by Blair Burden
Linda rolled her eyes, “Well duh! It's Dr. Smith and Hannah. I’m not sure if you noticed yesterday, but she had blood on her shirt—blood!”
Michael giggled. “That wasn't blood. It looked more like juice.”
“Are you siding with her?” she snapped. “Gosh, I hate when you don't defend me.”
“I defend you everyday—”
Tyler poked them both to stop arguing, “Is he with you guys?” he asked as he pointed at Adam, who was looking at the sunglasses.
“Yeah, why?” Michael said as a smile aroused from his face. He didn't want to admit that he was kind of happy that Adam could have been gay. “That's Adam. He's Lucy's ex-boyfriend.”
“Hmm, so why are you guys with him?” Tyler changed his thought. “Isn't that like a code—to not hang out with Lucy's ex-boyfriend?”
“Well, Hannah knew him way before she knew Lucy. We all knew him before we knew Lucy. He was kind of our best friend for a while until high school we lost touch. Then, when he started dating Lucy we all caught up again,” Michael said. “Why do you care?”
“I was just wondering about him. I’ve never seen him around.”
“So, where were you during the murder last night?” Linda said to Tyler. “You weren't with me.”
“And?” Tyler snapped. “I was talking to some people.”
“Like who? You don't have friends.”
“I can't remember. Why?”
“Well, I was with Michael and we were talking, but you?” Linda questioned. “Were you with Hannah?”
“No!”
“I'm just wondering. Everyone is a suspect when murder is involved,” she said and then walked back into the store.
Michael shrugged, “I'm not sure what is going on in her head. Sometimes I think she is loosing her mind—just like her dad!”
Tyler laughed and then his heart pounded as he spotted Hannah walking toward them. “Um, look.”
“Is that Hannah?” Michael said as he narrowed his eyes. “Why is she here?”
“You're her best friend, why are you asking me?” Tyler snapped.
“Hey!” Hannah said as she waved. “What's up?”
Michael’s mouth turned dry as she kissed and hugged him. “Um, not much...you?”
Hannah's perfume was loud, her hair was perfect like always, and her teeth sparkled. “I had a girl day by myself. I realized everything was empty today, so I used my credit card to go to the local spa.”
“Oh, really?” Michael said. “How fun.”
“Well, tonight I’m going out to the city with my boyfriend—”
“Ew,” Tyler muttered causing Hannah to stare at him.
She rolled her eyes and then pulled out her phone. “What do you need? Why are you always around?” she said to Tyler. “I have ten bucks,” she handed him so money. “Here take it to get some food.”
Tyler handed her money back to her, “I was just leaving. I just wanted to tell them that school is closed Monday. I'll see you guys later,” Tyler said as he walked away.
“Why didn't you just call them?” Hannah said.
“I don't have a phone!” he shouted and continued to walk.
“He freaks me out. I don't know why you guys hang out with him. I mean, he could be the Simon murderer. You never know,” she whispered. “I don't trust guys with long hair. They could hide lots of secrets in there.”
Michael nervously laughed. “Ha, funny.”
“Don't you think it's odd that he's been hanging out with Linda so much. She may be next, I’m just saying. She better stay away from him. I’m going to avoid him too.”
“So, where did you go last night like when the murder happened?” Michael said, trying not to be obvious that he was questioning her.
“Oh, um well, I was inside the building and then I heard screaming. I didn't want to tell the police that I heard anything because I didn't want to get questioned.”
“Why would you be afraid to get questioned? Unless you have secrets?”
“I have lots of secrets—secrets, I don't want the world to know. Well, kisses, I’m going to continue my day. I'll see you tomorrow,” Hannah said as she kissed Michael’s cheek. “And remember, watch your back.”
Michael froze in place, trying to understand her last words. “Watch my back?” he whispered to himself. “What does that mean?”
Still wondering about Hannah, Michael ran over to the men restroom as he could feel is stomach cramping up. He always hated public restrooms, not for the hygiene, but because he thought there were hidden cameras in the stalls.
