The Killer Boss

Chapter 7

Chapter Seven:

The real last person Scarlet Monroe was seen with.

—

ALYSSA JOLTED IN her seat upon hearing the words.

Not that the revelation was new to her—no, it definitely wasn’t because she’s already aware of that very fact. However, she’s surprised because they promised their deceased friend not to tell anyone aside from their other friends who knew, and Scarlet’s customers. They all practically made a pact so that it wouldn’t reach a lot of people and that would give her less chance to be caught—knowing that it’s illegal to sell drugs. If anyone finds out, most especially the cops, Scarlet would be in huge trouble. Which is why they had kept it a secret and didn’t disclose it to anyone.

After all, they’re friends, or so Alyssa thought.

“Claire, no…” Alyssa carefully mumbled, not believing what slipped from her friend’s mouth. “Why are you telling them this?” she bit her lower lip, afraid that she might spill any information that would put Scarlet at a disadvantage.

They promised Scarlet.

She just can’t accept the fact that Claire broke the promise just because Scarlet is no longer with them. Is that how their friendship came to be? But Claire and Scarlet had been best friends for a long time—making her aware that the two knew each other the longest. So why the sudden change of heart? Did they have a fight? Why is she disclosing information about Scarlet so unexpectedly? Alyssa couldn’t help to wonder why, however, she couldn’t think of any possible reasons.

Alyssa had a habit of keeping secrets and never telling anyone. She treasured secrets told to her as much as she treasured her friendship with Scarlet. Always being true to her words and beliefs even though Scarlet was doing something illegal.

Scarlet is dead and even her secret has been told.

“You shouldn’t have told them.” Feeling another wave of tears forming in her eyes, Alyssa’s insides churned and her heart was heavy. First, she’s mourning at the loss of her friend, now, she’s forlorn about the fact that Claire broke her promise to their deceased friend. There’s no way to stop the wave of emotions swirling inside of her. Scarlet has been a good friend of hers and she was really fond of her despite her rough background. She made sure to support Scarlet and give her comfort whenever she needed it. Despite Scarlet always acting tough on the outside… just like Claire, deep inside Alyssa—she knew that the two needed more comfort than anyone in their group.

Taking little to no attention as to what Alyssa just muttered, Claire ignored her warning. She always hated weak people. Most especially Alyssa, who had always been emotional given under any circumstance. Even though she wanted to tell her to stop acting like a child, she couldn’t form any words in her mouth. In addition to that, ever since Claire was young, she didn’t even know how to comfort people so she just let Alyssa’s emotion be in control of her.

On the other hand, Edward’s eyes widened with what Claire just spilled, he couldn’t seem to swallow the information that was thrown at them. When he had interrogated Scarlet’s parents, he thought that the reason why she might’ve died was in correlation to her parent’s background. They were rich and had a lot of rivals in terms of the industry they ventured in—which was a huge factor for Scarlet’s death. Selling drugs never crossed his mind, much more since Creek City had been a drug free city for years… or so he thought.

As he found his voice, he spoke, “How long had she been selling drugs?” The lead detective questioned, wanting the woman to elaborate further. “Is her parents aware of it?”

“For as long as I could remember and no, Scarlet’s parents didn’t have any idea that she sold drugs.” Claire answered, clipped. She’s very straightforward and didn’t prolong the interrogation as she answered right away. For the longest time, Claire had always been there for Scarlet, but now that she is gone; she thought that telling the detectives everything was the right choice that she could only think of. The detectives could clearly help them solve Scarlet’s case and that’s what Claire exactly wanted.

“But, how?” Suarez asked. He was confused at the fact that a young woman has access to such things. “Where did she get her sources from?” he then continued to finish his thoughts.

Claire let out a deep sigh, preparing herself mentally for all that she is going to disclose to the detectives. She might be being too much in others eyes but she knew that what she’s going to do will help fasten the case. So she answered, “Scarlet doesn’t let us know. We’re just aware that she was selling and other than that—we have no other idea about the whole process,” her voice is clear, indicating that she isn’t lying about it. Claire also made sure not to break eye contact with the lead detective. The last thing that she wanted is to be presumed lying about this whole ordeal—that would only put her in a bad place if that ever happens.

