𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝑇𝑜 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑟

01.

As Jess entered the office, her eyes scanned the modern decor—sleek, minimalist furniture complemented by splashes of vibrant artwork adorning the walls. The room exuded an air of professionalism mixed with a touch of casual elegance, reflecting the personality of its occupants.

"Wait, wait, wait, hold on - you're saying you got framed during a one-night stand?" Jess exclaimed, her voice echoing lightly against the polished surfaces. I sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and embarrassment, my attire casual yet presentable, wearing shorts and a beige top with a side bag slung over my shoulder."Maybe I was just blinded by her beauty," I admitted, leaning against the table, the cool surface offering a slight reprieve from the tension in the room.

Jess gave me an incredulous look, her expression a blend of disbelief and determination."I won't accept that for an answer," she declared, her tone firm as she circled the desk. I scooted out of her way, knowing that once Jess had a task in mind, there was no stopping her. With purposeful strides, she gathered some paperwork, her movements precise and efficient."You never do," I sighed, recognizing the familiar pattern of our interactions. Jess was always the one to push for answers, to delve deeper into the heart of the matter.

"What did you drink that night? Were you ever seen outside, when did you enter the hotel and how many people saw your face that night?" Jess fired off her questions rapid-fire, her gaze intent as she sought to unravel the mystery surrounding my predicament."Uh, gin and tonic, no, I don't know, and maybe three?" I responded, the memories of that fateful night swirling in my mind as I struggled to recall the details. Jess nodded, her mind already working overtime as she pieced together the puzzle before us. In that moment, I knew that with Jess on my side, we stood a fighting chance to uncover the truth and clear my name.

Jess sighed, her frustration palpable as she processed the situation. "This would be easier if Kodiak was the thief, but this is you. Whoever did this knew your name and had a field day with it," she observed, her tone tinged with a hint of exasperation. I shifted uncomfortably, fully aware of the implications."And I think it was the girl you slept with," Jess continued matter-of-factly, her gaze piercing. My eyes widened in surprise. "H-how did you..." I began, only to be interrupted by Jess's blunt assessment.

"It was a Tuesday, of course you were getting laid," she stated flatly, her words cutting through the tension in the room. I sighed, feeling exposed under her scrutiny. "All I need is a name, and it'll all be over," she insisted, her voice firm with determination.Silence descended upon the room as I wrestled with conflicting emotions. "I can't," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. Jess tilted her head, her expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Why not?" she demanded, her tone unwavering.

"She doesn't deserve to be ambushed by your... your posse!" I protested, my words coming out in a rush as I defended the girl in question. Jess raised a skeptical eyebrow, her gaze unwavering. "Besides, why does everyone think she's a thief?" I added, hoping to sway Jess's resolve.

Jessica inhaled sharply, her patience wearing thin. "Name, now," she commanded, her voice leaving no room for further debate. It was clear that she was not going to let this go until she had all the information she needed to unravel the truth.

"Her name is Kate," I corrected myself hastily, the urgency evident in my voice. Jess raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable for a moment before she nodded, taking in the new information.

"Kate," she repeated, as if testing the name on her tongue. "Thank you for being honest," she said, her tone softer now, tinged with a hint of compassion. "I'll handle the rest."

With a sense of relief mingled with apprehension, I watched as Jess turned back to her task, her focus unwavering as she delved deeper into the tangled web of deceit that had ensnared me.