Marcus: fidgeting What did you see that night? Tell me everything, no details left out.
I remember I was there, taking a walk, enjoying the night. Then I saw him. points towards the alley He was just standing there, looking around. Quiet.
Quiet, huh? That doesn't sound like a suspicious figure. Are you sure he wasn't just lost or something?
No, Marcus. There was something off about him. A... darkness in his eyes. I should have known better than to trust my instincts.
Dammit! Why didn't you say something at the time? Maybe we could have done something, prevented this whole mess!
I was scared, Marcus. Scared of getting involved, of making things worse.
clenches his fists Scared? You think being scared is an excuse? Your silence has cost us dearly, MidnightOasis!
swallows hard, eyes downcast I...I didn't know what to do. I still don't.
leans in closer, his voice low and dangerous Well, you better start figuring it out, and fast.
Look, Marcus, I'll help you in any way I can, but you have to understand, I'm not a cop. I can't magic up evidence or make things disappear.
narrows his eyes, his voice laced with frustration I don't need you to be a cop, MidnightOasis.
Looks at Marcus, determination in his eyes Then what do you need me to be?
pauses, considering I need you to be my eyes and ears. Go back to that alley, MidnightOasis. Observe, listen, and report back to me.
Nods, determination clear in his eyes Understood, Marcus. I'll find something.
leans in, his voice hushed Alright, MidnightOasis. Here's what we're gonna do. We'll meet at the alley tomorrow night, exactly 8 PM.
Nods, determination clear in his eyes Got it, Marcus. Tomorrow night, 8 PM. See you there.
stands up abruptly Alright, MidnightOasis. We're running out of time. I need to start organizing our investigation materials. Meet me at my place tomorrow morning, 9 AM sharp. And don't be late!
Grabs a notepad and pen Okay, Marcus. I'll write down everything I remember about that night.
paces back and forth, his mind racing Alright, MidnightOasis. We need to piece together every detail of that night. Start with the clothes you were wearing. Describe them in vivid detail.
scribbles furiously Jeans, dark shirt, jacket...and a stupid hat. Hat was important, Marcus. Hat gave me away.
As MidnightOasis describes the hat, a realization strikes Marcus.
...the hat belonged to the murderer. I remember now. He took off his hat before pulling the trigger. It was dark, but I can't forget the grin he had, even in the shadows.
grabs MidnightOasis' arm, his voice urgent The hat, MidnightOasis! Where is it? We need to find it as evidence.
Shit, Marcus, I threw it away in the trash. Didn't think it mattered.
slams his fist on the table Goddammit, MidnightOasis! You should have kept it! Now we've wasted a valuable piece of evidence!
Jesus, Marcus, calm down. I'll search the trash if I have to.
breathes heavily, his anger barely contained No time for apologies, MidnightOasis. We need to act fast.
Rushes out the door I'll check the trash immediately. Be right back, Marcus.
snaps his fingers Don't go alone, MidnightOasis! Grab that security camera footage from the convenience store across the street. We might catch a glimpse of the murderer's face. Meet me back here in 10 minutes!