A Lead
334 Words
5/12/1997 4.14pm Police station
The village hunter, a troubled Irvine, sits across the table from Tejas and Hanna. The incandescent lamp above their heads fills the dim room with an artificial, flickering glow. Irvine's eyes dart from the glass of water on the metal table, to Hanna's expressionless face, to Tejas' exhausted countenance. With sweaty palms she picks up the glass and downs it, the tepid Adam's ale doing little to soothe her dry throat. The awkward silence is interspersed only by the scribbling of Hanna's pen on her notepad.
"So you were... composing classical music last night? At 3am?" Tejas asks in disbelief.
"Just an old habit of mine when I can't sleep. Insomnia," Irvine replies.
"I see," Tejas feigns a smile, somewhat pleased that he was not alone in his bedtime suffering. "However that alibi is unverifiable, and these," the shiny golden shells tinkle as Tejas slides them across the table. "Were found on the floor at the scene." Irvine's eyebrows shoot up. "Bullet casings owned only by law enforcement officers, or more importantly... hunters."
Tejas watches as Irvine's hands fold across her chest - a sign of defensiveness. "B-but I haven't got any reason to kill anyone! Why would I murder my friend?" She sputters in protest.
"I'm sorry, but you're the only lead we've got for now." Hanna finally speaks. "We're going to have to search your house for any weapons. We'd appreciate if you comply." Irvine throws her hands up, exasperated.
"Fine, do whatever."
Tejas and Hanna stand.
5/12/1997 11.19pm
After all this work I might finally have a lead after all. Irvine seems the most likely suspect - Hanna and I confiscated a chest full of knives and guns in her house after a search earlier today. We'll see if the murders continue tonight. I just want this case to end, my head feels like it's splitting in half. I dread to go to sleep now, knowing that I’ll be even worse off the next morning.
- Writer
