Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 82: Echoes of Betrayal: Ms Delights Revelation

The anticipation in Detective Black's office was detectable. She had just finished a intricate interrogation with Bella, seeking answers that seemed elusive at best. As she turned to her colleague, PC Harry Williams, the determination in her eyes was evident.

"Harry," Connie spoke firmly, "I need you to follow up with Mr Oscar Harrison regarding Bella's legal case. I suspect something doesn't quite add up there. We need to confirm some details to ensure our case against her is solid."

Harry nodded, jotting down the details in his notebook. "I'll get right on it, Connie."

Before Harry left the office, Detective Black picked up her phone and with a couple of rotations dialled the forensics department, requesting a meeting with Miss Harper. There was a nagging feeling that the forensic evaluation might hold a key clue they hadn't yet uncovered.

A few moments later, she headed to the forensics lab, where Charley awaited her. They delved into the details of Bella's forensic report, carefully examining the inconsistencies between the evidence found and Bella's statements. The discussion only added more confusion to an already complex case.

Returning to her office, Detective Black found herself deep in thought, piecing together the information gleaned from Bella's interrogation and the forensic analysis.

Connie was concocting a plan for her interrogation of Ms. Delights. "I need an interruption." She quickly called Harry. "I want you to interrupt my interview with Ms. Delights. Tell us that Mrs. Lombardi has something important to confess. It might just speed up our process."

Harry was puzzled. "Confess? To what?"

"I believe it might help unravel this mess we're in," Connie replied, her mind already racing ahead with possibilities.

Detective Black now sitting across from Jessica, her expression calm yet resolute. Where as Jessica was guarded and irritated, she listened attentively as Detective Black recounted the various twists and turns of the investigation. The detective's recollection brought back memories for Jessica Delights, stirring emotions she had kept hidden for a long time.

"Ms. Delights," Connie started, her voice measured, "I've been examining the details surrounding your past, particularly your association with Mr Ralph Ortiz. The accident during your performance led not just to a tragic injury but also marked the end of your marriage. The ensuing legal battle was extensive, resulting in a settlement where part of it included a 15% share of the Carnival of Curiosity."

"Yes, Detective," Jessica replied with a sigh, her voice tinged with melancholy. "That's correct. After the divorce, originally I sought to move on, start anew. But the settlement terms were clear. I was supposed to receive a portion of the circus deeds."

She paused, her fingers nervously tracing patterns on the table. Jessica's demeanour remained guarded, her eyes flitting between the detective and the table before her.

"However," Detective Black continued, "we've discovered that Ralph never transferred this share to you. Do you know why that might be?"

Jessica hesitated for a moment, visibly tensing at the revelation, stress building within. "I... I was promised that share. It was part of the agreement."

"I understand that," Connie pressed, "but could you elaborate on why it was never transferred to you? Was there a reason behind it?"

Jessica's gaze fixed on the table. "I'm not certain. But Ralph... he was adamant about keeping control. He didn't want me to have a stake in the circus."

Detective Black raised an eyebrow. "Why do you think that was?"

Jessica took a deep breath. "I think he was protecting something. There were always secrets, things he didn't want me to know about."