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stop. She wanted to be on the last bus out of town before the inevitable commotion would start .
    Her timing was impeccable as the rickety old bus pulled up just as she arrived. Phew . Carly breathed a huge sigh of relief as she boarded the bus, knowing that in about an hour’s time she would be safely back to the security of her home in Beacon Glade.
    Being the last bus it was fairly empty , and only a couple of people boarded and alighted during her journey . This was good news, as the journey took a little less time than expected. Nevertheless, when Carly stepped off the bus she felt emotionally and physically exhausted.
    Did anyone see me go into the police station, s he wondered during her short walk home. Every muscle of my body is aching. I can’t wait to get back in my apartment and kick off my shoes. What a day!

TWELVE
     
    It was approaching midnight when the local patrol car pulled up outside the Halliday residence in Mansion Hollow.
    Mansion Hollow was a purpose-built town . A small exclusive area where only the extremely wealthy could afford to reside. This gated community kept outsiders OUT, and that’s how the residents liked it.
    The twin marble columns towered above Officer McRoberts and Officer Flanagan as they approached the giant front door . Flanagan rang the door bell . They smirked at each other. They’d had minor dealings with Vincent Halliday in the past, and his superior attitude had always irked them and everyone else down at the station. Tonight, they got to take him in for questioning, and his usual responses of, “Do you know who I am,” or “ I’m best friends with the Mayor,” wouldn’t help him at all.
    It was Vincent , glass of wine in hand, who answered the door to the officers . He wasn’t too pleased to see them there. “Do you know what time this is?” he growled as he glanced down at his Rolex Oyster.
    “Yes sir, we do know what time it is. Can we come in M r. Halliday, sir? ” asked McRoberts.
    “What’s this about ? It had better be good . ”
    “If we could just step inside, s ir,” urged Flanagan in a more serious tone.
    “I don’t like your attitude . T ell me what you want right now!”
    “O.K. If you insist , sir . Vincent Halliday, I’m arresting you on suspicion of the murder of Tracey Dawn Jackson…”
    Vincent’s jaw dropped as Flanagan continued to read him his rights.
    “Vince nt what’s taking so long ? W ho’s that at the door?” The approaching woma n’s voice belonged to Deborah J Halliday. “What’s going on Vince nt? Why are the police here ? H as there been an accident ? W hat is it?” There was a growing panic in her voice as it grew louder with each word.
    Handing his wife the wine glass , Vincent spoke confidently . “I t’s nothing to worry about , Deborah . There’s been a huge mistake. Call Edwin and tell him I’ve been arrested. Tell him to get down to the station . NOW ! ”
    Edwin R Cornelly was a lawyer to the rich and famous. He knew every trick in the book, and his clients expected him to be at their beck and call any hour of the day or night.
    Flanagan spun Vincent around and handcuffed his hands behind his back. Vincent was then escorted to the patrol car where he was unceremoniously helped into the back seat . Oops, sorry, sir , Flanagan taunted as he turned and winked at McRoberts .

THIRTEEN
     
    “You’re making a big mistake. I’ll have your job for this.”
    McRoberts and Flanagan escorted an unwilling Vincent into the police station. The elderly desk sergeant glanced up from his newspaper, and immediately beamed an ear-to-ear smile revealing crooked teeth and lack of dental hygiene going back dozens of years. I t was obviously a great pleasure to see Vincent Halliday not looking so smug for a change. P ayback time , he thought .
    Tossing his newspaper aside, the desk sergeant grabbed a form from his desk and slowly strutted his way over to the prisoner .
    “Name?” said the desk sergeant gruffly.
    “What