I'm not a Killer

I'M INNOCENT

Daren, who felt increasingly upset by the treatment of the people around him, decided to return to Laura's house to pick up some of the remaining items.

Upon arriving home, Daren saw Laura alone in the living room. It looked like Charlie had left for filming.

When Laura saw Daren's arrival, she looked surprised. "Daren, how did you get free? Are you trying to escape?" Laura asked in a worried tone.

Daren looked at Laura sarcastically. "Of course I'm free, Laura. I'm innocent," Daren replied firmly.

Laura's face immediately paled at Daren's words. She looked shocked and didn't know what to say. Daren stepped into his room to collect his belongings, watching Laura's every move carefully.

After gathering all the necessary items, Daren picked up the other important files. "I'm going to apply again to the company I used to work for. I won't let false accusations stop me," Daren thought as he put the files into his bag.

However, before Daren left the house, he decided to confront Laura.

"Laura, I know there's something wrong with your stepmother's death," Daren said firmly.

Laura looked terrified at Daren's words. "What do you mean, Daren?" she asked in a shaky voice.

Daren sighed. "I know that you and Charlie had an affair. I also suspect that you two were involved in Vivian's death," Daren said sharply.

Laura was speechless. Her eyes glazed over, she began to feel scared and even started to panic, even though it was hidden behind the peacefulness of her face.

Daren stepped closer to Laura, making her feel even more cornered. "If you have something to say, say it now. I won't let you two escape justice," Daren threatened in a voice that trembled with pent-up emotions.

"What do you mean, Daren? Why are you accusing me instead?" asked Laura, trembling.

"Think for yourself, Laura!" said Daren with a faint smile.

Laura was silent, unable to find the words to defend herself. She could only bow her head. Laura's demeanor convinced Daren that the real culprit was either Charlie or Laura.

When Daren saw Laura's expression, he felt a small satisfaction in his heart. However, underneath it all, he still felt upset with everything that happened to him. He felt like he was trapped in a never-ending maze of lies and betrayal.

With steady steps, Daren left Laura's house without looking back. He knew that this journey was not over yet. There were still many secrets to uncover and truths to face for the sake of his reputation.

"I need to call Charlie," Laura whispered. "Why did Daren get off so easily when the trial hasn't even started yet?"

Laura immediately contacted the man who was her dark lover. "Charlie, Daren is free," Laura said in a nervous voice.

Charlie, who was busy with his filming, couldn't believe it. "How could you? You must be hallucinating," Charlie asked quickly.

"I'm not hallucinating, Charlie!" Laura explained briefly that Daren had come to the house to get his things. "He suspects us. He even knows about our relationship," Laura said worriedly.

Charlie, hearing this, immediately panicked. "This can't be happening. We have to act fast," Charlie said as he turned off his phone.

Charlie immediately went to Laura's house to pick her up. After Laura got into the car, they went straight to the police station to meet with Inspector Barra.

Upon arrival at the police station, Charlie and Laura were received by Inspector Barra. They sat in his simple but professional room.

Charlie was curious and couldn't help but feel disappointed at the latest decision regarding his late wife's death. "Inspector, why was Daren acquitted? Is the evidence not strong enough to hold him?" Charlie asked seriously.

Barra took a deep breath, trying to subdue the feelings of annoyance and confusion raging in her mind. "Mr. Charlie, I understand your concerns. However, at this point in time, we cannot hold Daren for much longer. The evidence we have is not strong enough to prove his guilt. But, rest assured, we will not stop until we find out the truth. We will continue to investigate this case."

Charlie and Laura were both dissatisfied with Inspector Barra's explanation. "Inspector, I can't accept that excuse. Wouldn't Daren's free existence be dangerous? What if he goes *rogue*? Is there any other way to pursue justice for my late wife?" said Charlie, still unhappy with the police's decision.

Barra shook her head, showing her seriousness and commitment to the case. "Trust me, Mr. Charlie and Ms. Laura. I will do my best to uncover the truth behind your late wife's death. But, I also don't want to make any rash decisions without solid evidence. We will continue to investigate this case until we are sure who is actually guilty and deserves to be punished."

