Chapter 198

Chapter 198

Violette chimed in, "Yeah, that's right. I saw her put it here before."

Zoey, wearing her gloves, picked up the bottle of water. It was still half full, indicating that only a few sips had been taken.

Alexander expertly pulled out an evidence bag and placed the bottle inside.

Robert glanced at Theodosia's cup and said, "Take all these cups back for testing, just to be safe."

"Got it."

Alexander placed an evidence bag in front of Theodosia, giving her a meaningful look. She understood and put her cup into the bag as well.

When Theodosia looked up and saw Alexander's face, she froze for a moment. Her teenage heart couldn't hide her feelings, and she shyly looked away, sneaking glances at him when he wasn't paying attention.

Zoey noticed this and couldn't help but laugh.

Alexander asked, "What's so funny?"

Zoey replied, "Just something interesting I noticed. Why, can't I laugh?"

Alexander found her response odd but didn't press further.

Soon, they had collected all the cups and loaded them into the car as Robert instructed. He then asked Katerina to gather the students and teachers from the gym class to collect their DNA samples.

Zoey thought Robert's plan was solid but couldn't help adding, "Officer Davis, since the victim died from poisoning, we should definitely test the gym class's DNA, but we also need to interview her roommates."

Robert nodded, "You're right." He turned to Katerina, "Could you arrange for us to use a couple of empty classrooms? We'll try to finish quickly so we don't disrupt your schedule."

Katerina nodded eagerly, "Of course, no problem at all. I'll find some empty classrooms right away." She started to leave but then turned back, "By the way, you've been here all afternoon. Why don't you try our school cafeteria? We'd love to hear your feedback."

Robert, feeling hungry, agreed, "Sure, we'd be happy to try it. If you're recommending it, it must be good."

Katerina smiled and led them to the teachers' cafeteria to avoid the students. It was mealtime, and the student cafeteria was bustling.

Zoey and the others, still in their uniforms, couldn't go unnoticed. The students' chatter was all about Cecilia's death.

"Why are there so many cops here? Are they investigating the principal for embezzlement?"

"Maybe they're looking into parents bribing the school!"

"You're watching too many TV shows."

"But seriously, why are they here?"

"Don't you know? Cecilia died. They found her behind the school gym."

"Seriously? That's creepy. I'm never going there again."

"Me neither."

Zoey, tired of the gossip, focused on the cafeteria's variety of food. She piled her tray high and found a seat, ignoring how the others might view her.

After eating, they followed Katerina's arrangement and went to the third floor of the academic building to interview Cecilia's roommates.

Zoey instinctively checked her phone and saw messages from Vernon, mentioning that Sable was at the school. She replied with a simple "Read."

Vernon was clearly exasperated.

"Can I come in?" A female voice interrupted Zoey's thoughts. She looked up to see Theodosia.

Alexander smiled warmly, "Theodosia, please come in."

Zoey noticed Theodosia had changed into a dress that suited her. She sat across from them, glancing shyly at Alexander before saying, "I'm ready to answer any questions you have."

Zoey felt a bit out of place and considered leaving to give them some privacy but decided to stay.

Alexander began, "How was your relationship with Cecilia?"

Theodosia replied, "We were roommates, so we saw each other every day. We got along better than with others, but we hadn't known each other long enough to be very close. Does that make sense?"

Alexander nodded, understanding her point. "There are four of you in the dorm, right? Besides you, Violette, and Cecilia, who else?"

Theodosia's eyes flickered briefly before she answered, "Our other roommate is Nicolette."

Alexander noticed her hesitation and calmly asked, "How are your relationships with your roommates? Any close friendships or conflicts?"

Theodosia took a deep breath, "I'm closer to Violette and Cecilia, not so much with Nicolette."

Alexander continued, "And how was Violette's relationship with Cecilia?"

"Same as mine. None of us were close to Nicolette."

Zoey couldn't help but interject, "You three formed a clique and isolated Nicolette, didn't you?"

Theodosia looked shocked, "No way! We didn't isolate her. We talked in the dorm, but we didn't hang out with her outside. That's all."