Chapter 2
Lucas and Detective Bennett followed the path on foot that led to Elena Denova's house. Lucas broke the silence first:
— Detective Bennett, what do you think about this case?
Victoria paused for a few seconds in thought, then asked:
— Mr. Malden, do you know what Ms. Denova did for a living?
Lucas hesitated for a moment, as if he didn't want to say something, but eventually replied:
— Yes, I know. I helped her start her business.
— As far as I know, she dealt with evaluating and trading precious stones.
— That's correct, — Lucas agreed calmly.
— And do you think this murder is related to her work?
Lucas's voice was slightly changed. What had sounded calm before now carried a hint of heaviness.
— That possibility cannot be ruled out, — Bennett replied coldly.
Lucas didn't ask anything further. Silence settled between them. All that could be heard were their footsteps and the rustling of dry leaves, blending with the distant hum of passing cars.
Finally, they arrived at Elena's house. A faint but persistent light shone from the windows into the darkness of the night. Both of them paused at the door. They looked into each other's eyes, as if gathering the courage to deliver the terrible news to Elena's parents.
Detective Bennett took a deep breath and whispered:
— Are you ready, Mr. Malden?
Lucas bowed his head, rubbed his face with his hands, and murmured:
— Yes, I'm ready.
Victoria rang the doorbell. A few seconds later, the door was opened by a middle-aged woman.
— Hello… who are you? — she asked, surprised.
Victoria looked at her intently and replied in a calm but firm voice:
— I am Detective Bennett, and this is Mr. Malden.
She showed her badge and took a deep breath:
— We are here to talk to you about your daughter, Elena.
The woman's face changed. Fear and anxiety appeared in her eyes.
— What's going on? — her voice trembled.— Did my daughter do something wrong?
Victoria lowered her head slightly, as if finding it difficult to continue:
— Your name, ma'am…
— Anna, — the woman whispered.
— Mrs. Anna… Your daughter was found dead this evening at 8:25. She was killed around 8 o'clock with a firearm.
The woman went pale. Tears filled her eyes, she covered her mouth with her hand, and leaned against the doorframe, breathing heavily. Her body trembled. Then a faint whimper escaped her, turning into sobbing.
Her sobbing was heard by a man inside the house, who quickly came out.
— What's happening?! Anna, are you okay?! — he asked, alarmed.
Detective Bennett exhaled with difficulty and looked the man in the eyes:
— Mr. Denova… your daughter has been murdered.
The man seemed as if the ground had vanished beneath him. He stood still for a few seconds, then leaned against the wall, barely holding himself together. He could not stop his tears. Finally, he placed his hand on his wife's shoulder and quietly said:
— Come in, Anna… come on.
A few seconds of silence passed. Then the man lifted his head slightly and hoarsely said:
— Please, come in, detective.
Victoria slowly crossed the threshold, with Lucas following silently behind. They entered the living room. Anna sat on the sofa and buried her face in her hands. Her husband sat beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
— Please, sit down, — Denova indicated.
Victoria and Lucas took their seats in silence. A heavy silence fell for a few moments. Finally, Lucas spoke:
— Mr. Denova, recently, was your daughter anxious or irritated? Did you notice if she might have been in any danger?
— No… no, I didn't notice anything, — Denova replied, though his voice was so tense that it was clear he was remembering something.
— Do you perhaps know someone with whom she had a bad relationship? — the detective asked.
— Someone you suspect?
The man took a deep breath:
— Yes… with Elena's boyfriend, Daniel Carter. Their relationship had become very tense.
— Then what happened?
— Elena accused him of cheating and broke up with him. But he came to see her every day… he wouldn't leave. He seemed angry and irritated. When he realized Elena wouldn't return to him, he became furious.
— When was the last time you saw him? — Bennett asked strictly.
— Two days ago. He hasn't appeared since, — the man said, lowering his eyes and leaning toward his wife to comfort her.
Victoria observed for a few seconds, then stood up:
— Thank you very much, Mr. and Mrs. Denova. I'm sorry for bothering you, and we are deeply sorry for your loss. I promise we will do everything we can to ensure the killer is not left unpunished.
Bennett slightly nodded, then headed toward the door, with Lucas silently following. Behind the door, Mr. Denova slowly and heavily closed it. Outside, the air felt colder. Lucas quietly looked at the detective.
— Do you think this guy really did it?
Victoria's thoughtful gaze followed the dark sky:
— I don't know yet… but one thing is clear—— He is involved in this case.
Lucas said nothing, and they silently walked back toward the crime scene.
There, everything had already been tidied up. The body had been taken to the morgue, and the police tape had been removed. Lucas broke the silence:
— Detective, it's already late. I'll go now and meet you at the station in the morning.
Bennett hesitated for a moment and then said:
— Sir, I can't promise how much you'll be able to work with us.
A faint smile crossed Lucas's face for a moment, and he calmly walked toward his car.