Chasing Shadows: Luna and Maxim's Pursuit of Truth

Chapter 42: The Silent Accusation

Maxim narrowed his eyes, watching Charlestone closely. "You're awfully defensive for someone who's innocent," he said, placing the necklace on the table between them. The dim light reflected off the delicate chain, making it gleam ominously.

Charlestone exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "I'm defensive because this is absurd. Someone is setting me up."

Maxim leaned forward. "Then tell me-who would have access to your office? Who could have put this there?"

Charlestone hesitated, his mind racing. "I don't know," he admitted, shaking his head. "But I swear on my life, I had nothing to do with Luna's disappearance."

Maxim studied him for a long moment, then leaned back in his chair. "If you're telling the truth, then you should have no problem helping us find the real culprit. Because right now, all the evidence is pointing at you."

Charlestone clenched his fists. "I want to find out the truth just as much as you do."

Maxim tapped his fingers on the table. "Then start talking. Tell me everything you remember from that day."

Charlestone took a deep breath. "Alright. Here's what I know..."

Tuesday morning, Maxwell visited Charlestone in prison.

"I heard the news, Charlestone," Maxwell said.

Charlestone looked at him, his expression unreadable. "Why are you here?"

Maxwell sighed. "Why are you even asking me that? You know why. I'm worried about you. Just tell them the truth."

Charlestone scoffed. "What truth? I have no idea why that necklace was in my office."

Maxwell shook his head. "You know, Charlestone, you're my friend. But when I saw the evidence... I started to doubt you."

Charlestone gripped the cold metal bars of his cell, his jaw tightening. "So, that's it? You're just going to believe what they put in front of you?"

Maxwell hesitated. "Charlestone, this isn't just about belief. Luna's necklace was found in your office. You have to understand how suspicious that looks."

Charlestone exhaled sharply, frustration clear in his voice. "I get it, Maxwell. But I swear, I don't know how it got there."

Maxwell studied him carefully. "Then help me understand. Who else had access to your office? Who could have put it there?"

Charlestone leaned against the bars, his grip tightening. "I don't know. But someone wants me to take the fall for this. If you're really my friend, you'll help me prove it."

Maxwell's jaw tensed. "Alright. But if I'm going to help you, I need something-anything-that can point me in the right direction."

Charlestone thought for a moment, then looked up. "That morning... something felt off. Someone was in my office before I got there."

Maxwell's eyes narrowed. "Who?"

Charlestone clenched his fists. "I didn't see them. But I heard something. Footsteps... and the sound of a drawer closing."

Maxwell's heartbeat quickened. "You're saying someone planted the necklace before you even arrived?"

Charlestone nodded. "Yes. And I need you to find out who."

On a bustling morning, Maxim, Collin, Lauren, and Zach Peterson gathered to discuss the ongoing investigation.

Lauren looked at Maxim. "So, Maxim, my only question is-what's the status of your investigation? How is it going?"