MY SWEET HELL

Prologue (Takes 1min 30secs to read.)

A woman stood before a table, her figure bent over it with both hands placed firmly on its surface. She was dressed in a white formal shirt with sleeves reaching her wrists, paired with black trousers. Her deep brown hair with red hints was pulled back in a tight bun. Her gaze fully focused on the person sitting before her.

''Talk to me. I'm here to help you but I can't if you don't say anything.'' Her tone was gentle not to scare the woman. The woman in question looked on with vacant eyes. Dry tears were clearly visible on her reddish cheeks, her makeup smoldered, her eyes were red and swollen with traces of black pigment from her eyeliners.

Since the questioning began the woman has not for once shown signs of sanity.
She was awake, physically seated there but could barely see the woman standing over her. Her mind and soul were miles away in her apartment where everything took place.

The interrogation room that was so brightly lit was in fact blurred to her, as memories of the night played over and over again in her head. She felt the walls closing in on her as the fear and anxiety of the night continued to drain every bit of her energy. Yet she didn't fight to chase them away.

How could she?

Claire Weber wants to relive that moment more than her own sanity. And maybe she could've prevented everything... just maybe... by struggling more ... she could have achieved a different outcome.

The detective was frustrated with her lack of cooperation. But, she still maintained her gentle tone considering the lady sitting before her was still in a state of shock. ''Miss Weber, you are clearly not here.'' Her calm yet inquisitive expression was fixed on Claire in an attempt to pry her soul only to find an empty shell. Her eyes were empty and she didn't respond.

This horrified woman before her was their only prime suspect at that moment. Time was not on her side either if she continues to tolerate her it won't take her anywhere.

The files containing Claire's information were spread across the table. Before entering this room, the detective had reviewed the documents concerning the woman and found nothing discriminatory. She had an almost clean record with no questionable background but with few taints on her record. They are yet to start their own investigation. But first things first, she had to check out what wild card they had on their hands this time around.

With the little insight she had into the matter, she was hoping to get more details from the horses' mouths.

So far, Claire has been as useful as comb for a headless corpse and her time is almost up.
At this rate, if this continues, she would be back to square one. She have to strike the iron while it's still hot and take advantage of the situation.

With Claire's walls weak and defenceless, it should be an easy task. Right?

The detective sat back in the chair and leaned in closer to the table, entering Claire's line of sight to stare at those empty eyes hidden behind her disheveled hair.

Right from the onset all the detective did was empathize with Claire but that didn't bring anything.

Now? .... I'll have to break her!

In a loud tone she called out her first name, ''Claire!!!'' Her voice echoed through the empty room.

Claire snapped up in shock and for the first time could see the woman in front of her.
Her hands clasped tightly together with a slight tremble that the detective had to reached out and covered Claire's cold hands in hers.

''You have nothing to fear. No one here is out to get you.'' But in contrast to her kind words her hazel eyes were stern, commanding Claire's attention.