A woman stood before a table, her figure bent over it with both hands placed firmly on its surface. She was dressed in a white formal shirt with sleeves reaching her wrists, paired with black trousers. Her deep brown hair with red hints was pulled back in a tight bun. Her gaze fully focused on the person sitting before her.
''Talk to me. I'm here to help you but I can't if you don't say anything.'' Her tone was gentle not to scare the woman. The woman in question looked on with vacant eyes. Dry tears were clearly visible on her reddish cheeks, her makeup smoldered, her eyes were red and swollen with traces of black pigment from her eyeliners.
Since the questioning began the woman has not for once shown signs of sanity.
She was awake, physically seated there but could barely see the woman standing over her. Her mind and soul were miles away in her apartment where everything took place.
The interrogation room that was so brightly lit was in fact blurred to her, as memories of the night played over and over again in her head. She felt the walls closing in on her as the fear and anxiety of the night continued to drain every bit of her energy. Yet she didn't fight to chase them away.
How could she?
Claire Weber wants to relive that moment more than her own sanity. And maybe she could've prevented everything... just maybe... by struggling more ... she could have achieved a different outcome.
The detective was frustrated with her lack of cooperation. But, she still maintained her gentle tone considering the lady sitting before her was still in a state of shock. ''Miss Weber, you are clearly not here.'' Her calm yet inquisitive expression was fixed on Claire in an attempt to pry her soul only to find an empty shell. Her eyes were empty and she didn't respond.
This horrified woman before her was their only prime suspect at that moment. Time was not on her side either if she continues to tolerate her it won't take her anywhere.
The files containing Claire's information were spread across the table. Before entering this room, the detective had reviewed the documents concerning the woman and found nothing discriminatory. She had an almost clean record with no questionable background but with few taints on her record. They are yet to start their own investigation. But first things first, she had to check out what wild card they had on their hands this time around.
With the little insight she had into the matter, she was hoping to get more details from the horses' mouths.
So far, Claire has been as useful as comb for a headless corpse and her time is almost up.
At this rate, if this continues, she would be back to square one. She have to strike the iron while it's still hot and take advantage of the situation.
With Claire's walls weak and defenceless, it should be an easy task. Right?
The detective sat back in the chair and leaned in closer to the table, entering Claire's line of sight to stare at those empty eyes hidden behind her disheveled hair.
Right from the onset all the detective did was empathize with Claire but that didn't bring anything.
Now? .... I'll have to break her!
In a loud tone she called out her first name, ''Claire!!!'' Her voice echoed through the empty room.
Claire snapped up in shock and for the first time could see the woman in front of her.
Her hands clasped tightly together with a slight tremble that the detective had to reached out and covered Claire's cold hands in hers.
''You have nothing to fear. No one here is out to get you.'' But in contrast to her kind words her hazel eyes were stern, commanding Claire's attention.
''Now, tell me your name.'' The detective held Claire's gaze. ''...Where you are and why you are here''
Claire took a shaky breath and moved her pale lips slowly. ''Kla-ri.''
''You know where you are, right?''
Her gaze flickered around the room for moments before returning to the officer's gaze and gave a small nod.
''Now, why are you here?''
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Claire's heart skipped a beat and her hand trembled. The officer squeezed her hold. ''Tell me everything that happened.''
Her trembling increased. Her body filled with dread and the remaining colour on her face completely drained. A specific image assaulted her, to the point where she had to physically shiver to shake it off.
A low sob escaped her lips as her head dropped as if the weight of the world was on her shoulder.
The detective was done playing soft. She gripped her jaw and brought them eye to eye.
''Start talking, woman!''
Her tone cold, making it clear that this was no time to be timid. She wanted answers and she wanted them now.
Claire's lips gasped open, hot air rushing out like her lungs were on fire.
''Start at the very beginning. Tell me what happened. Everything!'' Her sharp words stripped her bare.
''Why do you want him dead? Tell me! Do you enjoy his look of despair?''
She didn't answer. Her breathing laboured like a heavy brick was dumped on her stomach.
No! ... No!
Her eyes were wide and her pupils dilated. She forcefully shoke off the detective grip on her jaw and withdrew her shaky hands from hers. It felt like she was being stabed. Her hands went over her chest and clenched it. The feeling was too painful to bear. Like fangs feeding on her core.
''Drop this act and tell me why?.''
She growled and banged her fist on the table, her stern hazel eyes fixed on Claire.
''..tell me why you did this? Did he do anything, to deserve this? Don't look at me like that and start talking!''
She had one job to do here and that was to get a lead on the case. She won't have this woman cloud her judgment and deceive her.
The authorities would be forced to release her from their custody if she couldn't obtain any incriminating details.
So, she must ensure that this woman truly has nothing to do with this right now. But if she does, then she must face the law.
Claire Weber covered her mouth tightly with her palm to muffle her cry, her shoulder shaking. She couldn't bear the accusations.
''Tell me what you feel now, Claire. Perhaps you feel relieve that he's not here? Maybe you did this out of defence? Are you scared that he might survive this and come back for you? Is there something we must know. Say something, will you?'' She watched for any reaction that suggest she feared the victim.
A sob escaped her lips and her eyes weeping dry tears like someone wallowing in self guilt or that of a scared person.
The detective knew she was crossing the lines but it was necessary to shake this woman and force every bit of reaction from her.
*Why would such a delicate lady do that to a man in such a brizzar manner. How was it even possible. Is she that strong or what. Even if it was for defence, there weren't any sign of struggle.*
''Is it your thing? Men down on their knees and at your mercy. It doesn't have to be your fault. So tell me, did things get out of hand? Hmm? Claire, we can understand that if that is the case. Don't lock us out we are not your enemy here.'' Her words were like a trigger to her.
She could see the tension in her body and the way her fingers were twitching.
That very scene was like a tight grip on her heart, squeezing ever last gush of blood.
Her arms wrapped around her body for safety. Her fingers dig into her skin to stop her emotions from spilling out.
Claire so much wanted to deny everything and express herself but her throat was too tight that she had to strain. Tears welling up in her eyes she said in a small cracky tone.
''It... it was my fault. All. Of. It.'' As much as she wanted to narrate what happened her head could only think of blaming herself.
And saying it out loud felt like a weight of 450kg was chained to her neck, forcing her to sink and drown in a pool.
''This was my fault.'' As if struck by a bolt of lightning, her eyes widen and her rosey dried lips tremble.
''I AM TO BLAME!!! I... I don't know. How...he just... please where is he? Ahh.Ahh.Ahh!'' She screamed, her voice echoing through the room, her grip tightening around her hair, tears falling from her eyes like a river, her breathing laboured and her body shaking like a leaf.
I feel like I'm drowning!
Her work her was done, at least for now. She gathered the papers.
''Miss Weber, we still need every details or won't know how to plead your case. " She stood, her files in hand.
"Be sure to make yourself comfortable here and take a much needed rest. I expect to see you tomorrow in a better state.'' With a grim expression she took her exist.
After a moment, an officer walked in and escorted Claire, who was now queit, although with occasional hiccups. And her eyes were still frantic like she was expecting a ghost to appear at any corner. She was taken or more like dragged to her temporary cell.
* * *