Murder Case #201

CHAPTER 7- WITNESSES

I fixate my gaze on Doctor Jhasmine as she engages in conversation with Detective Ace. Her voice maintains a calm facade, yet the subtle traces of unease become apparent in the sudden rise and fall of her breaths.

There is tension in the air, a departure from the ease she displayed moments ago while discussing Kira. I ponder the shift in atmosphere—could it be attributed to the presence of the detective before her?

Amidst my contemplation, I venture to ask, "Did Kira happen to mention anything before she visited the CR?"

Her response carries a note of uncertainty, "I cannot say. Our schedules rarely align, restricting our opportunities for extensive conversation. Furthermore, my attention was occupied by attending to a patient."

A nod from the man acknowledges my presence, causing both the doctor and me to momentarily shift our attention toward him. It is Doctor Jhasmine who then poses the question, her curiosity piqued, "You were the individual I encountered on the rooftop earlier, correct?"

"Yes, indeed," I assert in a composed manner, allowing silence to reclaim its dominion.

Perplexed, the doctor ventures further, "I had assumed you were a teacher. Why—pardon my curiosity—do you find yourself in the company of Detective Ace?"

"Ma'am Ainslynn Quezon is one of the witnesses, which is why I am accompanying her. Here's my calling card. If you come across any information that could be helpful in Kira's case, feel free to contact me without hesitation."

The exchange concludes with the man extending the calling card to the doctor, who promptly accepts it. My gaze remains fixed upon her, my observation unyielding. There is an indescribable aura surrounding her demeanor, an intangible peculiarity that raises suspicion within me. I remain uncertain of its precise nature, yet my intuition tells me there may be something to be gained from her. After all, true friendships are built upon openness and trust.

It is a mere toss of the coin—a 50-50 chance. Either she possesses knowledge concerning Daxxe, or her relationship with Kira is not as profound as it appears.

"Shall we proceed?" invites Detective Ace, his intent evident as he deliberately nudges my shoulder.

"Lead the way; I shall follow suit," I reply, allowing my response to carry an undercurrent of subtle warning.

"Should you choose not to visit the crime scene..."

"Fret not, I have no intentions of doing so," I interject, punctuating my words with a piercing gaze before making my departure.

The woman's face brightens with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling. She makes a move to depart, but I instinctively reach out and grasp her hand, a sense of urgency in my touch. Surprised, she turns back to me, her gaze fixed on mine.

"Do you have a question too?" she inquires, her voice maintaining a casual tone, yet with a hint of curiosity.

I hold onto her hand, a flicker of determination in my eyes. "What time was your last conversation with Kira?"

She pauses, her brows furrowing slightly as she searches for her memory. "I can't recall, and even if I could, would it truly aid in unraveling this perplexing case?"

An air of suspense hangs between us as I press further. "Did you happen to notice anything peculiar in Kira's demeanor?"

Silence lingers momentarily, our eyes locked in an unspoken exchange of thoughts and suspicions.

"You're claiming to be a witness? Really? But just this morning, I saw you here in the hospital. How could you possibly be a witness to Kira's tragic demise?"

Her voice takes on a firm and skeptical tone. With a subtle allusion to their frequent encounters on Kira's rooftop, she suggests that if the woman had noticed something significant in that place before the murder, it could indicate her knowledge of the culprit's identity.

However, I consider the possibility that her statement holds some truth, and she genuinely had important matters attending to a patient.

I responded, my tone measured and composed, "There are various types of witnesses that can be presented in court, and it would be impractical to delve into each one of them in our discussion. Nevertheless, I appreciate your willingness to answer my inquiries, Doctor Jhasmine."

Without uttering another word, she turns away, her departure leaving a lingering air of intrigue. I patiently await her entry into the elevator before making my way to the information desk.

Approaching the nurse on duty, a smile graces her face as I request, "May I inquire about the time Kira arrived yesterday morning?"

Her nimble fingers dance across the keyboard, searching for the desired information. After a brief pause, her expression changes, and she regretfully informs me, "I apologize, but we are unable to disclose any details pertaining to the murder case from last night."

Accepting her response with a nod, I express gratitude, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.

Taking a deep breath, I inhale the sterile hospital air, a mixture of antiseptic and uneasiness permeating my senses. With a furrowed brow, I delve into the realm of possibility.

If I possessed the skills of a detective, would unraveling this case and accessing vital information become a smoother endeavor?

"Why didn't you become a detective if you possess such abilities? It would have granted you unrestricted access to resources that could aid in solving the case," he queries, his eyes searching for a glimmer of understanding.

"Do you have faith in me?" I ask, my voice carrying a vulnerable undertone.

"No, I am merely compelling myself to believe in you. I feel pity for you," he retorts, his words laced with both skepticism and sympathy.

