Page 29 of When 're Silent

He could feel Amelia’s eyes on him,her own cogs turning. They both knew an alibi could be fabricated, butBlackwood’s demeanor suggested a man confident in his innocence—or at least inhis ability to persuade others of it. The line between the two was razor-thin,and it was Finn’s job to determine on which side Blackwood truly stood.

Amelia’s gaze bore into JamesBlackwood as she broached the delicate subject, her voice steady and probing.

“Mr. Blackwood, can you tell usabout your relationship with Rebecca Hanover?”

A flicker of emotion crossed James’face before he composed himself. “Rebecca... she was everything to me,” hebegan, his tone softening with a hint of regret. “We were together until a fewweeks before her death.”

Finn, observing closely,interjected with a direct question. “Why did you split up then?”

James hesitated for a moment, theweight of his answer evident in his eyes. “She couldn’t leave her family behindfor my cause,” he admitted, a tinge of sorrow coloring his words. Finn’s voiceheld an edge as he probed further.

“Were you more interested in thepublicity of convincing a Hanover to forsake their royal ties or did yougenuinely care for Rebecca?” The question seemed to strike a chord within Jamesas he looked down briefly before meeting Finn’s gaze resolutely.

“I cared for her deeply,” hereplied somberly, the sincerity in his voice palpable. Amelia then took thelead in questioning once more.

“Did you know of anyone who mighthave wanted to harm Rebecca?”

James shook his head slowly. “No, Ican’t think of anyone who would do such a thing to her.” His brows furrowedslightly before adding, “But I wouldn’t put it past some high society membersto go to extremes if they felt threatened by Rebecca abandoning her royallineage.”

“That’s a stretch,” Finn said.“She’s not a high-profile royal. It wouldn’t bring the scandal you’d think ifthe 24th in line to the throne decided to turn against it.”

The room fell into a contemplativesilence as James’ words lingered in the air like an unspoken accusation againstthose who held power and privilege. Finn noted the genuine concern etched onJames’ face, a stark contrast to the defiance he had shown moments earlier. AsAmelia made notes of their conversation, Finn couldn’t shake off the sense thatbeneath James Blackwood’s fervent beliefs lay a heart burdened by loss andregret, tangled in a web of convictions and emotions that ran deeper than mereactivism.

Amelia gave Finn a look of closurebefore turning to James.

“Thank you for your time, Mr.Blackwood,” Amelia said, her voice cutting through the quiet. Herprofessionalism was impeccable, but Finn caught the slight furrow of her browwhich betrayed her uncertainty as well.

“No doubt you’ll fake some rottencharge,” Blackwood replied, his hands clasped behind his back. “Those in powerare all the same.”

Finn watched him closely, noticingthe subtle clench of Blackwood’s jaw, the way his eyes darted towards the dooras if longing for their departure. He could almost hear the unspoken thoughtsthat must be racing through Blackwood’s mind, wondering if they believed hisalibi, questioning what their next move would be.

“Your beliefs,” Finn started,gesturing around the room, “they put you in a... particular light given thenature of these crimes.”

“Beliefs are not evidence,Detective Wright,” Blackwood retorted sharply. “And I have no love forviolence. My fight is with words, not bloodshed.”

“Words can inspire actions inothers,” Finn pointed out, his voice steady.

“Then find someone who has acted onthem,” Blackwood shot back, his tone bordering on defiance.

Amelia gathered her notes, givingFinn a look that signaled it was time to leave. As they moved toward the door,Finn took one last sweeping glance at the room—a visual echo of Blackwood’sconviction against the throne.

He turned to James as he wasleaving. “James, I’m not the biggest fan of aristocracy. But don’t let yourbeliefs poison you. I’ll be back if your alibi doesn’t check out. Mark mywords.”

They stepped outside into theafternoon light, which did little to dispel the shadows that lingered in Finn’smind. Blackwood’s alibi might hold water, yet everything else about him seemedto fit the profile they had built for the killer. But there was nothingconcrete to tie him to the murders... Yet.

Finn felt the cold breeze brushagainst his face as he and Amelia made their way to their car. The visit toBlackwood’s house had left him with more questions than answers. His instincts,honed by years of navigating the treacherous waters of criminal minds,whispered that there was more to uncover about James Blackwood.

“His alibi for Rebecca could besolid,” Amelia mused as she slid into the passenger seat.

“But not Dominique. Seems being theoperative word,” Finn replied, his gaze fixed on the rear-view mirror,reflecting the decrepit facade of Blackwood’s home.

“Are you suggesting we don’t takehim at his word?” Amelia asked, a sense of playfulness in her voice.

“That guy is trouble,” Finn said,starting the engine.

“He might be, but let’s not assumeguilt just yet. But we should check the alibi ASAP,” Amelia suggested, hopethreading through her words.

“Right. And check the CCTV footagetoo around this area and at that statue. It’s a long shot, but maybe it caughtsomething that goes against Blackwood’s claims.”

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