The Killer Boss

Chapter 10

Chapter Ten:

Not all evidence is easily identified as evidence.

—

“WHAT DO YOU have there, Ed?”

Suarez questioned, his forehead knitted together and his left eyebrow raised in confusion as he stared at his colleague who seemed to be in shock as he examined something that he found inside Calvin's home. Judging by the facial expression lingering in Edward’s face, Suarez has a gut feeling that his superior might have found something that is indeed important in regards to their current investigation—he just doesn’t have any idea what it was.

The sudden silence and unmoving body of his colleague was enough for Suarez to tell that there is something wrong or there is something useful found. It isn’t rare that everyone is silent during times like this. On most occasions, he’s aware that Edward is always on the move and has side comments while doing investigations. It’s one of his traits that Suarez had already gotten used to since he also works well with that attribute. Since both of them can brainstorm well while looking for clues in the possible suspect’s apartment unit.

But this time, Edward didn’t even respond to his question—making him mindful that there is indeed something bugging Edward at the moment.

“Hey, are you alright there?” he tried calling Edward once more but to no avail, there still wasn't any response. Suarez stood still in his tracks, not knowing whether he should decrease the proximity between the two of them or just give Edward the space he needed—since he seemed like he was still caught up in his own headspace.

On the other hand, Detective Edward couldn’t believe the sight that he was seeing. Which is the main reason as to why he was immobilized in his place and couldn’t utter a single word to Suarez. His face was morphed into puzzlement as he was uncertain of this new piece of information that he just found.

How did this end up here? Moreover—Is his eyes only deceiving him?

All of the theories inside his mind were starting to come together in the right place and just about the right time. While he was hopeful that any evidence might show up during the time that they are searching for clues inside Calvin’s abode—he didn’t expect that something this significant of an evidence would be presented right onto his very hand.

Who knows that they might actually find something useful here? As much as he was optimistic in finding a clue, he wasn’t positive that any form of evidence would just magically appear right before his eyes. In any investigation given to the detectives, whenever they have cases to solve, evidence is what ties the whole case stronger to form a solid proof that no criminal could ever deny.

This is what Edward exactly needed.

A solid evidence being held delicately in his own grasp. Something that could eventually tie all the pieces together. That being said, having Scarlet's uniform inside Calvin's abode is probably the most important evidence that they had found as of this moment.

"Ed? What’s that?" Suarez asked again, trying to pry Edward off from his thoughts. He noticed that his colleague was too silent for his liking. “Did you find something useful in regards to the case?”

As a Lead Detective of most cases, Edward was the one who had guided all of them. In a way, he was always the one who had to ask plausible questions while they were investigating—asking each and everyone regarding the current situation and would listen to their reports as well as their thoughts. He was always babbling and talking to them while doing their work. Not due to the fact that he wanted them to be disturbed while working, but mainly because the lead detective has the right to discuss any topic that is related to the investigation—to be well informed of the ongoing case.

But today, Edward was different.

So Suarez needed to find out why his friend was acting the other.

He was gawking carefully on Edward’s face while he gently strode towards his colleague's spot. Due to the fact that the cabinet’s door served as a barrier to what the lead detective was holding, Suarez didn’t have any clue as to what Edward was holding. The very moment that he had gotten closer to him, it was only when he saw what was in Edward’s hands. And from the second that his eyes were casted to the uniform that his colleague was holding, he was apprehensive of the thought in his mind.

Just like Edward, he felt a familiarity surging within him upon noticing the blouse in his superior's hands. In which he remembered the same style of uniform that Claire and Alyssa had worn when they visited Paradise View Academy to interrogate the two.

It was the same exact style, he was certain of it. The uniform really belonged to someone that goes to Paradise View Academy.

Without much of a thought, Detective Manuel Suarez quickly grabbed the uniform in his gloved hands to see the surname embroidered on the small white blouse. A noticeable gasp had elicited from his mouth as soon as he had proved that his thoughts were nothing but the truth. Suarez didn’t even have any idea that he was holding his breath the moment he had seen the uniform as he let out an exhale. But then again, as the reality began to sink in, his breath hitched one more time.

Looking before Edward who had a wide grin forming on his lips, they almost screamed in success. The way that both of their eyes had lit up despite the grave situation that they were currently in—they didn’t even suppress the joy that they were both feeling. Detective Manuel Suarez’ eyes widened at the very sight. It was as though the uniform that had been found inside the cabinet was shining right before his eyes, seemingly as though they had found a treasure inside a chest.

