I walked up the country road at 6 o'clock in the evening, wearing a white winter coat while talking to the sheriff on my flip phone. "Yeah, since he's a good citizen of the town, and since we don't even know if he's guilty or not, we decided to just put Maxwell in house arrest," he said.
"So just take the Northlane Road until you get to his house?" I asked.
"Yep, there should be one of our guys at his place to greet you."
"Okay. I'll let you go now."
"That's fine, bye," the sheriff said. I hung up the phone, then slipped it back into my pocket. A few minutes later, I saw the house. It was a old, blue country house, in some need of repair. The light was on, and sure enough, a policeman approached me.
"You must be Ms. Jacobs?" he said.
"Yes, I am"
"Well, I personally think Maxwell's guilty," he said with a smirk.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence". I walked through the white door, and there was Richard Maxwell. He didn't have the appearance of a criminal, more like a young man without a hope. He had curly, brown hair, and a cast was over his arm. He was sulking on a white chair
"You must be my lawyer. Now, before you say anything, let me say something," I nodded approval. "It's hopeless. I'm a criminal, again. I'm going to be pronounced guilty for something I didn't do."
"I don't think so, at least, not while I'm around," I said sternly. "Now, tell me the details." I sat down onto the chair next to him.
"What's there to know? There was a fire, I was the one holding the gun when they entered the barn. I know I didn't do it, but they'll pronounced me guilty anyway."
"I know that isn't the full story. Now, start at the beginning. Why did you go to Tom's in the first place?"
Richard sighed. "Fine. I-I went to Tom's farm to ask for his forgiveness."
"Forgiveness?"
"Yeah. Were you in Odyssey during Blackgaard's attempt to get the Applesauce program?"
"Yes, I was living here at that time."
"Well, during that time, I was sent by Blackgaard to do some, well, work.. At Tom's farm. I was supposed to burn it down. And I did."
I gasped. The memories of that time flooded my mind. There was a long silence.
"I asked Tom for forgiveness once, he refused," Richard said, breaking that said silence.
"Did he forgive you this time?" I asked.
Richard gave a slight smile. "When I went to his barn, around 3:00. I pleaded and pleaded. I knew that my efforts would fail. He would never forgive me, not after that day."
"Oh. That must be heartbreak-"
"No, it isn't."
"Huh?"
"You didn't let me finish. Tom forgave me."
"Oh!" I chuckled in embarrassment.
"B-but then, somehow, I don't know how it happened, but-"
"The fire?"
"Yeah. I swear it wasn't me. I don't know how it happened, and then- the gunshot. BAM! I remember it clear as day. I tried to pull Tom out of the way, but I was to late. I picked up the gun, it was lying on the floor, then I heard sirens, and now look at me. House arrest. It's useless."
"No, it isn't. Thanks for your help." I gave Richard a slight smile, to give him some comfort during this time. It was going to be a tough battle, but I was ready.