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.
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
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.
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
My name is Neil Schoenfeld, a college graduate who loves detective work. Lots of ‘em! So, here is a brief note of what I think happened to Melanie Hopper after the brief findings I made. I am scratching my head with my own hands, wondering how to begin. But do not worry. I am good. This story could help you solve the case later in this novel. It is the base of the investigation we are working on today. Remove the idea of family and friends because no one is a friend or a true family member. Anyone can be the killer. So keep your eyes open, pay attention to details and take note of every little details, even the one that seems unimportant. Help me solve this case so that I can be promoted from being an average loser to the ultimate position I deserve. Thank you anonymous reader. It feels weird talking to myself, but okay. Now, here is what I feel the 19th of November looked like. It might look like a story, but it isn’t a fiction. I promise. ***Melanie ran as fast as she could, brus
FEW HOURS AFTER THE PROLOGUE.(NILE SCHOENFELD THIRD PERSON POV)NILE SCHOENFELD: Ex-Detective of Melanie’s Case. (Suspended)EDUCATION: COLLEGE GRADUATESKILL LEVEL: AVERAGE, NOT RELIABLE Important Terms (CO means Chief Officer)24 year old Nile Schoenfeld adjusted the house antenna to the satisfaction of his younger siblings. He watched the teenagers argue on how the television signal went on and off due to poor connection. “Wait! Stop!” His 16 year old sister, Maggie stopped him as he bent it to a particular position. “It works now!” “Really?” He asked, staring at the strange way he positioned it. “It’s gone,” his brother, Migel blurted out in disappointment. Nile groaned and wiped off his sweat. “Could you tilt it to the side a bit? My favorite show is about to start.” Nile knew he couldn’t attend to the antenna forever, but he tried it for her anyway. The reception got better for a few seconds, before the car of his office colleague pulled over in front of his home. This di
“Why did you go there, Neil?” The Chief Officer, Richard Fodd asked, sitting before Neil. Neil scoffed already seeing that coming. The moment the police arrived at the scene and forced him off the ground in handcuffs, he knew he was in trouble. There he was in the interrogation room, being questioned like he was a criminal or something. Neil took off his hat and placed it on the table. “Someone had to check the murder scene. Not just anyone, a detective to be precise. That was why I rendered my services as a good detective should. You are welcome." Richard stared at him briefly and laughed, tapping the table with his pen. “Neil, Neil, you are something else, aren't you?Your ears aren't working at all. How do you not still understand what is going on here? No one thinks you are fit for this job, boy. No one wants you to do this job. You aren’t allowed to get involved in cases anymore.” “Why?” Neil lashed. “ 5 years of college experience and special training weren’t for no reason. I
Neil and George pulled up before the old witness cottage. George wasn’t optimistic about pressuring the old man to speak, but Neil couldn’t waste anymore time. “It has to be done,” he informed George as he came out of the car and shut the door. “But…but…,” George tried to catch up with his pace. “If you get caught by the CO, you will be in big trouble.” “Do you also believe a new detective can solve this case better than me?” Neil quizzed. “No, that is not what I am implying. Your stubbornness could get you in trouble,” Neil ignored him, knocking on the Old Witness door. “Neil…” "O! You keep quiet..." The door slid open and an old man’s head popped through the open gap. “Do I know you?” He asked. His curious eyes switched nonchalant when he saw George. “I see, it's you people again,” Neil instantly pulled out his ID Card. “My name is Neil Schoenfeld. I am Wenner’s detective and I have a couple of questions for you.” The old man reluctantly allowed them in and offered them a