How is the novel pace?
Banging on Zara’s door was the last thing Neil expected that afternoon. But his agitated mind and anxious feeling forced him to do so. Zara opened the door in confusion, wondering why he came back. “Do you know where Melanie lived?” He asked quickly; tension could be heard in his voice. “Y….Y…Yes. Why? You are scaring me,” Zara confessed.“I need it now! Someone is in trouble.”“Who?”“One of my colleagues. She is being attacked by someone. I have no time to explain. Just write it here,” he said, bringing out his jotter and pen from his pocket. Zara had never been under such pressure before. She hurriedly took the jotter and wrote down the address, imagining a gun pointed to her head. Neil promptly collected the jotter when she was done and hastened his pace towards the main road. “Wait!” Zara stopped him, as she raced behind him. He felt impatient by that. “What?” “Since you do not have a car, I can drive you there. It is a bit far from this side of town.”Neil agreed and she got
The drive to the airport ought to be easier than Neil thought. According to the map, the road would be free from traffic and his journey wouldn’t take more than five minutes. As he stared out of the taxi window, tapping his legs with unease, he pulled out his phone. For some reason he thought he was making a mistake. There were some uncovered truth he was yet to discover, like what Morrie was hiding for example. Was she fine anyway? Why would a detective hide things? Wasn’t she supposed to be brave, being the best detective of all times? Neil rolled his eyes and took out his phone for a phone call. “Are you at the airport yet?” Gregory asked, when he picked up. “I will be there in two minutes. I need some information from you.” Gregory agreed without hesitation. “Sure, whatever information you want,” “Have Morrie found a partner? I mean another detective to assist her with the missions.” “No, we haven’t found any free detective, unfortunately. She just needs to learn how to be ca
Fredrick Almon wasn’t expected to arrive until the next day. His sudden sight in the police station, showed how desperate he was to find his girlfriend’s killer. Morrie offered him a seat and pulled out Melanie’s case file while Neil rested against the door frame.“Why weren’t you worried for your girlfriend?” She asked. “You didn’t hear from her for weeks. If you were indeed the father of her child or loved her as much as her sister said, you would have checked up on her.”Fredrick didn’t deny he has been careless with his girlfriend lately. “I have been so busy with work. Melanie and I do not communicate much. Since I got my promotion, things haven’t been like before.”“So, did you both drift apart?” Morrie asked, opening Melanie’s file case. “No we didn’t. We just had our alone times. We aren’t the most communicative.” Fredrick explained.“That’s the quickest way to kill a relationship,” Neil said walking towards Fredrick. “How were you able to go weeks without hearing from her?”
Morrie Harper’s neighborhood was more friendly and quiet than Neil thought. He gazed around for suspicious activities and found nothing, except a pregnant woman walking two puppies. Kidding! That wasn’t suspicious at all. He stopped the engine and lightly tapped the steering wheel just like George does. “Thanks for dropping me off,” Morrie said as she unbuckled her seat belt. “You’re welcome. Just be careful.” She nodded and proceeded to open the door before changing her mind. “Did you find him?”“Find who?” She wasn’t straight forward. “Did you find the man who hurt me? I was so focused on the two girls that I didn’t pay attention to him.” “Unfortunately the CO hasn’t updated me on that yet, but I have a plan to lure him out. You just reminded me of something.”Morrie smiled with pride. “I did? I knew I was a genius,”“You are a genius,” he concurred, looking at her little apartment. “Go in and I will get to planning.”He started the engine. Since she was inquisitive, Morrie foun
“Do not tell me I didn’t warn you,” George’s voice replayed in Neil’s mind as he stood before Melanie’s home all black. He knew the risk he took, since he could be mistaken as a killer, but the plan he had in mind was more important than the doubts. He walked into the dark compound, stepping on crunchy dried leaves from the previous autumn. Had Melanie been too lazy to clean up? Finally at her door, he gazed around to ensure he wasn’t followed or watched. Luckily he wasn’t. Who would drive to such a remote area at the dead of the night to rob a home? Only he could do that. At least he had the confidence to. Despite having the keys to her apartment, he picked the lock and walked in. He wasn’t a good kid as a child unfortunately. His mother tried to raise him well, but he’d decided on his path himself; picking locks, causing trouble, but he had his limits though. His conscience would never let him hurt anyone. He walked into the house which was lit for some reason. How was the electr
Neil was awoken by the loud sound of the window blinds, as his mother opened them. “Rise and shine Neil! It’s almost noon. How long will you sleep?” She asked with surprise. Neil groaned in annoyance and tried going back to sleep. His mission the previous night drained him so much, he hasn’t recovered his strength back. As he slowly drifted back to sleep, his phone rang causing him a headache.“What the hell?!” he cursed, punching his bed in anger. “Relax, Neil. It is just your phone,” his mother calmed him down as she took his laundry. His eyes drifted to the caller ID. It was Morrie. What the hell does she want now?! He accepted the call reluctantly. “Why call at a bad time, Morrie?” He asked with a drowsy tone.“You are still asleep by this time?” She asked with surprise. “I came back late last night. I need all the rest I can get.”“O! I didn’t mean to ruin your sleep. But, you’ve got to come to the office. We have news for you.”Neil hissed with disinterest and removed the
