BELLS IN NEW YORK

Chapter 07- Part 01

Just as I sat down at my desk, Kalisha pulled up a chair and sat down by my side.

"Why did the chief call you?" she questioned, looking at me with utmost curiosity, mixed with a touch of worry.

"he just needed some details regarding the incident is all," I stated.

"but you already told him about everything last night, didn't you?"

"I guess he wanted a more precise statement. besides, I was a big mess last night,"

"I guess that makes sense," following her reply, a short silence spread between the two of us as she lost herself in thought, and I stared blankly at my dark computer screen.

"Drithi, I've got something to ask you," Kalisha finally spoke, her tone heavy with caution.

I beckoned her to continue.

"Yesterday, when detective Campbell was here, I may have overheard that he was going over to your place to meet your nephew. Did he?"

I nodded.

"what was the time gap between his arrival at your house and your nephew's disappearance?" she asked

"a couple of hours before the incident, I think," I said, watching Kalisha carefully.

"And you don't suspect him one bit?" Kalisha questioned, very much amused by my answer.

I shook my head.

"he was planning on meeting Ivaan for a while. Besides, detective Campbell isn't the kind of person to do something like that. He's too nice," I stated, defending my answer.

"But he was at the crime scene before the crime happened." Kalisha pushed further.

"Bad timing?"

Kalisha sighed at my retort.

"Look, I know you trust him. A lot. But the fact that he visited the same day Ivaan was kidnapped doesn't sit right with me. Besides, you need to be extra careful of people who are too nice," Kalisha said, clearly unhappy with my stance.

However, what she said did make sense. Why did Ivaan disappear the same day Detective Campbell visited? But, I couldn't bring myself to suspect him without any solid evidence. Just as I opened my mouth to argue again, Kalisha beat me to it.

"Drithi, You can clear detective Campbell all you want, but he will always be on my suspect list until his name is cleared. I just can't overlook such a direct connection,"

"but-" I tried to speak again, but she stopped me.

"I also understand that it could have been a mere coincidence. He really might have had terrible timing. But I'd rather suspect him now and clear him later than clear him now and find out he was the culprit later on." Kalisha concluded, making sure I knew her stand on the issue.

I shrugged. There was no point in me even trying to stop her. All I can do is clear detective Campbell's name as soon as possible.

"Fine, go ahead," I said, "I will find solid evidence that can clear his name,"

"Be my guest," Kalisha replied before getting up and returning to her desk.

I messed up, didn't I? Although our conversation cannot be considered a full-blown argument, I could feel the negative energy between us as she sat at her desk, typing away. I almost banged my head against the table in frustration. I was an emotional mess, but that didn't mean I should end up in hot water with my best friend. Hopefully, things will be back to normal by tonight.

Letting out a sigh of frustration, I powered up my PC and inspected the work that I needed to do today.

I groaned internally, staring at all the files I had to computerize and all the other little odd jobs I had to do in between. I picked up the first file closest to my hand and set to work.

With Ivaan occupying three-quarters of my mind, I could barely focus on what I had to do.

Maybe I should have taken the leave after all.

♧♧♧

This is a much shorter chapter than the rest. Although I am not very satisfied with it, I just wanted to try and keep up with the regular uploads and keep putting out work.

Anyways, hope you liked the chapter. If you did, don't forget to leave a VOTE, and comment your thoughts on it :) As always, constructive criticism is more than welcome.

See you in the next one!

Totsiens!

(Afrikaans)

28/01/2023