He ran into the shockingly empty restroom and checked to see if anyone else was in there. He spotted ripped tennis shoes who he recognized to be Tyler's feet. Michael didn't say anything, and went to sit on the toilet. His heart sped up as he heard Tyler dialing on a cell phone—a phone he said he didn't have.
“Hey,” Tyler said to someone over the phone. “I can't do it yet. Every time I see her, she is with someone. I have to get her alone.”
Michael gasped as he knew Tyler was talking about Linda. He put his feet on the toilet, afraid Tyler would come after him.
“...Once I get her, it will be over. She knows too much already. She needs to be on my side. I need her. If I don't tell her tonight then it will keep happening...I can't control it!”
Oh my gosh...he's going to kill Linda. He can't control it. I need to run, Michael thought.
Without second guessing, Michael wiped his behind and ran out the restroom without washing his hands. He continued to walk quickly out the mall, not going back to Linda.
It seemed like it would be his best option to tell Linda what Tyler's intentions were—but fear was his master. He didn't want to get involved but he already was.
Michael stopped on the corner of the street where the town's police station was at. That police station was his enemy. The police of Simon were either lazy, overweight, and they would let crime slide by. It wasn't like Simon was a bad town to begin with, but when all the murders began to happen the mayor of Idaho sent top notch detectives from out-of-state. There was a rumor that there were over eighty detectives in town, but the only ones seen were the few at school—and they were just as lazy.
With his hands clutched, Michael walked into the police station looking for the head officer that he knew very well. He waved his hands for someone to talk to, and as expected an out-of-town detective approached him.
“What do you want?” said a sheriff, whose name badge read “Jacky.”
“Um? Jacky?” Michael said.
He began to laugh, and put his arm around Michael. “Oh, the story of my life. I have a girl's name. Big deal!”
“Ha, that's an icebreaker,” he nervously laughed. “I'm hear to know if you guys have any leads on the high school deaths?”
He sighed, “I wish we can say we do. But, we don't. It seems like we should have the killer by now. There are no more than two-thousand people in this town, someone knows something.”
“I agree, but you guys have no clues?”
Jacky pulled out his cigarette, “Do you know anything, son?”
“Well...” Michael froze in place as he saw Tyler enter the police station. “Tyler?”
Tyler jumped in place and dropped his notepad. “Um, Michael? What are you doing here?”
“Uh...”
Tyler walked closer to them, “I'm here to...um...um...I'm a runaway kid. They feed me here,” he mumbled. “Right, sheriff, you guys feed me here.”
“Um, yup,” Jacky said. “We were just discussing the deaths. Go sit down and eat a brownie!” he laughed. “You know...um...what's your name?” he asked Michael.
“Michael Rose.”
“Well, you know Michael, detectives want to interview all the seniors of your high school. They believe someone has to know. A girl can't just get murdered at a school dance and no one notices. Not only that but all those girls were either cheerleaders or on the dance team.”
“Do you have a paper I co
uld use?” Michael said as he stared at Tyler from the corner of his eye, trying to see what he was doing.
Jacky searched his uniform that was two sizes too small. He pulled out a paper from his pocket and handed it to Michael. Knowing he most likely didn't have a pen, Jacky gave him one.
Michael thought about writing Tyler's name on the paper, but he didn't want to be the next victim. He knew if he wrote down anyone's name from his group, they all would be interviewed. So, he wrote down Hannah's name and stuffed the paper into Jacky's tight pocket.
“I have to go now,” Michael said. “I have homework.”
“Alright, I'll see you on Tuesday. However, let's keep it a secret that we will be at the school Tuesday for questioning. We don't want the real suspects leaving town.”
“My lips are sealed.”
As Michael left the police station, he noticed Hannah getting inside of an expensive Mercedes Benz. He narrowed his eyes to get a closer look. He noticed that a man was driving the car, but he could not tell who it was because of his dark sunglasses. He gasped as he noticed the tanned skin, and wavy hair that looked like Dr. Smith.
