The Gambling Killer

Chapter 4

When the doors opened a man appeared. He was of medium height. The gray hair leaving an open space in the middle of his head. The round glasses framing his big and honey-like eyes. He just stood there, not saying a word.

- Detective Steve Smith – I started – my friend, Verona Blaine. We have a few questions for you and your wife.

- My wife is dead. – He stated.

- Well... then only for you. – Verona replied.

The inside of the house was pure proof of how it looks like when a man maintains it. Shelves covered in dust, rugs turning black, some spots slightly remaining in their original colors. The living room was a living mess. Pillows from the couch were now on the floor. On the table were cups of coffee, with coffee stains still on the bottom of the cups. I would say they were there for at least 2 weeks. We sat on the couch as the old man started talking.

- I am very sorry for this mess in my house. It-it's because of my wife. I still can't get over her death.

- We're sorry to hear that – I continued – when did she die?

- 2 years ago.

- Damn. And you were living like this for that long. – Verona murmured.

I glared at her.

- Okay. We want to talk with you about your daughter, Ashley.

He shot a cold look at me.

- I don't wanna hear about her. – The man said decisively.

- But sir, we have to-

- I SAID NO! – the man interrupted me – She was a disappointment to this family! I don't wanna hear another word about her. Now leave.

- SIR, I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HER, IN FACT, IT DOESN'T EVEN MATTAR NOW! – Verona replied with an angry voice.

- Why doesn't it matter anymore? – The man questioned.

- BECAUSE SHE IS DEAD!

Silence.

As I was calming down Verona, the man broke the awkward silence.

- I am really sorry. – The man said while sitting down on the couch.

- You should be. – Verona said it to herself.

- Okay, now that you calmed down, can we talk now?

- Fine by me.

- You didn't even introduce yourself. – Verona told the old man.

- Sorry, I forgot. My name is Elijah.Elijah Nelson.

- Now, Elijah, could you tell us something about Ashley. When you were still in contact.

- Ah yes, Ashley. – Elijah continued – The positive little girl I have always known. She was our only child, so all of our attention went to her. She was hard-working and could've been successful if we didn't kick her out of the house 12 years ago – he smiled to himself – You know it's actually crazy to think that my little girl is dead. I didn't want to kick her out but her mother, Ember, insisted to do that. It was the worst reason to do that to someone. At the age of 17, Ashley began to sneak out of the house, every now and then. She went to parties, drank alcohol and smoked with her friends. Ember was sick of it. She didn't even try and talk to her, like a mother to her daughter. One night, as I was coming home from work, I saw Ember and Ashley at the front door, arguing. Ember threw a suitcase and her clothes on the ground. Ashley began to pack the clothes into the suitcase, tears coming down her pretty face, begging her mother for forgiveness. Instead of forgiving her, she just slammed the door right in her face. I wanted to say something but it was too late. Ashley passed by me without saying anything. I wish I could've helped her then, maybe she would still be alive and could live a long and happy life. 

- Thank you for your honesty, Elijah. I am sorry for your loss, both daughter and wife. – I replied.

- May I ask from what exactly did Ashly die?

- It's still in investigation. We will tell you next time we visit you. – I said it with a smile.

- I hope we never come here again. – Verona whispered.

- We will see you soon. Goodbye Elijah.

***********

It had been 20 minutes since we were driving back to London. It was a nice and relaxing ride. Verona was driving so I was just sitting in the passenger's seat and admired the chilly view. Bzz Bzz. My phone rang.

-Hello – I picked up – Mhm. Okay. Thank you. Bye. – it was good news – We have some progress with the case.

- Let me hear it – Verona said it with an excited voice.

- So the forensics found out that Ashley had a thorn on her throat. The thorn was dipped in a toxin. Strychnine, to be exact. When the doctors were examining the body, they realized her muscles were harder than usual stiffness after death. After that, the doctor found the thorn with the toxin on it.

- So it was a murder, huh? And all we need to do is catch the killer. It shouldn't be hard, right?

There was an awkward pause.

- Right...? – Verona repeated.

I sighted –Really Verona? You think catching the killer will be easy? We literally have no clues.

- This will be a long journey – Verona sighted.