Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 83: The Silent Witness and Forensic Confirmation

Detective Black strode back into her office, her mind a whirlwind of anticipation and frustration. PC Williams, awaiting her return, stood up as she entered, his expression a mix of anticipation and concern.

"Did you manage to gather Rosa's full account of her confession about framing Felix?" Connie asked, cutting straight to the chase.

"Yes, and she's sticking to her story. Claims she's innocent over Ralph's murder." Williams replied, a note of uncertainty in his voice.

Detective Black sighed, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on her. "I expected as much. What about Mr. Harrison?"

"He's confirmed your suspicions. Bella's legal battle to break free from her contract-there's something off about it, as you expected," Williams explained, frowning slightly.

"Anything else?" Detective Black inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"He's found discrepancies in the timing and the specifics of her case too. Thinks she might not have been entirely truthful," Williams continued, flipping through the notes he'd gathered.

"Alright, I need you to get Miss Harper in forensics on something else for me. I want her to check for any possible connections between Mr. Bauer's possessions and Mrs. Lombardi. And it's urgent, Williams. Chase her up too on the confirmation of the identity of the coat, we're running out of time," Detective Black ordered firmly, her tone decisive.

Harry nodded, jotting down the instructions. "Understood. I'll make sure she gets on it immediately."

Glancing at the clock, Detective Black realised the gravity of the situation. The reopening of the circus loomed close, and the need for closure in the investigation weighed heavily on her shoulders. She headed back to the interrogation room to confront Rosa with a renewed vigour, otherwise she frustratingly might just have to order her release. There were answers to be uncovered, and time was slipping away.

Detective Black's stride halted abruptly upon Harry's shout. She turned swiftly, scanning the corridor to find him waving urgently. With a raised brow, she briskly walked over to him.

"What is it, Harry?" she inquired, her tone a mix of curiosity and impatience.

"Someone here to see you, Detective," Harry said, his eyes darting nervously down the corridor. "He wouldn't say much, only that it's important and concerns the investigation."

The detective sighed, the interruption an unwelcome hurdle in the midst of critical moments. "Fine, I'll talk to them. Keep an eye on Mrs Lombardi in the meantime. I'll be back shortly."

With that, she followed Harry down the corridor, thoughts racing. The anticipation of Rosa's revelations mingled with frustration at the distraction this unexpected visitor presented. As they reached the waiting area, a man in rumpled attire stood, anxiously tapping his foot.

"Detective Black, thank you for seeing me" he said, his tone edged with urgency.

"What do you need?" Detective Black responded, her voice tinged with impatience.

The man hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting nervously. "I have information about Ralph and who might of killed him, but I need your assurance of protection. My life could be at risk, as I know it, if anyone finds out."

The detective's brows knitted together. "I'll do what I can to ensure your safety. But first, let's move to a more secure location to talk."

With a quick nod to Harry, signaling him to go and keep an eye on Rosa, Detective Black led the man to a secluded room adjacent to her office. She closed the door behind them, prepared to hear what the visitor had to say and hoping it could shed light on the complex web of secrets surrounding the murder investigation.