Michael was confused. What if there was one murderer but then there were copycats? I need to mind my own business. I’m going home!
7| South Simon
Linda stopped kissing Adam as she could hear a car door opening. She peaked outside her bedroom window and realized it was Tyler. She left the room, telling Adam to stay put. With busy eyes, she tried to spot where her dad was passed out at—like usual he was asleep on the porch.
“Tyler, what do you want? I’m busy,” she shouted through her screen door.
“We need to talk,” Tyler said.
“Talk, about what?”
“About what I was going to tell you—”
Linda opened the door, “Adam is over here. I think we can talk on Tuesday.”
“Tuesday?” Tyler stared at Linda who was dressed in a long sweatshirt and leggins with furry boots. “Where are you going?”
“Yeah, I’m leaving town for the weekend.”
“Michael didn't say you guys were all leaving—”
“That's because I’m not going with them, I’m going with Adam. We are going to South Simon.”
Tyler shivered because he knew that South Simon was nothing but woods and no street lights. “I think I should go too. We all should go! You guys shouldn't be alone, especially when a murderer is loose—”
Adam came to the door, waving at Tyler. “What's up?”
“I heard you guys are leaving for the weekend. I was telling Linda we should all tag along. It could be like our last trip together as seniors.”
“That would be awesome,” Adam beamed.
“No!” Linda snapped. “We need alone time!”
“I think it would be fun,” Adam said. “We are leaving at eight tonight. We can meet here if Linda doesn't mind.”
Linda rolled her eyes, “Fine, whatever.”
Tyler smirked and hugged Linda. “I promise it will be a night to remember.”
“Oh, I couldn't agree more,” Adam said.
Linda sighed and stomped back into her room. She jumped on her bed as Tyler and Adam continued to plan the trip. She dialed Michael’s number, knowing he would answer on the last ring. He would always do that—pick up right before the voicemail came on.
“Hello?” Michael answered. “What's up, boo!”
“Hold on, let me dial Lucy,” Linda said as she joined the conversation with the three of them.
“Hello?” Lucy answered. “Hey!”
“Hey!” Michael said. “It's me, Michael!”
“Oh, really? I thought you were Tyler,” she said sarcastically. “Of course I know it's you.”
Linda sighed, “So, you guys pack your crap. We are having a road trip tonight and apparently you're invited.”
“You don't seem too cheerful about us coming,” Lucy said. “What is wrong?”
“Oh nothing.”
“Was it just going to be you and Tyler. We can stay here, I wouldn't mind,” Lucy said.
“No, actually Adam was going to go with me—”
“ADAM?” Lucy snapped. “Why are you hanging out with him now!”
“What's the big deal. You're not with him anymore,” Linda said. “Well, you're invited.”
“And Adam is going to be there?” Lucy asked. “But...”
“Maybe you guys can rekindle your love,” Michael teased. “Just come along.”
“But, Adam hates me,” Lucy said. “I did some stuff that he won't forgive me for.”
“And? This will be a weekend to remember. What happens in South Simon—”
“Gets you put in Simon prison. Nothing ever stays in South Simon,” Michael said. “And you know that.”
“I have to go,” Linda said as she heard Tyler leaving. “I'll see you guys at seven at my place.”
“Should I invite Hannah?” Lucy asked.
“Ew, so she can invite Dr. Smith. I don't think so!” Michael said.
“Yeah, I agree. I don't want her to come. She might kill us all,” Linda said.
“Okay, bye!”
***
Adam shook his head, as he tried to figure out how they were all going to fit into Linda’s jeep. He began to unload all the suitcases, deciding he would drive his SUV instead.
Linda leaned onto to Michael, still angry that everyone was coming. “So, who invited Hannah? Don't you think it's weird that Hannah decided to come. She hates nature, so why is she coming along?”
Michael yawned as he kept his eyes on Tyler, “So, you said it was Tyler's idea to invite us all?”
“Yeah, he insisted.”
