'You know what the problem is?', I asked Blazing, suddenly.

'What?'

'Its the fact that ALL the suspects could be lying AND telling the truth at the same time.'

'What are you talking about, Bolt?'

'Did you notice, that ALL of your suspects, whenever asked for their alibi, narrated events which must have taken place long after the murder. The killing took place between 7 and 9:30, but all of them, except Ann Haley, talked about late night bars, which people tend to visit late at night. So they could have had ample time to reach the bars even after committing the murder. And Ann Haley said she was in her apartment, but never specified for how long. She may have also killed her, and returned by the same fire escape. And you didn't even ask Jacob Quinn where he was, as if you knew already. So, what I'm trying to say is, it's very possible that one of them was being partially truthful about his/her alibi. '

Blazing shook his head.

'Not so.'

'What do you mean "Not so"? You think it's not possible?'

'No, I mean, it isn't a problem like you classified.'

'Why not? It seems quite troublesome to me.'

'Because the primary purpose of an interrogation is NOT extracting confessions, atleast for me. I interrogate people to watch for telltale signs. Yes, the DCE interrogation is aimed at extracting truths, but people aren't stupid. If you know you're guilty, you will NEVER confess to something which can connect you to that crime. That's where DCE comes in. I don't need the important details, even the so-called unimportant details can help prove them guilty. I ask for alibis just to see how well they are prepared. Of course I don't take their word for it. I have means to cross-examine EVERYTHING they said. '

'So you mean you know who lied? WHO? Tell me, have you found out?'

Blazing shook his head again.

'Your priorities are misplaced. That is NOT what we need to focus on right now. Where a person was isn't enough to convict them of a crime. Even if one of them WAS INSIDE Cassie's house, as long as we can't explain how they did it, and how they got away with it, the suspect will go free. Set your priorities right, and you will have your criminal. '

'I see. So what are YOU setting your priority on right now?'

'Fingerprints.'

'Fingerprints?'

'Yes. If Michael swears he didn't touch the murder knife at all, and yet it's found on the floor with HIS fingerprints on it, it calls for special attention. Plus, I really need to talk to Miss Hayden too. I don't like to begin without having conducted all interrogations first.'

'Well, wait for a few days then. Or you could try talking to her on the phone.'

'No, I don't interrogate if it's not face-to-face. Gives the questionee too much power, significantly reduces my own.'

I shrugged my shoulders. Sometimes, Blazing seemed too obstinate and adamant.

'Well, so what are we doing today?', I asked, with curiosity.

'I need to leave soon. Mrs.Lawrence called me up to say that I was needed at the lab. Perhaps the stomach contents report is ready. Also, I need to go chat with Michael about the Good ol' days. '

'Can't I come along?'

'No, sorry. It's a one-man job today. No offense, but Michael won't open up if you come along. He is passionately distrustful about people he doesn't know well.'

I was disappointed. Blazing smiled.

'Don't worry. You have been a lot of help so far, and I'm sure you will continue to be. Whatever I discover today isn't necessarily going to be interesting. But still, if anything seems relevant, I'll let you know.'

With that, Steven Blazing went off to take a shower.

Finding nothing to do, I switched on the television, hoping to catch a good movie. I stumbled upon a murder mystery. I decided to watch it. It had just begun. The movie was called "The Poetic Killer." I'm actually embarrassed to admit this, but one more reason for me wanting to watch it was that I was hoping the movie would give me tips on how to unravel our own murder mystery.

Blazing was ready within 30 minutes. He took a briefcase, smiled at me once, and left.

I made some popcorn and continued watching the movie. I was interrupted once when a delivery guy arrived with a parcel for Blazing. It was quite big and heavy, but small enough to be carried in both hands. I contemplated opening it, then thought it best not to. I put the package down on the sofa table and went back to my movie.

But as it turned out, the movie provided me with an EXTREMELY useful tip.

Near the end of the movie, the protagonist needed to decipher an acronym for an important clue. It was then that he struck upon the brilliant idea that the acronym was made up of the initials of each suspect's last name. He then conclusively deduced that all of them were guilty, and the movie was over. I thought nothing of it at first, but then, in the shower, I suddenly realized something which made my blood run cold.

Well, maybe it was the cold water as well.

I rushed out of the shower, barely drying myself with the towel, and grabbed my notebook and a pen.

Blazing and I never realized it, but we had already received clues at to what "M.T.A.M.H" meant. I couldn't believe we never saw it before.

I scribbled my findings, but then I realized that I had only deciphered 80% of the acronym. 20% of it was still unknown. Nevertheless, it would prove to be an invaluable clue, because now the entire case was altered.

The following is my discovery, as to what "M.T.A.M.H" means:

                         M- Martin
                          T-   ???
                          A- Ann
                          M- Matthew
                          H- Harry

Hey Blazers,

Hope you liked that chapter! Let me know your thoughts via commenting!

Yes, the updates are slow, but you guys know I always update on Fridays atleast. But don't worry, the next chapters will come up quick(hopefully).

VOTE. COMMENT. FOLLOW.

The mystery will resume again soon. Till then, Happy Acronym Deciphering!

-S. B.