Clapping Monkey

Chapter 8. House Arrest

What just happened?

My hands were still drenched with blood. I was still clutching that laughing monkey keychain. What does it mean?

"We won't ask you any question until your guardian is here. We have informed Father Jude. Child, things have become more complicated now. "

Father Jude arrived 15 minutes later. He asked me if I was fine. Then he went over to the officer. Soon enough I was in the confession room. Father Jude was outside and detective barged it. He was not wearing any name badges. He introduced himself as Jacob Kingston. He asked me simple questions at first regarding my name and education. Then he asked me to get relaxed.
"So, What were you doing in Robert's apartment?"
"I went to investigate and ask him about mom. He was cheating on my mom with someone else. My mom found out and broke up with him. He even sent some food on the night of the murder as a form of apology. "

"Do you have anything to prove your story?"

"I have screenshots of the messages between Robert and Karen. " I showed him the screenshots and told him that it was a set up to prove to my mom that he is unfaithful and not worthy of her.

"Robert had an alibi and we confirmed it. He was at a bar during the time of the murder. We even watched the CCTV footage."

"That is why I went to his house to confront him about his alibi. I was of the impression that he had an accomplice."

"Asking a murderer whether he committed the crime is not ideal. This is the reason why we leave such work for professionals. I hope you have done enough snooping. You will be under house arrest for now. Only your guardian and your close relatives would be allowed to visit you. You will have an officer outside your house 24/7. If you need anything, you can ask him or your guardian. " I was about to leave the confession room when he called me back.

"Was there someone else with you?". I can't involve Claire in my mess. Her father won't accept it.

" No sir", I replied and left the precinct with Father Jude. He bought takeaway on the way home. I chopped on the food, I was very hungry and couldn't wait to reach home. He dropped me and informed that he would visit in the evening.

As I headed inside, I saw that Claire was already waiting for me. I told her everything.
" I can't trust the police with this investigation. If I can't go out then I need your help to investigate further. I am sorry Claire for bringing you into this mess. If you don't want to help me, you can refuse."

"Are you kidding me. I would never do that to you. I would never abandon you. Fine, I will do whatever you ask of me."
I am really fortunate to have her as my friend.
"One more thing, from now you will visit me in the backyard. Text me before coming here and make sure that the guard doesn't catch you. They will start bothering you with questions if they know you visit me often. "

"And you know I won't be able to help you with that," she replied.

"But there is one thing that I know for now. We have been looking for the wrong guy. Robert is not the killer. "

"What if he had an accomplice?", asked Claire.

" That could be the case but I have a gut feeling that he is not the murderer."

Now you should go, Father will be visiting soon. He will inform me of all the formalities and introduce me to a lawyer.

"He sure is going through a lot of pain to become your official guardian. Don't you think it's weird" .Claire does make a good point.

"Anyways, enjoy house arrest?", said Claire.
I find myself smiling at this remark.

Author's note: Take care guys, be safe and be at house arrest yourself and let's fight corona together.