The Silent Alibi

Detective Laura Webb stared at the cracked screen of her phone, the name “Jacob Thomas” flashing on it. A murder had occurred just a few hours ago, and Jacob was the prime suspect. He had an alibi—one that seemed airtight. His girlfriend, Amanda, swore they’d been together all night, but Laura wasn’t convinced. Something didn’t sit right.

She clicked the screen off, pushing it into her coat pocket, and turned toward the interrogation room. Jacob sat inside, looking as calm as ever, a man who didn’t seem to have a care in the world. His hands were folded neatly on the table, his face impassive.

Laura opened the door and stepped inside, closing it behind her. She didn’t waste time.

“Jacob Thomas, you’re a suspect in the murder of Kevin Miller. He was found dead in his apartment this morning. His throat was slashed.” Laura paused, watching his reaction closely. “What do you know about it?”

Jacob’s eyes flickered for just a second, but his voice remained steady. “I know Kevin. We used to work together. I didn’t kill him.”

“Then why are you lying to me?” Laura leaned forward, her voice low but firm. “Your alibi is too perfect. Amanda says you were with her all night, but I’ve checked the timeline. Something’s off.”

Jacob didn’t flinch. “I don’t know what to tell you. I was with Amanda. She’ll back me up.”

“Really?” Laura asked, her voice skeptical. “She’s your girlfriend. She’s biased. She wants to protect you. What about your neighbors? Anyone who could verify where you were?”

Jacob’s face tightened ever so slightly, but he kept his composure. “No, we were at her place all night. Watching movies. Sleeping.”

Laura felt a flicker of doubt, but she quickly suppressed it. “Let’s go over it again. What time did you leave Amanda’s place last night?”

“I didn’t leave,” Jacob replied. “We were together all night.”

Laura sighed, leaning back in her chair. “You understand that someone else saw you leave the apartment building last night, don’t you?”

Jacob’s eyes narrowed. “Who?”

“A man named Daniel Wright. He works the night shift at the convenience store across the street. He saw you walk out of the building at 2:30 a.m., then come back around 3:15. What were you doing in that time?”

Jacob’s face grew pale, but he quickly regained control. “I went for a walk. I needed some air. I wasn’t involved in Kevin’s death.”

Laura leaned forward again, staring him down. “A walk? At 2:30 a.m. in the middle of a cold, wet night? You expect me to believe that?”

He remained silent, refusing to break eye contact. After a moment, he leaned back in his chair, his expression resigned. “I didn’t kill him, Laura. I swear. But there’s something you don’t know.”

Laura’s heart skipped a beat. “What?”

Jacob hesitated, looking almost defeated. “I was framed. I know who did it.”

“Who?” Laura asked, her voice sharp.

Jacob swallowed hard. “Amanda. She told me she was going to leave Kevin. He didn’t take it well. He… he threatened her.”

Laura sat back, her mind racing. Could Jacob be telling the truth? Or was this another lie to cover up his involvement? She stood, deciding to check the security footage from the store.

As she reached the door, Jacob spoke one last time. “Amanda’s the one who really has a secret. She’s the one who’s hiding something.”

Laura froze, the door handle in her hand. The pieces were starting to fall into place.