“Who are her customers?” Edward butted in with a ragged breath. Thinking that if they know who she sold it to—they could’ve a possible lead and another set of interrogation to do. Because anyone that is related to her might’ve some input that could help them solve her death.

“There were tons—especially in this academy.” Claire didn’t even care if that would damage the school’s reputation. The hell she cares? Scarlet already died. Lying wouldn’t bring her back to life. So she continued, “Mostly students… even teachers.” Claire announced, not even regretting that she did.

It’s about time that the authorities found out about the sorcery of Paradise View Academy.

As if on cue, Edward and Suarez looked at one another, astounded once again with Claire’s words. They were surely learning a lot. Even though Edward isn’t apprehensive if this new lead is related to Scarlet’s death, he was just grateful for Claire’s bravery.

Throughout the conversation, Alyssa remained silent in her seat, avoiding everyone’s eyes—and never wanting to add information that would involve breaking her promise to Scarlet. She respected her—even more so when she had undeservingly died—knowing that Claire had been friends with Scarlet for a longer time than her, that's why she’s practically being like this. Alyssa understood Claire’s pent up anger. So even if she didn’t spill anything, she also didn’t have the power to stop Claire.

“Could you give us the names you remember that’d been her customer?” The lead detective inquired, hoping that the young woman would easily cooperate.

In which, Claire did.

Nodding, she listed every name that she remembered that’d been part of the circle. Even though this is a risky move, she didn’t have a single ounce of care. Yes, she was aware of the fact that Scarlet was selling drugs but aside from that—she never bought or tried using one. She’s clean and even if they do run some tests on her, the results would automatically be negative.

Claire’s reputation in the academy wasn’t entirely outstanding since she’d always been adamant. Students actually feared her whole being as she was intimidating enough for them to handle. That is why Claire only had few friends and Scarlet was the one that she was closest to.

… and now she is gone.

She clenched her jaw after reciting the names. Despite the dull look on her face, the walls and barriers she built felt like crashing down as reality started to hit her.

When she heard the news that Scarlet is no longer alive, she didn’t feel anything. She was void of any emotions as she couldn’t properly absorb the devastating news. Scarlet was her friend, a loving and caring friend. Claire knew that Scarlet already had a lot on her plate, but whenever she needed her—Scarlet was always there for her. And now when Claire would need her–and she definitely will—there won’t be any Scarlet to be there for her.

That very thought stung her eyes as she felt a piercing pain through her heart.

Claire curled her fist so tight that the veins started to ache and her knuckles began turning white. Not that she minded though, she couldn’t fully express her emotions at the exact moment so she swallowed the pain and composed herself before she could even release a soft muffled sob from her mouth.

A small glimpse of her past where she and Scarlet would talk for hours about their problems in life and share their deepest darkest secrets invaded her mind. She could remember the two of them laughing their asses off after mocking and making fun of their situations in order to momentarily minimize the pain they were feeling. Moments like those were something that Claire treasured deeply. And now, she wouldn’t be able to experience those things ever again.

Which led her to unveil Scarlet’s past.

All because she’s hopeful that it can be much of a help.

“Why are you telling us all of this?” Edward spoke so abruptly that all of them thought that he was angry for a moment. There was nothing but confusion laced on his face as his eyebrow creased, nose crunched, and lips pursed. Any person that would see him right now would initially think that he was angry. However, Edward isn’t angry—even for a bit. He’s very much puzzled as to why Claire was acting like this. But all this information is too heavy to handle. “Why didn’t you tell the police before and we could’ve stopped this from happening?”

