Chapter 42 Chapter Forty-One

Maybe nothing will happen.Maybe I'll make it through after all.I have to stay calm, that's the priority.very calm.You can't go wrong one step at a time.I dare not open my mouth for fear of saying the wrong thing and revealing myself. I have to force myself to meet the eyes of others, because I always feel that other people have the ability to see through the thoughts wandering in my mind and want to bow their heads.Every time I smiled or put on a frown, I worried that the story would be revealed.It was difficult to breathe steadily and regularly.The sound of footsteps going up the stairs made me dizzy.Someone is coming for me.A knock on the door, or a hand on my shoulder, make me feel shaky.His vision was hazy.But if I can find my way out in the dark, if I can keep my balance, I can get out of this dilemma.

Those three women were all my fault no, that wasn't me, that wasn't me; it wasn't my fault, it was just a stupid accident and I came away empty-handed every time.But Estelle is rich now.I watched her carry the money upstairs.Twenty thousand pounds in cash.Estelle was my stumbling block, and the money was in Estrie's hands.My headache still persists, but at the same time it seems that there is an itchy spot in my head that I can't scratch.Get rid of Estelle and get the money.Now, however, everything is going wrong, because the police will come at any time, they will find the murder weapon in Miles' room, and I can't blame him for another murder; maybe I can, if only he If not at the police station?Damn, damn, damn.How did I not think of this sooner?Just find another one to take the place of the dead ghost.Owen.That's him.He deserved it.Get rid of him as well.Let me go to Brazil with Estelle.But even with the thought sandstorm at play, I know it's far-fetched to find another scapegoat besides Miles.There are two killers in one family.No.This doesn't work.

My mind is in turmoil; my house is in turmoil.People pack up and cry.Dalio was talking to himself as he jolted a large cardboard box downstairs.Pipa threw the clothes out the door until her bedroom door was covered with clothes.I opened the window in my own room and poked my head out; the voice came from Owen's room and drifted toward me.Estelle was in his room.She really shouldn't have done it: it just made me angrier.I could hear nothing but fragments of words.Talk about leaving.Mention photos.photo.I strained my ears to listen carefully.Their voices were lowered first, then raised again.Speaking of pipa.Well done.No matter when, Pipa is always there, she is the first lie in the relationship between men and women.

photo.I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand and swallowed hard.He wanted to bring the photo to the police station for filing, so it must be true.Everything is imminent.I can't breathe.I'm going to lose my temper.Must remain calm.Now they've turned the volume down again.in silence.they are kissingCaress?make love?is that so?Who cares so much?It doesn't matter anymore.The drama is coming to an end. Melanie went into the room with a cup of tea.Caring and sweet Melanie, sweet enough to take my breath away.Although her face is full of concern, she is very happy in her heart, which I can see.She sat on the bed next to me, and I buried my face in her shoulder, because if I saw her sympathetic and considerate expression, I would definitely beat her until the expression disappeared.

Here, my dear, drink it. Thanks. Everyone is freaking out. I mumbled something.My mind keeps spinning.Estelle.money.Brazil.I want that money.Everyone will covet that money.now it's right.She is everyone's target now.That's right.The hissing in my head has subsided, like static.I figured in the back of my mind: I'm going to expose people's wounds and stir up fear.Sure everyone else will feel the confusion and fear that I feel. bring it on.As I spoke, I jumped out of bed and took Melanie's hand. do what? go downstairs. But I just made tea for you. I can't just sit in the room.

I pulled her downstairs just in time to meet Dalio coming up.I nod to him.The police are coming, I whispered, and you better be prepared.You know, they will tear down your room. He stared at me wide-eyed in horror, then hurried upstairs. I went into the kitchen with Melanie, and I asked her to sit at the table.I could hear Miles crying in his room.Yes, man, cry.Why, you still don't understand. Xiaomei.I said aloud. What's wrong? Do you know why I'm in a bad mood? Of course you do, she said excitedly, and if this chain of events hadn't hit you hard, you wouldn't be worthy of a human being.Leah has actually lived here.Despite everyone's objections, she is so full of enthusiasm.

