Sixty Two

CHAPTER 62

Town Square Theater Center, New York.

"I gave him the surveillance data."

After pushing Mike Mollison - aka Mike Houston - in the hallway of the theater, by exposing the funds embezzlement that Alicia didn't really know about, that big man finally confessed everything.

Mike Mollison, who changed his name to Mike Houston after Natalie's murder a few days ago, finally told her that someone had met him to ask for all the surveillance camera data on the theater building before Alicia and Nicholas arrived.

"Can you describe his features?" asked Nicholas.

"I think he was about the same height and build as you, detective," Mike said. "But I couldn't see his face because he was wearing a mask." He then looked at Alicia and made an expectant face. "Don't tell anyone about the money embezzlement, miss. Please."

Nicholas and Alicia exchanged glances before Alicia finally asked another question. "If you can't see his face, is there something so unique about him? Maybe he has a tattoo? A scar or his scent that you can smell when you get close enough to him."

"I'm not sure because the lights went out that night," Mike said.

But Alicia glared at the big man in front of her. "Try to remember. I'll give you two minutes to give me a detailed description of that man or I'll report everything to the owner of this building right now," she said stressfully. And after saying that, Alicia deliberately distanced herself from the man named Mike.

Feeling very curious, Nicholas soon caught up with Alicia. "Hey, Alicia, how did you know that guy was embezzling money?" he whispered.

And Alicia just shrugged her shoulders casually. "I didn't know either. I just guessed," she whispered back.

Which made Nicholas' bright brown eyes widen in disbelief. "Oh my!" He wiped his face in frustration. "What if he finds out that you're just pretending?" continued Nicholas still in his low voice.

"We only have to wait two minutes, Nic," Alicia said. "Calm yourself."

If there was one thing that made Nicholas's heart jump out of his chest, it was Alicia. Somehow, the dark-haired girl's intuition was always right and led her to good fortune. And unexpectedly, a man named Mike approached Alicia and Nicholas.

"Miss," Mike said hesitantly.

Suddenly, Alicia and Nicholas turned around quickly. Instead of worrying about being caught in the act of lying, Alicia looked calmer in her flat expression. "Yes, Mr. Mike?" replied Alicia.

"I've been trying to remember. But I can't--"

"Then I'll call the police right now," Alicia cut in. Which made Mike panic instantly.

"No, no. I mean, I've been trying to remember his face but I can't," Mike said nervously. "But speaking of his scent, I think he used a familiar perfume. I often smell that on VIP guests at theater performances."

"VIP guests?" Nicholas furrowed his brow in confusion. "Does that mean like classy people or high-ranking members of the state?"

And the man wearing all-black clothes nodded his head quickly.

"What about other physical characteristics?" Alicia asked.

"I can't remember. It was really dark that night and I couldn't hear his voice because it was raining outside," Mike replied. He then looked at Alicia again. "I've told you everything I know about that man, so please don't report me to the police or the landlord, miss."

But Alicia provoked him again by putting a cold look on her face. "Why are you embezzling money here? Is the money the show makes not enough to cover all your needs?"

Then Mike's face, which was beginning to be dotted with wrinkles in some parts, showed a sad expression. "I saved the money the landlord gave me for my wife's surgery." He looked at Alicia and Nicholas in turn, hoping that they would understand his situation. "She suffers from a brain gland disorder and has to constantly go to the hospital for checkups. I'm not a bad person and I really don't intend to do that." Unexpectedly, Mike Mollison knelt down in front of Alicia. "Please, miss. Keep this a secret for my wife's sake. Forgive me, miss."

Alicia, who had no idea that he had such high hopes for her, immediately humbled herself and helped Mike back to his feet. "That's it, that's it. You don't have to do that." And Mike seemed to be holding back his tears there. "There's one more thing we have to ask you by the way."

"What is it, miss?"

Alicia glanced at Nicholas for a moment before turning back to Mike. "On the night of Natalie's death, did you see anyone following her or seemingly trying to get close to her?"

"Followed her?" Although somewhat surprised by Alicia's question just now, Mike was able to neutralize her expression quickly. He mumbled, trying to recall the events of that night. Because perhaps, it was the only thing that could save him from the embezzlement charges that the young girl before him was about to file. "I think there was someone... he was a man, tall."

"So?" This time it was Nicholas who spoke up.

"He was following Natalie like a fan. Because I saw them take a picture together before Natalie left the building to rest," Mike continued confidently.

"Any other physical characteristics that could help us find him in the crowd?" Alicia said excitedly.

"Her hair is black with a thinning cut," Mike replied.

"Too common," concluded Alicia. She then leaned back and looked around. "What clothes is she wearing?"

Mike looked a bit puzzled for a moment, as he wasn't that detailed when noticing a fan of a member of his own theater. "I don't... it looks like he's well dressed. His shirt looked classy but his face was hard to remember."

Then Alicia chose to pause for thought for a moment, before asking again, "Does he have the same scent as the man who asked you for the contents of the surveillance camera data, Mr. Mike?"

But the answer from the portly man had to disappoint Alicia. "I'm not that close to her to smell her scent," Mike said, shaking his head in resignation. "But I'm pretty sure she's one of our VIP guests just by looking at her fancy clothes."

This time Nicholas cleared his throat. "Do you still have the guest list from the last night Natalie performed, Mr. Mike?" He glanced at Alicia briefly and back at Mike. "Maybe we can check all the VIPs you mentioned."

"I apologize." Mike bowed his head. "But maintaining the privacy of our VIP guests is our obligation."

But suddenly Alicia snapped her fingers in the air. Making both Nicholas and Mike immediately turn their heads towards her. "Then we need to get out of here, Nic."

And of course, her words just now made Nicholas frown deeply. "What? What did you say?"

"We need to get out of this building and report all the crimes committed by a man named Mike Mollison," Alicia said sarcastically.

And that made Mike's whole body shake violently. From the look in his eyes, Alicia could immediately see the fear and anxiety that was attacking Mike himself.

Alicia then grinned contentedly in front of Nicholas, when again Mike held back his steps and said hopefully, "Please don't do that, miss. I'll give you the guest list." []