Divisions

Part 2- Chapter 7

The Sheldon Residence

"What would you like to ask?" Mr. Thomas Sheldon asked politely, motioning for Jarred to sit down on the couch in the Sheldon Family's study.

"I would just like to confirm a few facts, Mr. Sheldon..." Jarred began, opening the file.

"Call me Thomas, please," he said, with a wistful expression on his face. "The name Mr. Sheldon reminds me of my brother Tobias, and I'd rather avoid the formality,"

"Okay, Thomas," Jarred said, testing the name out. "Okay, so when was the last time you'd seen Mr. Sheldon?"

"Sunday the 11th, two days before he passed."

"What was the mood like?"

"We were discussing plans to organize a family vacation in March... I never expected him to pass on so soon," he said, his eyebrows furrowed. "I remember the last words he said to me, he said, "We have so much time, I'll see you soon," and I guess, I never saw him again,"

Jarred paused, allowing Thomas to have a moment to compose himself.

"Did you know of any adversaries Mr. Sheldon may have had?"

"No, not that I am aware of," he insisted. "He was the kind of man everyone liked, he never fought with anyone, and he always made an effort to treat everyone equally,"

"Do you think anyone was jealous of his popularity?"

"Perhaps, but I highly doubt it. You see, he was not arrogant and he never showed anything off. He would always help the family out. I remember when he helped me out of a very tough financial situation. He was there for me when even our mother couldn't be," he continued, his expression distant.

"I see,' Jarred nodded, scanning the file and taking notes.

"So, where were you on the 13th of November, where you here?" Jarred asked.

"No," he shook his head. "I was at home, out of state. I'm the only one who doesn't live here," he said, and as he said this, I noticed his hands fidgeting.

"Is there a reason you live away from the family?"

"My mother," Thomas said, quietly. "She disowned me after I came out as gay to the family. Tobias was the only one who contacted me afterward. Theodore, our brother, kept his children away from me out of fear I'd negatively influence them," he cleared his throat.

"I apologize sir," Jarred said, making a note of his obvious body language.

Jarred was confident that he could not have killed Tobias.

"Would you like to ask anything else?" Thomas asked.

"No, sir, I think I've gathered enough." Jarred nodded as the both of them rose from their seats.

"Thank you for your cooperation, sir," Jarred continued, shaking his hand.

"It's only a pleasure," he said.

"Before you go, son," the man continued as Jarred was about to leave.

"Yes, sir?" Jarred asked.

"Do you have someone you love?" he asked.

"Yes, sir. "Jared nodded.

"Here's some advice," Thomas said, his expression earnest.

"Don't give up on this person just because people tell you to. Do not stop fighting for the one you love. And don't stop others from being with whom they love, even if you don't approve."