“You can never stop anything because Scarlet was deeply motivated to achieve what she wanted. And to answer your first question, you’re investigating, aren’t you? I’m just simply telling you everything that I know.” Her words were mocking, quite irritated that the lead detective was suddenly questioning as to why she’s disclosing crucial information. Claire was quick to shift her emotions, they couldn’t even notice the small change of her feelings before she had spoken.

“You didn’t answer correctly.” The stern voice was laced across the room, enough to make one flinch—Alyssa for example.

“I hated her.” Claire spatted in such a haste, as if she had revealed something that should’ve not been said. Her answer had earned yet another suspicion from Edward.

This young woman is unpredictable as she is.

Flustered, Suarez gulped. “But… she is your friend,” he commented, evidently confused at her words. Deep inside him, he knew that when she said those words, it might put her in a bad state and might even make her a suspect. However, he believed that Claire isn’t capable of that judging by her actions alone.

“Yes, she is,” she answered, her teeth gritted and her hands curled into a fist.

Edward raised a brow at her answer. “Then why do you hate her?”

The woman heaved a sigh, trying to calm her emotions down. “If only she’d listened, maybe she would still be alive!” she exploded, telling them what had been bothering her all along.

“Claire, please, stop.” Alyssa had finally butted in, not liking where this was going. Claire already told them a lot of information and she is just making it much worse than it already is. “Stop making things worse,” she then continued, clearly showing that she wasn’t liking Claire’s very action.

It was as though Claire was nothing but a nuisance to the interrogation.

They already said that they wouldn’t tell anyone about everything the second that they found out that Scarlet is gone. Clearly, she was still keeping her promise from Scarlet. However, this current issue that they’re tackling is not solely about Scarlet anymore. This now involved Claire, and Alyssa wanted to stop her from saying anything that isn’t related to the case. And the last thing that Alyssa wanted is to add fuel to the fire. It may be favorable for the detectives and the ongoing case but for the people involved—it surely is troublesome.

Claire remained silent, obviously taking into consideration what Alyssa just said. But there was still an urge inside of her that wanted her to speak about the bottling feelings. One more push and she could easily give in—spilling thoughts to the detectives of what was troubling her.

“What makes you say that, Claire?” Although Edward is losing every ounce of patience that he has inside his body, he’s making an effort not to explode in front of young women.

He mostly handled cases involving older people, so this was a breath of new scenery for him. Moreover, he needed to keep in mind that he might interrogate more younger people since Scarlet was in college. Losing his patience around them might just scare them and would eventually turn out in a bad situation. The worst case scenario is that they’ll be too afraid to tell them anything because of him being impatient.

“Nevermind, forget I ever said anything.” Claire’s voice was final, she made it clear that she didn’t want to disclose any information anymore.

“But it doesn’t work that way, miss.” Claire flinched at Edward’s tone. Although he didn’t have the intention to frighten them—he just wanted to remind these women that the more they hide things from them, the more the case gets unsolved.

The lead detective knew that both of them wanted to help and solve the investigation for their friend, Scarlet Monroe.

Alyssa was once again fidgety on Claire’s side, she knew that there was no stopping what her friend would say, now that the detectives were curious.

Edward sighed and rubbed his aching temple. “This is an important matter. Any information you give to us will certainly help with the case. I know that both of you wanted this to be solved, so cooperate with us.” Looking at the both of them, he noticed that they were avoiding his stares. “Why would Scarlet kill herself?” The words slipped from his tongue, he didn’t directly impose a lie but he wanted to test these girls. Probably to the point where they’d spill more information.

“Scarlet would never kill herself!” Alyssa yelled as her hands were trembling on the table. The look on her face was very distressing—her eyes were intense but tears were also evident. Aside from that, her cheeks pinked from the sudden scream and surge of emotions.

Edward nodded and offered her a questioning look. “What makes you say that, Alyssa?”

“She... she just would never.” Alyssa heaved a sigh as sobs escaped from her lips. “Scarlet’s from a wealthy family but you don’t know what exhorts her to do what she has already done.” She added in between sobs.

