100 Ways to Solve a Murder-Chapter 81: Act 2--The Press
Present time.
Chatters were filling the air, every radio, newspaper, and media talking about the latest news.
Just a week ago one of the biggest News Media in the UK ’Hidden Truth’ published its latest headline. A headline entitled, ’Who is Sam Gray?’, with a photo (that was anonymously sent) printed on the front page.
The news grew, catching everyone’s attention. Spreading just like wildfire, one name burning under the media’s firestorm, Fredricksen.
Every step was like a drama in the telly, and the watching public is mesmerized, craving for more.
Mrs. Whitehall had a scowl on her face as she entered the slicked blond’s flat.
"Oh, Levi, the ruckus outside with all those news people," she complained, whilst moving to collect the half-eaten lunch she prepared for him hours ago at the kitchen table.
Levi stood behind the curtains, looking at the press waiting for him to make a statement outside.
He turned to get back to his kitchen Lab to continue his work, "It will pass," he said.
He was afterall too occupied, studying Sam’s blood. One that was taken during her recovery. The blood still had traces of the drug in it, and so, he ignored the frenzy outside.
After cleaning up a bit in the blond’s flat, Mrs. Whitehall left him to his devices minutes later.
She washed some dishes in her place while she listened to the telly.
"Dr. Sam Gray, or is it really her real name?" The host started, looking straight to the camera. He was clad in a bright colored neon dress shirt and jeans, and his dark brown hair was swept to one side.
"Based on the recent evidence collected, it isn’t! Well, it’s not all of it," he said, humor can be heard in his tone.
"Dr. Sam Gray, most commonly known as the ’hot detective’ Levi Jackson’s girlfriend. And more recently was attacked in her home in Westminster; resulting in the death of Rona Sharpe" his tone turned serious.
He shifted and continued by saying, "For a short time during the investigation, the public believed she was dead. Only to reveal a twist in the story! Spoilers! Her death was faked, successfully catching the killer Robin Baxter." he continued an upbeat tone.
A mock frown grew on his face, and his tone turned serious.
"Deepening the twist to that plot, Robin Baxter, was her Forensic Assistant who had been suffering from numerous forms of mental illness, the suspect was shot during the arrest, dying immediately. And his death is still under investigation."
Taking a breath he started again,
"These recent events just made the already known Dr. Gray a Crime Celebrity."
He pointed to his right, and an image popped on the screen. "And this photo added fuel to the already burning fire." the host continued.
Mrs. Whitehall stopped for a moment to look at the photo on the screen. She frowned then she shook her head displeased. She’d seen it in every newspaper the whole week.
"Yes, that is Dr. Sam Gray, and yes, together with CEO Ivan Fredricksen. This photo was anonymously sent to Hidden Truth, Thursday morning. After establishing the photo was genuine it was released, forming more questions in everyone’s mind about a love affair." The host said.
"A love affair between the already married Ivan Fredricksen and the known girlfriend of Levi Jackson."
"And to the shippers of Samson, will their relationship survive? Or will this cause the end of their humored fragile relationship?---and if you think this story has used all the twist, you are greatly mistaken." he continued in a more upbeat manner.
"Just yesterday, a statement from Fredricksen Securities was released, denying the allegation of any kind of affair. And in fact, current CEO Ivan Fredricksen and the person we come to know as Sam Gray, Guy’s mysterious ginger head, and Director of Forensics is actually SAMANTHA CAMILLE GRAY FREDRICKSEN." he said almost excitedly.
His eyes widened looking at the camera, giving his whole ’report’ a bit of character.
"Yes! You heard me. ’Dr. Gray is actually the younger sister and only sibling of Ivan Fredricksen. Heiress to Fredricksen richness!" he cheered.
"Fredricksen Family denies that they have kept her identity hidden, and I quote, ’Samantha or Sam Gray grew up in the suburbs in America raised by her American grandparents. Even at a young age, she had expressed her love for Medicine, something she took after her late Grandfather Dr. Murdoch. We have always respected and supported her wishes to live a simple normal life, and not be defined by her Family name.’" the host read the statement.
