Reluctantly yours

Episode 7

After my encounter with Hudson earlier today, I secluded myself in my room, determined to uncover and find any lead or clue I mean anything at all that could advance the case. Hours slipped by, and despite my relentless efforts, it felt as though I was trying to fill a basket with water—futile and frustrating. Adding to my exasperation, Tiana persistently knocked on my door, her attempts to distract me only amplifying my irritation , God I hate this girl sometimes.

A sharp knock jolted me from my spiraling thoughts.

"Tiana, I swear, if this isn't something important, I might just strangle you," I warned, swinging the door open.

"Girl, calm down. You've been holed up here for six hours without any breakthrough. I suggest you take a break at least ," she advised, her tone laced with concern.

I sighed, the weight of the unsolved case pressing heavily on my shoulders. "Tiana, it's not as easy as it seems. I've already challenged Hudson. If I fail now, I'll just be proving him right."

She nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, tell me everything you know about the case—in detail," she emphasized. "Maybe talking it through will help you find loopholes you know."

I nodded, appreciating her willingness to assist. "A year ago, a woman was found dead in her car. Initially, it appeared to be an accident, but upon closer examination, it was determined to be a carefully planned murder."

Tiana leaned against the doorframe, her interest piqued. "How did they conclude it was murder and not an accident?"

"According to the file, the brake system had been tampered with. Additionally, an envelope containing a threat from an anonymous sender was discovered. The letter read, 'I will find you and kill you.' This evidence led the police to classify it as a homicide."

"Were there any suspects or clues?" she probed further.

"There was a suspect—a man reportedly seen near the car before the incident," I replied.

"How did they identify him as a suspect?" she inquired, her brow furrowing.

I paused, realization dawning on me. "The report states that a maid claimed to have seen him there before she retired for the night. However, there's no mention of surveillance footage or any concrete evidence placing him at the scene."

Tiana's eyes narrowed. "What was his statement?"

I flipped through the man's statements, reading aloud, "He said, 'I woke up there but don't know how I got there.' The police dismissed his claim, suggesting he was likely intoxicated. This assumption was based on testimonies from others who mentioned he had prior conflicts with the victim and that he possessed envelopes similar to the one found."

"Hmm... what if he was telling the truth about not knowing how he got there?" Tiana pondered.

"Even if he was, he didn't commit the murder. Someone approached the police, asserting his innocence and claiming he wasn't responsible. This individual promised to return the next day with the full story but was found dead before they could do so. Consequently, the suspect was released due to insufficient evidence."

"Who was this person intending to reveal the truth?" Tiana asked, intrigue evident in her voice.

"I don't know yet, but it's clear this perpetrator is meticulous and dangerous," I admitted, frustration creeping into my tone.

"So, do you have any ideas now?" Tiana pressed.

"Yes. I need to interview this man and gather more information from him. It's a starting point," I concluded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

"I'm glad I could help," Tiana said, a smile playing on her lips.

"Thank you. You've helped me piece together the past, and perhaps it will lead to a clearer future," I replied, gratitude evident in my voice.

She stood, stretching. "Come downstairs. I've made your favorite dish."​

My stomach growled in response, and I realized just how long it had been since I'd eaten. "You truly are the best, Tiana. I love you."​

She smirked, leading the way. "Save the flattery and get down here before it gets cold."​

I followed her, a renewed sense of purpose settling over me. With Tiana by my side and a plan in place, I felt ready to tackle whatever lay ahead.