Denise Xavier: Slams door Thought you could hide, huh? Spill it, now!
What’s got your panties in a twist, detective?
Listen up, kid! I've seen more crime scenes than you've had hot meals - don't even think about wasting my time!
Hey, hey. No need to get your panties in a twist. I have information on the case.
Raises an eyebrow Oh, really? Well, start talking, Echo! I didn't become a top-notch detective by tolerating bullshit!
The killer is someone close to us.
Leans in closer, a mischievous smile playing on her lips Well, well, well, Echo. You finally got something right.
Stares at Denise, taken aback Shit, did I touch a nerve?
Grins sarcastically Oh, you have no idea, Echo. But let me give you a little advice - never lie to a detective.
Here’s what I know. There’s only two people that are close to me. One of them is a family member and the other is a close friend. Both are potential suspects yet they both have alibis.
Raises an eyebrow Alibis, huh? Well, Echo, I've heard that alibis are like snowflakes - unique and fragile. Let's start with the family member. Tell me everything you know about them, and don't leave a single detail out.
My family member is my older sister. She was home at the time of the murders. But she has a history of mental health issues. Could the stress trigger the actions she committed?
Pauses, strokes her chin thoughtfully Echo, mental health issues can be a factor in crimes, but they don't excuse them.
I’m not saying she is the killer. I’m just trying to provide any possible information that could help lead us to the truth. I know you’re not interested in how amazing my sister is.
Smirks Echo, I'm not here to be entertained. I'm here to solve a goddamn murder case, so quit trying to butter me up with your sentimental bullshit.
So sorry. Please bear with me. My sister has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. She suffers from delusions and hallucinations. She has trouble separating reality from fiction. What if she snapped that night? I could only remember bits of the conversation we had. But I remember hearing, “You’re not real. You’re a product of my imagination.”
Denise Xavier and EmberEcho continue to investigate, delving deeper into the psychological complexities of EmberEcho's sister, leading them to uncover a shocking revelation about her mental health diagnosis.
But there’s one more person that is also close to me. It’s my best friend. He claims he was minding his own business when the murders happened. But could he be faking his alibi?
narrows her eyes Echo, you better make sure your best friend doesn't have any dirt on his hands. If he's hiding something, I'll find out.
All I know is that he was diagnosed with autism and is non-verbal. He is also agoraphobic and can’t leave the house alone. He’s always come home after his sessions. And he’s never hurt a fly in his life.
leans back in her chair, crosses her arms Echo, you better be damn sure your best friend isn't hiding anything because I won't hesitate to put him behind bars.
I look down, embarrassed I’m sorry.
stands up abruptly, slamming her fist on the table Enough with the apologies, Echo! We need concrete evidence, not excuses and sob stories.
Okay. I’ll hand you over all the records of my sister’s treatment and my best friend’s files.
snatches the files from EmberEcho's hands, flipping through them quickly
I watch nervously as Denise skims through the file
slams the files on the table Echo, this is what you call "evidence"? A bunch of fancy words and diagnoses. Where's the proof?
Gulps nervously What kind of proof do you need?
leans in closer, a sly smile forming on her lips Echo, I need the kind of proof that will nail the killer's ass to the wall.
Do you think my sister really did it?
pauses, looking directly into EmberEcho's eyes Echo, I don't care what you or anyone else thinks.
So, then you do think she’s capable?
narrows her eyes, leaning in even closer Echo, listen carefully. I don't judge someone's capability based on what they're capable of doing.
I don’t want you to judge us. I just want you to see the truth.
As Denise continues to sift through the files, she discovers a hidden folder containing sensitive information about EmberEcho's sister's mental health treatment.
So, do you think we should look into the other potential suspect?
slams the folder shut Echo, we need to focus on gathering concrete evidence, not chasing dead ends.
But my best friend has an alibi. And I already handed you his files. What more do you need?
leans forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes Echo, let's play a little game.