Tangled in secrets (read with music)

Chapter 5: The Interrogation

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across Ava's apartment, where the soft glow of city lights began to twinkle outside her window. She stood by the glass, absently rearranging the flowers on her coffee table, their delicate petals a stark contrast to the gnawing unease that settled like a weight in her stomach since the news of Jessie Cole's murder broke. Each ding of her phone made her jump, the relentless alerts from colleagues and friends reminding her of the tragedy that had gripped the city and intruded into her peaceful bubble.

As she poured herself a glass of wine, the doorbell rang, shattering the silence. Ava hesitated, her heart racing, a rush of apprehension washing over her. She glanced at the clock on the wall—it was far too late for casual visits. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, her breath catching in her throat as she found Lucas Kane standing there, his expression serious yet magnetic, like a tempest contained within a man.

"Detective Kane," she said, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach. "What brings you here?"

"Ava Mercer," he replied, his tone low and authoritative, sending a thrill through her that she couldn't quite explain. "I need to ask you a few questions about Jessie Cole's murder."

"Come in," she said, stepping aside to let him enter. The air thickened with tension as he crossed the threshold into her sanctuary.

Once inside, Lucas surveyed the space, his sharp gaze absorbing every detail. The muted colors of the room created a cocoon-like atmosphere, but Ava could feel the electricity between them—a magnetic pull that made her acutely aware of his presence.

"Nice place," he remarked, turning to her, his eyes lingering for a moment longer than necessary, igniting something deep within her.

"Thanks," she replied, trying to maintain her composure as she closed the door. "But I'm not sure how this is related to the investigation."

Lucas leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his posture both relaxed and tense. "You were at the party last night, correct?"

"Yeah, but I don't see how that matters," she said, folding her arms defensively. "I didn't even know Jessie."

"Your hair was found at the crime scene," he said, his tone clipped, the gravity of his words settling between them like a thundercloud. "I need to understand how it got there."

Ava felt her pulse quicken, a mix of fear and disbelief coursing through her veins. "That's impossible! I don't understand how that could be. I barely knew her!"

Lucas studied her, searching her eyes for any hint of deceit, a hawk assessing its prey. "I'm not suggesting you had anything to do with her murder, but the evidence is troubling."

Frustration bubbled to the surface. "So now you think I'm a suspect? I'm just a marketing executive trying to live my life! I have no idea how my hair could have ended up at a crime scene!"

"Your hair and that of the other victims are linked," he replied, his tone softening slightly, the warmth of his voice a strange comfort amidst the chaos. "It suggests a pattern that needs to be investigated. That's why I'm here."

"Do you have any idea how it feels to be pulled into something like this? To have your entire life scrutinized?" she shot back, emotions spilling over. "I'm just a woman trying to move on after a breakup, not a murderer!"

Silence enveloped them, thick and suffocating. Ava's heart raced as she looked up at him, feeling vulnerable under his scrutiny. There was something undeniably magnetic about him, an attraction that sparked even in the midst of chaos.

"I don't think you're a murderer, Ava," Lucas said softly, his tone shifting to one of concern, his voice a low rumble that seemed to reverberate in her chest. "But you're involved in something dangerous. I need you to trust me. If someone is targeting you, I want to help."