Being invited for coffee by the popular British Detective was the least of Neil’s expectations the next afternoon. The invitation caused him a slight confusion, and he swore he thought she found a new clue. He remembered sitting in the study room and looking through old newspapers when she sent the text. New clue! New clue! His brain blared with a rush of dopamine. He sang happily as he hurried to get his jacket and boots. “Are you fine?” His younger brother asked giving him an odd look. “We have a new clue my boy!” He hugged Gilbert tightly, before rushing out. Neil hadn’t felt so happy to see Morrie in his entire life. The case spanned for too long and he couldn’t wait for it to be over.She was in a coffee shop not too far from the city beach. He took off his cap and sat before her grinning like a crazy man.“It was high time you called,” he said happily. She felt weird by his reaction. “Are you fine?” She asked.“Yes, I am. I am only glad you called me here.” “Ooo…” she was
Neil was irked when Morrie requested to go with him. He plunged his hands in his pocket giving her a questioning look. Why was she clingy? Was it necessary they were seen with each other anywhere they went? “Well, em…” Rachel didn’t like the idea. “I was hoping only Neil comes with me.“Morrie gave Neil a helpless look. For some reason, she had problems staying alone. This was a contradicting side of her. Where was her brave self at that moment? Wasn’t she the one who proved to be self-made and confident?“Morrie, what are you doing?” Neil asked. “I know this might be personal, but I can stay away while you show him. I just don’t want to be left alone.”Rachel agreed hesitatingly. “Sure, you are the detective. What choice do I have?” “I promise not to inconvenience you or anything like that…,” Morrie was interrupted by Neil who got impatient. “You are being dramatic now. Wait for me here, Morrie. I will join you when we get back.”“I won’t trouble you, I promise…”“You confuse me,
Neil took his car keys ready to set off for an evening drive. Since he arrived back in the country for Christmas, he never spent time alone. It was either his mum constantly calling him or….“Dad!” He heard his young son scream his name from up the stairs. His wife, Susanna followed, jogging down in her casual wear. “Vixen, stop running!” She tried to catch up with the 7 year old. There was no point. The boy was way too fast. “Dad, I want you to fix the lego set again,” the child grumbled, holding a piece of lego. Neil nodded and pecked him on the cheek. “Sure, I will do that,” he agreed with a nod. “But let me take a quick drive first,” “No, Dad,” his child stumped his feet stubbornly. “I want you to do it now.” Neil wasn’t sure of what to do. How the hell could he do this? He didn’t want to hurt his son’s feelings, nor was he ready to sacrifice his evening drive as he always does. “Fine, I can….” He wanted to accept, as he took the Lego piece from him. Susanna stopped him. “No
ONE YEAR LATER Neil was taken out of his ward and brought into the private visiting room with no context. When he asked who visited, since he rarely got visitors, he was given no response. “Just sit down and wait patiently,” his nurse warned him before walking out. Neil complied, admiring the empty room. The treatment did help him a lot no doubt. His ill feelings toward his mum aren't gone, but he’s learnt to accept the past. What was done was done. He couldn’t control fate. The most he could do was start a new beginning. The visiting room door opened and someone stepped in. Someone he was familiar with. He stood up in shock, confused by the sudden appearance. Another person followed the visitor behind, gesturing to him to calm down. It was Morrie, complying with her promise to visit him once a month. What he hadn’t expected was for her to bring Flora this time. “It is fine, Neil. I brought her here on purpose,” Morrie smiled. Flora waved formally, before staring around the room.
9 year old Neil Schoenfeld loved his mum’s good heart. He loved the services she rendered for others and the compliments they gave after that. He loved how hardworking she was and the sacrifices she made, despite being a single mother. The neighbors supported in every way they could too, but his mother was an independent woman. She loved to do things by herself.One day, she received news from the school she applied for. She luckily got in on scholarship and they were willing to offer her a job if she showed dedication and attended consistently. Neil was happy for his mother. What he hadn’t expected was to see less of her. That wasn’t a problem for him at first since he stayed with neighbors and they treated him well. This neighbor was the closest to his family. His mother trusted them a lot and didn’t mind leaving him there for days, if not weeks. Soon, they got irritated by his constant stay in their home and began to verbally abuse him. They pointed out every flaw and insulted him f
Outside the court, Neil gave George an apologetic look, but what was the use for that? The guy already spent one month in jail for no reason. Their relationship would never be the same anymore. At least, George was sure of that. During the trial, different accusations were raised against Neil; Break ins, threats, murder, stalking and many others. Neil could swear that many weren’t the case but there was nothing he could do about them. They refused to let him defend himself. He stared at Melanie’s family. The poor mother wanted justice, that was all. After all, they all saw him threaten her with a knife while he used her as bait. “I can assure you my Lord that this man is not insane. He is as normal as every other sane criminal trying to cover up for his crimes.” Mrs Hopper’s lawyer insisted with so much certainty. “If he isn’t normal as his lawyer claims, his mother would have sent him to a psychiatric hospital a long time ago.”“Objection my lord!” Neil’s lawyer stood up in defense.
