Murder4

Part Four: I See Dead People


It was a bright and sunny morning. A perfect day for the children to return to school. Before class started, all the kids were in the playground, sharing rumors and gossip about TheNewKid's murder. Tiama was in a most excellent mood, as was TheDeuce, Clot, and Axlotl. Suzanne kept to herself, staring dreamily off into space.
     AudreyHorne wasn't on the playground. She was in the office with Detective Hill, answering a few questions. Hill wanted to know how she knew someone would die that horrible day.
     "Look, I'm a gossip," Audrey replied, "Sometimes my gossip is about the present. Sometimes it's about the future."
    Hill was confused. "What are you saying? You're psychic? You know about gossip that hasn't happened yet?"
     "Exactly," Horne answered, smiling devilishly.
     "Joan Rivers is going to hate you."
     Hill let Audrey go to class. She didn't know anything.
     Next, he brought in Shrew. He had a few questions to ask him. Shrew strutted into the room. He wore a black leather jacket and had a black bandana wrapped around his head.
     "You wanted to see me, detective?"
     "I'm going to tape record our conversation, if you don't mind," Hill told him.
     "No prob."

Hill: Where were you at recess yesterday?

Shrew: I wasn't. I cut out early. Went home. Took a nap.

Hill: You didn't like TheNewKid, huh?

Shrew: I don't like nobody.

Hill: NewKid told everyone about your expulsion from PS 666, didn't he?

Shrew: You know about that?

Hill: Yes, I do. NewKid's diary told me lots of things. Did you give NewKid those lollipops? The ones with the razor blades?

Shew: I dunno what you're talking about.

Hill: Yes you do. You know exactly what I'm talking about.

Shrew: Ok ok. Look, I was framed at PS666. I never put razors in the candy.

Hill: Who do you think framed you?

Shrew: I can't say. Hill: Why not?

Shrew: Cause I just can't.

Hill: I have enough evidence to arrest you now.

Shrew: Go ahead then. Just cause you arrest me, doesn't mean I killed somebody. I didn't do it, Det. Hill.

     Hill let Shrew go. It was true that Hill could have arrested him, but he wanted some concrete evidence before he started arresting little children. He had enough time to question one more student before class started. He called in BriAnn.

Hill: I know about the drugs.

BriAnn: Excuse me?

Hill: I know NewKid owned you some smack. I know you punched him in the nose.

BriAnn: Oh really? And how do you know this?

Hill: NewKid's diary told me.

BriAnn: Look, just cause some drug dealing kid writes about me in his diary, doesn't make me a killer and it doesn't make it the truth.

Hill: If you're hiding anything, I'll find out. And if you killed him, you'll go to jail.

BriAnn: I'll take my chances.

     Det. Hill escorted BriAnn to class. They entered Ms. Crabtree's classroom during the morning announcements. The principal's voice boomed through the intercom.
     "Children," he said, "I know it's been stressful around here since that horrible incident yesterday. Many of you are upset and scared. I don't want you to be. So, in order to lift the spirits of the students, the school is having a dance Friday night in the gym. And now the exciting part.... performing live.....from our very own school.... will be N'Sync!"
     The children squealed in delight. A real live boy band was coming to Benjiman Franklin!!! Geena couldn't wait to get her hands on Justin Timberlake. He is such a hottie! Suzanne sat quietly at her desk during all the commotion. She couldn't take her eyes off of Det. Hill. She could still feel his arms around her from the dream she had the night before. She desperately wanted to ask Hill to the dance.
     Hill scanned the classroom for members of TheTainted Taints. TheDeuce gave him a small wave, while Clot gave him the finger. Hill wanted to ask them some questions, especially Tiama. He decided to wait until later in the day. The Taints might be easier to talk to after lunch.