Interrogations Begin | Shadows of Aurora | S01E04
Shadows of Aurora: Chapter 4 - Interrogations Begin
The Gathering in the Lounge
The lounge was dimly lit, the storm outside casting shifting shadows on the walls as rain lashed against the windows. The guests were gathered, their faces pale and drawn, each one carefully avoiding the other’s gaze. The crackle of the fireplace was the only sound as Ella Winters stood near the center of the room, her journalist instincts sharp.
Dr. Olivia Hunt’s murder had turned the retreat into a veritable crime scene, and Ella knew every person here could be a suspect. The air was thick with tension as the storm howled outside, sealing them off from the world. With no police able to reach them until morning, the responsibility of uncovering the truth fell squarely on her shoulders.
Ella Takes Control
“This isn’t just an accident,” Ella said, breaking the silence. Her voice was steady, though her mind raced. “Olivia Hunt was murdered, and until the authorities arrive, we need to figure out what happened.”
Marcus Blake, the tech mogul, stood by the window, his fists clenched. “This is absurd,” he snapped. “You’re acting like this is some kind of investigation led by the crime dog. Shouldn’t we just let the police handle it?”
Ella turned to him, her gaze sharp. “The police can’t get here tonight, and Olivia’s killer is still among us. Unless you’re suggesting we sit quietly and wait while a murderer roams free?”
Marcus opened his mouth to respond but seemed to think better of it. Instead, he resumed pacing, his frustration radiating through the room. Ella noted his agitation, filing it away as she turned her attention to the others.
Suspicions Rise
Sophia Lee sat in the corner, her fragile frame almost swallowed by the overstuffed armchair. Her hands trembled as she cradled a glass of 19 crime wine, her knuckles white against the stem. “I can’t believe this is happening,” she whispered. “She was alive just hours ago…”
“She was alive when we were having dinner,” Ella said, her tone firm. “And now she’s dead. That means one of you knows exactly what happened.”
Sophia flinched, her gaze darting to the floor. Ella couldn’t tell if it was fear or guilt—or perhaps a combination of both.
Andrew Carter, the disgraced politician, leaned casually against the fireplace mantle, though the tension in his jaw betrayed his calm exterior. “You’re making a lot of assumptions, Ms. Winters,” he said smoothly. “Perhaps Olivia’s death wasn’t a murder at all. People come here carrying heavy burdens. Who’s to say it wasn’t… self-inflicted?”
Probing the Stories
Ella tilted her head, studying him. “And the scarf wrapped tightly around her neck? The way the wine bottle was smashed nearby? That’s not a crime scene you walk into—it’s one you create.”
Andrew smiled faintly but said nothing. Ella made a note of his deflection, her instincts screaming that he knew more than he was letting on.
“Let’s take this one step at a time,” she continued. “Let’s go over what happened after dinner. Where were you, Marcus?”
Marcus stopped pacing, his expression turning defensive. “In my cabin. Alone. Is that a major crime?”
“Not yet,” Ella replied, keeping her tone neutral. “But it’s not much of an alibi, either.”
“Neither is yours,” Marcus shot back. “For all we know, you’re playing detective to cover your own tracks.”
Uncovering the Motives
Ella ignored the jab, shifting her attention to Sophia. “Sophia, you were quiet during dinner. Did you notice anything unusual?”
Sophia hesitated, her hands gripping the glass tighter. “I—Olivia said something to me during dinner. It wasn’t unusual for her, but… it stung.”
“What did she say?” Ella pressed.
Sophia shook her head. “She had a way of getting under your skin. She knew things, personal things. I didn’t kill her, but I can’t say I liked her.”
Spotlight on Lila
Ella turned to Lila Porter, who sat stiffly on the couch, her hands folded tightly in her lap. The youngest of the group, Lila looked as though she might crumble under the weight of the room’s scrutiny.
“What about you, Lila?” Ella asked gently. “Where were you after dinner?”
“I went to my cabin,” Lila said quickly. Too quickly, Ella thought. “I stayed there all night. I didn’t see anything.”
Michael’s Tension
The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Ella let the weight of her words hang for a moment before turning to Michael Grant, who stood near the fireplace, his usual polished demeanor now replaced with visible strain.
“Michael,” Ella said, her voice firm. “You were the first person on the scene. Did you notice anything out of place? Anything unusual?”
Michael hesitated, his gaze flicking to the floor. “No,” he said finally. “Nothing that explains… this.”
Closing the Circle
“The police will be here in the morning,” Ella said finally. “Until then, no one leaves the main building. This is now an active crime scene, and I intend to figure out who’s responsible.”
“Olivia knew too much,” she added, her voice low. “And now, someone’s trying to make sure she stays silent. But secrets have a way of coming to light—especially when I’m the one asking the questions.”
The storm roared outside, the wind howling like a warning. Inside, the tension was suffocating, the flames casting long shadows on the walls. Ella knew the truth was buried somewhere in this room. All she had to do was dig deep enough to find it.
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