The Invisible Strings

7. Testimony of Pierre

"Did she ever mention any relationship with Mr. Savoie or any abuse within the relationship?" Detective Côté adds.

Pierre shakes his head, a troubled look crossing his face. "Never. I could sense that she wasn't happy with her partner at that time, but she never mentioned anything specific. Only she had moved to stay with Mr. Savoie in his mansion."

"Can you account for your whereabouts on the night of Jacques' death, and do you have any alibis to corroborate your story?" detective Gagnon asks.

"On the night in question, I was at home with my girlfriend to celebrate Christmas. I can assure you that I had no involvement in Jacques' demise and that my alibi is solid." Pierre explains.

"How's your relationship with her daughters?" detective Côté asks curiously.

"I know only one of her daughters, her oldest one, and she was one of the main reasons of our divorce." Pierre's demeanor remains composed as he recounts the events of that fateful summer 14 years ago. "She came to stay with us for a while that year," His voice measured and precise while he revisits his memory in the past. "Claire wanted to support her studies to become an esthetician."

Pierre pauses and sip his water. "At that time, our marriage was being tested, as I felt the urge to have children, but Claire refused. I was disappointed and lost my mind."

He continues. "Valérie came to our house at a moment when Claire was busy working, and I was on holiday. We spent more time together, and she began to provoke and flirt with me."

Pierre's expression softened as he recounted the events that led to the end of his marriage. "Claire had the wrong idea of us," his voice heavy with remorse. "But it was nothing. She accused me of things I didn't do. She asked for a divorce and ended our marriage, citing my infidelity for exchange of alimony. It was then that I realized our relationship was over."

Detective Gagnon listened intently as Pierre responded to his question. "Did you remain in contact with her daughter?" he inquires.

"They are like a curse for me," he admits. "I wouldn't go near them."

"What about the second daughter?" detective Côté asks.

"Never meet with her. Based on the story I heard about her, she was a stubborn one but the most successful among those women. " He continues.

Detective Gagnon asks the next question. "What about the rumor that both of the women are some sort of gold diggers?" he inquires, wit cautious tone.

Pierre's expression darkened as he considers the question. "I am the living proof," he replies bitterly full of resentment. "I used to think that they had planned it together to trap me, then divorce as a means to mine money from me. That divorce really was a financial burden to me. Fortunately, we didn't have kids together. I am so relieved."

Detective Gagnon nodded, taking note of Pierre's words. "So, you believe in the rumor," he surmises, his tone neutral.

"Well, at least that's what happened to me," he admits, his voice bitter. "But I can't speak for anyone else."

Detective Gagnon considers Pierre's response for a moment before posing his next question. "Do you believe that this is what happened to Mr. Savoie?"

Pierre hesitates "It could be," he concedes, his voice cautious. "She seems like a weak, fragile, and innocent woman, but we never know what's in her mind." Pierre round his finger around his head, a gesture shows mental health problem with Claire. "After all, her boyfriends and exes possess great wealth."

Detective Gagnon's interest piqued by Pierre's revelations. "Interesting. How do you rate her mental health condition?" he inquires.

His expression somber as he recalls events of his past. "I began to notice inconsistencies in her stories about her past," he explains with frustration. "Until now, I don't know what the real story of her past life is."