Lucy playfully hit Linda with her hip, “What are you guys gossiping about?”
“I'm just wondering why we are going to South Simon. That town is so empty and has too many trees,” Michael whined. “It's creepy.”
Hannah walked over holding a beer, “I think it will be fun,” she winked.
Lucy snatched the beer from Hannah and threw it into the grass, “You'll get fat and won't be able to fit into your new uniform. I don't know why you bought it in a size two!”
“That's my size,” Hannah said. “Just calm down, honey.”
“So, is your new man coming along?” Linda teased Hannah.
“Um...he will tag along...well, he will meet us there. He doesn't like being seen much. It's too much of a hassle,” Hannah said.
“So, how long have you guys been together?” Michael said.
“About two years now—”
Linda spit, “Two years?”
“I know; it's so embarrassing!” she playfully cried. “But, I think he's hot, a lot of people think he's hot.”
Linda looked at Michael as if Hannah were crazy. “Um, sure.”
“I think he's gorgeous!” Lucy beamed. “He's so different outside of work.”
“I'm sure he is,” Linda laughed. “But, don't you think it will be weird if he tags along?”
“I told you; you'll like him. I swear he isn't as uptight as he seems,” Hannah said and walked to the car. “I think we are ready to go!”
Linda ran over to her porch and kissed her father's cheek. “Bye daddy.”
All of them gathered into the SUV—Adam driving, Lucy was shotgun—then, in the next row was Tyler, Linda, and Hannah. Then, in the back was Michael, who stretched his legs across all the pillows and baggage.
“I'm glad I have the backseat to myself. This ride is going to be like two hours long,” Michael said as he pretended to sleep.
“I might come back there,” Hannah said.
“Oh, no...it's okay. Stay over there,” Michael said.
“Are you guys ready now?” Adam said as he started the car. “We didn't forget anything did we?”
“Nope!”
The ride to South Simon was the opposite than their last ride. For the first time in a long time, they were all getting along again—singing to the radio, laughing at jokes, a
nd gossiping. But, little did they know they wouldn't come back home the same—a murderer was loose—and the person was in the vehicle with them.
8 | Joy Ride
Awkward would be an understatement for Lucy and Adam. He tried not to make eye contact with her as she sat next to him. It seemed like it would have been easier to communicate—to get the elephant out the room (car), but they stayed silent.
Lucy tried to find her flash light as they entered South Simon and all the street lights were gone. Little did the gang know, that she was a little afraid of the dark. She turned on her flashlight, searching the now quiet backseats.
“Are you guys sleep?” Lucy said as she put the flashlight on all their faces. “We should be at the cabin in an hour.”
“Crap!” Adam said. “I'm getting low on gas.”
“Are you serious?” Linda snapped as she opened her eyes. “We cannot get stranded!”
“But, I think we can make it to the next gas station,” Adam said. “No worries.”
Hannah pulled out her cell phone, that let up the entire car. “Wow, it's nine thirty,” she gasped and looked back at Michael who looked ill. “Are you car sick again?”
“Eh, I hate this. I should have sat in the front,” Michael said. “Are we almost there?”
Tyler snapped his head up, “Turn off the stupid bright lights!” he shouted at Hannah who was flashing her cell phone around and to Lucy whose flashlight was flickering.
“Sorry,” they both said and turned it off, leaving the car pitch black.
Adam tightly gripped the steering wheel as he knew the bumpy road was coming up. He knew with any wrong movement, he could crash the car into a tree. “Sorry buddy, but this street is super bumpy. You're gonna have to get a bag if you vomit,” he said to Michael.
“I think I'll be fine,” he gagged.
The car began to wobble throughout the street. No one noticed but Hannah's head hit the roof a few times because she was sitting high on a pillow. She narrowed her eyes to try to see anyone but she couldn't. “Crap!” she screamed as Adam's headlights blew out, causing the entire street to be pitch black.
“I'm not liking this trip anymore,” Michael said. “We should go back home!”