Trafford's Trading Club

“Perhaps, I’m just guessing.” Arnold sighed and said, “My brother and I have a bad relationship. The last time he came to my house was two months ago. But a strange thing happened at the time. The spare key of my house is missing. I didn’t think much about it at the time. But now that I think about it, my brother probably took it secretly at the time.”The police officer wondered, “Even if your brother took the key away, why did he bring this woman? Why did you and Mrs. Riley see another woman running away?”

Arnold shook his head, “How do I know this? I have already said it. I only came back from school early in the morning. I don’t even know what happened here! But…”

“But what?” the police officer asked.

Arnold frowned, “After hearing you say the victim’s identity, I remembered something from the past. When my parents were still alive, my family of four still lived together. My brother… Hailey frequented the Red Light District at that time. He would even bring the girls home directly to save cost. Somehow, the victim is also a prostitute, so I have reason to believe that Hailey secretly brought people here when I was not at home and did those things.”

The policeman snorted coldly, “Since there is such an important clue, why didn’t you tell me at first? Instead, wait until we find out that you are lying before confessing it?”Arnold seemed to be anxious, grabbing his hair in pain and squatting on the ground.

“Because I don’t want people to find out that I have such a brother. Police officer, if you find his information, then you should know that my brother…Hailey, what kind of person is this scumbag? Theft, drug use, fights, illegal racing, jail time… I think his file should be as thick as a dictionary! What about me? Since I was a child, I have studied hard, with excellent academic performance. I also worked hard. And, I was admitted to this prestigious university now. In the eyes of others, I’m a promising person. I don’t want people to know that I have such a twin brother.”

As if unable to control his inner emotions, Arnold suddenly raised his head and roared, “Can you understand that feeling? In this world, there is a person who looks exactly like you, but he has done all the bad things! Every day, I don’t know how many people hate this face behind my back! Every day, I don’t know how many people are looking for this face for revenge! You… Can you feel the fear and understand the hatred in my heart?!”

“Recently, because of my good grades, the department gave me an additional scholarship. My tutor recommended a great internship company.” Arnold took off his glasses, covered his eyes, and wept, “If someone knows that Hailey is my twin brother and knows that he may be involved in the murder, then all my efforts I have been working hard on, all… all…”With his shoulders twitching, the young man in his early twenties squatted in front of the two police officers, crying silently.

The police officer, who had interrogated Arnold from the beginning, shook his head, took out a pack of tissues, and patted Arnold on the shoulder, “Alright, we will verify the things you said when we go back. Of course, you didn’t give us the important information in the first place. It’s also a fact that you didn’t cooperate with us at the start. But, forget it, we won’t pursue this matter for the time being.”

“So, do you know your brother… I meant Hailey. Do you know where he is? Or how can I find him?” Another police officer asked at this time.

Arnold wiped his eyes, put on his glasses back, and shook his head. “I don’t know where he is. He has always been looking for me on his initiative. Sometimes even if I avoid him, he still can find me. Seriously, where can someone like him stay put? Probably, he is at a woman’s house, tomorrow at another woman’s house, maybe the day after tomorrow in the casino, and then the day after tomorrow in jail.”The police officer took notes and then asked, “Then, when was the last time he came to see you? Do you remember the exact time he visited you previously? Did he say anything to you at that time? Did he mention anyone?”

“It should be late October, around the 25th.” Arnold frowned, “I don’t remember what he said. I didn’t want to talk to this guy at all. I just treated him perfunctorily all the time.”

“No clues? Think carefully. Anything can be helpful.” The police officer asked.

Arnold rubbed his forehead, then hesitated, “Oh ya, he seemed to have said that he will have money in two days, and then he will buy me a big house.”

Arnold shook his head and sneered, “What kind of money can someone like him have? Even if he does, I’m afraid I don’t know where he got it. I don’t want his dirty money!”The two police officers continued to ask Arnold a lot of things later and then told him to keep in touch and be available at any time. They drove away once it was late in the evening.

Mrs. Riley didn’t know what the police officer said after taking Arnold away. At this time, she asked, “Arnold, are you okay? They didn’t do anything to you, right? Talk to me. If they bully you, I will sue them! This group of people who do nothing! They only know how to bully us!”

“No, no, it’s fine. They just asked me for some details.” Arnold shook his head and comforted, “They are kind to me. I’m just curious how the victim came in.”

​ “Yeah, how can these two women come in? It’s weird.” Mrs. Riley suddenly looked at Arnold weirdly, “You… you don’t know?”

Arnold smiled bitterly, “If I knew, I wouldn’t have such a headache. Unfortunately, now they are still locking down the scene, and I don’t know where I can stay for today.”

Mrs. Riley nodded and said suddenly, “It’s a pity. The sewer pipe in my house just cracked, and it stinks! Otherwise, it will let you stay for a few nights. How about you find another place outside to stay for a while? Don’t worry. I can reimburse you.”

“No thanks, I’ll go back to school. There is a resting place over there.” Arnold looked at Mrs. Riley, who suddenly put a little distance. Without saying anything, he lowered his head, “I…I will go back to school first.”“Then… well, be careful.” Mrs. Riley nodded and didn’t urge him to stay.

…

“Sir, do we believe what this kid said?”

In the distant police car, a dialogue between the two police officers began.

“It isn’t about believing it or not.” The one who was asked casually said, “We shall go to the university and investigate. Then, let’s check on Hailey. In addition, we have the victim’s phone. Let’s go back, unlock it, and take a look at the call records. Also, let the forensic team give us the results as soon as possible. We need to do things according to the procedure.”

“Alright.”The companion didn’t say much. The police system was chaotic. Several factions had already begun to take action, wanting to snatch the vacant position left after Chief Jose’s death.

At this moment, the police officer who was being asked suddenly said, “Is it possible?”

“What?”

“These two brothers. The older brother is a criminal, and the younger brother is a future social elite.”

“Possible.” He responded calmly.