Free Deception by April Isabelle Ordonez Page A

shower.”
    "What time did you get to work?”
    "I think it was around seven o’clock."
    "And what time were you at work until?"
    He swallows hard and takes a deep breath. "Until my brother called saying that my parents were―" He takes a moment to clear his throat, and then says softly adds, “―dead.”
    My breathing quickens and I feel tears prickle in the back of my eyes. "And do you remember what time that was?"
    "I remember it exactly, it was eight-forty-one," he answers, trying to look composed.
    "Do you need a break?" I ask him, hoping he’ll say yes since I could certainly use one.
    "No, I'm fine."
    "This is where it’ll get hard. I understand if you have a difficult time answering some of this. But, please know, I'm asking so that I can understand everything that happened. I will get police reports, but I do need for you to tell me what you know." I want so badly to reach my hand across the table and touch his arm. I refrain, and put my pen back to the paper instead.
    "How were your parents killed?" I ask, forcing out each word.
    He looks down. "They were stabbed repeatedly. They each had over twenty wounds to the chest, and my dad's neck was also sliced open."
    "Did it appear as they fought back?" I manage. I see a tear roll down his cheek, but he doesn't attempt to wipe it away.
    "My mom was bound to a kitchen chair, her legs and hands were both tied. My dad was found on the floor next to her. I don't know if they fought back."
    No longer able to hold back, I reach my hand across the table and touch his forearm. He flinches for a moment, but then looks up at me and tears stream down his face. He continues looking into my eyes while the tears flow. I can't hold back my own tears anymore. I, too, let it out. "I miss them Amy," he says tenderly.
    “I know.”
    Even knowing what it’s like to lose a parent, I can't begin to understand how it is to lose both parents in such a tragic way. "I think this is enough for today," I say, keeping my eyes fixed on his. He looks sad, tired, and broken. "If the police or any reporters ask to speak with you, please tell them to contact me. I don’t want you talking to any of them without me there." I turn off the audio recorder. He nods quickly, wiping the tears from his face. "I’ll need more information from you in the next few days. I may even need to speak with anyone you were with that day to corroborate your story, in case we should end up needing it. That might include having to speak with your daughter, your wife, and coworkers."
    He shakes his head. "There's no wife, it's just me and Amanda." No wife? He must be divorced. A few years back, I heard that he was married.
    "How old is your daughter? Do you think she'll be fine to answer some questions?" I ask, already anticipating the answer.
    "Amanda’s thirteen. And yes, she'd be fine to answer questions."
    "By the way, why is your brother in custody?" I probe, remembering that I don't know the reason.
    "His fingerprints were on the bloody knife they found.”
    I bite down on my lower lip. "All right. Well, in the meantime, please try to think of any reason why someone would do this to your parents, including your brother. Try to remember anything that will help us to get the justice that they deserve." I stand. "Call me with any information."
    "I will," he responds, pushing in his chair. We stand in silence for a moment, and then he smiles ever-so-slightly. "Thank you Amy. Thank you." His beautiful smile sends my pulse racing. I look down at the floor briefly.
    "You're welcome Travis. They were once my family too," I manage to force out, choking back tears.
    He shuffles to the door. Not wanting him to go yet, I decide to walk him out. Once we reach the entryway, he pauses and then turns. He leans in to hug me. Before I can think, I wrap both arms around his shoulders. "Everything will be okay," I say calmly.
    Before I pull away, I take in a breath and his scent intoxicates me. I'm instantly reminded of us―of our