Maggie:Let’s talk about the speculation surrounding Willow’s friends. The internet is buzzing with theories, particularly about one friend in particular—Lilia Chen. There’s a photo that recently surfaced showing her and Augustus Clark together, and people are saying it makes points to something more sinister. What’s your take on that?
Chambers:It’s important to approach these theories with caution. The public is often quick to jump to conclusions based on incomplete information. Lilia Chen and Augustus Clark have been cooperative in our investigation, as have the rest of their friends, and while we are aware of the rumors, we’re focusing on evidence, not speculation.
Noah:That’s a good point, Detective, but we can’t ignore the fact that this photo has definitely stirred the pot. Some are even suggesting a lover’s quarrel gone wrong, potentially involving Willow and Lilia. Could that be the catalyst for these events?
Chambers:I understand why people might think that, especially given the intensity of young relationships and the complex dynamics within close-knit friend groups. But again, without solid evidence, it’s all just conjecture. Our investigation is still ongoing and we’re pursuing every lead.
Maggie:It sounds like this case is far from being solved, Detective. What’s the next step for your team?
Chambers:Our priority is to continue to follow the evidence. With Jacob’s body now found, we’re revisiting old leads and looking for new connections. We’re also hoping that someone out there who knows something will come forward.
Noah:It’s a tense time in Mills Creek, and we’ll be watching closely to see how this unfolds. Detective, thank you for sharing insights with us today.
Chambers:Thank you for having me
Noah:And to our listeners, stay tuned—we’ll keep you updated on any new developments. Until then, stay safe, and as always, keep your eyes and ears open.
[OUTRO MUSIC: Eerie, fade to silence]
Maggie:Thanks for listening, everyone. Don’t forget to subscribe toWhispers of Deceptionfor more on this and other unsolved cases. You can also follow us on social media for real-time updates.
Noah:And if you have any tips or theories about the case, send them our way. Your insight could be the missing piece of the puzzle. Until next time.
Chapter Fourteen
10:00 a.m.
November 13th, 2022
Calamity Hills Church, Mills Creek, Massachusetts
The sky was somber, and thick clouds hung overhead as if the heavens themselves mourned the loss of Jacob Finley. The church was filled with a palpable grief, the kind that seeped into the very walls, clinging to the air like a suffocating mist.
“Second funeral in a month,” Sebastian murmured beside Lilia, his voice low and carrying an edge of dark humor. “Coincidence, or are we just extremely unlucky?”
Unlucky was an understatement,Lilia thought, but she couldn’t find the words to respond.
The loud, heart-wrenching wails of Jacob’s mother echoed through the church, piercing through the silent crowd, causing tears to well in Lilia’s eyes. The sound was unbearable, a raw expression of the torment they had inflicted. They had done this. They had caused this pain.
Her hand instinctively gripped Sebastian’s forearm, her fingers digging into the fabric of his suit jacket, seeking some kind of stability in the chaos of her emotions.
“Breathe,” he murmured, his lips brushing softly against her temple in a fleeting, almost tender gesture. “You look guilty.”
“We are guilty,” she hissed back.
The service droned on, the minister’s words a distant hum as he spoke of life, loss, and the promise of peace in the hereafter. The air was thick with sorrow, each mournful face reflecting the collective grief of the gathered crowd. Lilia could hardly focus on the words being spoken; her mind was too consumed with the gnawing guilt that had taken residence in her chest, a relentless reminder of the unforgivable.
There were brief, tearful tributes from Jacob’s family and friends, each one a painful testament to the boy he had been—the boy they had taken from the world. But it wasn’t until his younger sister stepped up to the pew that Lilia felt her throat tighten, her breath catching painfully in her chest.
“My brother was my best friend,” she began, her voice clear but laced with a sorrow that resonated in the stillness of the church. “The kindest person I know. He was always there for me, and always made me laugh when I was sad. I never thought I’d have to live without him. He didn’t deserve this. None of this should’ve happened.”
Each word was a dagger to Lilia’s heart, a reminder of the irreparable damage they had caused. She could feel the tears threatening to spill over, her vision blurring as she blinked them back. Her grip on Sebastian’s arm tightened, as if holding on to him would somehow keep her grounded, could keep her from breaking apart completely.
But it was too much. Her hands shook as she grabbed her bag, murmuring quick, breathless ‘excuse me’ repeatedly as she hurried down the aisle, ignoring the questioning looks of thecongregation. She could feel the walls closing in around her, the weight of her guilt pressing down on her. Her hands hit the double doors of the church with a force she hadn’t realized she possessed, and she stumbled outside into the cold, crisp air. The wretched sound that escaped her mouth was a mix of a sob and a gasp as she doubled over, losing the meager contents of her breakfast in to the bushes.
A hand gathered her hair, and she whimpered, wiping her lips with trembling fingers. As she stood, there was an outstretched handkerchief being offered to her.
“Thank you,” she whispered, wiping her face.
