THE WHISPERING WALLS

Mia Jackson stepped out of her car and onto the rainy pavement. The flashing lights of the police cars illuminated the dark night, casting an eerie glow over the scene. She grabbed her notebook and pen, her eyes fixed on the mansion in front of her.

Richard Langley, a wealthy businessman, had been found dead in his home. The police were still processing the scene, but Mia had managed to get a tip that the victim had been murdered.

As she approached the entrance, a uniformed officer blocked her path. "I'm afraid this is a crime scene, miss. You can't go in there."

Mia flashed her press badge. "I'm Mia Jackson, a journalist with the Daily Times. I need to get a statement from the lead detective."

The officer hesitated before stepping aside. "Fine, but be quick about it."

Mia nodded and entered the mansion. The interior was lavish, with marble floors and crystal chandeliers. But amidst the opulence, she saw signs of a violent struggle. Furniture was overturned, and bloodstains marred the walls.

She spotted Detective John, a no-nonsense veteran of the force, and made her way over to him. "Detective, what can you tell me about the victim?"

Detective John turned to her, his expression grim. "Not much yet. We're still processing the scene. But I can tell you that it looks like a robbery gone wrong."

Mia's instincts told her otherwise. She sensed that there was more to the story, something the police weren't revealing. She made a mental note to dig deeper.

Mia's eyes narrowed as she scribbled some notes in her pad. "A robbery gone wrong, huh? That's what you're sticking with?"

Detective John nodded, his expression unyielding. "That's what the evidence suggests. We'll know more once forensics finishes processing the scene."

Mia wasn't convinced. She had a feeling that there was more to the story, something the police weren't seeing. Or maybe something they were deliberately ignoring.

She decided to push a bit harder. "Can I see the body?"

Detective John hesitated, then nodded. "But be warned, it's not pretty."

Mia steeled herself and followed the detective to the room where the body lay. Richard Langley's lifeless eyes stared up at her, his face frozen in a permanent grimace. Mia's gaze took in the scene, her mind racing with possibilities. She brought out her camera and took a few photos of the lifeless body.

As she turned to leave, she noticed something strange. A small piece of paper on the floor, partially hidden under the couch. She pointed it out to Detective John.

"What's that?" she asked.

Detective John walked over to investigate. "Looks like a piece of paper with some scribbled notes. Doesn't seem relevant to the case, but we'll bag it anyway."

Mia's instincts told her otherwise. She had a feeling that this piece of paper might be the key to unlocking the truth behind Richard Langley's murder.

As Detective John bagged the paper, Mia's mind raced with possibilities. She knew she had to get a closer look at the notes, but the detective was already sealing the evidence bag.

"Can I get a copy of the notes?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Detective John raised an eyebrow. "I don't think that's necessary, Mia. This is a police investigation, not a journalist's playground."

Mia smiled sweetly. "Come on, Detective. I know it's a police investigation case but I have a feeling those notes are important."

Detective John sighed, clearly hesitant. "I'll see what I can do. But no promises."

Mia nodded, knowing she'd have to wait. But she was determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.

As she left the mansion, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was onto something big. The notes on that paper might hold the key to unlocking the truth behind Richard Langley's murder.

She decided to do some digging of her own, starting with the victim's business dealings. Maybe there was a connection between Langley's murder and his shady business associates.

Mia's investigation had just begun, and she was ready to follow the trail wherever it led.

Mia spent the rest of the day digging into Richard Langley's business dealings. She scoured through financial records, interviewed former employees, and even snuck into a few high-stakes meetings.

After a few weeks, Mia had uncovered a web of deceit and corruption that went all the way to the top. Langley had been involved in some shady dealings, and it seemed like he had made some powerful enemies.

But Mia still needed concrete evidence to tie it all together. She decided to pay a visit to Langley's business partner, the enigmatic and reclusive billionaire, Marcus Black.

As she arrived at Black's mansion, Mia felt a chill run down her spine. Something didn't feel right.

The guard answered the door, his expression cold and unforgiving. "Can I help you?"

Mia flashed her press badge. "I'm here to see Marcus Black. I have some questions about Richard Langley's murder."

The guard hesitated before disappearing into the depths of the mansion. Mia waited, her heart pounding in her chest.

Finally, the guard returned, his expression unreadable. "Mr. Black will see you now."

Mia followed him into the mansion, her senses on high alert. She knew she was getting close to the truth.

As she entered the study, Marcus Black looked up from behind his desk, his eyes piercing and calculating.

"Ah, Mia Jackson," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I've been expecting you."

Mia's instincts screamed at her to run, but she stood her ground. She knew she had to confront Black bravely if she wanted to uncover the truth.

"So, Mr. Black," Mia began, trying to keep her voice steady, "I understand you were Richard Langley's business partner. Can you tell me more about your relationship with him?"

Marcus Black leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "We were partners, yes. But I think you'll find that our relationship was... complicated."

Mia raised an eyebrow. "Complicated?"

Black nodded. "Let's just say that Richard and I had different visions for the company. He wanted to take risks, push the boundaries. I, on the other hand, preferred more... cautious approach."

Mia sensed a hint of tension beneath Black's polished exterior. "And did these differences ever lead to conflicts?"

Black's smile was thin and cold. "Conflicts? Oh, no. Nothing like that. Just... lively discussions."

Mia wasn't convinced. She pressed on, her instincts telling her that Black was hiding something. "Can you tell me more about the company's dealings? Were there any shady business practices?"

Black's expression turned glacial. "I think that's enough questions for now, Ms. Jackson. I'm afraid I have a meeting to attend to."

Mia knew she was getting close to something, but Black was shutting down. She needed to think fast, come up with a new angle.

She was led out by Black's guards. As Mia went through the corridor of the mansion, she noticed a figure watching her from the shadows. It was a little girl with long brown hair. Mia felt a shiver run down her spine as the little girl stepped forward.

"Who are you?" the little girl asked, her voice low and husky.

Mia cleared her throat before speaking, " Ehmm, I'm a journalist. I'm investigating Richard Langley's murder. she said, showing the little girl her badge. And who are you, a pretty young lady?... Mia asked.

The little girl smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes. I'm Sophia, Richard's maid.

"Richard's what!!! How can a little girl be his maid.. She said in shock."

"My mom formerly worked for him, but she's no more.. So I have to work to be able to eat since I have no one by my side.. Sophia said with sadness in her eyes.

Mia nodded, she knew she had to protect the girl and also to ask her few questions about late Richard.

"What do you know about the late Richard?? Mia asked in curiosity.

Sophia glanced around nervously before pulling Mia into a quiet alleyway. "Richard was in deep trouble, she whispered.

"Trouble? Mia said in a low voice. What do you mean by that?

Sophia ran out of the alleyway leaving Mia with an unanswered question.

Mia sighed, "Maybe she's scared, I have to note this but what's she doing here in Black's mansion. Ohh my God, I have a lot of questions to ask."

Mia left the mansion, she couldn't shake off the thoughts that were over her head. Black is hiding something, and she needs to find out what it is.