“Then please, in any way, make us understand.” Edward practically begged but Alyssa was already swallowed by the wails and tears that she can’t suppress anymore.

So on behalf of her, Claire spoke. “Scarlet’s life was on the brink of a cliff,” she began, sure as ever—to disclose the information with the detectives. She couldn’t bear hearing that Scarlet would end her life because she knew her to an extent that it’s not in any way true. So even if Scarlet or Alyssa would end up hating her for telling the sleuths the truth, she doesn’t care, as long as she clears Scarlet’s name.

That is how much she treasures their friendship.

Edward and Suarez’s eyes were now glued to Scarlet as she spoke. Suarez continued to list down notes that are important while he was listening. While Edward has all his ears to the woman in front of them.

“Scarlet resorted to selling drugs at a young age because her parents never supported her in life. Aside from the tuition fee that they paid to provide for her education—a house and a roof for shelter, and other necessities—it wasn’t enough to compensate for all the abuse and negligence that she’d experienced from them.” Claire’s voice was low, they weren’t sure if she was close to tears or she just felt forced to disclose such information.

The revelation earned yet another suspicion from Edward towards Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. He knew that the moment he interrogated them, they were peculiar. And this information added a piece to the puzzle. The bruises that he saw in the picture really meant something. Someone was liable for that assault.

“Scarlet sold drugs because she was saving money, she wanted to leave Creek City—for good. Start a new life somewhere where her family wouldn’t reach her. Scarlet wanted to have a peaceful life and she can only achieve that if she’s away from her family.”

As she said those words, Claire remembered her deceased friend—her sweet smile and gentle eyes had always been a part of who she was. Even though Scarlet was living a miserable life, she’d remained kind and caring towards the people around her. Reminiscing her deceased friend, Claire’s chest began to clench. Despite the habit of bickering many times, the memories they created were treasured deeply.

“I told her several times that she can earn money, but not in that certain way—we always had an argument regarding that. That was why a part of me hated her because she never listened as she was very stubborn. Telling me that she would save money faster that way because her parents won't allow her to apply for a part time job,” she signed and ran her hands on her hair, showing much frustration. “I was against it right from the start,” she continued, her voice cracked and tears were evident in her eyes. “But Scarlet’s my friend and I cherished her so much.”

Now, both Claire and Alyssa were sobbing in front of the detectives. The two men felt a tinge of pain and pity coursing through their bodies. Although they didn’t know Scarlet personally, they felt that she was a good person with such nice friends.

Edward coughed the lump in his throat away then spoke. “We’re very sorry for your loss.” The very sight of the young girls crying in front of him was enough to make him think of his past. He wanted to comfort them but it was unnecessary.

Instead, he kept in mind that he really needs to solve this case.

“So you both agree that Scarlet didn’t overdose herself?” Edward questioned, wanting elucidation.

Both of them nodded their heads, implying that they agreed to what he had spoken. The women were engrossed with their emotions that they couldn’t even utter a simple word.

“We have speculated that too.” Suarez replied with a frown etched in his face.

“Both of you were the one who was last seen with Scarlet, are you—” Edward's words were cut even before he could finish the question.

Alyssa gulped down the sobs. “Uhm, no we’re not.”

“She was with someone else before she disappeared.” Claire shook her head, recollecting her emotions—forcing herself to stop the tears from streaming down her face.

Edward glanced towards his colleague, all along they believed that they were the last people Scarlet was with. Edward fisted his hands, both frustrated and eager to ask a question. “Who was she with before she went missing?” he muttered as he massaged his temple.

“Uhh, she was with another student that time.” Claire exclaimed, as she remembered in the back of her mind that specific person she was pertaining to, “It’s one of her customers,” she implied as Claire had remembered a particularly lanky guy with blonde hair then continued. “A regular.”

Suarez flipped the notebook towards Claire where he had listed the names before, “Which one of here?”

Claire wiped a tear that had escaped from her eye, with a shaking hand she pointed towards a specific area. “This one, his name is Calvin Ferrer.”