Paul Harvey

We explored two new places and the hidden history that they held between them.

So, now it seemed only logical that I checked out the places that I personally knew he liked to spend his time.

Two places jump to mind, his office and the local swimming pool. He frequently visited them both, for completely different reasons. Different emotions and thoughts embraced, as he entered the place of love and the place of hate.

Today, I was checking out his office, where I knew the moment he stepped through that door, his loving father side dissolved into ashes and in its place stood a cold and bitter man, angry at the world around him.

I was heading this one alone, well I say alone, I did have company, just not the heartfelt, loveable Carlos Cortez.

Carlos was back at the station, collecting the data and research that we needed to move this case forward.

So, in his place was rookie officer Marie Johnson. A young, blonde haired woman, who was destined for a role in stage. However, she was able to break her parents pre destiny, living out the rest of her childhood with her Nana Nat and her Papa John.

She was only there as legal aid, to cover the backside of our dear Sheriff. Because although, Carlos trusted my insight, my techniques and most importantly my intentions, he knew that my legitimacy could be questioned in court.

So, by having her there she was able to vouch that I did not do anything untoward the suspects or the other people that we may encounter.

I had no idea if we would even find anything, but at the very least we would be able to learn what working with Clive was like and perhaps any enemies that may have gained him.

When we get to our chosen point of entry, we have to pass through the publics reception, where their general enquires and problems are advised and solved, up the stairs, to the second floor, where the council staff buzy themselves with their assignments.

We start by asking a few routine questions, attempting to gain Intel on what the working environment was like.

This was a far fetched approach, but I still hoped that I found a significant piece of valid evidence.

Unfortunately, all our responses had been similarly same. The general response was this "I didn't know him personally, tried to keep my distance, but I know someone who might be able to help you. The names Andrew, worked as Clives personal assistant. He's in hospital at the moment, but he dealt with a lot of Clives request.

Although, it was not possible this man could be our killer, well unless he was able to escape from the hospital, travel to the school and return without anyone noticing that he had gone missing, he was a great lead, who held the key to a lot of important information.

We had been given permission to search Clives office, while we waited for his manager to finish with his meeting.

The search for any evidence would be far easier than any other, simply for one reason, Clive's nack for order, left his desk and cabinets, organised and neatly displayed.

"Why a police officer?" I ask the young officer, as I begin searching through his collection of colour coordinated folders.

"In the words of Judy Hops I want to make the world a better place." She humorously replies, down on crouched knees, as she sifts through Clive's lower draws.

"Good answer!"

She let's out a smile mixed with sigh, as she pulls herself up from the floor, holding her head up in shame, unhappy she was unable to find any tangible evidence.

My search too unearthed nothing, just some boring paperwork on health and safety and real estate listings. Not a single thing, that provided us with a reason as to why someone would kill my dear friend Clive Forsham.

Another, 20 minutes or so later Clive's manager arrives back on the scene. He is quite a dashing, slender, young man, whose suit seems to out date the century. His movements were swift and precise, a glimmer of hierarchical ignorance expressed across his face.

"It's nice to finally meet you both, such a shame it was not under better circumstances." he states in a grandfatherly voice of grandeur and grace.

He guides us to his office where we settle into some seats and I begin with some routine questions.

"Firstly, let's start with your name. Just so I have it on record and when I look back at my notes I know who said what."

"Not a problem. It's Gerald Mainley."

"Thank you Mr Mainley. Now I'm wondering if you can tell me roughly how long Clive has been working under your employment."

"Just over 3-4 years now."

"And was he a good employee?"

"Well he was a little rough around the edges, but he certainly had the skill and determination for this type of job."

"Can you think of anyone who might wish harm on Mr Foraham."

"Clive was not the most likeable person, but enemies were a little far fetched in our community."

I thank him for his time and turn to leave. His words only confirming what we already knew.

But, as I aprroach the door, Officer Marie Johnson poses a question.

"Did Mr Forsham show any signs of wanting to leave?" she investigatively asked.

I am about to penalise Marie for her unbacked up question,when Gerald's head falls into his hands, letting out this weak whimper of a response "He may have mentioned it in passing yes."

"And how did that make you feel?" she asked, continuing her questions.

"He was my best employee, so I was a little upset, but I respected his wishes nonetheless."

This time we both say goodbye, as I exit, with a sense of gratefulnes for Marie's mere prescence.

I mean had she not be there I would not have seen that hidden secret, never knowing Clive wished to leave and move on to a new beginning.

It was not exactly groundbreaking evidence, but it still opened up this case to so many possibilities. There were so many paths Clive could then have chosen.