79 Death Brings Justice (1/2)

The detective kept talking, playing the narrative up. ”This can have a bad ending and her parents can continue to search for her and never find her… a huge search is on and we will continue to search for her until her body is found. It could happen tonight for all you know.”

Richard sighed.

While sighs are attributed to sadness and frustration, they are also linked to the fight or flight response as the additional oxygen is preparing the individual for battle. The thought of the body being found the same evening evoked a subconscious emotion of danger, resulting in this reaction. That was my analysis. Years of speech analysis and linguistic study had taught me this much.

I was surprised how much my education was helping in this completely different field of study. Indeed, all things in the world are interdisciplinary.

”Once that happens, I don't know what you could possibly do to get out of it. Tell me what we are going to do.” After some silence, the detective repeated himself. He called Richard's name gently.

”Only Rick, please.” I knew it instantly. It had worked. He was almost broken. He was going to confess soon.

”Rick, will we have to go far or dig her out?”

More silence ensued for the next 3 minutes. Richard was now mirroring the movements of the detective. His palm, too, was placed on his cheek. Sebastian commented about the association and wanting to feel a sense of security, leading to this phenomenon.

”I can see that you are struggling with this. Tell me, explain to me what is going on in your head.” Sebastian asked softly, startling her.

”Why did it turn into a therapy session?” I asked, bewildered.

”Sometimes, they need a little help, someone who will listen to their problems and motivations… cut them some slack,” Sebastian replied.

”I'm struggling thinking about how upset and afraid my wife must be right now.” At least this guy had some sense of love for people other than himself. From the tone of his voice, I could tell that his concern for his wife was genuine.

The next fifteen minutes were spent talking about the different stakeholders in the case, how much it would cost, how dedicated the team was, how they were close to a breakthrough, and several questions about what Richard wanted from the detective… how could he help?

Throughout, Richard kept mimicking the detective's motions unconsciously, showing that a bond of trust had been solidified.

”I want to meet my wife. How can I do that?” he asked finally.

”Got a map?” Breakthrough.

The detective moved without blinking as if nothing unnatural was happening. He quickly pulled out a map from the documents and placed it in front of him. He had been prepared for this moment since the beginning of the interrogation.

Slowly, the location came out, and then the brutal details of the murder. The graphic details of her negotiating with him, of the sexual violence he had committed, and the surprise he felt on killing her were all revealed. Sebastian made no noise. He let me watch patiently, soaking in the details.