Chapter 12 - The Detective's Questioning

Iesa examined the situation. Although she can hear thoughts, that doesn't mean that she can hear everyone's thoughts and understand them all.

'Let's calm down and hear the principal first.' Iesa glanced at the principal and heard her thoughts.

'Can the detective really see if Teren Hark has a mental disorder or not? I know for sure that only professional psychologists can examine such tests.'

Iesa: 'So that's why they're here! Then why am I called? Let's hear the old man, he looked like the most important of the three. Is he the detective?'

'The suspect, Teren Hark. I wonder if Nick Mauren's testimony is true? If basing on a personal view, I think Nick's testimony is true but I cannot be certain. How should I approach this kid? Or should I interview the supposed witness first?'

Iesa: '!!! They know! So the bully is alive and he reported it to the police!'

'What should I do? If only I can be sure that Teren wouldn't be able to do anything to me, I will definitely tell them everything he had done!' She then glanced at Teren.

'This psychopath doesn't care at all!'

In the end, she was unable to get to a proper conclusion.

'Iesa, you coward! You should just tell them the truth and everything would be over!'

But the image of Teren's phone and her father's gaze that flashed in her head made her unknowingly hesitant.

"Principal, is there an empty room where we can use?"

After the old detective asked this question, they were brought to a room used by a club before. Surprisingly, it was clean. After setting one of its folded tables in the center, the officers only had to put chairs on each side.

"Perfect..." the old detective muttered before looking at the two, "I apologize for taking your time but this is very important. I know that you're confused right now, if you don't know anything, however, I just need to ask a few questions and you can go."

"Okay, officer." Iesa replied.

"But first, let me tell you what happened. Please seat."

The principal and the two officers exited the room while Teren and Iesa were seated opposite the old detective.

"Let me start with one of your classmates is being hospitalized right now." the old detective's eyes became sharp.

For him, the battle had already begun. He observed the reactions of the two.

'If they're shocked at this, there is a chance that they didn't know about it. But if they are not, it means that they already know. Of course, this is not a big piece of evidence.'

Hearing this, Iesa internally frowned.

'I made the wrong move at the very start.'

It was visible that she didn't react much. At least that is what she feels to her own. Her eyes rolled to Teren and saw his genuine surprised reaction.

Not forced but not something one can ignore.

'What an actor!'

"Is it Nick?" Teren further asked.

Both the detective and Iesa didn't expect him to be so front.

"Yes, you know him?"

"Yeah, I know a bit about him last year." Teren's head lowered, "Then he is absent now so it must be him."

'Not much information but it didn't seem like a lie either.' the old detective nodded and continued.

"Yes, you're correct. It is Nick Mauren. The other day, he was attacked and now, he is getting treated at a hospital."

"Attacked?" Teren frowned.

"Yes" the old detective squinted his eyes, 'What is this? Earlier, Teren Hark has not been speaking. But now that we are on the topic, he became responsive. But it's too early to assume.. Anyone would be filled with questions when they are in this situation.'

Iesa heard this thought.

'Then if Teren talked more, he would become suspicious? This old man is sharp. However, he could also be just full of assumptions or that he already suspects Teren.'

"I... I didn't know that." Teren then became silent again.

"Is that so... It only happened so recently so that's natural." the old detective analyzed again.

'Now that he is aware that we had talked to the victim, there is a great chance that he will become defensive. A usual suspect will try to say things that are convenient for them. So let's try this.'

"Teren Hark, wasn't it?"

Teren nodded.

"Nick said that he was with you that day."

"That day? Do you mean the first day of school, Monday, officer?" Teren frowned.

"Yes"

'Now, what will you answer?' the detective's ears perked up.

"I was with him. He was following me because of something like I left him at the canteen."

"Hm? Why would he follow you? Shouldn't it be your together?"

"No, we're not friends. He was demanding payment for leaving him earlier that day. But, I swear, I didn't know he was waiting for me. However, I just declined and he left me without getting that payment."

'Hmm... he's defensive.' the old detective thought.

Iesa: 'Is Teren caught!?'

'But he's defensive in another area. What he told is like what Nick Mauren told me, except for the part where they separated...'

"I see. How long have been you and Nick know together?" he asked.

'What if Nick had been his bully for a long time and that made Teren Hark had enough? If this is true then the suspect has a motive and does not have a mental disorder.'

Iesa: 'Nope, he has a mental disorder.'

"Umm, this is actually the first time we've become classmates. Back then, we don't meet that much."

"If that's so, why is he waiting for you at the canteen?"

Iesa felt the clashing between the old detective and Teren.

'The old man is strong on offense!'

At that moment, Teren revealed a troubled expression. Surprising the two, he leaned forward towards the detective's ears and whispered.

"I'm actually being bullied but it's embarrassing for her to hear it..." he then retreated.

Iesa: 'What did he say? I didn't hear anything.'

Meanwhile, the old detective was a bit shocked too.

'Is that the normal reaction of a person? If I'm in his shoes, would I do the same thing?'

Iesa heard this but got more confused.

'Tell me what he said!'

The questioning continued, however, Teren evaded them all.

"That's all. You can go back now. I'm going to talk to Iesa Hun."

"No, I'll wait for her."