Unravel // Van McCann

19. We Won't Give Up

The next day...

I was stood outside the Calland's house. Looking at their house from the outside, you wouldn't think there was a fire over a decade ago. The garden was perfectly manicured and the leaves were changing colors. A telltale sign that fall was here. They owned a modest house; not too big and not too small. You'd think they'd own a flashy house based on their status but they don't.

They don't know I'm here. No one knows I'm here. What I've learned in the past is sometimes it's best to show up unannounced. If I called ahead of time, there's no telling what they'd do. Would they tell Theo? I made my way towards the front door and rang the bell. I could hear footsteps approaching the door and a woman peered at me questioningly before opening the door.

Her greying hair went a little past her shoulders and it was like an older version of Megan was staring back at me. I can definitely see where she got her striking eyes from.

"Hello," Mrs. Calland greeted.

"Is this the Calland family home?" I questioned even though I knew I was at the right house.

"Yes it is. And you are?"

"I'm Mark from Reed Investigative Services," I said quickly. I thought about using my name but decided not to in case she'd tell Theo. I took my work badge out and quickly showed her my badge, hoping she wouldn't read that my name was actually Van. Or should I say Ryan. "I know you've worked with Theo in the past. He's the one assigned to your case but he's busy and asked that I ask you some questions." Mrs. Calland's eyes narrowed.

"Theo is pretty good at telling us when he's stopping by. This is so unlike him."

"It is unlike him," I agreed. "But he's been bloody busy lately. Ever since your plea aired, there have been tons of sightings so he's been overwhelmed interviewing all the witnesses. I'm sure he meant to tell you I'd be stopping by but forgot."

I tried my best to sound sincere and luckily I had my accent to help. Most of the time, people didn't catch what I was saying because they were focused on my accent rather than what I was saying. But I've been told I talk fast so it could be that as well. Mrs. Calland nodded her head in understanding.

"I see. So what brings you here?" she continued.

Me being nosy has finally come in handy for once! I knew enough about the case to have Mrs. Calland take me seriously.

"I'm here to ask some questions regarding the contractor that came to your house to work on the kitchen back in 2010," I answered.

"Is this going to take a while?"

"Possibly." Mrs. Calland opened the door wider to let me in.

"Why don't you come in and have a seat in the living room. Would you like something to drink? I've got water and tea."

"I'm good, thank you."

Normally I'd accept if clients offered me something to drink, but this time, I didn't have time to linger around. I knew if I had a cuppa, I could talk for hours but I had to get the information I needed and get out. I took a seat on the couch and Mrs. Calland took a seat on the opposite side. Her hands were folded neatly in her lap waiting for me to start. I cleared my throat and began speaking.

"I hope I'm not bothering you," I started, feeling slightly guilty for coming unannounced. What if she was in the middle of something and I interrupted her? "I'll be quick."

"No worries. You caught me at a good time. I just finished watering all the plants in the house."

My eyes scanned the living room and I suddenly realized all the plants. There were a few scattered everywhere. Enough to tell visitors that the Callands love plants.