Chapter 3

I said, "Honestly, I just thought it was better not to stir up trouble. I'm not the kind of person who goes looking for a fight, so I didn't bother reporting them for making too much noise.

"But since you're here now, officer, I might as well tell you everything. Yesterday, I really did go over to ask them to keep it down.

"But just as I got to their door, I found something lying right there on the floor."

Before I could finish, Christine rudely interrupted me.

She snapped, "Who are you saying is looking for trouble? It's their fault. I'm already being nice by not sending them to jail. What's wrong with asking for compensation?"

She turned to the guy and demanded, "I'm telling you, go upstairs and arrest them all right now. If you don't, I'll go to the station and report you myself. Don't test me."

The guy was hanging on every word, probably thinking I'd found something that had to do with the murder.

But Christine kept butting in and running her mouth nonstop.

He frowned, clearly annoyed, and shot Christine a dark, unfriendly look.

He snapped, "Shut up! You're really getting on my nerves. Don't mess with my investigation. Let your sister finish what she has to say."

Christine jumped a little at his intimidating glare.

She instinctively stepped back. She didn't dare mouth off to the guy, so instead she glared at me aggrievedly.

Christine muttered, "Ugh, it's always the same. As long as you're here, everyone sides with you. How gross."

I could hardly believe what I was hearing.

Even with all the words, I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that my own sister would betray me.

But now I heard her talk smack about me, loud and clear, there was no denying it anymore.

If that was how she wanted to play, then she couldn't blame me for what came next.

I gritted my teeth and steeled my heart.

I said, "Yes, officer, I picked up something crucial. It could be a big help for your investigation. I think I left it... Oh, I put it in my room when I got home last night. I'll go grab it for you right now."

I forcefully pulled my hand out of Christine's grip.Turning around, I walked toward the bathroom.

One step, two steps, three steps...

I was almost there. Just a little more.

Suddenly, Christine said, "I don't remember you picking anything up last night. Are you trying to fool the cop or something?

"When I asked you yesterday, you totally said you didn't find anything. You even told me to stop asking, acting all sketchy and nervous.

"Why are you making stuff up?"

The guy instantly shot me a suspicious look.

My heart clenched. Oh no!

Sure enough, the next second, the guy strode over, right on my heels.

He said, "Evidence is crucial. It could be the key to this case. I'll come with you to get it."

I tilted my head, pretending not to get it.

I said, "Key evidence? What are you talking about? Isn't this just a noise complaint? An apology would do. I'm not the type to nitpick over stuff like this."

The guy's expression was unreadable. I had no idea if I'd managed to fool him or not.

My nails dug deep into my palms, which were slick with sweat.

Christine arched her brows at me, looking all smug. She said, "Don't lie. I saw you last night. You didn't bring anything home, so what are you making up stories for?

"You say I'm the one who likes drama, but you're the one lying through your teeth. Hmph!"

I looked at Christine, totally floored by what she just said.

I managed a strained smile. "The thing I picked up was so tiny, I just slipped it into my pocket. No wonder you didn't notice.

"Let's not waste the officer's time. I'll go get it now."

I made my way toward the bathroom, keeping my pace even.

The guy was still right on my tail.

When he saw me heading for the bathroom, I could feel him let his guard down a bit.

From the outside, the bathroom looked completely closed off.

But what he didn't realize was, there was actually a tiny window in there.

It was hidden right behind the door, totally invisible if one was looking from the living room.

Seizing that brief moment when the guy relaxed, I sprang into action.

I rushed into the bathroom and locked the door behind me in one swift motion.

Right away, I heard him banging on the door.

His fists hammered against it, loud and relentless.

I called out, "Officer, sorry! My stomach suddenly hurts. I gotta use the bathroom. Just give me three minutes.

"The thing I picked up last night is in my bedroom drawer. Go look for it yourself."

The guy was fuming, banging on the door so hard the lock shook. "Open up!"

I could practically feel his rage radiating through the door.

Christine was gloating on the sidelines, chirping away and stirring up trouble. "See? I told you she was lying!"

The banging outside was getting crazier by the second, and the flimsy door looked like it could bust open any moment.

Ignoring all the banging and yelling outside, I made a break for it and slipped out the window.

I poked my head out for a quick look.

The second floor was around 20 feet off the ground.

As long as I didn't land headfirst, I'd survive.