Phases Eight

Phase 25 Crime

If my love for her is a crime...

I don't mind being the convict.
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Jake's legs felt heavy, walking amidst the blinding flashes of the cameras. It was a gloomy evening made by the news of a death. Reporters were swarming allover the entrance of the apartment , hungry to catch a glimpse of the site. The barricade tape was the only thing that prevented them from storming inside.

He didn't believe that Amelia was dead, because he knew that she was alive. Probably it was a gut instinct which kept insisting him to not lose hope. He tried walking faster, but each step seemed to extend farther than a mile. Further , the reporters didn't allow him to wriggle through the crowd. They were indeed resolved to have a catchy cover story and get it to the public before their rivals did.

"Hey get out of the way. Lemme go. Get out of the way you little piece of shit." Jake jostled through the crowd, cursing every camera men and parparazzis who blocked his way. As if Newton's third law of motion came into action, the force with which he squirmed, didn't take him in, but it was inflicted back on him.

"Hey pal, are you related to the victim of this incident?" A reporter extended his mic towards Jake.

Fear engulfed Jake's heart when he heard the word 'victim'.

"Yeah. Why?" Jake's voice held a slight tremor, reflecting his fear inside.

"The surveillance footage says that the girl was killed by her boyfriend. Do you think she has any kind of secret affairs ?" inquired the reporter.

Jake's fists clenched. Before he could mentally plot the best ways to kill the senseless creature, the melee was disturbed. Jake guessed the cause of the distraction. It was Ethan, the star attorney, a person who could provide them with a more reliable report.

"Sorry mate. It's too late. Better luck next time." The reporter patted Jake's shoulder and carried his mic to join the others of his kind.

This gave him time to go past the barricade tape.

"Hey young man, where do you think are you going?" a police officer called out on seeing Jake crossing the boundary line without permission.

Jake didn't bother to stop. He was desperate to make sure that Amelia was alive. He was so close. All he had to do was climb the stairs. Before he could pass through the door, he was dragged behind by two patrol men.

"Leave me. Lemme pass. I wanna see her. Lemme go." Jake spat. In spite of his struggles, the police men dragged him by his feet.

"Officers, release him. He is my acquaintance." Jake whipped around to find Ethan ordering the policemen to leave him. They did as ordered and left him alone.

"What happened to Amelia? Wasn't it a wrong news?" Jake pleaded, holding Ethan's arm like he had the ability to change fate.

"Fortunately it is" said Ethan. Jake let out a deep breath of relief.

"But I think she's in a worser state" he stated. Jake could clearly spot apprehension lingering over his face.

"Why? What happened? Tell me" Jake bellowed, his voice echoing all over the empty porch.

"I'm not sure about it. But she might be taken as a murder suspect. Let's not talk here. Follow me" beckoned Ethan, taking the elevator.

The NYPD and forensic officers were hunting for clues prying over the high class condos at the third floor. Ethan provided a handkerchief to Jake.

Jake unfolded it, "What is this for? I don't think Amelia is anywhere inside this."

"Hold it to your nose. It might be an awful sight to bear." he warned. Ethan's warning wasn't helpful. Jake thrusted the clean piece of white cloth back to Ethan's palm.