The Bloodied Truth

Joseph

"My question is, what would someone have against Trever, so much as to kill him? Lance asked, stepping over the police tape to get a closer look.

"Seems that you knew him better than anyone else. Did anyone here, or who was present at the time, have anything against him?" Phillip asked.

Lance paused for a moment, glancing at his cousin's corpse. His messy, dark brown hair, his pale skin, and his black suit that would never rise and fall to take another breath ever again.

"Perhaps I might ask a few people..." Lance responded numbly with his eyes locked on his cousin's face.

"It is truly a pity to see someone like this," Phillip added as Lance headed out the door.

~~~

In a foul mood, Lance knocked rapidly on a certain guest's door. He was a man whom he'd only met a couple times, yet he was a definite suspect.

Nobody as nice as him could just pass under the radar at a time like this. It's sad how if someone is polite and quite courteous becomes a suspect in an unfortunate turn of events.

A man, who appeared to be in his early twenties finally answered the door. He was wearing a blue polo shirt with khaki pants. His smile made him look even more friendly and warm with his deep brown eyes and silky dark hair.

"Ah, hello Lance!" Joseph Wicker greeted with his signature smile. The corners of his mouth led into the rise of the middles of his lips. Normally, one with this smile would appear creepy or chilling, but on him, it was just showing off his looks. His perfectly straight and white teeth were brandished forwardly as he raised his chin slightly to show them off.

"Indeed. Joseph, may I ask you a few questions?" Lance requested.

"Absolutely!" He replied, standing aside with his arm stretched into his room to permit admittance.

Lance entered the room, the same thick floors and rock walls greeted him, a clean kitchen to his right with a hallway leading the red carpet to the bathrooms and bedrooms.

Joseph passed and motioned to a pair of expensive Roman leather chairs with a matching ottoman between.

"I'm assuming you have been informed about the incident resulting in Trever's demise?" Lance asked while seating himself.

Joseph's smile faded and his eyes clouded with sadness as he sank into the chair across from him.

"Why, yes... Yes I have. Thoroughly pitiful. I have always wondered what might provoke someone to act through such anger or emotions and take it out on another so much as to end their life," he paused and shook his head before taking a heavy breath and looking back up, "what was the relation?"

"Cousin," Lance answered blatantly.

"I am truly sorry," Joseph responded, placing his right hand on his clearly shown to be muscular chest.

"I appreciate your condolences, but I came to hear your thoughts on the event."

"What would you like to know?" Joseph asked kindly, meeting Lance's gloomy eyes.

"Tell me exactly how your day has gone so far. Don't leave out a single detail."

Joseph nodded and adjusted his seating position. He propped his left leg over his right thigh and rested his chin in his left hand.

"I awoke at precisely 7:42 A.M. and proceeded to change from my chosen sleep attire from the previous evening into what I am wearing now. I exited my room after preparing for my day as usual at exactly 8 A.M., before heading down the hallway leading left from my door. I intended to reach the kitchen and speak to the cook like always and take my usual order from him to prevent any extra work on delivery. Before I arrived, I bumped into your wife," here Joseph paused and smiled to himself while Lance frowned directly at him.

"And?" Lance questioned.

"Your daughter is beautiful. Just like your wife. I simply wish we had met before," Joseph trailed off with a stupid grin, his gaze lost on the carpet surrounding them.

"Shut your damn mouth about her. If you wish this to remain peaceful, you will continue with your story."

He chuckled before straightening his back, puffing his toned chest forward, and brandishing his signature smile once again.

"We discussed the reason behind your family's arrival, your daughter was messing around, and we bid our adues. It was a simple exchange of greetings though I truly wish we could have spoken longer. I then proceeded to the kitchen, greeted the chef, and brought my tray up to my room. Before I finished my breakfast, there was a knock at my door," he paused and gestured towards the door they had previously entered.

"With which came Gavin Pepper who then told you what had occured," Lance finished.

"Yes... Precisely..." Jospeh gave him a questioning look as if asking how he knew. "He informed me of the handyman who had been pushed down the stairs and the loss of your dear cousin. I had asked to see the scene but he would not permit me access. I was told to stay calm and stay within my room until directions or information were further given."

Lance nodded as Joseph finished.

"Is this all?" Lance asked.

Joseph nodded before asking, "Are there anymore questions you have for me to answer?"

"Let's see... well..." Lance frowned at the ottoman while thinking. His thoughts raced, trying to put two and two together. Joseph's story was almost believable. Lance only questioned what his wife would say about "meeting Joseph". Perhaps he had lied. Then that would put his other answer in jeopardy.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

"Who do you recommend I question? Or should I say, who do you suspect?" Lance prompted.

"I was hoping you would ask that. I suggest Cassidy Gale and Travis Renton. I'm not certain as to which room is currently Cassidy's, but Travis' room is P87. Once you meet them, you will hopefully understand why I have my suspicions."

"I appreciate your cooperation and will oblige forthworth. Do you propose I ask any questions in specific?"

Joseph straightened his back once again, sitting on the edge of the cushion. His brow creased and his eyes settled somewhere along the carpet.

"I suggest asking similarly as to what we discussed here, but progress deeper. Ask about times in specific and try to catch them off guard with the timing of questions in order for them to mix up their stories and prove their fault. Although neither of them have exactly murdered someone before, there are certain things to provoke my suspicions."

"I understand. Thank you again," Lance nodded and gave an honest, appreciative smile.

"Of course, old friend. I'm glad to help. If you ever need to talk to someone or need comfort in the difficult time you are experiencing, you know where to find me," Joseph nodded back and grinned, his charming smile glowing as his eyes twinkled.

Joseph was a man who made any other male in the area feel like he wasn't good enough. Joseph was someone straight out of a movie or just someone who was not seen walking the streets or ordering from a ragtag cafe downtown.

He was someone who wouldn't lower himself to such standards.

But when Lance got to know him, they were quite similar. Lance could even tolerate his presence, much to his appreciation.

Joseph was actually a good person when it got down to it although his appearance would lead someone to think otherwise.

The two stood and Joseph led Lance to the door.

The two bid their goodbyes and passed one more exchange of thanks before Lance exited into the bright hall and Joseph leaned against his doorway.

Down the hall opposite of where Lance left, stood Delilah Pemberson gazing out a window.

Joseph smiled, closed his door behind him, and walked towards the woman and her daughter.