“Is… is this… is this actually true?” Suarez inquired in full bewilderment, still a hint of smile laced on his mouth. Even though he’s trying hard not to form a smile on his lips, it was inevitable. All along they thought that it was already a dead end for everyone.

However, this is nowhere near a dead end.

Apparently, Suarez is beaming with happiness due to the fact that they had found evidence, not entirely because the clues tied Calvin to the current case—but this was already something. As of now, it was safe to assume that the two might really be involved with one another—that there might be something going on between the two.

Edward nodded as he passed a zip lock bag to Suarez, “Please bag it first. That particular evidence is essential to this case, we don’t want anyone tampering with what we currently have,” he commanded with such authority, but the relief in his voice was also evident, in which Suarez immediately followed suit.

As he had locked the transparent bag, Suarez reached over a sticker then labeled the evidence. His hand was even shaking as he wrote the words down on the glossy surface, due to the fact that this is a very important piece of evidence that they had found. It will surely lead them to somewhere forward with the investigation.

Confused as ever, Suarez uttered the same exact question lingering inside Edward’s mind. “Why would Scarlet’s uniform be here?” he inquired, wondering why a particular uniform could be found inside Calvin's home. Even though they wanted to find anything that could tie scarlet and Calvin’s relationship together, the uniform is something that they didn’t even expect to find.

Did she leave it here or did Calvin steal it and if he did, why would he?

Edward could ponder the same thing as well. Claire had mentioned that Calvin is one of Scarlet’s regular customers in terms of her selling drugs. The way she said those words proved that she was indeed telling the truth—Edward is aware of it, there was no lie placed in her voice nor on her expression. So that only meant that Claire also doesn’t have any idea that Scarlet would be closer to Calvin than what she thought they would be.

Could they be more than just a customer and seller relationship between the two of them? If Claire has known Scarlet ever since they were young, how come she didn’t tell the detectives that the two might have a special bond shared together? Was Claire hiding something or just genuinely doesn’t have a single clue about it? All of these questions were popping inside the detective's mind and they wanted answers so badly.

Both Edward and Suarez are wondering whether Scarlet and Calvin are friends or they are much more than that. Due to the fact that how could one's clothes end up in someone else’s home? Not unless they are truly closer than what people around them thought of.

However, Scarlet’s mother, Slyvia Monroe—had mentioned that her daughter is not interested in those kinds of things. Thus, Claire and Alyssa never mentioned anything more than the two being Calvin just Scarlet’s customer. So concluding that there is something going on between the two is out of the window... for now.

Or worse, Calvin is really the suspect that they are looking for.

He might be the criminal who killed Scarlet and kept her uniform as a trophy.

It was no stranger to that suspicion and conclusion since Calvin was the last person Scarlet was seen with. In addition to that, her uniform was inside his home. A possession of evidence that is so strong that no jury could ever deny the fact that he might be the killer.

Not unless Calvin would come forward and tell them what had really happened. He would either confess or be a witness of a homicide case.

“We still don’t know for sure if this would prove to us that Calvin is the killer.” Edward informed Suarez, trying to squeeze in the fact that they shouldn’t be jumping into any conclusions not unless they have a solid basis.

Suarez adjusted the camera in his hands, taking pictures of the room and the newly found evidence. “Ed, that alone is a solid indication that the boy is related to the case. That very piece of uniform is our confirmation,” he muttered after he was done taking a picture, determination lingering in his voice as he gawked at his superior.

Releasing a deep sigh, Edward uttered. “I know. However, we should also take into consideration other possibilities.” As a detective, it’s only natural for them to think outside the box… to go beyond what’s normal or what isn’t normal during an investigation. It’s helpful to have wider and broader speculations rather than just one.

“Like what?” Suarez asked with a scrunched nose and creased forehead. “Is there something going on beyond just selling drugs? Is that what you are implying?” he added, wanting Edward to elaborate the statement that he just said.

Edward cleared his throat, suppressing the thought as he did not want to jump into conclusion. “We can not be so sure. But one thing for sure, we need to find where Calvin is. We would initially have answers once that boy is in our custody,” he reassured his colleague.

In spite of the thoughts running in his mind, he didn’t bother dwelling into it for as long as they are currently searching the place. All of them could talk about it once the uniform of Scarlet would be examined by the forensics—if it’s really hers to begin with. For now, they needed to focus on looking for more clues and evidence so that it would be easier for them to solve the case.