No, I interrupt her nonsense, I mean, do you understand? I heard someone coming downstairs.Just from the light and quick steps, I knew it was Estelle. Don't you understand, Xiaomei?They think one of us did it. I heard Estelle stop outside the door.That's right, my good girl.You stay there and listen, as I wish.Thought you were free?No one is free.You are all pawns in my layout. Not only that.I continued talking, covering up Xiaomei's whimpering protest.That's why Owen started packing his bags.Dalio scurrying around like a headless chicken.Miles vomits in the bathroom, throws all of Leah's letters in the trash, and strides into the police station.That's why Estelle looked so distraught.

When Estelle finally came in, Xiaomei covered her ears with her fingers like a toddler, blocking the news she couldn't bear.I gave Estelle a wry smile.After all, I am an honest and loyal friend who sees truths that others don't want to face. The police army came, some in plain clothes, some in uniform, carrying bags and cameras.My hands were shaking and I put an arm around Melanie.My heart was beating so violently that my chest ached.I can feel the sweat beads pricking my forehead so painfully, as if there are light spots poking the back of my eyeballs.I can't understand the sounds around me, extract them and string them into words.

Sir, can you show us your room? He is talking to me.I forced myself to face the face approaching me.I nodded solemnly.no problem. I led him upstairs, and his steps fell heavily behind me.Am I about to find out what a huge mistake I made? This room.I said.My voice sounds very natural. Thanks. Well, do I have to wait downstairs?I don't know how the search works. A slight smile appeared on his stiff face.I left him and went into the kitchen.I saw Estrie and the Kamskys outside the house in the distance.They stood by the edge of her vegetable garden, and she looked up at him with that sincere expression I knew all too well.When a police officer strode past me and squeezed into the garden, I still watched them.He walked and ran towards them.Kamsky strode forward and leaned in front of him, and I could see the tense muscles in his face.He turned to Estelle, said something to her, and left her where she was.For a while, she just didn't move, just put her hands on her chest, as if her heart was hurting.Then she came to the kitchen, and when she looked up, her gaze was right through me.As if I didn't exist at all.

You can walk through the door as it's about to slam shut.You can also find a gap in the traffic and get to the other side of the road.All as long as the time is right, don't go too fast to avoid mistakes, but don't go too slow to fall into the trap.In just a split second, I have to get it done. When the police interrogated me, I could see that they were not really interested in me.They didn't barrage me with questions, or try to trick me with tricky questions.They just want to know some simple and explosive things, such as my whereabouts yesterday morning.Who did I see at home when I came home from shopping for Melanie?OK, let me think about it.Um.Well, I met Miles.That's right.myles.I thought it was weird that he didn't go to work.What did he say?Ah, let me think: Yeah, he said he knew Leah was going home to get something.Yes, I'm pretty sure.Is he in a bad mood?Oh yes, Sergeant, in fact, he was very nervous, he was very nervous.Was that before he heard Leah was dead?Oh yes, Sergeant, he was visibly agitated long before that.But I suddenly frowned. Why do you ask me this?You don't think Miles did it, do you?Yes, officer, I'm afraid Miles and Leah did have a fight.True.Yes, although I don't want to give away family secrets, he seems to have a crush on Estelle.

