CHAPTER 501: CHAPTER 296 TEAGUE, LIES_3

After some simple reassurance, Teague’s state had finally stabilized considerably.

He took a deep breath and said earnestly, "Detective, I swear, I really didn’t kill Ms. Tori. I’ll cooperate with whatever you want to know!"

Dean glanced at Teague’s eyebrows. As Teague spoke, his eyebrows twitched—a physical manifestation of his nervousness.

There’s something off about this guy.

Could it be the local officers hadn’t falsely accused Teague?

Dean kept his composure, holding back the words he had been about to say, and instead began to inquire about Teague’s school life.

Regarding his school life, Teague became somewhat silent; clearly, those were not fond memories.

However, for the sake of his freedom, he still answered Dean’s questions, recounting aspects of his daily school life.

Throughout the questioning, Dean continuously observed Teague’s facial expressions.

He noticed that when responding to detailed questions, Teague’s gaze would shift downwards, breaking eye contact. This, Dean realized, was because Teague was recalling memories.

He was trying to recall his past daily life to ensure he gave Dean truthful answers.

This indicated Teague was telling the truth.

Those were, indeed, unpleasant memories.

Perhaps being bullied and not knowing how to fight back was why the fifteen-year-old Teague carried such a somber air about him.

Seeing that enough groundwork had been laid, Dean looked Teague in the eyes and suddenly asked, "Teague, why did you ultimately end up at Ms. Tori’s home?"

Teague was startled at first. His gaze then fixed blankly on Dean. After a brief silence, he slowly said, "Ms. Tori told me she needed to see me. But when I got there, her door was open. I saw her lying in a pool of blood. I was terrified and ran out. I saw a phone booth nearby, so I called the police. Then I went back to the room, intending to wait for them to arrive, but..."

His brow furrowed, and he lowered his head again, clutching it in his hands. His voice was pained, and his body trembled uncontrollably. "But I really didn’t kill Ms. Tori! I saw all the blood and was terrified. I was scared the killer would return, so I was about to leave again, but that’s when I ran right into the arriving police!"

Dean looked at the trembling, helpless Teague, shaking his head slightly.

This kid was mixing truth with lies.

When explaining why he was at Ms. Tori’s house, Teague’s stare was fixed. He showed none of the recall behavior he’d exhibited when discussing school life. Furthermore, he spoke clearly and without hesitation, indicating this was a pre-prepared statement.

As for Teague’s subsequent words, Dean wasn’t sure if they were true or false.

He could only tell that Teague was genuinely grieved by Ms. Tori’s death. However, whether Teague was connected to her death was difficult to ascertain, as it was veiled by his display of sorrow.

"Alright, Teague, thanks for your cooperation. You need rest now more than anything. I’ll do my best to uncover the truth of this case before the official procedures are complete," Dean said.

Dean gave Teague a pat, hoping to catch a glimpse of his true facial expression beneath the bowed head.

But the kid just kept his head down...

This wasn’t an interrogation, after all. Dean couldn’t resort to the kinds of methods he might have used on a criminal in the past.

Resigned, Dean nodded to the Keeper, who had been observing the entire time, and then left the small room.

「After stepping out.」

Dean took a deep breath.

Handling a case again, after resting for so long, made him feel invigorated once more.

I just hope this case isn’t too dull!