Zemblanity

Chapter 9

Gerald stares at the screen in total disbelief. No doubt, it was him.

"This..But how?" He asks the Detective.

"I hope you weren't aware that the neighbourhood houses must have installed a CCTV."

He drops his shoulders and fall to the chair. The Detective sensing his defeat inquired once again on his meeting with Peter Cart. Finding himself exposed, Gerald says,

"You are right. I happened to see him on that day..."

"Hmm...why?"

"Because...because he canvassed my client to do business with him. We were to do some deal and the contract was already prepared, when, at the last moment, my client said he got another good offer."

Gerald takes the glass of water from the table and drink a mouthful.

"And I found out it was Peter. First I was so shocked as I did not know how he had money to run a deal. So I wanted to know."

"For which you went personally under the presumption of a friend, right?" Detective asks.

"Yes. I did not want Laura to know about it. Since she was already heartbroken over her dad's sudden demise, another news of her dad's trusted worker cheating would make her depressed."

"And how did your meeting go?" 

"As expected, a futile attempt. He wasn't ready to accept my offer."

"It's no  wonder if someone kills him if he was in your place." The Detective commented.

"No sir, I haven't. I haven't met him since that day. I wished to surpass him, but never intended to kill anyone."

"That's unbelievable Gerald. Does this Holy Cross belongs to you?" Detective shows him the cross.

"Yes. I had lost it two months back. How did you find it?"

"It was along with the corpse of Mr. Cart."

"I don't know anything about it. I am innocent, please trust me!" Gerald says pleadingly.

"Gerald, isn't it too early for that?"

"But it's the truth. I haven't killed him,I swear upon Him."

"If it's so, then let it be. We have one final question to be answered and you will have to wait." Detective James takes the tissue which has Gerald's blood and gives it to Bob. 

"Until then, you will be staying here."

"That's not..."

"I hope I made myself clear Mr. Mckawney. Until I have the answer you are in our custody."

"May I make two phone calls? I want to inform the client about the cancellation of the meeting and I want to talk to Laura."

"Fine. But you will call them under their supervision." With that Detective James leaves the room.

As soon as James left, two police officers comes near Gerald. One of them hands over his phone and he dials to his office, asking them to postpone the meeting. Next he dials Laura and on the second ring she picks up the call.

"Laura, I am fine baby. Don't worry about me...Okay..now listen carefully, come to the station with a lawyer. I think I am going to be framed for the murder!"