Trouble In Paradise

13. "Text me when you reach home."

"And where were you between 9:50 and 10:30 PM? "

"At home, Sir. "

"Not that I don't believe you, but, is there anyone who can account to your statement?"

"Yes, Sir. My parents and my brother were with me."

"Very well then, that will be all, Ms Miller. "

I was about to get up from my place in front of Inspector Bryant when he stopped me.

"Wait, please. I still need to talk to your friends and you, together. If you could just sit down again?"

I nodded in understanding as Inspector Bryant sent someone to call my friends. I sat in the chair patiently. Well, as patiently as one can sit at a police station after receiving the news that the lady you had seen just last night, all healthy, elegant and alive, was dead.

We had all reached home before 9:40, at the latest. Today was Saturday, so, our school remain closed. But the news of the death at the 'Cursed house of Paradise' spread through the town like hellfire. No one knew the details of the death, but, everyone sure was curious to know it. The rumours that had already started flying around would suggest as much!

The whole affair was incredibly interesting, to say the least.

The sound of footsteps approaching Inspector Bryant's cabin made me turn backwards in my chair to see another Officer ushering or trying to usher all of my friends inside.

An old lady, who seemed to be crying her heart out about a fat, ginger cat that she had when she was 8 and how it had gone missing, never to be found; had latched onto Ethan's arm and did not look like she was going to move anytime soon. A giggle almost escaped me,  when I saw Ethan's face. He was patting the old lady's shoulder in hopes of consoling her, but, didn't know what else to do. His entire posture screamed awkward and he looked like he was about to start crying himself. The others weren't being particularly helpful, either. 

Owen, Mason and Rhea were standing quietly to the side, their eyes wide. Torryn, as usual, looked emotionless. Mae (who wasn't a fan of cats) was trying to stop the old lady from crying by the sheer power of her glares. Finally, Matt (bless him) put a comforting arm around the lady's shoulder, murmured a few consoling words and just like that, the officer was able to easily detach the old lady from Ethan's arm and maneuver her out of Inspector Bryant's cabin.

Ethan was sitting in the chair beside me in under a minute. He got there so fast, it was almost like he teleported there.

I raised an eyebrow at him, when he sank lower into his chair, sighing with relief. "Speed walk much? "

"Very much."

He glared at me as I snickered.

The big Inspector, who was at least six feet tall, cleared his throat to gain our attention, when everyone gathered around Ethan and me.

"So, I've talked to all of you. And the reason behind that, is that you all were the last to see Elektra Queen last night before her death. You see, we have to talk to everyone in such cases", he sent us a rueful smile.

"Of course, Sir, we understand. And we will be happy to help in any way we can." Ethan had apparently recovered from his awkward encounter with the old lady.

Inspector Bryant took in our eager and curious faces and gave us an apologetic smile. "Very well. Though, as of now, we are not allowed to disclose the details of this case" he watched as our expressions changed to disappointment and hastily continued, "but, we shall let you know if we require your help. Thank you very much, you are all free to go."