Chapter 4

"Hey, I dug around the old case file." Det. Stelleto said to Lilly the next morning. "Turns out Vivien has at least somewhat of an alibi. On police records is one of her friends, Steven Lassino, who said that she spent some time at his house on the night of the murder."

"Any information on his whereabouts?"

"Work address, don't know if it's still valid."

Lilly and Det. Hammerson exchanged a look. "It's a start."

"Steven Lassino?" The girl at the front counter wrinkled her brow. "Well, I can tell you right off the bat that he hasn't worked here in quite awhile. I've been here for three years, never remembered any guy by that name."

"Well, we know for sure that he worked here 8 years ago." Lilly said. "So if you have any old employee records, with any information, that would be very nice."

The clerk nodded. "I'll see what I can do." She got up and walked into a back room.

Lilly and Det. Hammerson surveyed their surroundings. "Atlas Roofing Company…." Lilly read from the card she had taken from the counter. The main office was plain and simple, white walls, white counters, old chairs and old magazines. None of that really mattered, not like anybody ever seemed to visit in person.

The clerk soon returned. "Yes, Steven Lassino has records here. I've copied this last known home address for you." She handed Det. Hammerson the photocopy.

"I wouldn't try that address, only his parents are there now." A rough voice spoke up.

Both Lilly and Det. Hammerson turned towards the voice. A magazine lowered to reveal the kind face of a man in his mid-forties. There was a slight youthful expression, but grey streaks were starting to appear in those brunette locks.

The man got up and walked towards them. "My name's Geoffrey Smith."

"I'm Det. Hammerson, and this is Det. Rush." Det. Hammerson introduced the two of them.

Lilly shook Geoffrey's hand, and when she blinked, the man had grown younger. His face was thinner, the grey streaks had disappeared, and his eyes contained more life.

"I hate to be so nosy, but I couldn't' help overhearing your inquiries about Steven." Lilly blinked again, and Geoffrey had aged 8 years.

"You got something that could help?" Det. Hammerson inquired.

"May I?" Geoffrey took the piece of paper from Det. Hammerson. "He moved out several years ago. We still keep in touch, so I know where his apartment is. If you can't find him, he's probably at work, and you'll have to ask his parents for that location." He scribbled the address in an almost illegible handwriting and gave the sheet back to Det. Hammerson.

"Thank you." Lilly turned to leave, but something held her back. A third opinion could prove to be useful.

It was almost as if Geoffrey had anticipated Lilly. He hadn't moved an inch.

"I was wondering if you would be willing to answer a few questions, Mr. Smith." Lilly inquired.

The man almost grinned. "I'll answer whatever questions I can."

The three settled into the chairs in the waiting room.

"So, what can you tell me about Steven?"

"Nothing but praise." There was a twinkle in Geoffrey's eyes. Memories were flooding back to him. "He was only 18 when he first came to work for us, so we nicknamed him as 'The Kid'. Green as hell. But he was a hard worker, fast learner. Good kid."

"He had a friend…Vivien Wong." Det. Hammerson said simply.

Geoffrey wrinkled his eyebrow in thought. "Vivien…oh yes of course. The girlfriend!"

A/N: Sorry I haven't updated for so long. Schoolwork is making me as busy as heck. I already have an ending in mind…but as to how the story will get there still remains unknown. I hope that you will read and review this story…any sort of review/criticism is welcome! Thank you!