Avas statement has finally come in. I have no clue why it took her so long to write it. Im on my way to the police station, when I come across the cafe where Austin was waiting for me last time. I stop in my traces when tears start to prickle in my eyes. Breathe in, breathe out. I repeat this a few times until Im sort-of ready to continue walking. Im going to solve
this case, for you Austin and Jackson.
When I enter the police station, it looks like there had a bomb exploded right before I came in. Press is everywhere, which I think isnt that weird since the news about Austin has just rolled out into the media. But it does annoy me, since I come here to solve this case while they hold up the police officers.
I walk over to the reception desk which is manned by Sophie. Ive known her since Jacksons case just like Nick. She sends me a smile when I make my way over. Finally, a friendly face. That bad, huh? I ask her laughing. Unbelievably bad. They have been here since 8 am trying to get more information, while no one of the officers will give them any. I dont understand why they dont just go away. She sighs. She rests her face on her hand palm. Its their job. They get paid to annoy us. I dont care. I just want them gone. Besides, Austins and Jacksons case wont be solved any time soon if they wont leave. She points out. Thats not true. But I have to go, I have a meeting with Nick. A meeting, huh?
Shut up, Sophie. Her laughter follows me as I turn around to get on my way to Nick.
Everyone here mocks Nick and me about the fact that were spending so much time together. Which is nonsense, since I have just lost two boyfriends to a crazy murderer. I turn around the last corner and spot Nick already waiting for me by our usual room.
Hey, sorry I was talking to Sophie. Hey. Its okay. We havent started yet. He holds the door open for me and I enter the room. Hey, Det. Jefferson. Ms. Erins, please have a seat. He smiles. Have you read Avas statement, yet? I ask immediately as I sit down.
No. We waited for you to get here. So, if youre ready Absolutely. Austins death made me realize that this person is even more dangerous than I could ever imagine. So, we need to stop him or her. To you the honours then. Unless youre unstable to read it? Det. Jefferson places a closed white envelope in front of me.
Im ready. I tell them. Carefully I rip open the envelope. My hands reach in it to grab
the letter.
Dear police officers, and Sybil. Im sure enough that youll be reading this letter too, am I wrong? Probably not, youre so predictable Sybil, it bores me. I actually think that Jackson died because he was bored of you. Alright sorry; that was a bit too rude, wasnt it?
Im not his killer, Sybil. And I think that its harsh of you to think that I am. Its true that I had a fight with Jackson that night. If you could call it a fight; it was more a friendly discussion to my opinion. I will tell you what our discussion was about, but only because I want Jacksons killer to be found. But you must keep it a secret. If this comes out, not only my life will be ruined but also Mr. Richardsons life.
Mr. Richardson from chemistry? What has she to do with him? Who is Mr.
Richardson? Nick asks confused. I look up at him. Our chemistry teacher. He was new to our school and pretty hot. He had just graduated and was only like 25 years old. Every girl had a crush on him. I explain to them. You too? Nick raises his eyebrow. Well, not a crush. I had Jackson, remember? But he was hot. I dont know why he wasnt a PE teacher; he would fit right in with that body. Alright, continue the letter. Nick tells me.
I roll my eyes laughing and continue the letter.
You must remember how cute he was, right? Its hard to forget. On one Tuesday afternoon when all classes where done, I asked him for a tutor lesson for the upcoming test.
He agreed. Lets just say that it wasnt only studying that we did that afternoon.
She had sex with Mr. Richardson?! I exclaim totally in shock. Apparently. She doesnt specifically say so, but I guess. Det. Jefferson says.
We hooked up a few other times after that. Though it was the summer break, Mr. Richardson and I kept seeing each other, until Jackson found out. He threatened me to spoil our secret to everyone at school, which would get Mr. Richardson fired and maybe even sent to prison. I couldnt let that happen, so I talked with him in the hope that I would convince him not to spoil our secret. In the end, he had promised me to think about it. And now hes dead. I dont know who murdered him, but I promise you that it wasnt me. -Ava Berkshire. I end reading.
Dear holy Jesus, thats some secret. Nick breaks the silence. This is too much of a reason not to believe her, right? I mean, I have seen her and Mr. Richardson and I can imagine that they were having an affair. You might be right. Besides, if she had an affair with that teacher, then she cant possibly be in love with you. Which is the most convincing motive there is right now. Nick fills in. Youre right, Det. Davis. I think we should eliminate Ava Berkshire from our suspect list. Det. Jefferson advises.
