After Aaron's full statement was recorded, Nathan accompanied Nora back to consolidate all the information.
"The case is becoming much clearer now."
"All we need now is the key piece of evidence, and we can close this case."
Nathan turned to look at Nora and saw the exhaustion in her eyes. He picked up his car keys. "Let's go. Time to go home and rest."
Nora gave a subdued "mhm."
As they rode the elevator down, Nora asked, "Where would the key evidence be?"
It was obvious this was a premeditated arson case carried out by several people working together.
Their coordination was seamless, their methods sophisticated.
Even though the police had found some cracks, it wasn't enough to convict them.
Nora had no idea what Nathan's so-called "key evidence" could be.
"Play to your strengths," Nathan said.
"Solve this case the same way you solved Chloe's."
Nora was taken aback.
"Think about it. What's the essence of this case?"
"Money?"
Nathan smiled. "See? Your brain is still working."
Nora felt a little embarrassed by his comment.
She habitually fiddled with the seam of her pocket and continued to think along the lines Nathan had guided her.
"Jacob's father didn't have money, so he called in a favor and sent Jacob to stay with Robert's family."
"Robert's family felt they weren't getting anything out of the arrangement and that it was just adding trouble to their lives, so they took all their resentment out on Jacob."
"Because of his family's poverty, Jacob just wanted to study hard, make something of himself, and earn money to support his family, so he silently endured everything."


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