Page 26 of When You're Gone

Finn's steely gaze bore into Nolan,a spark of defiance igniting within him. "Ezra Bellamy, a madman withweird ideas about time travel and Victorian contraptions. If he were alivetoday, he'd be nothing more than a deluded dreamer lost in his own fantasies,"Finn remarked with a calculated edge.

Nolan's eyes blazed with anunexpected fervor as he leaned forward, his voice laced with reverence.

"Ezra Bellamy was a visionary,Detective Wright. His inventions could have revolutionized the world if only hehad been given the chance to see them through," Nolan counteredpassionately.

With a hint of skepticism, Finnraised an eyebrow. "There's no tangible proof of that, Mr. Nolan. Justfanciful tales spun by those who idolize a man lost to history," Finnretorted coolly.

Nolan's expression softenedslightly, his eyes distant as if recalling a long-forgotten tragedy. "Youspeak of history, Detective, but do you know the truth behind Ezra Bellamy'sdemise? He was not just forgotten; he was murdered by a mob of Luddites whofeared his advancements would upend their way of life," Nolan revealedsolemnly.

"Ezra Bellamy could havechanged everything if only..." Nolan's voice trailed off wistfully beforeregaining its usual composure. "But alas, history is written by thevictors who silenced his brilliance."

Amelia's gaze sharpened as sheleaned forward, her voice cutting through the tension in the room like a blade."Mr. Nolan, we have reason to believe that you and associates wereattempting to recreate one of Ezra Bellamy's contraptions, specifically theTempus Machine. Lucas Henshaw possessed a crucial component known as theDifference Engine, which we suspect led to his untimely demise at yourhands."

Tim Nolan's laughter filled theroom, a chilling sound that sent a shiver down Finn's spine. "You trulythink I would resort to murder for a mere machine part? How quaint," Nolanscoffed, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling glint of amusement. "I amnot a killer, Detective Winters. I am trying to save the world fromitself."

Amelia's brow furrowed in disbeliefat Nolan's brazen denial. "Save the world? By what means, Mr. Nolan? Byorchestrating murders and delving into forbidden technologies?" Her wordsdripped with skepticism as she challenged him.

Nolan's expression remainedunperturbed, his demeanor exuding an air of calculated confidence. "Theworld is on the brink of collapse, Detective Winters," he stated with anintensity that bordered on fervor. "Ezra Bellamy understood this truth andsought to transcend time itself to alter our course. I merely seek to continuehis work, to unlock the secrets that can reshape our destiny."

Finn observed the exchange with amix of fascination and wariness, noting the unwavering conviction in Nolan'swords. Despite his calm facade, there was an underlying zeal burning within himthat hinted at deeper motivations.

"I may be unconventional in mymethods," Nolan continued, his tone measured yet fervent. "But restassured, Detective Wright, Detective Winters—I am a visionary striving for afuture beyond our current understanding."

Finn's gaze lingered on Nolan,assessing the man before him with a calculating intensity. "Mr.Nolan," Finn began, his voice measured yet probing, "given yourunconventional beliefs and actions, do you have a history of psychiatricissues?"

Nolan's eyes flashed withindignation, his jaw tensing at the implied accusation. "Psychiatricissues?" he echoed, his tone laced with offense. "Just because myideas diverge from the norm does not automatically classify me as mad, DetectiveWright."

The air crackled with tension asNolan's words hung in the stark interview room. His posture stiffened, aflicker of defiance glinting in his eyes as he squared his shoulders, refusingto be reduced to a mere stereotype.

Finn maintained his steady gaze,unfazed by Nolan's reaction but attuned to the subtle shifts in his demeanor.The solicitor beside Nolan observed the exchange with a watchful eye, ready tointervene if needed.

"Mr. Nolan," Finncontinued evenly, "our concern lies in understanding the motivationsbehind your actions and beliefs. Your fervor for reshaping destiny raisesquestions that warrant exploration."

Nolan's facade remained resolute, aveneer of composure masking any underlying turmoil within him. "I am notdefined by society's narrow perceptions," he asserted firmly. "Myvision transcends conventional boundaries and challenges preconceivednotions."

“Enough to kill for it?” Ameliaasked.

Paulson, the solicitor, interjectedwith a steely resolve in his voice. "Detective Wright, it seems evidentthat you have no substantial evidence linking my client to these crimes. Ifthis baseless interrogation persists, I will have no choice but to remove Mr.Nolan from this unwarranted scrutiny." His eyes bore into Finn,challenging him to provide concrete proof.

Finn's gaze shifted from Paulson toTim Nolan, his expression inscrutable yet focused. With a deliberate pause, heleaned back slightly in his chair before fixing his penetrating stare on Nolan."Mr. Nolan," Finn's voice cut through the tension like a blade,"where were you on January 19th? The night both Emily Stanton and LucasHenshaw met their tragic ends." The question hung in the air, heavy withimplication and expectation.

Nolan's mask of indifferencefaltered for the briefest moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing hisfeatures before he regained his composure. His eyes met Finn's unwavering gazeas he replied with practiced nonchalance, "I believe I was attending aliterary gathering at the Mayfair Library that evening—a rather mundane alibifor your dramatic accusations."

Amelia's sharp gaze locked ontoNolan, her skepticism palpable as she pressed further. "Can anyonecorroborate your presence at this literary event?" Her tone held an edgeof challenge as she awaited Nolan's response.

Nolan's demeanor remained composedas he coolly retorted, "I'm sure the esteemed guests and scholars inattendance can attest to my whereabouts if necessary." A hint of defiancelingered beneath his calm facade, a silent dare challenging Finn and Amelia toprove otherwise.

Finn observed Nolan closely, notingthe subtle nuances in his body language and speech patterns. There was acalculated precision in Nolan's responses that hinted at meticulouspreparation—a veneer of confidence masking deeper uncertainties lurking beneaththe surface.

Amelia's gaze bore into Tim Nolanwith unwavering intensity, her voice cutting through the tension in the room."Mr. Nolan, why were you threatening Emily Stanton with thosemessages?" she demanded, her tone sharp and probing.

Nolan's expression softenedslightly as he met Amelia's eyes, a glimmer of somber earnestness in his own."Detective Winters, I wasn't trying to hurt her," he began, his voicetinged with a hint of sorrow. "I was trying to save her."

Finn couldn't help but interjectwith a touch of dry humor. "Save her from what? The perils of livestreaming?" he quipped, a playful twinkle in his eye.

Nolan's composure faltered for amoment before a flash of frustration crossed his features. "It's not justabout live streaming," he retorted sharply, his tone laced with urgency."Modern technology has set us on a path to destruction."

The room fell into a heavy silenceas Nolan continued, his words carrying an undercurrent of desperation."Technology has seeped into every aspect of our lives, strangling usslowly without us even realizing it," he explained, his voice tinged withgenuine concern.

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