Scene 1: Eddie’s Interrogation
Eddie is called to the station for a follow-up interrogation, with Detective Ramirez sitting across the table, staring at him with a scrutinizing gaze. The scene is tense, with the sterile lights casting shadows across the room, heightening Eddie’s discomfort.
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Conversation Between Eddie and Detective Ramirez:
Detective Ramirez leans forward, his voice steady and calm but sharp.
Ramirez: “Eddie, I’ll get straight to it. We’ve got footage of you sneaking into Andre’s house that night. Midnight isn’t exactly a friendly hour for a social call, wouldn’t you agree?”
Eddie leans back, feigning a puzzled look.
Eddie: “Detective, I know it might look strange, but I was trying to help. Andre has a history with Hope—a violent one. I thought I could maybe... find something. Maybe even catch him doing something. It was late, yes, but I didn’t want to cause trouble during the day.”
Ramirez narrows his eyes, unconvinced.
Ramirez: “And you didn’t think to, say, call the police? Report a potential threat rather than take it upon yourself to go snooping?”
Eddie: laughs nervously “I thought about it, but I figured the police were already busy with leads. I didn’t want to be... a nuisance. I thought if I found something, I’d bring it to you right away.”
Ramirez nods but remains quiet for a moment, studying Eddie’s face.
Ramirez: “Did you find anything in there, then?”
Eddie tilts his head, giving a slightly sheepish smile.
Eddie: “Not really... but I did find that knife. The one with Hope’s hair. I wasn’t sure what it was doing there, so I left it alone and thought it’d be better for you guys to handle it.”
Ramirez lets silence linger, letting Eddie squirm under the weight of his gaze.
Ramirez: “You understand that entering someone’s home without permission isn’t just ‘helping,’ Eddie. It’s illegal. Now, tell me, what’s the real reason you went to Andre’s place?”
Eddie’s expression tightens, but he keeps his tone controlled.
Eddie: “Detective, if I were trying to hurt Andre or... or frame him, I wouldn’t go about it so clumsily, would I? I loved Hope. I just want her back. And I was desperate, maybe stupidly so. But that’s what love does to you, doesn’t it? Makes you act in ways that don’t always make sense.”
Ramirez nods, crossing his arms.
Ramirez: “Love, you say?” He pauses, his eyes narrowing. “Interesting how that love seems to push you right into places you shouldn't be.”
Eddie sighs, putting on a mask of frustration and helplessness.
Eddie: “Detective, if you’re accusing me of something, just say it. Otherwise, I’m trying to cooperate here, to find Hope.”
Ramirez keeps his gaze steady but doesn’t press further.
Ramirez: “Alright, Eddie. That’ll be all for now. But don’t go sneaking into anyone’s home again, understood?”
After Eddie leaves, Ramirez doesn’t feel satisfied. He decides to send one of his trusted detectives, an officer named Daniels, to keep tabs on Eddie for the next few days. Ramirez quietly instructs Daniels to observe Eddie’s movements and report back.
Back home, Eddie, unaware at first that he’s being followed, begins to put on an act. He stops by the grocery store, purchasing ingredients he claims were Hope’s favorite foods, mentioning to the cashier how hard it’s been since her disappearance. Later, he meets with some of Hope’s friends under the pretense of gathering information, keeping up the “desperate boyfriend” facade.
Daniels observes Eddie closely, making notes. He sees Eddie interact with others, every move crafted to maintain the image of a heartbroken, grieving boyfriend.
