right where you left me

Chapter 40 - Come Back

When Ellie confirmed what I had been suspecting all along, nothing changed in my head or my heart. I knew who did it had a reason; I supported it. There would be nothing I would not do to protect my family and the ones I love most in the world.

I flew to Australia that evening, suffering the entire flight, trying to figure out the best way to deal with the information I had just received.

Ellie wanted me to go to the police. I would. I had to. Right?

That would be interfering in a police investigation if I didn't. I had to. Right?

I landed in Australia, greeted by my brother at the airport. Jemma wasn't with him, and rather she had gone up to see her family in the Gold Coast, most likely not wanting to be around with what was about to cur. The information that was about to break into the world.

I wasn't even allowed three minutes in the house before I was taken to the police station. I had to give a statement. They were still investigating, and in their minds, I was the vital piece of the puzzle that was missing. They needed my opinions, and thoughts, and understandings of the situation in order to take it any further.

And I gave that.

I told the police what I knew. All of it.

BREAKING NEWS: FAMILY MEMBER CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF MICHAEL JONES, THE FATHER OF STAR FOOTBALLER, TIPPAH JONES

Exclusive by Shane Arnold

Police have confirmed, late this afternoon, that a family member has been charged with the death of Michael Jones. Michael was found dead in December of 2021, in his family home in Forbes, country NSW.

Michael is the father of one of Australia's greatest footballers, Tippah Jones, who currently lives in London, playing for Arsenal; she has been Australia's most important midfielder since her debut, playing in multiple Asian Cups, two Olympic games, and a World Cup. It is believed that Tippah and her father have been estranged for multiple years, due to accusations of abuse and domestic violence.

Police had been investigating Michael's death for many months, after reports that his supposed suicide should actually be re-labeled as a homicide. The family had been open to questioning but remained impartial.

Tippah, who had not been a part of the investigation, asking to be left out of questioning claiming that she would 'be no help' as she hadn't seen her father since she was 12, arrived back from London this morning, going straight to the police with new information.

Only a few hours later, an arrest was made and the public was informed, with the police commissioner claiming that 'Tippah's information proved pivotal and a member of the Jones family has been brought into custody." More information will soon be revealed as to who was arrested and on what charges.

"I saw the news," Leah said, as I face timed her from the hotel room I was staying in.

"Yeah, I- It's pretty serious."

"No shit," Leah laughed. I loved how she was able to bring a small smile to my face even in this tragic turn of events.

"I just came, told, and will leave as soon as I can."

"Are you allowed to go just yet? They don't need you to stay and, I don't know, testify?" Leah asked. It was a reasonable question; I expected I would have to do something like that in the near future.

"I don't think any sort of trial will be happening for a while. Hopefully, I can fit it around my schedule." We both chuckled softly at this; for me, football will always be more important than putting one of my family members in jail.