10 minutes later.
Four policemen sat down in the office and compared their findings.
How confusing.
It’s unexpected, isn’t it? It doesn’t line up…
An officer picked up a form and browsed through it. He said,
This is your discovery, eh? It was strange on our side, too.
Did his wife own up?
No, but found out about something else.
Don’t keep us in suspense.
Simple. The couple isn’t on good terms.
What did you guys ask? Why did she even talk about this?
She didn’t tell us about it, but we could tell.
What did you notice?
I can’t point it out, but you’ll understand if you heard what she said. It’s pretty funny and strange at the same time. I’ll play the recording so listen for yourselves.
He took a recorder out and pressed play.
…
Sorry to bring you here at this time and thank you for assisting with our investigation. We would like to know more about your husband.
Okay.
He did not go to work on June 3. Why?
My tummy was aching so he brought me to a doctor.
Was he acting strangely that day?
No.
You didn’t notice the dent in your car?
I was the one who did that. I wanted to drive but I ended up ramming the car against a curb. Did he do something wrong? Is it serious?
We’ll answer all your questions later, but for now, please just answer us. We have every reason to suspect that you and your husband are in cahoots,
one officer said, his brows wrinkled.
Why?
We’ve brought you here to seek evidence, but there’s a need for me to tell you what I’m about to say.
He leaned forward and said earnestly,
Have you thought it through? Your testimony will influence our verdict. Your husband’s already admitted to killing her so why are you still lying? Fabricating lies to mislead us is a serious offense and we have every right to lock you up.
Wait. He killed somebody and even admitted it?
The officers smiled slightly and one whispered to the other,
Continue fanning the fire.
Yes, he’s admitted to it. We can sue you for obstruction of justice if you keep lying and we can detain you for 10 days.
I’ve done wrong,
she admitted.
That’s good. Now, be honest with us and be responsible for your words.
Got it. He made me do it.
Your husband? What did he ask you to say?
I don’t know anything. Will he be sentenced to death? He made me say these. I’m innocent.
Can you tell us everything that had happened? How did he coerce you?
Who did he murder?
The officers looked at each other.
She continued,
A colleague? Did he throw the body into the sea? I know that there’s some misunderstanding between him and his colleague. He must’ve done it.
Sorry, but could you please tell us exactly how he forced
you?
He assaults me every day. He has a bad temper so I’m not even surprised that he’s a murderer.
Your answers are becoming stranger. Is there any conflict between you two? What did he force you to do?
He forced me. Yes, he forced me. He told me not to answer anything. I’ve said everything. I hope he receives the punishment that he deserves.
Alright, moving on. Are you two on good terms?
No, we’re great. Sir, he should be punished if he did something wrong. It’s for his own good. How can he get away with murder? I don’t know anything. I’m not working with him.
One officer covered his ears and said softly,
Ask her about the clinic.
You had a tummy ache on the 3rd of June? Which clinic did you visit?
I forgot, sorry. He refused to take me to the hospital. There are so many clinics around, I really don’t remember which.
The other officer added softly,
There’s no point asking further. Is she even his wife? There seems to be a serious feud between them. Did he get cuckolded by her?
You said your husband abuses you. Why, then, did he still pick up your call and send you to the clinic?
No, no. Sir, he might be ill. Erratic.
But it sounds like the problem is with you. You said he hit you? Any bruises?
I told you he’s unstable. It’s been a while since he hit me.
We’re recording your every word. You said he assault you every day.
Yes, he does, but not with a lot of force so there are no marks.
Again, the other officer whispered,
No point digging further.
The investigating officer nodded.
Thank you for your cooperation. We will process the information you’ve provided.
Alright. Can I leave now?
Oh, can we visit your home tomorrow? We’ll need to check your computer for data, and also the car’s camera recordings.
No problem. Can I leave now?
…
The officer stopped the recorder.
Did you sense anything?
Disharmony? He’s been cuckolded?
Exactly my thought. She wants him dead, it seems.
She was still acting fine until she discovered that he killed someone.
Ever thought of letting him hear this recording and see how he reacts?
Isn’t she malicious? And here we are thinking that they are in cahoots with each other.
She must’ve cheated on him and wants to jump on this perfect opportunity to get rid of him.
Stop guessing and show a proof of that.
Speaking of proof, are we really following her to get the data from the camera and computer?
Wait. She’s released?
Yes, long ago.
If she really has something against him, won’t she go home and destroy the only evidence?
Evidence? What evidence?
The copy in the computer and car camera. You said you’ll look for her tomorrow so won’t she have time to destroy it? What’s going to happen then?
All four of them stood up at the same time.
I’ll give her a call.
She should still be on her way. Go after her, quick.
…
Half an hour later, the policemen arrived at the parking lot and found the car in question.
The camera was already removed by then.
We’re in trouble.
Find her. We’ll collect the evidence and find you guys later.
The two other officers rushed up to the apartment and rang the bell.
My wife opened the door very naturally.
Hi, we’re here to collect evidence.
You told me that earlier so I came back to look for it but it’s been damaged. Perhaps it’s because we haven’t used that in a long time,
she explained.
It’s our duty to charge you with obstruction of the law, Madam.
What? I don’t know much about computers. It’s spoiled. Are you convicting me because it’s spoiled?
What about the car camera? Why is it gone?
What camera?
Please, follow me.
What have I done?
They held onto her and one said,
It’s obvious that there had been a camera installed but you’re denying its existence. You’re hindering our investigations. You’ll have to follow us back to the center. Do not resist. It’s an even bigger crime.
The two policemen from the carpark came up and met with them.
Bring her back and we’ll stay to investigate,
an officer instructed.
After 10 minutes of searching, one of them found the car’s camera in the guest bedroom.
The other stared at the computer for a long time before dismantling it.
Spoiled?
Yeah, it’s been smashed before, there are marks here. The motherboard is damaged. Not a big problem, though.
Repairable?
No need, we’ll just take the hard disk back.
…
I waited impatiently for four hours until finally, an officer opened the cell door.
You may leave, Mr. Chalk.
Really? Am I cleared?
I asked.
We will remove you from our suspect list for now, but please do not leave the city as we may call you back anytime.
Did my wife testify?
Contrary. She’s going to be detained for 10 days for obstructing the law. A piece of advice, you should be wary of that wife of yours.
Why?
I asked.
The officer only smiled.
I exited the police station with a grin on my face.
10 days later.
My wife returned home to a candlelight dinner that I had prepared.
I know I did wrong, dear wife,
I said as I lit the candles.
It’s all over. 10 days in exchange for half your lifetime? It’s worth it,
she said, the corner of her lip curling up.
