Chapter 6. A story with pain

I started eating, trying to swallow it through the pain that remained in my soul. The bitterness I felt during my conversation with Samuel only increased after the scene with Emma. I felt sorry for her, she became like a neighbor girl to me. I was waiting for Oliver to show up, who should have known about Michael.

"I know nothing about Michael. He was a young man who studied at the local college. Due to the fact that the case was filed as a robbery-murder, although there is a case, without evidence, it couldn't be pursued, so they put it on hold," I said to Oliver when he walked in the door.

"But now I witness what happens when they put cases that should have been investigated on hold. Of course, I understand that in our town there are only about a dozen murders a year, but even so, it does not give Harris the right to turn a blind eye to the crimes," I added.

"James, what's going on?" asked Oliver.

"Well, you see, Oliver," I began, but Samuel interrupted me.

"Your waitress overheard our conversation and heard about the murders that are happening in your town. Out of kindness, James allowed her to look at the list and she saw Michael's name in it, who was apparently very close to her, possibly her boyfriend," Samuel said.

"I would like to clarify this part with you and possibly get some information about Michael," he continued.

"Wait...murders?!" exclaimed Oliver in confusion. "Why didn't you tell me about this, James? If I had known...." he trailed off.

"I'm sorry, Oliver, but it was Harris's order, and besides, the case wasn't mine. I only received it yesterday, and I had to forward it to the FBI. Harris kept silent about it, but Oliver, we need your help. Please tell us everything you know about Michael and his relationship with Emma. Maybe we'll get some clues that will be very helpful in our case," I said.

" Yes, yes," said Oliver, after which he paused. "Um... Michael was Emma's boyfriend, as far as I remember, they only dated for a few months before he disappeared. Just when they started dating, Emma began telling me about the occult club they were attending together. As far as I remember, there was a new member who joined the club a few months before Emma did, but I don't remember her name. I just remember that she was like a nun or a nun's assistant," he said.

"Thank you, Oliver," I said.

"I would like to know when we can talk to Emma, her information would be more comprehensive," said Samuel.

"I don't think it's the right time now," said Oliver.

"We'll come over later, can you keep her with you until then?" I said.

"It would be better to get this information now, before we go to the occult club," said Samuel.

"Perhaps, but she's already not feeling well, and if you force her to remember what happened now, it could be even worse. You have to understand, she's still young, and it's hard for her to deal with the loss. Give her time," I said.

"Let me at least try to talk to her, and if I can't, I'm willing to come back later," Samuel persisted.

"I would refuse you, but I don't want you to come back here again," said Oliver. "This doesn't apply to you, James, but I want this to end faster. She's my niece, and I don't want her to suffer because of this. But if it doesn't work, then I ask that you don't see her anymore until she's ready," he added.

"I agree, let me go talk to her now," said Samuel.

"Follow me," said Oliver.

I followed them, although I hadn't planned to participate in this conversation. I felt the need to be there for her, to let her see familiar faces. It seemed to me that either Oliver or I should help her so that she wouldn't hurt so much from the memories.

We approached the door to the lounge, where Emma's sobs could be heard even through the door. I didn't want to see this. The whole atmosphere weighed heavily on me, even though I have been a detective for a long time, I'm not used to this. Oliver knocked on the door, and with his silent consent, Samuel entered the room.

The room was simple, with several sofas and metal cabinets. A small TV hung on the wall, and in the middle of the room stood a table with a cold dinner on it. Emma, who had previously been full of happiness and joy, lay on the sofa with smeared makeup on her face. Her eyes were red, and her appearance was dramatically different from before. She looked at us as if holding back a strong urge to cry. Her face, holding back sorrow, hurt me.

"Sorry, Emma, but he wants to ask you a question about Michael," said Oliver. It was evident from his face how bad he felt, possibly the same as I did. At the same time, Samuel was calm.

Samuel addressed her with his usual tired and slightly interested look.

"I would like to apologize for taking your statement right now, but it will help us catch whoever killed Michael. Please tell us about the last day you saw him, and if possible, remember all the suspicious people in the occult club," said Samuel.

"Michael... he... he was..." she started, before breaking down in tears again.

"I understand that it's painful for you, but please try to tell us," Samuel said.

I decided to interject and speak to her.

"Emma, I understand that this is very difficult for you, but we want to understand what happened and help find Michael's killer. Please tell us everything you remember about your last meeting with him and any information that may be useful for the investigation. We're here to support you and help you through this situation."

Emma wiped away her tears and looked at both of us before speaking with a quiet voice.

"We met at the club. He liked going there to talk to people who shared his interests in the occult. The last time we saw each other was at a ritual. He was so excited about it, saying it was going to be something special and that he had to be a part of it. I didn't know he needed it so badly. I left before it was over because I didn't want to participate. He stayed there, and that's the last I know of him."

"Understood, Emma. Can you remember anyone else who was at the ritual?" Samuel asked, jotting down notes in his notebook.

"Four people were there with me," she said in the same quiet voice.

"Was there a girl that day who was close to religion?" Samuel asked.

"Yes, I remember there was a girl. It seemed like she talked about her ambition to become a nun, but for some reason, she attended different rituals with them. And there was also a guy, he joined this club for the rituals just like Michael, I think his name was Steve," she said.

"Thank you for the information," Samuel said, finishing writing in his notebook.

"Alright, thank you for the information, Emma. I'll let you know as soon as we solve this case," I said.

"If you remember any new details about that day or any suspicions, don't hesitate to inform Jamie. We're ready to help you anytime," Samuel added.

"Thank you. I hope you find whoever did this to Michael, and they get the punishment they deserve for his murder," Emma said, smiling at us with pale lips.

The way she said goodbye to us and her appearance that day will stay with me for the rest of my life, her sudden change in appearance and the atmosphere around her, lifeless lips that seemed to have drained all the blood from her, tear-streaked eyes with smudged mascara, untidy hair hanging down from her, and pale trembling hands. All I could do at that moment was pray that she would be able to survive this horrible experience."