Agreed. Nick agrees. Then who the hell killed my boyfriends? I ask.
Wait. Sybil, you had an idea on the flight here. Nick reminds me. When we got that text message. Nick explains when I still dont understand it. Oh, yes. You mean about checking the schools reports. What are you talking about? Detective Jefferson wants to know. I filled you in about that message, remember? Nick tells him. Yeah, I know about that. But what do you mean about checking the schools reports? He asks confused. Sybil came up with the idea of tracking down who wasnt attending class the day of the funeral. LCBS is one of the most prestigious schools of England, so students from there wont just skip lessons for nothing. Thus, the only one that have skipped class will be Lorenzo Carvalli,
Sybil and the murderer. Wow, Sybil. Thats genius. Why, thank you. I smile. One
thing, though. Of course, there is.
Wont the murderer just hack into the system to delete their absence? He suggests. Well, we never know if we wont try it. I tell Jefferson. Ooh, you just got burned! Nick laughs. Detective Davis, please calm yourself and try to get those reports. Det. Jefferson grumbles.
Nick and I quickly leave the room and as soon as we have, we burst out in laughter. You just got burned! I repeat in Nicks voice. Oh, shut up. Come on. We need to get to
LCBS. Nick takes my hand and takes me with him. Im just messing with you, Nicky. Cant I have fun? I think I deserve some fun after everything I went through. I realize Im still holding Nicks hand and let go of it. Jeez, Sybil. I think you deserve the whole fucking world. He stops in his traces and I follow his example. I frown at him. I didnt mean for you to get mad. I try. Im not mad. Nick exclaims. His hands go through his hair and he takes a moment to get a grip of himself.
I like you, Sybil. As in like like you. I didnt see that coming. But I dont continue. Im too startled to speak. I know that your mind is not in the state to be in love with someone. And I value that, I really do. But its so hard to see how miserable you feel. I know its hard, but I try Sybil. I do my best to solve this for you. I know you do. Im not saying youre not, Nick. I never said that. I try to calm him and take a step towards him.
I Lets just get to LCBS. He sighs. Nick I try, but he walks away from me. I let out a deep sigh and follow him.
Nick is in the principals office to ask for the reports. Impatiently as I am, I wait outside in the wooden chairs in front of the principals office. Ive got them. Nick says avoiding any eye contact. Awkward. Great. I answer. I follow him back to his car. Once he starts the car, the silence between us gets too unbearable for me. Nick. His head turns my way for a quick second, before focussing back on the road. I dont want you to think that I friendzoned you. Its just too soon after Austin and Im sure that once we will find his murderer and solve this thing, we might have a chance. His eyes shoot back and forth between me and the traffic.
But, again, its too soon. I do want you to know that this is not a rejection forever. Its just a no for now. So, try again in a few months when weve solved this. I smile. We stop at a traffic light and his gaze turns to me.
Thank you. I really needed to hear that. He smiles. And Ill definitely try again when we solved the case. He smirks. Im sure you will. I laugh. He takes my hand in his, squeezes it lightly and lets go of it again.
Were back. Nick announces when we enter the room. Great. I have asked TJ from IT to help us. What? You really thought I couldnt have done it by myself? No of course not. Det. Jefferson tells him. I let out a laugh. Rude. Nick tells me offended. Whatever. Let the guy just do his job and dont act like youre a computer master. I poke him in his stomach. Oh, shut up. He whines.
Alright, thank you for this free entertainment, but lets get back to the case, shall we?
Det. Jefferson tells us. Fine. Let TJ do his stupid job. Nick crosses his arms in front of his chest and takes a seat on one of the chairs. I laugh at him and his childish behavior and take seat on the chair next to him.
It doesnt take quite long for TJ to get to the absence registers. Lets have a look. Ah, got it. TJ mumbles to himself. The only people that were absent are Sybil Erins. Of course.
And Lorenzo Carvalli. Wait, isnt that the dude who tagged along for the funeral? TJ asks.
Yeah, thats him. Nick confirms.
I dont understand. Does the murderer just hacked into the absence registers to change them? Why would he do that? I ask. Probably because it was obvious that we would check them. Nick answers me. Great. So, thats it? We dont have any leads left? I ask desperate.
Yes. We have nothing. Detective Jefferson responds.
Yay! Another chapter! I hope you guys are still liking the story, because there are still a few chapters left.
-Xoxo.