A Scandal in Nueva Aurora

005. Secrets

Chapter 005:
Secrets

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RAINE

"Any updates on the victim?" the man added, his voice steady.

My mind raised with piling questions that seemed to block my train of thoughts. If he already know I really am, why would he still act as if I am the one I told him I am?

"Your friends are busy now, and they couldn't hang out with you?" I asked, keeping my tone casual as I watched his reaction closely, trying to see if he would slip.

"That may be part of it, but right now, I'm more focused on calming my restless mind-and you're the expert in that," he said, his voice almost unnervingly calm. His eyes flickered with a hint of self-assuredness as he continued, "Though, I must say, with a mind as sharp as mine, I might just lend a hand to that case, if the detective girl I mentioned hasn't cracked it yet. She could very well need my help."

"How did you know about that case?" Zane asked, his expression shifting as he glanced at me. He leaned closer, lowering his voice into a whisper. "The police haven't told anyone you're involved in the investigation. How could he possibly know about it?"

"No, Mr. Garcia. He might not be telling the truth," I said sharply, my voice loud but controlled, purposely cutting through Zane's whispered suspicion. This man-he wasn't someone to take lightly, and I could feel it in the air.

"I have my ways," he replied, his gaze shifting towards my colleague. "As it happens, one of the officers handling the case mentioned spotting my detective idol at the scene." His voice remained still, but there was a gleam in his eyes, as if he relished the knowledge he wasn't supposed to have.

"She?" Zane asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Is there a problem, Mr...?" Elizalde inquired, his tone suggestive as he gestured towards my companion.

"Maven Garcia," I replied, a hint of pride in my voice as I introduced him.

"Is there an issue, Mr. Garcia? Have I done something wrong?" Elizalde asked.

"The combustion ca-," I interjected, though unexpectedly interrupted by a voice crack.

"Laryngospasm?" Elizalde asked softly, his gaze shifting to me with concern.

"Just a voice crack," Zane replied confidently. "Coffee?" He offered me the other cup he was holding, but I simply gestured for him to set it down on the table instead.

"The combustion case appears to be crafted to mimic one of those instances of spontaneous human combustion I once read about in my favourite book," I replied, adjusting my posture. "That's all."

"How can you be so sure that's what happened?" Elizalde asked, raising an eyebrow. "Did De Verra say that?"

"Because that's my opinion, and I couldn't care less about what De Verra thinks," I replied, only to pause and reflect on my words. "But I overheard that while I was eavesdropping nearby, and I just wanted to sound intelligent to perhaps appease your chaotic mind right now."

"Tell me why. Did they say anything?" he asked.

"I know that the victim, from what I've gathered, was perfectly healthy and had no ties to the witness, which somewhat contradicts the accounts from the 18th century. I can also tell you have something to share-that's why you personally asked me to come this very morning."

"Could you provide more details?" Elizalde asked.

"Why?"

"Because I want to help as well," he replied. "And if you don't tell me, I won't be able to share something I just realized might be important for my therapists to know in order to treat me."