For all are hoping that they do really solve this case.

“We should get back to work.” Edward mentioned, as he moved his way back to the closet. “Look for more evidence that could link Calvin to Scarlet’s case. I’m sure that this isn’t the end of it.” His gloved hands were busy reaching out for things and examining some things that might be deemed as important to the case.

Despite the Lead Detective’s command, Suarez remained unmoving on his tracks, “We’re really pinning Scarlet’s death to Calvin… is that what we’re entirely doing?” he didn’t want to come off as someone who's second guessed when it comes to Calvin—but he wanted to be certain as early as now.

“I believe that we shouldn’t throw the possibility out of the window.” Edward replied, clipped.

Suarez nodded towards his superior even though Edward wasn't looking at him, implying an agreement. He then continued scanning everything that might give them any clues and didn’t leave any nooks and crannies without inspecting them. They were also aware of the fact that there might be fingerprints or shoe prints that could help the case so they were careful enough not to damage those.

While examining the bed area, one thing that caught Suarez's attention was a crumpled piece of paper under the bed. Reaching for the paper, he noticed some writing or some sort of scribbled letters written on it even though it was crumpled. Without further ado, he quickly straightened the paper to read the text on it. The words appeared to be upside down so he immediately flipped the paper before reading the words.

“Meet me in Hollow Street near the Bagels Shop. AT EXACTLY 5 PM.” He softly whispered but enough for his colleague to hear. The words slipping out of his mouth made Edward jolt in his spot as he turned around to gawk over Suarez who had a paper in his hold and had a confused look flashed on his face.

“What are you saying?” Detective Edward inquired even though he had heard every word that Suarez had muttered. He just needed to confirm whether what he had really heard was true or he might have heard it wrong.

“Hollow… Street, 5PM.” Detective Suarez repeated the important words that were written on the piece of paper. Those words wouldn’t just mean nothing—most clues like this hold importance.

It wasn’t there solely for nothing.

But what would those words exactly mean? Detective Edward mentally pondered.

The statements were too vague to make a concept out of it. It could be anything and most importantly, it couldn’t be related to this case. Calvin might have just left an important note to himself on normal days like any other person that easily forgets events. A little piece of paper with some words on it doesn’t essentially mean anything, not unless they would dive in much further and investigate the details on the paper.

Edward marched towards Suarez then caught a hold of the sheet, delicately enough, afraid that it would tear since the paper had already been crumpled too much.

He read the note again, now fully seeing that what he heard was legitimate. He couldn’t seem to understand what the words were implying. Yes, it might be related to the case as well as in relation to Scarlet who was first gone missing before she was found dead. But Hollow Street is far from Sparrow Hill Lane where Scarlet was found laying on the stone cold pavement, dead.

But still, they couldn’t just shrug off something like this.

“What could it be?” Suarez began asking as Edward was busy bagging the note inside a zip lock. “Is it related to the case? Was Calvin the one who wrote this note? Or do you think Scarlet was the one who wrote the note? Or a friend of Calvin’s? It might mean something… right?” he questioned not because he knew Edward knew the answer but due to the fact that he just wanted to voice out the thoughts that were lingering inside his head. For he too, was just curious about the note that he just found.

The series of questions that came from his colleague turned out to be nothing but gibberish as Detective Edward was too busy correlating the meaning behind the message. He was sure that it might involve some kind of invitation for Calvin. Hence, the note inside his very room. Maybe he was supposed to buy some drugs from other dealers or maybe it really was from Scarlet since they were already aware that Calvin is that type of person.

There are a lot of possibilities whether who wrote the message, what it might mean and every possibility that popped out of Edward's mind, he had taken note of it for it might be in relation to the current case.

“Ed?” Suarez muttered after clearing his throat, pulling Edward out of his trance, “What are you thinking about?” he interrupted Edward's train of thoughts as he wanted them to converse and know what’s going through the Lead Detective's mind.

Without looking back to Suarez, Edward ordered his colleague. “Call Wilson now and have him on Hollow Street and the Bagels Shop,” he began staring at the piece of paper in his hands. He raised a brow while mentioning the words. “Tell him to check every CCTV near the area and when something comes up, tell him to give us a call right away.” The detective added as he finished the order that he had commanded Suarez.

