The Truth Behind Larou's Murder

Chapter 3 - Conflicting Evidence

After conducting the initial interviews, Ace needed to revisit the crime scene. He returned to Larou's bedroom, looking for anything that might have been overlooked. As he examined the broken vase, he noticed a small piece of paper partially hidden under the bed. Carefully, he retrieved it and unfolded the note, which read:

Meet me by the old balete tree at midnight. We need to talk.

The note was unsigned, but it was a crucial piece of evidence. Ace placed it in a plastic bag for safekeeping and made a mental note to check the grounds for the old balete tree later.

Next, he inspected the window, which was slightly ajar. The latch was broken, suggesting it had been forced open. This indicated that someone might have entered or exited through the window. Ace took photos of the latch through his phone and the surrounding area, ensuring every detail was documented.

Ace gathered everyone in the living room once more. The atmosphere was tense, each person acutely aware that they were under suspicion.

"I found a note in Larou's room," Ace began, holding up the plastic bag with the note inside. "It mentions a meeting at midnight by the old balete tree. Does anyone know anything about this?"

The group exchanged uneasy glances. Maro was the first to speak. "I was with Larou until around midnight. We argued, but she didn't mention any meeting."

Callun frowned. "There's an old balete tree at the edge of the property. It's a bit secluded."

Rob looked puzzled. "Why would Larou meet someone there in the middle of the night?"

Ace ignored the question for now. "I also found that the window latch in Larou's room was broken. Someone could have used it to enter or exit."

The revelation of the broken latch brought murmurs of unease. Ace decided to press on, hoping to unearth more secrets.

"Let's talk about Larou's relationships," Ace said. "We need to understand her connections and potential conflicts. Maro, you mentioned an affair. How serious was it?"

Maro sighed, his expression weary. "It was intense, but also toxic. Larou was possessive. I wanted out, but she wouldn't let me go."

Rob's eyes narrowed, a storm brewing behind them. "So you were planning to leave her? That gives you a motive," he said, his voice edged with bitterness.

Maro shook his head. "Rob, it wasn't like that. I didn't want her dead. I just wanted to break free."

Rob stepped closer, his face a mask of betrayal and anger. "How long, Maro? How long were you sneaking around behind my back?"

Maro looked down, unable to meet Rob's gaze. "It started a few months ago. It got serious fast, but I never meant to hurt anyone."

Rob's fists clenched at his sides, the weight of Maro's betrayal sinking in. "You were supposed to be my friend," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "All this time, you were lying to me. Do you have any idea how that feels?"

Maro finally looked up, his eyes filled with regret. "I know I messed up, Rob. But I swear, I didn't kill her."

Rob laughed bitterly, shaking his head. "Your words mean nothing to me now, Maro. You had a motive, and you were close enough to make it happen. How am I supposed to believe anything you say?"

The room fell silent, the tension thick and suffocating. Ace watched the exchange closely, his mind working through the implications. Callun, standing nearby, exchanged a worried glance with Ris.

"Sir Rob," Callun said gently, trying to diffuse the situation, "we need to stay focused. Miss Larou's killer is still out there. Let's not tear each other apart."