Scorching Hot

大暑 [10] / [13]

As he lay there in the dark, he thought about Ed, Violet's accusations, and the video evidence he'd seen. What do I actually know? He thought to himself. Not much, he concluded. All he really knew was what she wanted him to know, though the videos did seem pretty damning.

Still, he needed to talk to Ed again. Face to face, if possible. He needed to get both sides of the story, and he also wanted to see, visually as well as audibly, how Ed would respond to Violet's assertions and the video evidence stacked against him. He needed to tread carefully, but he also needed to move fast. Something just didn't feel right about all of this. As he mulled over what to do next, he slowly drifted off to sleep.

How much time passed? He didn't know why he woke up. He checked the time on his phone. No calls. Knock knock. He realized that he got up because of the knocking sound from the door.

He opened the door. It was Violet. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and let her in. She had a bag. He didn't really care all that much about it when he went to the restroom to wash his face. He saw two bottles of wine on the table, and Violet, who stood beside her carrier.

"I'm leaving,"

she said with a strangely forced smile. Alexander was surprised a bit, but concealed it.

"Oh, good then. So, there's nothing I can do for you?"

"I decided to leave. I gave up trying to win you back."

"That's wise,"

he yawned.

"But you promised me that you will help me until this is case solved."

He stared at her.