you been, young lady? I've been worried sick! You're giving me a headache!"
My mother's gaze softened as she shifted to a calmer tone, her voice filled with a mix of concern and care. "Have you eaten yet? I made dinner for you."
I decided to play along, teasing my mother by assuring her, "Mom, I'm fine. I was just hanging out with a friend."
My mother's overprotective nature kicked in, and she responded with a dramatic scenario, "What if you ended up drinking alcohol and your friend took advantage of you? You could end up getting pregnant!"
I rolled my eyes at the exaggerated concerns, replying with a mix of amusement and annoyance, "Mom, stop overreacting! Nothing like that is going to happen."
My mother launched into a tirade, scolding and lecturing her daughter, her voice raising in volume. I listened intently, but my patience wore thin as I internally groaned, mumbling under my breath, "Here we go again... typical."
TO BE CONTINUED