The words take me a full one minute before they sink in. As if on reflex, I push him away, much to James surprise. Now, I must look more than menacing to him. I can feel my heart beat quicken as I say, more like hiss, “What the hell are you talking about?” Now, it was time for James to act like the man he was. He doesn’t get scared, or doesn’t flinch. Instead, he runs his hand through his hairs before replying, “That’s what they told me. Ms Akirdnach is the prime suspect.” I almost scream at James for making such a joke before he holds me by the shoulder this time, as if expecting this reaction, “Rose, hear me out first, please!” All the formalities vanish but I don’t care. Nor does James. He has worked with me long enough to know what kind of relationship I have with Kate. I don’t want to be calm, not when the police have Kate, but I can’t do anything for the present. I feel helpless, but all I can do right now is hear James out. &nb

06th August 2027 Mrs Madeline Fairchild’s residence is situated not far from the police station, just four blocks away in the residential area. Grayson and I checked it out first yesterday, after he had made his phone call to the forensics and I finished my business at work. The second investigation is over and Grayson promised to fill me in once we are done with Mrs Madeline, Kate’s boss. We sit in Grayson’s car, watching the building from a safe distance. Her apartment is in the 11th floor, which means we won’t be able to find a proper view from where we are. The only option is to go in. I can’t see any sensible reason why I didn’t do that in the first place itself.  “Do you really wish to go in?”  Grayson asks, for the eighth time now. “Are you scared Mr Grayson?” That very moment, Grayson’s cheeks flush red in shame. “Of course not! Whatever made you think that? I’m a detective!” Grayson sho

1st September 2027The court room shuffled to stand up when the judge, McCarthy entered the room. Once seated, I turned to look at Kate sitting beside me. Her condition has worsened from the last time I had seen her. Skin pale and cheeks hollow, she could pass for a Halloween ghost. Kate blinked several times, as if she was fighting to stay awake. I took her hand and pressed it firmly. Kate picked up her bowed head to look at me. I smiled at her, despite almost losing my breath at the look in her eyes. She is indeed a Halloween ghost. Turning away, I scan the room to find any familiar faces. The back rows are so packed with people that I barely notice Ben, Joseph, Charlie and Grayson. Before I can send a gesture of gratitude towards them, the clerk intones,“People of the state of New York against Katelin Akirdnach. Appearance, please, counsel.”“Blak

I turn to look at Kate, she doesn’t look up, and I fear she has dosed off and didn’t hear a word that was said. I nudge her with my elbow, just then, she picks her head up and slowly but surely, stands up to give her final testimony.So she did hear everything.“My name…my name is Katelin. Katelin Akirdnach. And I am an airhostess.”Kates words are almost a whisper, but loud enough to be heard. She closes her eyes and continues, as if in some kind of pain. “Joselyn Airam was my best friend. In fact, we three were, and always will be. And the fact that every body think that I, the very best friend of the victim killed her, is just unbearable. A friend for ten years. I know that whatever I say doesn’t sound very convincing, because there are so many cases like this, where a friend kills another friend for reaso

“What was all that about? Care to explain?” I asked, staring at Jos straight in the eyes as she tried to look away. We had been resting in an empty classroom after the big blow we received from Jos and Kate had been saying just how marvellous Jos looked when she is angry. But I couldn’t have any of the fun. Not after what I had heard. Motel story? Whats that supposed to mean?“What else Rosee? Its just that Lara isn’t the person we knew her to be for all these years, and thanks to Jos, that cover blew out and now we know the truth!”“I wasn’t asking you?” I hissed back at Kate, making her flinch and back away. Jos finally looked at me, completely aware that I was angry and shouldnt be angered more. “Rose, calm down.”“YOU TELL ME THE TRUTH AND I’LL DECIDE TO CALM DOWN!&