Before proceeding further, let the reader be informed on what really went down when I expounded my "M.T.A.M.H" theory to Steven Blazing.

That day, when Blazing had returned, he realized that I wanted to say something, but had politely requested that I keep all questions for the next day. He silently went off to his room, and never came out. But the next day, when I woke up, I found the apartment empty. Blazing had already left again. So, I had to wait for him to return.

A few hours later, Blazing had just returned, and was taking off his shoes. He asked me what I had been doing. Firstly, I informed him that a package had arrived in his name, an announcement to which he looked pleased. Having said that, I then proceeded to explain to him my shocking discovery about the mysterious acronym. I told him in detail what caused me to start thinking about it, and how I finally deciphered the code.

When I was finished, I looked at Blazing expectantly, hoping to hear praise or see shock on his face. But instead, something entirely unexpected happened. Something which had never happened before.

Steven Blazing began laughing loudly and uncontrollably while clenching his stomach, as if it was hurting him badly.

I stared at him blankly at first, and then coldly, with slowly growing contempt. It was as if my discovery deserved no respect, despite having a pretty good chance of being true.

But Blazing couldn't stop laughing. I tried waiting for him to stop, but when it became clear he wouldn't, I uttered coldly:

'Are you done?'

Immediately, Blazing stopped. He looked up at me with twinkling eyes and said:

'I am sorry. I shouldn't have laughed like that, it must have looked insolent. But I assure you that was not my intention. It's just that, your theory took me such unexpectedly, that I couldn't control myself.'

'Then I assume your belief is that my THEORY...is wrong?'

Blazing smiled and put a hand on my shoulder.

'Look, I...', he began.

'Elucidate.', I cut in.

'Elucidate? Elucidate what?'

'Elucidate why my theory is wrong.'

Blazing sighed.

'Okay, take a seat.'

Both of us sat down on the sofa.

'So you believe, with the exception of "T", since we are yet to discover a suspect with that initial, all the other initials signify names of our suspects, namely:- Martin, Ann, Matthew, Harry. Right?'

'So?'

'So, if your theory is to be believed, it would mean that the killers WANTED TO BE CAUGHT. It's like they advertised their crime, waiting to be brought to justice.'

'I don't understand. What makes you say that?'

'Bolt, try to remember. WHERE was it that we found this acronym?'

I didn't really need to ponder. My photographic memory is unbeatable.

'Why, that handkerchief that we found beside Mr.Quinn's house, of course. It had a... OH!', I exclaimed, finally realizing my colossal blunder.

'So, your theory suggests...', continued Blazing, 'that the 4, possibly 5 killers committed the murder, and then were looking for salvation, so much so, that they created a clue, which isn't too obvious, but would provide to any observant detective the identities of the murderers.'

He was trying to stifle a laugh.

I gave in.

'Haha, I never thought that through. It now seems completely like a conspiracy theory.'

'I still can't believe you thought that they actually printed that acronym on the handkerchief, wanting to be brought to justice.', said Blazing, and laughed once more.

'To err is human, you know.'

'Yup, totally! It's your first case, after all. Nice try, though.'

Both of us let loose for a while to laugh. But Blazing suddenly stopped me.

'We should stop. We must not forget that we are investigating the murder of a close friend.'

'Yeah. You're right. Let's drop it. What's in that package you received?'

'See for yourself.', said Blazing and handed me the box.

I took a knife and prepared to cut it open swiftly.

I don't know if I've ever mentioned this, but I am a pro in handling knives. The game "Fruit Ninja" is actually based on me. You control me in that game. Wait, that didn't sound right.

'A microscope?', I asked, disappointed, after opening the package.

'It is what it is. Why, you don't like it?'

'No, I just, expected something cooler, something which might help us in this investigation.'

'And you think a microscope won't? Don't you know that a microscope is a detective's best friend? Besides, if clues could be bought off the internet, criminals wouldn't walk free in the world.'

'Forget it. So, did you get the stomach contents report?'

'Unfortunately, no. I was called just to sign some legal papers, since I've requested a copy. I don't know why she couldn't just tell me that over the phone.'

'Maybe she knew you wouldn't come if it wasn't interesting.'

'Perhaps.'

'And Michael?'

'He is fine, more or less. The storm seems to have passed. It was more or less a successful expedition.'

'And?'

'And now I'm confident that I'm REALLY close to catching the killer. I just need two, no three more confirmations, and I'll have all the data.'

'You suspect someone?'

'Everyone's a suspect, Bolt. No, It's more of a... belief.'

'So, what do you plan to do now?'

'Oh, damn it!', said Blazing, and began wearing his shoes again.

'What's wrong? You going somewhere again?'

'Yes, the police station called me up. They want the pills and the handkerchief. They believe that I have been "indulged long enough".'

'You want me to come along?'

'No, no. I'll be back in 20 minutes. You don't need to get worked up. Besides, someone should always be present at HQ.', he said, winking.

Blazing went to his room, and came back with the items.

'Don't do anything stupid till I get back', he said.

'How can I? You're taking all the stupid with you.', I said, then patted myself on the back mentally for that awesome movie reference.

We're in the Endgame now, readers.

Blazing was just about to move out the door, when someone outside knocked, and then, without waiting for a response, opened the door and stepped in.

'Detective Walker?', I was surprised.

'Hey everyone.', he said, smiling sadly.

'Is something wrong, Walker? I was just about to go to the station to submit these clues. Do you want to take them with you?'

'No, I...', he said, then sighed, 'May I have a glass of water, please?'

'Yeah, sure.', I said and handed a glass to him. He took it and sat down on the sofa.

'Something's happened, hasn't it? I can see it in your face.', said Blazing.

Walker nodded.

'I have some BAD NEWS.'

I don't know why, but upon hearing those two words, my brain instantly pictured Michael Turner committing suicide.

'Yes? What is it?', Blazing urged him on.

Walker finished his glass of water, set it down on the table, and sighed.

'The suspect, Mr.Matthew Hood', he said, gravely, 'was found dead at an abandoned building at around 1 a.m. today...KILLED.'

Hey guys!

I hope you liked the chapter. This update was late because I had a "Death Note" quiz. I didn't win, but I came 5th,6th and 15th,LOL, despite scoring full marks. How, you will never know!

Next chapter will be up on Friday, hopefully.

VOTE. COMMENT. FOLLOW.

The Mystery will resume again soon. Till then, HAPPY UNSCRAMBLING!

-S. B.