A love to die for.

Chapter 7: The Interrogation.

I let out a breath as soon as Nick and I left the Willoughby's alone with their sadness in their big mansion.
"That was... tough." I breath out. "Now you know how I feel. I had to do this so many times. Too many times, really." He sighs. "You okay?" His eyes meet mine. "Yes, it just gets to me every time. Sometimes I think that I really shouldn't have become a detective, since I barely can handle all of the emotions that I get to deal with." I lay my hand on his upper arm, and he smiles back at me. "Thank you for coming along. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you." I nod, switching my gaze to the ground. He doesn't need to see that my eyes are, again, tearing up. It feels like already the ten thousandth time today that they did.

I let out a deep sigh, "It's okay... I guess." I blink the tears away and look back up at him. "In that case, and I really hate to do this so soon already, but-" "But, I need to come down to the station to answer some questions. I figured as much, yeah." I end his sentence. "Yeah, sorry. But that was what I meant to say, indeed. My car is back at the station, so we need to get another cab." "I'll call un Uber." I tell him and take out my phone.

About 40 minutes later, we finally arrive at the Chicago Police Department.
Nick places his hand on my back and gestures me through a big hall, full of police officers and detectives and a few people from the press. "Try to cover your face. If they recognise you, they might start asking questions." He whispers in my ear, from behind me. He nods in the way of the reporters. Damn. Jackson's body has been barely recognised or reporters are already shooting questions around like they're hunters shooting on their prey.

I bow my head and let my hair fall around my face. While we're still walking, I lean in on Nick for more coverage. His fingers press on the elevator button and I wait nervous until it arrives. As soon as it arrives we enter and I hear Nick press in another button. When the elevator closes, I raise my head again and crack my neck a little. "Nice, those reporters." I sigh. "Sorry about that. I didn't expect them to come with so many. That's why I first wanted to break the news to the Willoughby's, before they read it somewhere." Nick tells me and he meets my eye. "If you're not ready for this, I completely understand." "I think I can manage it... Well, I hope I can." He gives me a small smile, and the elevator doors burst open.

"It's this way." We turn a corner and keep on walking. I've only been here a few times, luckily, but I didn't remember anything since the last time my eyes were blurred by tears. So, I just follow Nick until he suddenly stops and I bump into him. "Oops, sorry." I laugh. He smiles at me and opens the door. I enter first and look around me. There wasn't anything specially, really. Only three chairs, a table and a bin.

"I'm going to tell Detective Jefferson that you're ready. Do you want something to drink? Water, coffee?" "Wait, who's Detective Jefferson? I thought you were supposed to be the head Detective on this case?" I ask confused. He nods, "I am. But, since I know you quite well because of how close we got last year, the commissioner thinks there will be a case of conflict of interest. And, that might negative your side of the story. That is why Detective Jefferson will do the interrogation, but no worries." "Why not? I'm obviously suspect number one. I was the last one to be seen with him, remember?" He sighs, "You have to trust me, Sybil. I will be sitting here too, because I'm the head detective. I just can't ask questions. I'll be here if things go out of hand, alright?" I let out a deep sigh, but nod. "Well, I'll have a cup off hot chocolate then, while you're at it." I smile. "I'll be right back." He laughs, before exiting the room and leaving me alone.

After a couple of minutes, the door opens and Nick and, of whom I assume must be detective Jefferson, walk in. Nick places my cup of chocolate milk in front of me, on the table. He takes place in front of me, while the other one reaches out his hand to me. "Hello, Ms. Erins, I'm detective Jefferson. I assume that detective Davis has already explained my presence today?" I nod. "Great.—" he walks around the table and takes place on the seat next to Nick.
"— Now, I've looked into the file about Jackson's case, my deepest condolences about that, and I noticed that you were pretty soon released as not a suspect. Is that true?" I nod again. "Right. And, why do you think that is?" I look confused at him and my eyes switch to Nick's. He gives me a reassuring look and I try to stay calm.