THE BEAUTIFUL MINDS

CHAPTER 26

You don't find people like Stana Marcus all over the world.

Or perhaps, there is a little bit of her hiding inside every person in this world.

She was a rare thing. An absurd woman with the most abstract thoughts whirling in her mind. Technically, it made her a woman of few words. Because, every time she worded her opinions, most of them didn't understand and the rest thought she was out of her mind.

But, to people, who could stop by amidst their busy life and give her words a little thought, they were profound in meaning.

Stana was a keen observer and an avid learner.

With short cropped hair and piercing eyes, she is the kind of woman who could send chills down your spine. She was always swift and brisk and walked with head held high and chin up.

Stana wasn't born with this confidence. Actually, she used to be a docile person. But life's lessons taught her that it's always better to prioritise your opinions about yourself over others'. It's better to love yourself more than others. And most importantly, to depend on yourself for your happiness.

Stana never found an apt soul mate. To her, it seemed better to stay single rather than willingly giving her heart to the wrong person as a plaything.

She preferred living alone and spent free time reading Sherlock Holmes, writing her diary or simply jogging around in her garden.

It was a bright afternoon.

She'd gotten up, freshened herself and set off to the grocery store.

After a little bit of cooking, she'd taken bath, cleaned her house and had lunch.

Now, she sat reclined in her sofa, coffee in one hand, laptop in the other and reading a traveller's blog.

It was then that she got the call from her sister, Sarah.

"Hello Stana" chimed Sarah at her cheerful best.

Stana extended the courtesy. They exchanged a few words about their lives and careers.

Then, Sarah told her why she'd called.

Stana had come across the Richard and Ashton homicide. It was the talk of the town especially with all the big shots involved. It was thrilling to hear that she was called to solve the case.

Five suspects.

Two victims.

One killer.

Stana was all excitement. She asked Sarah to fax all the evidences and documents regarding the case and promised to see them tomorrow at Ronny's precinct.

She spent the next two hours perusing the documents.

What struck her odd were two things.

1) Mrs. Louis hadn't died a natural death. So, if one of her family members had killed her, how and why did they do it?

2) Rachel's relationship with both the boys had been smooth. Yet, for some unfathomable reason, they had chosen to break up with her. Why?

Stana had a gut instinct that these were the two things she had to begin her investigation with. These looked like two things totally disjoint from the facts. So, if her hunches are right, it'll lead to a breakthrough.

And oh, did I mention?

Stana Marcus had a beautiful mind.