Chapter 4

I sat on my couch, the only light coming from the laptop screen casting a faint glow on Miguel Turner's file. The city outside was a distant hum, a world away from the quiet intensity of my apartment.

As I scanned through the file, my eyes caught on a photo of Miguel, his smile bright and open. University Student, age 24. Psychology major. The words blurred together as my mind started piecing together the fragments.

A straight-A student, with a scholarship to boot. Member of the university's debate team, winner of several regional competitions. Volunteer at a local youth center, working with at-risk kids. The profile didn't scream "killer".

But there was something...a notation in the margin, scribbled in red ink. "Previous altercation, school disciplinary action."

I leaned back into the couch, eyes narrowing. What had Miguel been involved in?

The file said Miguel's parents were divorced, father deceased. Mother remarried, lives in California. I wondered what kind of pressure he was under.

The night air hit me like a slap, a welcome respite from the stale air of my apartment. I lit a cigarette, the ember glowing bright in the darkness as I walked out, hands in pockets. The city was a quiet beast, its sounds muted, its eyes watchful.

I needed to clear my head, to process the threads of this case. Miguel Turner, university student, debater, volunteer...and possibly involved in Jake's death? The pieces didn't fit.

As I walked, the cigarette smoke curled around my face, the ember a fleeting star in the night.

I took a long drag, feeling the nicotine buzz. I needed to talk to Miguel again, to push him, to see what he'd reveal.

I flicked the cigarette into the gutter, the ember hissing out. It was late, but I couldn't shake the feeling that Miguel was hiding something crucial. I needed to check on him, to see if he'd crack under the pressure.

As I walked, the city's sounds faded into the background, and my focus narrowed to the case. Miguel's file, the note, it all swirled in my mind like a dark vortex.

I pushed open the station door, a blast of light hitting me . The night shift officer looked up, a hint of surprise on his face. "Gray, what brings you back?"

I nodded, heading towards the cells. "Just need to check on Miguel Turner."

The officer raised an eyebrow but nodded, buzzing me through. The corridor was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the cells.

I stopped in front of Miguel's cell, looking through the small window. He was lying on the bunk, eyes open, staring at the ceiling. I could see the tension in his posture, the fear lurking in his eyes.

I unlocked the cell door, stepping inside. "Miguel."

He looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Mr. Gray?"

I leaned against the wall, my voice low. "Just checking on you"

Miguel's gaze dropped, his voice barely a whisper. "Yeah... I'm fine."

For a moment, my gaze stayed for a second on Miguel's face. As he caught my glance, his eyes flickered, a silent understanding passing between us. It was a look that said more than words could – a mix of fear, desperation, and a plea for help.

I saw it, and I knew he'd seen me see it. The air in the cell seemed to thicken, the tension palpable. Miguel's face went still, a mask slipping back into place. But I'd caught the glimpse, and I knew he knew I was onto something.

I leaned forward, my voice barely above a whisper. "Miguel, don't."

He didn't react, his expression neutral. But I knew he'd understood. Don't play dumb. Don't push me away.

The silence stretched, a wordless negotiation. Then, a slight nod, almost imperceptible. It was enough.

I stood up, my movements deliberate. "We'll talk more tomorrow, Miguel."

As I left the cell, I feel his stare behind me as I walk out, the weight of Miguel's gaze heavy on my back. I don't look back, but I can sense his eyes boring into me, a mix of fear and pleading in their depths.

I keep walking, my footsteps echoing off the walls, but my mind is stuck on Miguel's face, the look he gave me before I turned away.

I nod to the officer standing guard, my voice low as I pass. "Keep an eye on him."

The officer nods, his expression serious. "Got it, Gray."

As I step out into the cool air, the breeze hits me , snapping me back to reality. The city is quiet, the only sound the distant hum of traffic.

What was Miguel hiding? And was I walking into the dark, straight into a trap? The thought sends a shiver down my spine, but I push on, my eyes fixed ahead.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***