Not even needing another word from his superior, Detective Suarez abruptly fished out his phone from his back pocket and quickly dialed Wilson's number to contact him. It’s just about time that the others found out other clues that could help them. It is impossible for Calvin to just leave without any trace. That they were sure of. More than ever, they know that something related to how he suddenly went missing is surely related to Scarlet Monroe’s death. Gathering a lot of evidence from his apartment that clearly states that Scarlet has been into his unit is already essential to the case. They only needed to find where Calvin Ferrer had gone.

On the other hand, Edward stormed out of the room as they were now done examining the bedroom. That being said, every nook and crannies had now been inspected. The moment that he passed by the living room and then saw a bag of evidence on the containers placed on the table, he stopped in his tracks.

“Sir!” The police officer who had noticed his appearance had swiftly saluted in front of him and Detective Edward acknowledged the young man.

Clearing his throat and then gazing at the things on top of the table, Edward blurted out. “What do we have there?” he asked, taking a good look at the transparent bags. “Is everything of importance?” Detective Edward added, wanting to gather more information than what they just gathered in the bedroom. It’s not wrong to hope for more clues as it would only mean that they have more means to investigate further.

Nodding to the Lead Detective, the police officer responded. “We have drugs that the owner has hidden inside his washing machine. There were tons of them and some were even in the cabinet by the sink,” he mentioned, explaining briefly what was inside the containers.

“Any other clues?” Edward asked after acknowledging the explanation while scanning through the room where other police officers were busily inspecting the place. Everyone is still busy as all of them were searching everywhere for evidence and more clues. Every corner of the place might give them a lead so they were all doing the best they could.

The police officer bobbed his head up and down, implying an agreement. “Under-Sheriff Collins found a load of cash in the spare room,” he mentioned. “There was a bag on top of the big wooden cabinet and when they opened it, the money almost overflowed from the bag.”

“Is the money clean?” The Lead detective questioned and the police officer nodded. Edward tapped the man on the back as he said his appreciation for their hard work. In which the police officer returned with a smile to the Lead Detective.

Just after a few seconds, Under-Sheriff Collins marched towards Detective Edward's place upon noticing that he was now out of the bedroom, informing them about some glasses and cigarette butts that were found by the sink.

“Sir," Under-sheriff Collins greeted with a salute and Edward nodded at him. "The glasses and cigarette butts seemed to have some lipstick stain on it, we will be sending them to the forensics to check if the DNA would match Scarlet’s.” Collins heaved out a sigh. “We also found these, sir,” he handed Edward a zip lock bag and inside were numerous different IDs. Both of which had Calvin and Scarlet’s face on the cards, all with different names attached to it. There were more than ten IDs inside the zip lock bag.

Continuing his words, he added, “Judging by these alone, sir. I think that Calvin knows something about what had happened to Scarlet.” Collins had speculated because of the amount of evidence that was found inside Calvin's abode. Not to mention that there is also other evidence that ties him to Scarlet's case.

“Alright, have them sent to the forensics as soon as possible since the result will surely take a while.” Edward informed Collins, and the man nodded in agreement. Before the Under-Sheriff could leave, Edward added. “Thank you for all of your hard work.” A satisfied smile etched on Collins’ face as he bowed his head as a sign of respect.

With everything that’s in their hands now, it was safe to assume that there’s really something going on between Scarlet and Calvin. For now, they have to figure out what it is. Since there is no way that the two of them just have a seller and buyer relationship if there are tons of clues that say otherwise.

There was numerous evidence and clues inside Calvin’s home, that they were now certain of seeing it with their own eyes.

For a moment, Edward felt a wave of relief flowing through his body. If it wasn’t for him, they would not be searching inside the very house. If it wasn’t for his suggestion to check inside Calvin’s home, they wouldn’t be able to gather all of this information. He mentally congratulated himself. He did something that helped the case to move forward. It was no brainer to check the apartment of the last person to be seen with the victim. Of course, any detective would suggest that too.

However it was a different case for Edward since many had said that the case can be easily ruled as suicide since there were no signs of foul play. That information alone, would have stopped the ongoing investigation and would be announced as case closed.

But Edward was persistent, as the investigation unfolds new kinds of information, they can’t just ignore the possibility of this being a homicide. Not when Scarlet’s parents are being peculiar, Scarlet’s friends agreeing that she wouldn’t take her own life, and now this—numerous traces of evidence that Scarlet had been inside Calvin’s house before she died.

This case isn’t homicide, it’s a bloody murder.

— and Edward will do everything he can to prove that.