Clapping Monkey

Chapter 6. The Suspect

1 week later

"Alina we have prepared for the funeral service. As we are responsible for you, we won't be charging any money"
"Thanks, Father, it was impossible for me to do alone".

"If there is anything else you need, you can always ask me. I hope that lords give you strength in these difficult times".

I wonder if I could trust him. Anyways, I need to meet Claire. I think she got some information on Robert.

"Any information about Robert?". I recognise that look, she has got no information. And she feels pity for me. I was so desperate to find the killer that I could not wait till the funeral got over. I ran to the backyard to meet Claire.

" You need to get back or the people will start gossiping".
As I made back to my mom's casket, Father Jude stopped me.

"Where were you, Alina? I know you met Claire. I saw you from the window. Since you are the prime suspect, police won't inform you about updates. But I can help you as your guardian".

" Thanks, but I can handle it on my own".

"I know you don't trust me but I know how you feel. You want justice for your mother. My parents were murdered too. And the police did nothing but I was helped by father Joseph and then he adopted me. I am a very private person but I m sharing this with you because we are going through the same thing."

I guess I can ask for his help. It's not like he can harm me. I will take his help and keep my guard up just in case.

"You said I am the prime suspect, so it means they haven't questioned Robert yet".

" They did, but he had an alibi which he was able to prove to the police".

" But how could this be possible. If it isn't him then who ?".

" Well, I can't answer that question. But I can give you one information there were traces of sleeping pills in your mother's autopsy report".

"But I don't have any memory of mom taking any such pill. How could that be possible? Anyway, thanks father, I will be taking my leave now."

" Well, here is my advice, try answering two questions, firstly what actually happened that night and secondly why were you unable to hear anything?. All the best and God bless you, my child".

I texted Claire to meet up at my house to further our investigation.

"So why were you not able to hear your mother's voice or any other sort of commotion?", asked Claire.

" They found some sedative in mom's body so maybe I was fed that too. If I am remembering correctly, Robert did leave some food as a form of apology".

"Was it really an apology or a perfect murder plan. ", wondered Claire.

" But father Jude said that he confirmed his alibi in front of the police. Only if there was a method to know what his alibi was ".

" Maybe you could ask father Jude about it", said Claire.

"That is a brilliant idea, Claire. As I don't have any other relatives, father Jude is my guardian. As I am the prime suspect, I have full right to appoint a lawyer. That can actually give us a clue regarding Robert's alibi".

" See, no bad, I knew you were strong enough to handle it. At least now we have a headstart in this investigation. What are you waiting for?. Let's have lunch and then visit father Jude".

"Sounds like a good plan but I don't really feel hungry. I think I'll skip lunch today and take a power nap".

" Fine, I get it. It must be difficult for you. I am proud of you. You have been through a lot still you are stronger than ever". I know for a fact that Claire might not support me physically but she is always there for me emotionally.

For now, I have an idea of who could be the prime suspect.

Robert...I need to check his room and gather some material before suspecting anyone of anything. To be honest, I can explain everything that pinpoints Robert to be a prime suspect. But what is confusing me is the clapping monkey keychain. Why was it there and what was it's purpose?.

I hope I am suspecting the right person.