Mystery Loves Company

Chapter 37 - File #5.8: The Rival Problem

"So, you do know this woman," he stated, as if he only wanted to confirm what he already knew. "I don't know if it's weird or just luck, but all of my suspects are your acquaintances' parents."

"Don't talk about luck with me," I responded a bit harshly. I was still looking at Avery's mother's data in the folder. "I, uh... I've seen her before, yes, but I never really... officially know her." Other than the fact that she 'disliked' me, I didn't bother to find out more about her. Alex even gave me a warning about meeting her. "How is she in your suspect list? It seems out of place."

"She managed all the accounts of Peter Jennings' workers," he replied, "but her and Norris' relationship was more than just banker and client."

My eyes widened. "You mean, they were... dating?"

"Not particularly. I've interviewed her. She stated that they were just old friends."

I stared at the data again, but failed to read the whole page because Chief Snell snatched all three folders and put them back on the stack. "Okay, okay. Let me review your suspects criteria—relationships, alibis, and benefits. Relationship seems alright... What about her alibi? Where was she that time?"

"At home. Or so she said." Chief Snell lifted his shoulder.

"And what's the benefit from Norris' death?" I asked. "She's a single mother, right? Does her personal information tell anything about her husband?"

"No. Either she never had one, or she went through a tough divorce that she basically has everything under her name. No husband listed."

"Michael Norris was not married either. They were both dating, it's obvious! Even if she killed him because of his money, she couldn't get anything because they weren't married yet. In fact, she still needed him!"

"Don't turn my case into a gossip show," he rolled his eyes. "I'm still collecting information about her. So, since her daughter is your new partner..."

"I am not spying on Avery," I quickly stated, already seeing through what he was going to say next. It didn't surprise the Chief at all, even though he was a little disappointed. "This is getting ridiculous. First Kyle, and now Avery. What can I get from a 15 years old girl whose special talent is whining?" And remembering things, but let's leave that out because she clearly doesn't want anyone to know that.

"Maybe she would spill something?"

"She didn't even want to tell me her home address—do you think she would spill out about her mother's relationship?"

Chief Snell sighed. "Look. As much as I want to solve this case, I can't act harshly. I've already told you, Michael Norris died over something important, probably related to his job. The more we act, the more risks we take. Nobody else knows that these three are on my suspect list. I have to investigate them silently before I can say anything to the whole department, and the press," he explained. "I can only depend on you, Rhett. You volunteered to be my spy, didn't you?"

God, I never thought it would burden me a lot. I only wanted to take part of this case 'officially', but spying my own friends? "I will only ask a few questions to them. Just tell me what you want to know."

"Use your detective instinct," he replied shortly. "I want to know some other thing, though. What's with you and your sudden interest in Detective Evans?"

Hearing that, my throat got choked immediately. "W-what?" I coughed.

"It was a little off. Trying to get to know everyone in the department? You didn't even ask the other detectives the same thing."