Chapter 135: Any Playful Thoughts
Rain led Neil to the rooftop, where the view was expansive and calming. She ordered a bubble tea for him and then also bought a selection of snacks. Then she guided him to a nearby bench to sit. As Neil hesitated, she gently nudged the bag toward him.
Pushing the bag of snacks toward him, she added softly, "Go ahead, Neil. These are some of my favourites. Maybe they’ll help you relax a bit."
Neil took it and then sipped on the bubble tea. Rain smiled warmly, trying to ease the tension. She sat beside him, giving him enough space to feel comfortable, but staying close enough to offer quiet support.
"By the way, I’m Prosecutor Rain Clayton," she introduced herself, offering him her calling card, which he accepted with a nod.
Neil was fifteen and a close friend of Liza, the victim. Henry had spotted him in the CCTV footage from the night Liza was abducted by five gang members called the Savage Skulls while she was running an errand for her mother.
Although there were no direct witnesses, Henry’s sharp eye caught a glimpse of a boy in the same school uniform as Neil. After investigating who lived near Liza’s house and which male students she was close to, everything pointed to Neil. Henry believed Neil might have witnessed the crime.
After a moment, Rain pulled out her voice recorder and pressed the button. "I’m going to record our conversation, Neil. Is that alright with you?"
Neil glanced at her and nodded. "That’s fine, ma’am," he answered politely, his voice quiet but steady.
Rain offered him a reassuring smile. "Thank you, Neil. I’ve got a few questions to ask you about what happened," she said softly, her tone gentle. "But first, I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything. If you don’t feel comfortable answering something or need a break, just let me know, okay?"