Detective Rose couldn't sleep a wink. She would usually sleep without difficulty, but the Landon case was different. Elliot was a professional in law, and he defended and prosecuted many criminals of different kinds. He was a force that shouldn't be reckoned with. Rose knew Elliot would try to eliminate as much evidence as possible. The Detective received a call from the IT Department and said that Elliot's computer was clean; nothing could make him look guilty.
A narcissistic lawyer like Elliot wouldn't put his true intentions on a simple computer. Detective Rose suspected that he had hidden another laptop. Since investigators had already looked through the house, there was a hunch that there were secret compartments that weren't found and looked through.
She just knew it. While looking at the crime scene pictures, a knock on the door got her attention. "Yeah!"
The door opened; it was her partner, Detective Maxwell. "Morning Rose. Looks like you haven't slept a wink last night. Is it because of this case?"
"I guess it's noticeable." Rose looked back down at the pictures. "Something doesn't add up. The IT Department told me his laptop is clean; I know he has another hidden."
"Well, it could be possible since he seems to be smart. However, a man as proud as he is can always have flaws. Anyway, I wanted to tell you that Andrea's parents arrived. They wish to speak to you."
That got her attention. "Her parents? I was thinking of calling them and setting up a time for an interrogation, but it seems they may have information about Elliot. Please send them to the interrogation room. I will be there in ten minutes."
Maxwell nodded and left Rose's office. The Detective sighed in relief; she felt that luck was slowly going her way. However, she knew Amanda's parents would not be enough; Rose had to get more people to interview. She got her notebook and pen and went off toward the interrogation room. Upon arrival, Maxwell stood outside the door with his notebook and pen. "Hey, they're inside; they look distraught."
"I imagine. They lost their daughter. Come on, let's not keep them waiting." The Detectives entered; inside were Amanda's parents. They looked distraught and as if they hadn't slept in a while; Amanda's mother had slightly droopy red eyes. The couple looked as if they were about to stand, but Rose motioned out her hand. "No need. Please stay seated. Would either of you like something to drink?"
"No, we came here because we needed to talk to you. We were told that you are in charge of our daughter's case. I am Arthur and this is my wife Yolanda. We wanted to know if you believe if what happend to Amanda was an accident?"
Rose and Maxwell sat on the opposite side of the table. It looks like that, but we must look at everything before jumping to conclusions."
Arthur and Yolanda looked at one another; they looked relieved. "Thank goodness that it wasn't ruled an accident." Yolanda motioned forward; her tear-stricken face was filled with anger, hurt, and determination. "We want to tell you that what happened to Amanda was no accident. We know that son of a bitch had something to do with this!"
The Detectives opened their notebooks, ready to write new information. "Please tell us why you think Mr. Elliot would have something to do with this?"
"Look, our daughter was no saint when she met Elliot. She was married but when meeting that evil bastard changed her. He manipulated her to meet with him and fooled her to think that he loved her. We told Amanda that he was bad news; she didn't listen. Our daughter divorced her first husband and got pregnant with Elliot's child, but lost it in the end."
"When was the first time you met Elliot Landon?" asked Maxwell.
"We all met each other two months after Amanda divorced her first husband. He tried to play charming but we knew that it was an act. His eyes told us differently," said Yolanda.
"Could you elaborate more on that? Tell us more of his personality," said Rose. She was impressed that Yolanda was observant with Elliot's eyes. People tend not to observe small details in a person.
Yolanda took a deep breath. "His eyes looked empty; like he had no soul. Of course, he had his charming smile and confident posture. Yet, the tone of his voice sounded as if he was trying hard to hide who he truly was."
"Not only that, he bought me and my wife some flowers and other small gifts to show that he meant well. Elliot knew we disapproved of him and the relationship, but it seemed he was trying so hard to show that he was perfect." Arthur lay back on his chair as he scratched the back of his head. "As my wife said, his eyes were unmoving; we knew he didn't love our daughter."
Rose and Maxwell were writing in their notebooks. "Did he do anything else that made you believe he didn't love your daughter?"
"He hardly visited us when it was the holidays. Our daughter would call and visit us from time to time. She told us that ever since she had the miscarriage, he became distant, and he wanted to sleep in separate rooms. Elliot would always find excuses not to be with her. He would always focus on work. They would have arguments and fights but Andrea told us that he would make her feel guilty." Yolanda scoffed. "That man is a complete narcissist and socipath!"
"We told Amanda to divorce him; he would have to pay her spousal support, but she loved him too much. We knew it was an infatuation for him. My wife and I wondered if Elliot was having an affair."
This captured Rose's interest as she wrote her notes. "Really? What made you believe this?"
"Well, Amanda told me that Elliot was focusing a lot on his work and would, at times, come home late. She believed that Elliot was cheating on her. We hate to admit it but since he had no qualms being with a married woman, then he wouldn't hesitate to cheat again," said Arthur.
"Thank you for all this information. We will consider this."
The couple stood up. "Thank you for listening to us. Also, please feel free to speak with our daughter's friends. They volunteered to be interrogated and have things to say about Elliot." Yolanda gave Rose a paper with different names and numbers.
Rose smiled as she got the paper. She and Maxwell shook hands and bid farewell to the couple. Rose and Maxwell looked at the list of names. "Wow, there are quite a few names. I guess we will have more information about Elliot, and a reason to make him a complete suspect."
"Well, we will have a few leads, but he will try to lie through his teeth. There are other ways that we need to get more information."
Maxwell looked at his partner; he knew what she was thinking. If she went through with it, it could risk her entire career.16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHx37Ph0b6
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