After a pause, he continued with, "Sam Gray isn’t actively connected with either Fredricksen Company and Hidden Truth International, but we have learned she holds shares in both successful companies. We still haven’t received any response regarding these revelations from boyfriend Levi Jackson, and Samantha Camille Gray Fredricksen-Murdoch herself, boy that’s a mouthful!" he expressed, playfully wiping the imaginary sweat on his forehead.
.......
Afternoon, 7 Eastbourne Rd.
Marco entered his flat and looked at the psychologist sitting like a king on his chair, a book in hand. his long legs on top of the center table.
"Have you called her?" he asked, direct to the point
"No." Levi deadpanned, knowing full well who he meant by ’her.’
Marco huffed, annoyed with his attitude. He had been asking Levi to reach out towards the redhead for days since this media storm started.
"Can you at least try?" the bearded man asked patiently.
Levi tore his eyes away from the pages and looked up at the towering lanky man.
"You’ve called her, Lisa called her. Elle and Mrs. Whitehall called her. She didn’t pick up, what makes you think if I called her she’ll respond differently?" he deadpanned.
Marco sent him a stern look, not wanting to fight over this.
Levi rolled his eyes,
"Fine," he said, just wanting to get it over with. He closed his book and placed it beside him. then he pulled his phone and threw it to Marco, which he successfully caught regardless of the surprise.
"Call her," Levi told Marco.
Marco did so using his mobile phone, it rang on the other line and went to voicemail like the others. The bearded man sighed in defeat.
Levi arched his brow at him,
"Satisfied?" he mocked.
"We can go visit her," Marco suggested, returning the mobile.
"Just to see how she’s doing. The press is digging her life, and she is going through this alone. I don’t understand why invading her privacy to the World is absolutely entertaining." he added, annoyed.
"Whatever raises the ratings," Levi replied casually. He gets it, he loves it when the media talks about him even if it’s for something bad. Good or bad, exposure is exposure. Their little agency gets free advertisement.
"Levi, even Davies, and Jones are worried," Marco informed, brows furrowed.
"Everybody loves a good mystery," Levi commented. Marco glared at him, "It’s the truth, everyone secretly enjoys learning someone else’s kept secrets." Levi backed up. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦
"And the press is having a field day over her whole life!" Marco spat, then his face turned serious...there was something else of course.
"Murdoch, Levi! Murdoch! Do you think--" he asked, feeling the dread. Did she know?
Levi narrowed his eyes at the lanky man,
"Spit it out!" he shouts annoyed with all the sentiment filling in the room, choking him.
"Does she know, you....her uncle?" Marco hinted. Unknown to the public, Jason Murdoch the late owner of Hidden Truth did not die from natural causes. The Government with the help of a few people covered it up. Truth was, Levi Knight Jackson was responsible for his untimely demise.
’Does she know you killed him?’
Levi’s head whip-lashed towards Marco, clenching his teeth. "Oh, let me ask her that when she comes over for tea!" Levi spat.
Marco expelled a lung full of breath just as frustrated. "I can’t believe this isn’t affecting you in any way." He said gesturing to the window, where the press was.
Levi scoffed.
"Why would it?" he asked, and his front door slamming close was the answer he got from Marco.
.....
Anna Jackson’s Real estate Agency
"Maam, he’s here. Should I send him in?" Valerie informed her after entering her office. to the general public, Anna is but a top real estate agent. But in real life, she controls a lot of powerful people. Men wrapped around her manicured fingers, strings connecting each to their puppeteer.
Anna stood from her hair and straightened and buttoned her lilac suit. She looked at her reflection on the wide windows and she took a deep breath and said.
"Send him in."
A moment later Valerie ushers the tall blond man.
He had on a sharp expensive black suit, tailored especially for him. Anna knew that it was part of Stuart Hughes Diamond collection pricing around US$778,290. If her brother saw this suit, she knew he’d want one for himself.
Anna faked a smile and spoke gesturing for the seat in the small lounge in her office.
"Mr. Fredricksen, welcome. Please take a seat."