Suppressing the urge to succumb to anger, I release a sharp exhale, attempting to regain composure. "Only geniuses can truly comprehend and place their trust in me. Therefore, I no longer seek your belief," I admit, my voice tinged with resignation.

"Genius? Ha! If you don't want to be left behind, get in the car," he commands, impatience flickering in his eyes.

With a nod filled with resignation, I comply and settle into the passenger seat. His volatile temperament remains ever-present, leaving the possibility of abandonment hanging in the air.

We embark on our journey in silence, punctuated only by stolen glances between us. His countenance remains inscrutable, characterized by heavy sighs and a clenched jaw.

The pain of losing a loved one reverberates within me, amplified by the torment of missed opportunities to protect them. The anguish gripping this detective is palpable.

Breaking the silence, curiosity compels me to speak. "By the way, what is your full name?" I inquire, my voice cutting through the stillness.

"Why? Are you going to guess how I'll die?" he retorts, eliciting a suppressed laugh from me as I bite down on my tongue.

"Just," I reply, awaiting further revelation.

"Ace Suarez. And how old are you? Older than you," he discloses, a hint of mystery twinkling in his eyes.

Curiosity piqued, my eyes narrow subtly. "How did you deduce that you're older than me? Did you conduct a background check on me?" I probe further, seeking answers.

"I had to, remember? You're a witness," he states matter-of-factly.

"Why did you inform Dr. Jhasmine that I'm a witness?" I persist, determined to uncover his motives.

"I simply wanted to observe her reaction upon hearing those words. If she's entangled in the murder case, her eyes won't be able to hide it," he explains, his mind working tirelessly to decipher the truth.

Ah, so this person possesses a discerning mind as well.

"I am a detective, so rest assured, I am not foolish," he asserts as if he can penetrate my innermost thoughts.

Psss, does my inner turmoil truly lay bare that easily?

"I only place my trust in things that are believable," he adds, his tone resolute. "And you're right, there is something peculiar about Jhasmine."

I find solace in knowing that he, too, has noticed the crucial reaction we sought from her.

"As for the enigmatic figure named Daxxe that you mentioned, I vow to unveil their identity. They stand as our sole lead for now."

I allow the weight of his words to hang in the air, acknowledging that having someone by my side in the pursuit of justice for Kira's untimely demise is more than enough.

We arrive at the SH station in no time.

"It's a good thing you're here. We finished reviewing the CCTV footage outside the station earlier. That jerk's motorbike doesn't have a plate number," Lesia informs us, referring to the person who attempted to take my life earlier. "He took a route with no CCTV cameras, so we couldn't trace him."

"Did you steal someone's boyfriend?" Detective Marie suddenly asks, her eyes fixed on me suspiciously, as if I were a notorious heartbreaker.

"Or did you seriously reject a suitor?" adds Detective Kenneth, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Confirming that the detectives in this department are indeed a lively bunch, their playful banter fills the air.

"Does anyone even dare to court this woman?" Detective Ace rudely interrupts the conversation, oblivious to the amused glances exchanged among us. I stifle a chuckle, refraining from raising an eyebrow at his audacity. "I mean, she's even more assertive than I am. And she's so arrogant."

Suppressing the urge to deliver a swift kick in his direction, I remind myself not to waste my precious energy on an alien-like him. After all, engaging in a battle of wits with Detective Ace would be as futile as challenging a pineapple to a dance-off.

"Hey, hold your horses, Ace. Let me enlighten you about the phenomenon known as Lynn, the reigning campus crush of our college," Lesia interjects, her tone laced with playful pride.

"Really? I wonder what on Earth—or any other planet—they see in Ainslynn Quezon..."

Detective Marie, always armed with quick wit, seizes the opportunity to join the banter. "Oh, Detective Ace, whether you admit it or not, Ma'am Ainslynn is more beautiful than Doc. Kira." Her words hit their mark with precision, rendering the usually loquacious Ace momentarily silenced. "Oops, sorry about that," she adds, feigning innocence.

"No need to apologize, Marie. You hit the nail on the head. My dear friend is undeniably a beacon of beauty, surpassing all others," Lesia chime in, savoring the playful repartee.

Detective Ace, unwilling to let the moment slip away, returns with a teasing taunt. "Even compared to you?"

A mischievous glint dances in Lesia's eyes as she deliver the final blow. "Well, Detective Ace, Lynn and I shall discuss that matter privately, free from the interjections of a witty sleuth like yourself. Don't worry, we'll keep you in suspense."

The room erupts with laughter, Detective Marie and Kenneth doubling over in amusement. Meanwhile, I maintain an amused gaze, reveling in the camaraderie that binds us in this extraordinary journey.

Detective Ace casually tosses the voice recorder to Lesia, who skillfully snatches it out of the air, impressing us all with her reflexes.