Neil was still unable to believe what he saw. Morrie stepped out of the car looking healthy, except for her bandaged head. Her blue eyes shone under the sun as she made her way past the police and stood beside detective Ronald holding a document. “It’s fine, CO. He didn’t push me. I slipped. This case is more about Melanie, than me.” Morrie said, showing them the document she held. Detective Ronald arched his brows. “I thought you were warned to stay indoors,” he whispered to Morrie in anger. “I am okay now. The hit wasn’t that bad. The doctor told you herself, right?” She drew herself from him and turned to the rest of the police force. “I have here a medical report of Neil Schoenfeld. While receiving my treatment because of the fall, I was lucky enough to meet Neil's therapist which I am sure neither of you knows he has. Neil is sick. He suffers from a borderline personality disorder, which is why he cannot bear reliving the same hurt. He kidnapped me because he thought I was go
Neil narrowly escaped into the forest, back to his little home which ought to be his point of abode. How wrong he was! In less than thirty minutes, the police flooded the forest trying to comb the entire woods. Neil knew for sure that he was in trouble. The forest wasn’t safe for him anymore. He snuck his way out of the forest and made his way back to the highway, where he walked aimlessly. He had nowhere to go, or who to meet up with. He couldn’t flee the state either. After an hour of walking, he slept in a closed alley, with a few homeless people who didn’t know what was going on. “Do you want some bread?” One asked, offering him moldy bread. It was a woman with a child whose body was full of blisters. “Sure,” Neil accepted it nicely and stared at the young girl. The girl looked like she was in pain and needed help. “You should take your daughter to the pharmacy.”He told the lady, looking concerned. “We do not have the money for that. Please mind your business. I didn’t give yo
Neil didn't expect to be cornered by the police like that. In fact, he knew he crossed the line by coming back home anyway. This new detective was trouble and he wouldn’t allow himself to fall for it. Neil gazed around his room, thinking of a plan. He stroked his beard with a stern look, until his eyes fell on his window panes. He gasped with a smile. “Yes! Of course! The window!”Without hesitation, he jumped out of his window and scurried out of the compound, trying to make the least noise. “He isn’t here,” he heard the detective tell his mother with his thick British accent. “He was here a few minutes ago. I promise,” his mum was too naive to understand what was happening. Neil threw one last look at his home before blending with the citizens. In the forest, his mind wasn’t at peace. He thought of the mail that was sent to him and why it was sent. At that moment, he was stranded and needed all the help he could get. But how was he sure he could trust the sender of the mail? Wha
Tears flooded Neil’s eyes. Once again, there was no response. He heard the sound of sirens coming from a distance which scared him. Without hesitation, he ran out of the building and escaped into the forest. He could barely think straight anymore. His phone buzzed and he checked who it was. It was the CO. Neil wasn’t sure if to answer the call or not. When he did, the CO sounded normal.“Where are you Neil? The new detective is here.”Neil wasn’t surprised. That was why there was so much going on. This new detective was too good. How did he figure him out so quickly?Neil hung up the call and removed his SIM card. He broke it into two and tossed it aside before slipping his phone into his pocket. He needed to get a new SIM card. He couldn’t risk being traced.He was lucky to find Fynn at the bar looking like he just saw a ghost. His nice blue shirt was moist with sweat. The weather wasn’t even that hot.“Are you fine?” Fynn asked.“Do you have a sim you aren’t using anymore ?” he asked
Detective Ronald (Third Person POV)Detective Ronald fidgeted with the watch in his office as his men brought in more boxes they found at Neil’s home. His visit was unexpected. He did that on purpose. He was once a secret agent during his younger days. So he knew what he was doing. When he heard of Neil’s closeness to Morrie and George, he thought of him as a first suspect. Not that Neil did something wrong or caused him to doubt. But the guy’s convenient way of getting away with cases, shocked him. Why haven’t they found Morrie’s stalker yet? Why was Neil conveniently slacking instead of searching for Morrie? It made no sense to him. Finding Morrie’s smartwatch at his home only made things worse. It barely made his doubt any better. “Open those boxes and tell me what is in there. Remember to use the gloves.”His men nodded and they began to bring out some old dusty items. The CO rushed in with disbelief. “How are you here so fast?” He asked.“We’ve got a case on our hands, sir,” R