Red Roses dark Secrets

Chapter 13: The Final Revelation

The dim light of the interrogation room flickered as Miller and Hayes prepared for the last phase of their investigation. They had pulled every thread they could find, piecing together the twisted tale of love, obsession, and loss. The weight of Sarah's memory hung in the air, urging them onward.

Carter sat across from them, his eyes red and swollen, a mixture of despair and determination etched on his face. Miller could sense the urgency of the moment; they needed to finalize the truth that had eluded them for far too long.

"Carter," Miller began, his tone steady, "you mentioned something about feeling lost that night, but you also talked about darkness taking over. We need to understand if there's more to your story."

Carter swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly. "I didn't want to hurt her," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But when I lost control, it was like I was watching from a distance. I could feel myself slipping away."

"Did you recognize that feeling?" Hayes asked, leaning in. "Have you experienced it before?"

Carter hesitated, a flicker of realization crossing his features. "Yes... during arguments, I would get so worked up, it was like something else took over. But I never thought I could actually hurt her."

"Carter, this is important," Miller pressed. "Were there any substances involved? Any medications that might have influenced your behavior?"

Carter's brow furrowed as he thought back. "I had been taking something... just to help with the stress. But I never thought it would change me like that."

"What was it?" Hayes asked sharply.

"A sedative," Carter replied, his voice cracking. "Just to help me sleep. But I didn't think it would affect me that way."

Miller and Hayes exchanged glances. "So you were under the influence that night?" Hayes probed further. "Is that why you don't remember what happened?"

Carter nodded slowly, the weight of his realization pressing down on him. "I thought I could control it. I never wanted to hurt her, but I could feel my emotions spiraling out of control."

"Did anyone else know you were taking those pills?" Miller asked, noting the urgency in his voice.

"No, I kept it to myself," Carter admitted, shame flooding his expression. "I didn't want anyone to think I couldn't handle my life. I was so afraid of losing her that I thought I could manage everything alone."

Miller felt a mix of frustration and empathy. "You didn't just lose control, Carter; you allowed your fears to dictate your actions. But this doesn't excuse what happened to Sarah."

"I know!" Carter cried, tears streaming down his face. "I never wanted it to come to this. I loved her! I just... I wanted her to stay!"

Miller leaned in, determined to guide Carter toward the truth. "Carter, there's something deeper here. You need to confront what happened. Can you recall any specific moments from that night that might help us understand?"

Carter's breath quickened as he searched his memory. "I remember... the arguing, the yelling. I wanted her to listen. She was scared of me, and I didn't know how to make her understand that I cared."

As the pieces began to fit together, Miller felt a flicker of hope. "And then what? Did you see anyone else that night?"

"I don't think so," Carter murmured, lost in his thoughts. "But... there was someone I had been worried about. A man from her past—James. He showed up out of nowhere a few weeks before... before everything happened."