Third Person's POV :

Police officers James and Lydia had procured results from the lab- petrol samples which pointed out that Josh's house was deliberately burned down. Not an accident or a fireplace mishap that several had predicted to be the cause. Now they were intent on finding the arsonist.

Officer Lydia suspected that the case of the disappearance of Jezebel Johnson was linked to this arson. After all, Jezebel went missing when she was supposed to be having a sleepover with Mollie- the girl who perished in the flames. Perhaps there was a criminal who targeted both these innocent girls or it was Jezebel herself who destroyed the lovely house.

Now both the cops after ringing the bell patiently stood outside a modest cottage- the temporary dwelling of Josh and his spared family.

"What do you want?" Josh opened the door halfway, his red eyes warily studying the uninvited guests before him.

Officer Lydia and officer James exchanged a look. "We're here to inquire of Jezebel Johnson---"

"What of her?" he snapped, his voice wavering. "I know nothing of her. I have told you this before hundreds of times . . . All I want is for you to find the bastard who killed my sister . . .  W-We both were-were alone that night at home, my parents had gone out for dinner and I-I had checked the fireplace. I had checked everything before-before I went to sleep . . . "

"We understand Sir," Officer Lydia spoke softly. "We're here trying to find the person behind this and we believe that the disappearance of Jezebel Johnson---"

"Look, I'll tell you the real deal about her," Josh cut her off, breathing sharply. "I dated her only once, nothing happened between us. I wanted her back, but she refused so I started some-some rumours . . . I was silly and stupid. My friends encouraged me . . . I know it was wrong, but I couldn't help it. I was mad, but-but that's it! I know nothing about where she went or what she did . . . I don't even care, shit's going down ever since she left."

Taking this as an opportunity, Officer James prodded, "Can you elaborate on these rumours?"

Josh stilled, replying guardedly, "I don't see how this has anything to do with my sister."

"It is---"

"Officers," Josh's mother intervened, emerging behind him. She placed her hands on his shoulders firmly, her wrinkled face indignant. "You can speak to my son later, now kindly excuse us please, we're not in a state where we can offer assistance."

They nodded politely. "Sorry for your loss. Do approach us if you feel any information requires our attention."

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A/N :

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