ℂ𝕃𝕆𝕊𝔼ℝ 𝕋ℍ𝔸ℕ 𝕐𝕆𝕌 𝕋ℍ𝕀ℕ𝕂

║FOUR ║

   “HOW LONG have you known James, Mr. Lincoln?” Nicole asked the brawny man with a bald head seated in front of her.
“Ten years. We've been business partners in a publishing company in New York City before he moved to London,” he said.
“Do you know why he moved here?”
“I guess he left for greener pastures. He just wanted to be independent and probably far away from his family. It was here in London he met his wife Sally. I lost contact with him for a long time… it was on the news I heard about their death. It's so disheartening. They didn't deserve to die.” he shook his head sadly and sighed.
“Do you know any of his relations?”
“Only his parent. He is the only child the mother gave birth to… but they are dead, they died three years ago.”
“So sad. What was James' personality like?”
“He was hardworking, jovial, independent… he was a business like a person.”
“Was he in a relationship before he met Sally?”
“No… in fact, I thought he’ll never marry, he was only focused on his job, and he wasn't keen about being in a relationship. It wasn't until I heard from my boss in my office that he is married, to a beautiful blonde at that, then I knew he had eyes for beautiful women” Clyde chuckled.
“Do you know who might have killed them?” Detective Harper said looking at Clyde intently observing his reaction to the question.
“I don't know…I don't know.” Clyde said taking his hand through his spiky black hair.
“Thanks for coming. Please if you have any important information, don't hesitate to contact us.”
“No problem,” Clyde said and left the office.

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The autopsy lab report arrived after two weeks of examination but, there wasn't enough DNA fingerprint gotten from it to know who the murderer was. But the causes of their death was known. Sally McBride wasn't raped, she was suffocated to death and James was shot multiple times. So now, the issue is how did the murder happen and who is the murderer?
     After putting things in place, Nicole picked up her handbag and left her office shutting the door behind her. She entered her car and drove straight home, she got out of the car heading into her apartment after she parked her car in the garage. She dropped her bag on the kitchen island and went to where the fridge was, opening it. She brought out the leftover Pizza from last night's dinner. She put it by the microwave and pressed the digit on the microwave so it could warm for some time. While it was microwaving she went to take a quick shower and then changed into her pajamas. She settled down on the kitchen island after she had brought out her dinner and ate it with a glass of raspberry juice.
   A week ago she had stopped by Sally's former boyfriend's place–Gary Baxter to talk to him but his neighbor had told her that he had moved out of there a week ago. Could it be he ran away afraid that the cops might come looking for him? Tomorrow, she would be attending McBride's funeral. accompanied by Neil, her assistant detective.
    During the funeral service, Nicole observed everybody's countenance, from the members of the families even to strangers who attended the funeral. She was expecting to see Gary Baxter there but he wasn't and that raised more suspicion. Why wouldn't he attend this funeral service? The murder of the couple was all over the news, and the citizens of London knew about it. So why wasn't he here?
The funeral service ended and Nicole interrogated some of the attendees before she left with Neil of course, they said the same old story– that the couples were good Christians, nice and loving people.

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   Weeks turned into months and now a year had passed, yet this murder mystery wasn't solved.
Nicole drove silently alone that morning to Bristol where her mother stays, it was Christmas Eve. This Christmas wasn't going to be as good as the other ones she had celebrated due to this unsolved murder mystery. How was she going to enjoy this Christmas when her mind is disturbed?
“My baby detective is home!” her mother said squealing in excitement as soon as she sighted Nicole's saloon car pull up in front of the house. Nicole got out immediately and hugged her mother.
“You’re looking good mom.” she kissed her mother's cheek.
“Black English people always look good dear, even when they are old. You too are looking wonderful.” she patted Nicole's shoulder.
“I have my bag in the boot. I'll be spending Christmas and New year with you, I'll be staying for a week,” she said as she opened her boot and took out her small bag. Her mum assisted in carrying her handbag
“So good to have you home.” Her mom said after they had entered the house.
She sat down on the sofa placing a throw pillow on her lap.
“How have you been coping since I left?”
“I am doing well and you know my job takes most of my time so I don't even feel as if I am alone.” her mum sat beside her.
“Hmm… good. I visited dad recently.”
“Wow! That's great. How is he doing?”
“He's getting stronger day by day but mum, he has changed. He's not the man I once knew. He has accepted that forbidden belief.” she sighed. “Each time I go to visit him he is always talking about God.”
“He does the same thing to me too… sometimes, I think it's reacting to the drugs they are giving him or maybe it's his Alzheimer talking.” her mother laughed.
“I don't think so…just look at the way he's now happier than ever, he was depressed but now he is the one encouraging me. Well, I have been thinking lately about what he says. ” she ran her hand through her black curls. “It has been a long drive… I have to shower and sleep. Mum what's for lunch?” she said standing up.
“Bad news. I am out of food supply.”
“Oh goodness! When I'm done bathing, I will go to the grocery store,” she said as she plodded to her room.