As Joseph opened the document, he discovered a photo attached to it, displaying an eagle-shaped metal decoration. Joseph recognized the decoration since he had been injured by it before.
Chalmers pointed at the photo, expecting a response from Joseph.
However, Joseph remained silent.
"Joseph, you can't stay silent. You have to answer my question," Chalmers insisted, enunciating each word.
Joseph smiled faintly and replied, "I can't recall with certainty. Perhaps you're right."
"You can't remember clearly because you were arguing with Ruby at that time, correct?" Chalmers asked, his tone serious.
The light in Joseph's eyes gradually dimmed. After a brief pause, he responded, "Yes, Ruby was upset, and I also sustained an accidental injury."
Chalmers continued, "Based on my investigation, I discovered that the Runestone Group was originally founded by your father-in-law, Henry, who allegedly acquired your family's property. It is evident that you hold a grudge against him. Consequently, you've been plotting to regain control of the Runestone Group over the years. However, Ruby became aware of your intentions and demanded that you depart from the company. In fact, she even threatened to expose your scheme if you refused to comply. The security personnel overheard your argument. Joseph, do you still intend to deny your actions?"
Joseph, devoid of mood swings, asked, "What is it that you want to say?
Chalmers continued calmly, "The relationship between Ruby and Emery was exposed, and you seized the opportunity to acquire the Lake family's shares using this information. Emery, unable to withstand the public scrutiny, tragically took her own life. Ruby harbored suspicions that you were behind this tragedy, leading to multiple arguments between the two of you. Around 10:40 last night, just before the crime took place, Ruby confronted you once again, threatening you to leave the Runestone Group or face consequences. Faced with Ruby's hostile demeanor, you ultimately decided to kill her. You incapacitated her by striking her with the eagle-shaped decoration and then disposed of her body in the bushes. It was raining outside, and you believed that the evidence could be effectively destroyed. Furthermore, you sustained a scratch from the decoration inadvertently during the struggle," Chalmers explained in a composed manner.
Joseph remained motionless, attentively listening to Chalmers, before replying, "Chalmers, as I have previously stated, your account is based solely on your own conjecture."
"Joseph, confidence is one thing, but arrogance won't serve you well. Do you take me for a fool? You murdered Ruby, and yet you still believe there is no evidence against you?" Chalmers furrowed his eyebrows. "I discovered traces of your blood and fibers from your clothing in her nails. We conducted a DNA test, and it confirmed that the blood found under her nails matches the blood on this decoration," Chalmers continued.
Joseph remained composed and calmly explained, "Ruby grabbed onto me when I was attempting to leave, so it's natural to find traces of my clothing fibers in her nails. Furthermore, the eagle-shaped decoration indeed scratched my hand, hence the presence of my blood on it."
"Joseph, do you genuinely believe that the police and the judge will believe your explanations?" Chalmers questioned.
Joseph smiled faintly and responded, "I am merely stating the truth. While I am confident, you must understand that a confident person would never engage in foolish actions. If I had indeed decided to kill Ruby, I would not be foolish enough to dispose of her body in such an easily discoverable manner."
Chalmers acknowledged, "Your argument sounds reasonable, but it could also be a deliberate attempt to mislead our investigation. Nevertheless, our police cannot dismiss any possibilities."
Joseph sneered at Chalmers and retorted, "But do you solve cases based on conjecture? Or are you determined to extract a false confession through torture?" He then gestured towards the monitoring equipment and continued, "Are you planning to disregard due process and resort to such methods?"
Chalmers became visibly displeased, his eyebrows furrowing in a frown. "Are you suggesting that you have been framed?" he asked in response.
"It's apparent," Joseph replied calmly.
"But by whom?" Chalmers inquired.
Joseph leaned back in his chair and responded composedly, "There are numerous individuals who would wish for my demise."
"Joseph, I understand that you have a team of top-notch lawyers, but they can't assist you in this interrogation room. It would be in your best interest to cooperate with me," Chalmers said angrily.
While Chalmers remained indignant, Joseph maintained his calm demeanor. "Sir, there's no need to worry. I am well aware of the law. However, I must also remind you that, at this moment, you lack evidence. Therefore, I am merely a suspect and not a murderer. I can only recount what transpired on that night. After I left the company, I was unaware of what occurred thereafter. It's also plausible that someone may have infiltrated the company and committed the crime," Joseph explained in a casual tone.
Chalmers clenched his hands, recalling what Tanner had previously told him. Tanner had warned Chalmers about Joseph's difficult nature.
****
The atmosphere within the Runestone Group was fraught with tension. The meeting room, now a crime scene, was cordoned off, and the employees whispered among themselves. Shirley's cries could be heard, and everyone in the company was well aware of Joseph's absence.
The following day, the police lifted the block and concluded their evidence collection at the Runestone Group. The senior leaders, in an attempt to maintain some semblance of normalcy, urged the directors to reassure the employees. However, it was evident that no one could truly focus on their work.
The shareholders, filled with curiosity and concern, arrived at the company early, eager to learn about the unfolding situation. To their surprise, Joseph, who was now a suspect, had been taken away by the police.
The impact on the Runestone Group was anticipated to be negative, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the company's future.
As Irish entered the meeting room, all eyes turned towards her. As Joseph's wife, she knew she had to address the public and provide an explanation, considering Joseph's absence due to being taken into police custody.
Before Irish could utter a word, Shirley rushed towards her, grasping her hands as if in a state of madness. Irish winced in pain and instinctively lowered her head, only to discover that Shirley's long nails had scratched her. Shirley was known for maintaining her nails at great expense.
Irish was in a weakened state and had little patience for Shirley's outburst. Despite understanding that Shirley must be devastated by Ruby's death, the wound on her arms heightened her irritability. With a furrowed brow, Irish pushed Shirley away.
Witnessing this, Roy immediately intervened, stepping in to restrain his mother. Roy himself appeared exhausted, his eyes were bloodshot from the emotional toll. After all, Ruby was his biological sister.
"Mom, please calm down. This has nothing to do with Irish," Roy implored, his voice filled with weariness.
Shirley, however, remained defiant. "Joseph killed my daughter, and Irish must be his accomplice. You are completely heartless!" Shirley shouted, her gaze fixed on Irish, her eyes burning with anger.
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