What’s the Motive by Olha Holyk

- I forgive you…

I forgive you, Mike! Do you hear me? No, don’t go, please, Chloe held his head, not letting it fall down. She was looking at his face with the hope that Mike would open his eyes. But they were closed forever. She started hugging his lifeless body even tighter. Screaming and crying in horror, Chloe began asking people call an ambulance.   

Police and ambulance has arrived after 20 minutes at 8.27 p.m. Police secured the scene, while medics took the body from the scene of crime. 

- Why are you covering his face? Don’t do that! Get him to the hospital, now! Where are you taking him? – Chloe didn’t understand what’s going on. Or she just didn’t want to believe this was happening. 

Detective Johnson came closer to Chloe to express his condolences and tap on the shoulder, as if this will help in some way.  

- I need you to come with me, please, ma’am. 

- Okay, okay… 

After questioning det. Johnson got information about life and relationship of Mike. Mike was 27, worked as barista in the café, unmarried, but had a girlfriend – Chloe. Unfortunately, miss Chloe Wilson didn’t tell him a lot about his death. She became to the cinema five minutes before it happened. This woman stood outside near the entrance to the cinema, waiting for Mike. And then at 8.06 Mike’s body fell to the ground right before Chloe’s eyes. He has fallen from the sixth floor. But before he was pushed, he was stabbed 3 times. Detective has checked this place, especially near the window, and there were signs of a struggle. No sign of murder weapon. No fingerprints. That means the killer worked in gloves. He killed Mike on purpose. The detective began questioning all the witnesses who were present there. He asked them if they had seen anything strange. One of them said that he saw the girl who approached the victim said: "I forgive you." 

- Chloe Wilson had a motive? Hm… but she wasn’t in the building on the sixth floor, or was? No, she has an alibi, - sometimes det. Johnson thinks out loud.   

Investigating this case, Mr. Johnson draw up the list of possible suspects: Chloe’s ex-boyfriend, Mike’s friend – Tomas, his colleague – Joan. However, he was sure, that Chloe will not be there. Now she is top of the list. He called Chloe to question her again. 

- What happened between you and Michael before he died? Did you argue? 

- What? No, I just…but how did you know? 

- One of the witnesses heard how you forgave him, when Mike… 

- When Mike was dying… Yes. Okay, I will tell you. 2 weeks ago I have noticed bruises and wounds on his face and body. I’ve asked him but, he didn’t want to tell me what happened. When I started shouting at him, Mike said that was an underground fight club. He wanted to earn some money for an engagement ring. For me… - Chloe started crying saying these words. 

Detective gave her a handkerchief and continued the interrogation. 

- What happened next? 

- In one of the fights, he seriously injured his opponent. That man is still in the hospital, close to death. Because of this, we haven’t spoken in two weeks. But on Friday I have agreed to meet Mike at cinema. 

- What is the name of that man? 

- Emm, Eric… Eric Martinez. 

Mr. Johnson found out that 32-year-old man Eric Martinez died in the hospital the day before Michael was killed. He had his elder brother, Valerio Martinez. Missing pieces have come together. It was revenge for the death of his brother. Police looked everywhere for him, but couldn’t find him anywhere. After 3 days of Michael’s death, feeling guilty, Valerio Martinez came to the police station and confessed to his crime.