Setbacks and Calls
Vivian’s POV:
"That's precisely it. The missing footage could be the path the killer took," I responded with a note of assurance, a smile playing on my lips as Harper's eyes widened in realization, a brief pause hanging between us. It was still a hypothesis, but the pieces seemed to be falling into place, shedding light on how the killer might have exited the scene. An odd sense of amusement mingled with my thoughts, momentarily overshadowing any lingering uncertainty.
Harper's face drained of color, and he stared at me in disbelief, "That's a little too far-fetched," he uttered, snapping out of his daze and taking a sip of his tea as other customers moved around us. "While it might sound far-fetched, it is possible," I countered, speaking in a lower voice. He appeared lost in thought, his right elbow on the table and his cheek resting at the back of his hand. Taking a sip of my coffee, I awaited his reaction, noticing a change in his usual sharp demeanor. I wonder what’s wrong with him?
Harper cleared his throat abruptly, placing his teacup back on the saucer before responding, "Even if it is, it's purely speculative, isn't it? And let's not forget, the higher-ups won't be quick to accept such a theory—" I cut him off, leaning in with an intrigued look as I placed my coffee back onto the saucer, "And why's that?" I demanded. Something seemed off about his reaction. Why would they dismiss a theory backed by video evidence?
"Because the case has already gained global attention, Vivian," Harper responded with a frown, his hand gently guiding me back into my seat as he continued, "They've made up their minds to close it swiftly. If Edna's video footage were to come into play, it would only serve to implicate her further. So, even if you present your assumption, they won’t accept it." His explanation left me stunned, widening my eyes in response. The notion that they wouldn't even consider valid evidence was beyond baffling. Are they that desperate?
"So you're suggesting they might pin the murder on Edna?" I asked, seeking confirmation. Harper's nod confirmed my suspicion, squinting his eyes, adding, “Exactly, it would serve their interests, allowing them to announce a quick resolution to the public,” he elaborated, punctuating his point while tapping his fingers on the table. Should I even present it at all? Each choice had one disadvantage.
Harper’s perspective brought forth a compelling argument, making me seriously contemplate the situation. What if instead of focusing on Edna's possible involvement, we focus on proving her innocence? Could that be a viable path? I slumped down on the table, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the café.
As I pondered the situation, I carefully reconstructed the events in my mind. Edna's appearance in the footage, entering the operating room without gloves and wearing the lab coat, only to emerge moments later seemingly unscathed, presented a perplexing puzzle. My mind raced, considering the potential angles of approach. How could I shed light on Edna's innocence in a way that would challenge the assumptions drawn from the footage?
Harper and I lapsed into silence, the passing minutes filled only with the ambient sounds of the cafe. Suddenly, a vibration in my pocket startled me, and Harper asked me if I was okay, which I just shrugged off. Dismissing his curiosity, I delved into my pocket, retrieving my phone to investigate the unexpected call that had interrupted our conversation. The hour was late, and I was technically still on duty.
My curiosity getting the better of me, I glanced at the caller ID, only to find an unfamiliar number staring back. With a mixture of caution and intrigue, I accepted the call and brought the phone to my ear. Harper remained silent, allowing me to engage in the conversation without interruption. "Hello? Who is this?" I inquired, my voice steady but tinged with curiosity. The voice on the other end sent a jolt of recognition through me. "Hello, this is Edna," she said, her tone familiar and unmistakable. My eyes widened as I exchanged a surprised glance with Harper. The woman I had just interviewed a few hours ago was on the line, unexpectedly reaching out to me.
Harper mouthed and squinted his eyes in confusion, clearly surprised by the unexpected call. Edna's decision to reach out to me was puzzling, to say the least. Composing myself, I addressed her over the phone, my tone professional, "Ms. Trafelski, thank you for calling. Is there something specific you'd like to discuss?" I kept my question straightforward, eager to understand her motive for contacting me. Harper jumped surprisingly, realizing who I was talking to. But despite that, he stayed silent.
"Uh... yes, detective, I wanted to tell you something," Edna's voice came through the phone, her tone uncertain and accompanied by a hint of nervousness. I listened intently, trying to gauge the situation. "Of course, Ms. Trafelski, I'm here to listen," I responded, my curiosity growing. However, before she could elaborate, I heard the sound of running footsteps and what seemed like cracking noises on the other end of the line. My heart raced as I realized something might be wrong. "Ms. Trafelski, are you alright? What's happening?" I urgently inquired, my focus solely on the call.
"Miss?" I called out urgently, my voice tinged with concern, hoping to keep in contact with Edna. My heart raced as I tapped my foot impatiently on the cafe floor, signaling the gravity of the situation. Just as I was growing increasingly worried, a blood-curdling scream pierced through the phone's speaker, causing me to startle and nearly drop my phone. In a swift motion, I stood up from my seat, causing Harper to follow suit, his crossed arms falling to his sides as he reacted to my sudden movement.
The call abruptly ended, and a sense of horror washed over me as I quickly pocketed my phone. I turned to face Harper, his expression a mix of confusion and concern, as he inquired about the call. My mind raced as I tried to process the situation. "We need to get back to her as soon as possible!" I exclaimed urgently, my voice reflecting the anxiety coursing through me. Without wasting another moment, I dashed towards the cafe’s door, leaving my coffee behind as my heart pounded and adrenaline surged through my veins.