Finally I stepped out of the police station and onto the drizzly street.The lute was already outside, and we sat on a low wall.She wrapped my arms around me and rested her head on my shoulder.What a nightmare.she says. yes.I said, and kissed the top of her head. Don't you feel terrible when everything you say and everything you do becomes suspicious?Let me tell you, after this incident, I will have no disadvantages in the workplace in the future. Why, she still doesn't understand. Owen came up to us, and I could tell he didn't know either.He stood before us sullenly, with his hands deep in his pockets, kicking the gravel of the pavement.When Pipa stretched out a hand to him, he straightened his face, took a step back, and then sat on the wall on the other side of me.She shrugged, got up and took the phone out of her pocket.Dalio staggers out of the police station.His face was waxy, his hair glued into orange peaks on top of his head.I want a confession, he said, as long as they stop asking.Just stay away from bad things.Is there a term just for it: feeling guilty about a crime you didn't commit? Shut up.said Owen, who was rolling his own cigarettes. good.Dalio seemed to take Owen's words as useful advice.He started pacing up and down, muttering to himself. Then Estelle came out.Her face turned pale, and her steps were no longer brisk.She sat between me and Owen.Owen handed her a cigarette.I put my arm around her.She put her weight on top of me, her hair against my cheek.I can feel her breath.It can also feel the thick wad of newly issued banknotes in her jacket. Are you ok?I said. She just turned to look at me. Dalio walks up to us.Who are we waiting for?he asked. Only Mike and Miles were left.Believe they will come out soon.I said it as if nothing had happened, but Estelle broke free from my arms suddenly, and stared at me intently with those big eyes. Don't you know? I watched everyone else as if they were acting, not me.Mike came down the steps and came towards us.Everyone raised their hands, shook their heads in horror and refused to face reality, some wept and some wailed, and stretched their arms around each other.And I was in the center of the crowd, hugging Estelle one step earlier than Owen, and heard the words coming out of my mouth. I probably didn't say anything wrong, and I didn't say anything that attracted attention.Mike went on to describe body tissue and hair. I hug Dalio too, feeling his sharp bones and icy flesh; his breath smells of garlic.The drizzle drenched us all.Clothes stick to us.Raindrops slid down our faces.I said Miles, for Christ's sake!And three women!and so on.But it doesn't really matter.No one was listening, and we just shambled helplessly around the sidewalk, not knowing what to do next. Dalio suggests going to the bar.This is not going to work.Not in my plan.We should all go home now.Time is running out.But everyone else thought it was a good idea, and of course I had nothing to say, so we walked along the sidewalk, Estelle not forgetting to lead her bike.I wasn't feeling well, my eyes hurt, my head was hissing, my throat was like sandpaper. I don't know what everyone is talking about.I could hear their conversation, and occasionally chimed in, one of those frenzied emotions that surged around the group, but it wasn't.I'm thinking.I'm waiting.I feel the clock ticking, the seconds ticking by.I gulp and gag.I stopped myself from imagining what would happen if things went wrong. After drinking, I propose to take another tour.But I walked out of the bar first, took the knife out of my pocket, and punctured both tires on Estelle's bike.Then you won't be able to ride home, Estelle.You have to find another way.I went back to the heat, noise and blinding lights of the bar, got my drink and walked back to the table. Estelle fumbled in her pocket.It might be some kind of evidence, she said, and we'd better split it up before the cops catch us. No, I said, blood thumping in my ears, I could barely hear myself, and for God's sake, Estelle, people were starting to notice us.Don't show off your white money on this occasion. I looked around nervously.Although it sounded like a weak excuse, Estelle nodded.Perhaps this gave them a reason not to part, not to go their separate ways. Leave the arithmetic to me, Pipa said, and we can make an appointment to meet in a decent place tomorrow.It was an excuse for another farewell reception. good.I said.I was steaming all over in the stuffy bar.Beads of sweat are like dozens of small flies stabbing my neck. Finally Pipa said she had to go, and the others got up and put on their jackets.Estelle stood up.She put on her coat and fastened her belt.We stepped out of the bar in groups into the cool of the evening to find her scratched wheels.How bad is it?It doesn't matter.Walk and take the subway.Come back later.She said we would meet again tomorrow.Yeah, keep dreaming, honey.Continue to make your spring and autumn dream. She gripped my arm and bid me farewell; her touch pierced my garment like fire.I could swear it was like a brand on my skin.After kissing Pipa goodbye, she spoke to Owen in a low voice.He also said something to her.Their heads were so close they were about to touch each other.She took his hand.let go.Hurry up.Let go immediately.Two people separated.This must not happen.Can't let the two of them go together.Can't.I clenched my fists, feeling like I would scream at any moment, expressing the unbearable pressure in my body.I will explode and shatter.My head was pounding non-stop. Oh well. Finally Astrid took a step back from Owen, and I felt a flood of relief rushing through me, making me dizzy and weak like a kitten. She finally left, raising her hand in good-bye as she walked.Count to ten before following her.I counted to six and worried that I would lose her.Anyway, no one pays attention to me now.I saw Estelle walking along the sidewalk.Don't stay too far away, wait until some hidden place to start.I reached into my pocket for the knife I'd used to stab her bicycle tire and weighed the wrench.Hit her in the back with this, she didn't have time to find anything. Mr. Gifford? I looked back.I was taken aback and froze for a few seconds before realizing that the other party was Chief Inspector Kamsky. who?call me?I say stupidly.Estelle in front of her had disappeared around the corner of the detour. Is it convenient to chat?