Chapter 21 #3
“Well, we were friends and colleagues. I have known James for a long time. Since we were young. He is…was a really good person.” Brett’s voice catches a little as he corrects himself. I can’t help but hurt on his behalf.
I think about how I would feel if someone killed Alex. Visceral anger and hate would course through my body. He’s family to me.
Brett continues collecting himself. “We went to college together.” Brett gestures toward a “Yale Class of 2018” photo behind him.
I lean in my chair to get a better look. Alex graduated from Yale that year. We both got into Yale, but only one of us could afford to go. Amaya gently kicks me. She must know I’m not paying attention.
“…started New Frontier together. James was the brains; I was the visionary. I had the ideas and James made them a reality. Without James, there would be no company. I owe everything to him. Everything.”
“And what does your company do? Forgive me for such an obvious question. There’s not a ton online,” Amaya asks politely but assertively.
“Yes, well, when you have a lot of proprietary software, you have a tendency to undershare,” Brett says with a laugh, though I don’t understand the joke.
“We provide sustainable technology solutions to companies. The most important thing about our company, our ethos, is to make the world greener and more environmentally sustainable. If we don’t turn back the clocks on CO2 emissions now, it’s going to be too late.
We have a roster of clients who are more conscious about the environment thanks to us. ”
He cares deeply about the environment and is actually making the world a better place. I feel even worse (if possible) about the loss of his dear friend.
“That sounds like incredible and important work.”
“Thank you, we’re proud of it. I’m not sure how we’ll continue without James. I hope we don’t get run into the ground without him. My understanding of technology and data was never quite like his.”
“Did you happen to know anyone who may have a grudge or vendetta against James?”
Good question, Amaya. Back to true crime rule number five: Find the motive.
“Not really…” He hesitates for a few seconds before continuing, “He ran in some interesting circles. He had a lot of friends in an organization called Green World who didn’t love that he was working in tech.
They thought he was a sellout. Green World is known for its more aggressive environmental tactics. ”
“Would you happen to know any of those friends?”
“I’m afraid not.” Brett chuckles as if he wouldn’t deign to hang out with such a crowd.
They probably don’t even know how to sail or properly saber a champagne bottle.
“They could be pretty hostile to me. Thought I was a bad influence, so I tried my best to avoid them.” Brett adjusts his suit, and I spot a gold watch. A Rolex.
“I’m sorry to ask this, but did you and James get along well?” Amaya asks. Even friends hate each other sometimes.
“Yes, we did. I mean we definitely had disagreements occasionally about how the company was run. That was part of the normal course of things. If you ask anyone, this company is not going to run as well without him. His death hurts me personally and professionally.”
Brett doesn’t seem to have a motive, at least as far as I can tell. And without a motive, he didn’t commit the crime.
Amaya continues with her questioning. “Did you see him at all the day of his murder?”
“Well, I did see him at work the day before.”
“Everything was normal?” Amaya asks.
“Yes.”
“And do you know where he was flying out the night of his death?”
“Yes, I think he was going to Paris. A quick trip.”
“Great. You’ve been of immense help, Mr. Ryan,” Amaya says.
Frankie, the snake, was only supposed to be at the animal hospital for two nights, which meant James was going on a very short trip to Paris.
He would only be there for hours. Who goes to Paris for such a short trip, even for business?
Wouldn’t the siren call of the croissants at least merit a longer trip?
James’s manner in the car was stressed. He was desperate to get to the airport early.
“Do you know why James was heading to Paris?” I ask.
Amaya has asked the questions so far. This may be my only opportunity to speak to Brett. He has no obligation to talk to us further. Amaya shoots me an annoyed look at my speaking up; I can’t sit back given such high stakes, and the snake is on my mind.
“I’m not sure. Maybe to meet his girlfriend? Work has been stressful lately, and he said he was ready for a vacation. Actually, I’d better get going. Our workday is about to start and I have a meeting to prepare for,” Brett says apologetically, getting up.
Despite the abrupt end to questioning, I’m grateful that we can finally leave and avoid the gazes of James’s coworkers.
Brett walks us back to the reception area and presses the elevator button for us when his features suddenly transform into a deep scowl as he turns to me.
“I have one question for you.” He stares directly at me, making eye contact with me for the first time this entire interview.
“Why did you do it? Why did you kill my friend?”