The Whispers of 4th District

Chapter 6: Detective Marquez's Suspicion

It wasn't long before Detective Marquez showed up at the 4th District, his dark eyes narrowed as he surveyed the scene of the murders. Marquez was an old-school detective, rough around the edges, with a reputation for sniffing out guilt. He'd dealt with his share of revenge killings, but there was something different about this one. Something that didn't sit right.

The 4th District was a place of ghosts, everyone knew that, but Marquez had never believed in ghosts. He believed in people and what they were capable of when grief or rage twisted them.

It didn't take him long to hear Teddy's name. In a district as small as theirs, news traveled fast, and Marquez knew Teddy's connection to Marlon. The kid had been quiet, loyal, but Marquez could see it-grief changes people.

When Marquez caught up to Teddy on a narrow street a few blocks from his apartment, he gave him a once-over, eyes sharp with suspicion.

"Tavon," he said, his tone steady. "Heard about Marlon. Tough loss."

Teddy nodded, his jaw clenched. The shadows around him seemed to shift, the voice whispering, warning him to stay quiet, to keep his secrets buried.

"Yeah," Teddy muttered, keeping his gaze on the ground. "Real tough."

Marquez took a step closer, lowering his voice. "I know grief makes people do things they wouldn't normally do. But I need to know if there's something you're not telling me, son."

The voice echoed in Teddy's mind, harsher this time. "Don't tell him anything. He'll never understand."

Teddy forced himself to meet Marquez's gaze. "Ain't got nothing to say, Detective."

Marquez's eyes lingered on him, searching, but Teddy stood firm, his fists clenched in his pockets. Finally, Marquez sighed, a hint of pity in his eyes.

"Just... keep yourself out of trouble, Teddy," he said, before walking away.