Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Corley glanced over at Roseanne and said, "Yeah."

Regarding how he knew, Corley didn't go into the details. Madge didn't push him to explain further either.

Poor Roseanne felt like she was being examined under the intense scrutiny of two very sharp individuals, analyzed and dissected repeatedly.

Sigh...

"So, was the killer really that unsuspecting physics teacher?"

Madge seemed taken aback, "Why do you ask?"

In the book's grand finale, all mysteries were unraveled, ultimately pointing to the physics teacher.

He had used his academic expertise to plan a flawless crime.

The evidence was compelling, yet Corley questioned his guilt?

Madge's gaze became more penetrating.

Corley began, "There were a few subtle hints in the book..."

First, the mismatched shadow on the stairwell.

Second, the mysteriously disappearing murder weapon, which the police eventually found, yet its disappearance was never explained. Third, the presence of a pair of men's slippers in a single woman's home, supposedly for guests. But why men's slippers specifically? It's illogical.

If she were to prepare for guests, you'd expect women's slippers, not men's.

"...All these hidden clues suggest there might be another culprit. Of course," Corley shifted his tone, "this is just my personal theory." Madge chuckled, "When you started asking these questions, you probably already had the answers in your mind."

smiled, "So, there's going to be a

Madge didn't reply.

her smile

at the alley, Roseanne thanked Corley as she and her parents got out

thank you

"You're welcome, Mr. Cole."

walked upstairs,

I never mentioned where we lived. How did Sullivan

felt a

realizing it

it, dear?" Madge said

at his daughter, finally catching

"Anne,

you close with

swnos

Uh...

helped me a few times, we're friends, but not that

though you're not close, he helps

j catch the thief for

Didn't

it and

Madge just sighed.

let's not talk about it now. The luggage is

"Let me carry it..."

back, Corley was in