New Eldoria

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟕: 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠

In the sterile, dimly lit interrogation room of the Remdant City Police (RCP) Headquarters, the tension was thick. RCP Special Agent Rose Cart sat across from Gianna Florell, the former President of EITN Industries. The gravity of the situation was clear; Florell was suspected of orchestrating the assassination of President Nathaniel Brooks and the attempted murder of Vice President Rico Gourd.

Florell's eyes flickered with defiance as she adjusted her position in the metal chair. Special Agent Cart, known for her meticulous and relentless approach, opened a folder on the table, revealing a stack of documents and evidence.

"Ms. Florell," Cart began, her voice steady and commanding, "you are here today because we have substantial evidence linking you to the assassination of President Brooks and the attempted murder of Vice President Gourd. We have telephone records, witness testimonies, and financial transactions that point directly to your involvement."

Florell's face remained impassive. "I have nothing to say. I want my lawyer."

Cart nodded, unperturbed. "Your lawyer is on their way, but until then, we have a lot to discuss. We know about your conversations with Sun Devon. We have the recordings and transcripts."

Florell's eyes narrowed slightly, but she said nothing.

"Why don't we start with the telephone call on the week before the attack?" Cart suggested, pushing a transcript across the table. "In this call, you explicitly instructed Sun Devon to eliminate President Brooks. You even mentioned the payment details."

Florell's silence was telling. Cart pressed on.

"Why did you do it, Gianna? Was it for power? Revenge? Or did someone put you up to it?"

Florell's lips tightened. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

Cart leaned forward, her eyes locking onto Florell's. "We know everything, Ms. Florell. The bribe you offered President Brooks, the subsequent planning with Sun Devon, and the financial transactions from EITN accounts to offshore banks. It's all here."

She laid out the documents, each one meticulously detailing Florell's actions. Florell's facade of calm began to crack.

"You don't understand," Florell finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It wasn't supposed to happen like this. I never wanted anyone to die."

Cart's expression softened slightly, sensing an opening. "Then help us understand. Who else is involved? Why target President Brooks?"

Florell hesitated, her eyes darting around the room. "It was about control. The board of EITN wanted to maintain their influence over the government. Brooks was a threat. He refused to cooperate with our plans for economic expansion."

"And Sun Devon?" Cart prompted.

"Sun Devon was a last resort," Florell admitted. "We tried to negotiate, but Brooks wouldn't budge. The board pressured me, said there was no other way."

"Who on the board?" Cart asked, her pen poised over a notepad.

Florell shook her head. "I can't... they'll come after me."

"You are already in deep trouble, Gianna! The only way to help yourself now is to cooperate fully. Give us the names, and we can protect you!", Cart urged.

Florell swallowed hard, her resolve wavering. "Alright... I'll talk. But I need assurances."

"Of course," Cart said, signaling to the observing officers behind the one-way glass. "We can arrange protection, but you need to tell us everything."