"Is this even legal, Ace? Do you think Jhasmine knows you've recorded it?" she interjects, skepticism evident in her raised eyebrow. The room becomes tense, like a showdown in the wild west, with my human comrades facing off against the enigmatic alien that I am.

Ace, never one to shy away, retorts with a smug grin, meeting her gaze head-on. "When was the last time I submitted an illegal recording, Lesia? I may not have supernatural powers, but hey, I'm not about to ditch my trusty recorder, am I?" His words carry a challenge, underscoring the boundaries that separate us.

Eager to get to the heart of the matter, I lean in, my voice filled with anticipation. "So, did you manage to obtain Jhasmine's sign-in and sign-out times at work?"

Kenneth, radiating self-assuredness, jumps in with a confident nod. "You can count on it, I've got that covered!"

Unable to contain my excitement, I quickly settle into a nearby chair, grabbing a notebook and pen within arm's reach.

The room crackles with a mix of anticipation, camaraderie, and the unmistakable energy that accompanies an unfolding mystery. It feels like we've stepped right into the pages of a captivating detective novel, a motley crew of investigators poised to unravel the truth, one clue at a time.

Usually, I get wind of the voices around three hours before the crime goes down, but this time, there's a twist in the pattern. The demise of Kira is on fast-forward, occurring in just a little over an hour.

Could it be that my early discovery of the victim's identity somehow pushed the execution of the dastardly deed ahead of schedule?

"What time does Doc. Jhasmine clock in?" I ask Marie, who is in front of the computer. The three of them also listen attentively.

"The sign-in time is 7:45 p.m.," Marie states, her fingers swiftly dancing across the keyboard.

"Who was her first patient?" I inquire anxiously, my gaze shifting between Marie and the screen.

Marie's expression tightens as she furrows her brows. "Patient..." she mutters, her typing becoming more frantic. "No record. It means she didn't have any patients last night."

The revelation hits me like a sudden jolt of electricity, and I immediately lock eyes with Detective Ace. The words uttered by Jhasmine echo in my mind, and it becomes clear that the doctor had lied about being occupied with a patient.

"Fuck!" Ace curses, frustration dripping from his voice, mirroring the intensity of the situation.

Sensing the urgency, Lesia takes command. "Check the exact time of your call to Kira," she orders, her tone cutting through the tension. The man swiftly complies, his fingers navigating the device with urgency.

The atmosphere in the room thickens, and a sense of impending revelation hangs in the air, intensifying the gravity of our investigation.

"The call ends at 7:23 p.m. Her usual clock-out time is 7:30 p.m., but there are times when she can't clock out immediately, especially when her replacement doctor hasn't arrived yet."

"Doc Jhasmine often replaces Doc Kira. Sometimes it's Doc Liza. Doc Liza is absent because her mother-in-law died," Detective Marie explains.

The time of death is 7:55 p.m. There is still enough time for Kira to reach the rooftop. It means Jhasmine is already in the hospital while the crime is taking place.

Assuming the role of Doc. Jhasmine, I reflect on the situation they experienced last night.

If I am filling in for Doc. Kira, it's reasonable to assume that I would be aware if she hadn't clocked out yet. Being friends, it would be natural for me to search for her, especially when she's not where she should be at that time. Our favorite hangout spot is the rooftop, so that's the first place I would check.

My heart races as I replay the events of last night in my mind.

Considering that the 4th floor is currently undergoing renovation, I opt for the stairs to reach that level. As I ascend, an unfamiliar sound catches my attention, emanating from somewhere on that floor. Driven by curiosity, I follow the source of the sound.

I struggle to breathe as the tension intensifies around me.

"Hey, Ainslynn Quezon! You good?" Detective Ace's booming voice echoes, jolting me back to the present moment.

"Lynn, are you hearing things again?" Lesia whispers, her voice tinged with worry. Our gazes lock fleetingly, and I struggle to hold back the tears that well up. If she's in trouble, I'd sprint to her aid without a moment's hesitation. That's the unwavering bond of true friendship.

"Lynn, spill it. What's going on?" Lesia probes, her concern practically radiating from her. I gulp nervously, desperately hoping that this time they'll finally put their faith in me.

"Doc. Jhasmine is an eyewitness," I urgently announced. The room falls into an eerie silence, the sound of the keyboard vanishing. All eyes fixate on me, their stares piercing.

The doctor faces a difficult choice: help her friend or prioritize her own safety.

Memories flood my mind, the chilling echo of footsteps when Detective Ace had me in his grasp.

Once again, the thunderous footsteps echo. They're not Kira's, but they come from where the crime is about to occur.

Yes! Those footsteps aren't Kira's or the killer's; they belong to Doctor Jhasmine.

In the end, her choice is to prioritize her own safety instead of sacrificing her life for Kira, placing self-preservation above the well-being of her closest friend.