A Scandal in Nueva Aurora

001. The Combustion Case

Chapter 001:
The Combustion Case

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ZANE

"I've got a class with Sir Aguilar later," Raine said, walking calmly back to her room, leaving Aunt Clara and me behind. "That's more important than whatever that man wants me to do. Besides, I need to get ready—I refuse to be late."

"What about your client downstairs?" I asked. "He came at this hour, so it must be important."

Raine, always intent on being early for class, glanced at the clock on the wall. Her gaze lingered, as though each passing second was weighing on her.

"All right, Auntie, let him in," Raine said, her gaze drifting briefly towards us before she turned on her heel. Auntie headed downstairs, her footsteps fading as she went to greet the visitor once more.

"Here? Inside the apartment?" I questioned, watching her move.

"It won't take long," she answered, her tone clipped as she disappeared into her room without looking back. "And I can't waste time. Good thing we don't have classes at N.A.U. today."

࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

"Please, tell us everything—don't leave anything out. And if possible, be quick about it," Raine said, settling into her chair facing the kitchen.

I grabbed my phone, ready to jot down notes. It was the least I could do to help the both of us.

"I had car trouble," the man in his forties began, his voice trembling, fear flickering in his brown eyes. "I had to stop in a spot where there weren't many people around."

He sat in my favourite chair, facing the wall, while Raine sat across from him. I quietly took my place on the long sofa, listening intently.

"After I fixed the car, someone suddenly knocked on my door. When I opened it, a woman was standing there," he continued, his voice still unsteady.

"How old was she?" Raine asked in a sharp tone.

"She looked like she was in her mid-twenties, maybe twenty-six," he replied, glancing at the floor. "She asked for water, and said she was extremely thirsty."

I glanced at Raine, her interest visibly deepening. She sat up straight, her head resting on her right palm, which was propped against the sofa's arm. Her eyes remained locked on the man, seeming to watch his every move.

"I gave her the water and drove off," the client went on. "But I hadn't gone far when I saw her—her whole body was engulfed in flames in my rearview mirror."

"The woman's body was completely consumed by flames? That's terrifying and kind of impossible," I thought.

"I quickly went back for her, but... only her feet were left," the man stammered.

"Let me guess. You ran away, didn't you, sir?" Raine asked.

"I was scared! I thought they'd lock me up, so when I passed by your place, I figured I'd come and see you," the man replied.

"You just left the woman there?" I asked.

"I called the cops right away. I left before they got there," he answered.

A notification flashed on Raine's phone as she quickly turned it toward me.

"Detective Suarez," I read quietly.