"Isn't the evidence clear? The cyanide poison was in Daren's pants pocket," Laura said with a face full of annoyance. "Is this not enough for you?"

"Yes, I know," Barra replied in a calm voice. "But after I checked further, there were no traces of Daren's fingerprints. In fact, what puzzled me was that the glass Mrs. Vivian was holding had three people's fingerprints on it. So it could be that someone other than Daren was involved," Barra explained with a logical explanation.

Charlie and Laura were upset by the police's decision to release Darren. Even though the case has not been closed, both of them can't seem to accept this fact.

However, Laura and Charlie are forced to follow Inspector Barra's decision even though it feels unfair. Despite their deep dissatisfaction, Charlie and Laura also knew that they had to stay calm and not make a bigger deal out of it.

After the meeting with Barra was over, Charlie and Laura walked out of the police station with their hearts still racing.

"How was it, Charlie? I'm worried," Laura said, feeling like her life was in danger.

"You just calm down, honey, I'll sort this out soon," Charlie said soothingly.

"I'll never be calm, Charlie, I'm scared, I-"

Charlie's index finger touched Laura's lips to stop her from continuing.

"You have to calm down, honey. Trust me, I'll see this through until the death case is finally closed," Charlie said.

"Okay, I don't want to know. You have to act quickly," Laura pleaded firmly.

Charlie and Laura were upset by the police's decision to release Daren. Even though the case has not been closed, both of them can't seem to accept this fact.

However, Laura and Charlie are forced to follow Inspector Barra's decision even though it feels unfair. Despite their deep dissatisfaction, Charlie and Laura also knew that they had to stay calm and not make a bigger deal out of it.

After the meeting with Barra was over, Charlie and Laura walked out of the police station with their hearts still racing.

"How was it, Charlie? I'm worried," Laura said, feeling like her life was in danger.

"You just calm down, honey, I'll sort this out soon," Charlie said soothingly.

"I'll never be calm, Charlie, I'm scared, I-"

Charlie's index finger touched Laura's lips to stop her from continuing.

"You have to calm down, honey. Trust me, I'll see this through until the death case is finally closed," Charlie said.

"Okay, I don't want to know. You have to act quickly," Laura pleaded firmly.

The next day, Daren walked excitedly towards the company where he had worked. He remembered that his boss had told him that whenever Daren wanted to come back, the company would gladly accept him. It had been two years since Daren had stopped working, and now he felt ready to return.

Last night, Daren slept at the bus stop. He was even hungry because he had no money at all. His cell phone didn't sell! It was a sad fate for Daren, even though he was out of prison.

"Afternoon, Mr. Richard, how are you?" Daren greeted Richard, his former boss.

"Uh, Daren! It's been a long time, how are you?" replied Richard rather curtly.

"Fine, Mr. Richard. I'd like to return to work here, as you promised," Daren said, getting straight to the point.

Richard smiled wryly as he shook his head, "Sorry, Daren, I can't take you back. After the murder case that dragged your name."

"But, Mr. Richard, I am innocent in that case. The murder was not my doing!" Daren insisted.

Richard shook his head, "I know, Daren, but the company has to be careful. I apologize again, Daren. You'd better get going!"

"But, Mr. Richard, you promised me. I've never done what I'm accused of. If I'm found guilty, there's no way I'll be released!" Daren's temper started to flare up again. Just because of Vivian's death, he had to lose a second chance to work at the company where he used to work.

"I know, Daren. But, things are different now. The company can't take risks. I'm sorry," Mr. Richard said firmly.

Daren held back his anger, "All right, Mr. Richard. Thank you for your time. I will look for another job."

Daren turned around and walked out of the office, feeling disappointed. This company was his only hope, but he had been rejected.

"Where else should I look for a job? How can I earn money to survive? If things keep going like this, I'd rather live in prison. At least there's a place to shelter, and food is provided," Daren muttered, his face rough.

Daren stepped his feet without direction and purpose. Suddenly, someone tapped him on the shoulder from behind. Immediately, Daren looked back. His eyes narrowed when he saw someone standing in front of him.

"You---"