Murder, like talent, seems occasionally to run in families.
George Henry Lewis (The Physiology of Common Life)
Episode 2; Don't Get Mad, it's Just a Game
Last time on Murder in Small Town X;
A double murder shocked the quiet town.
FLASH! BANG!
Matthew Bundy fell to the floor. Dead.
10 people from across the country were brought in to solve the case, and their investigation started early.
Jack Faye-"They found her. Ashley Bundy."
They found evidence pointing to several suspects.
Chrissy-"Oh my! I got a couple of prints here!"
Chrissy-"Hey, look at this letter! It's for Ashley, signed by Jeffery Ardis."
Doug-"Hey, put it in the bag, and put this next to it."
He handed a check made out to Matthew, in the amount of $2,500, from Jennifer Harris.
One suspect threw out a claim towards another suspect.
Brad-"... just like you rigged the election!"
At Headquarters, Benjamin tried to get another investigator sent out to play the Killer's Game.
Benjamin-"If I have to throw people under the bus, I will!"
But when his target, Mitchell, single handedly answered the Killer's Question, Lead Investigator Harrison choose Benjamin to play the Killer's Game.
Benjamin went up against Heidi, who was voted by the group after a clash with suspect Rachel Neary.
Heidi-"Well you need to tell us now or you'll be arrested for these murders!"
Both went out into the night in search of a clue, and while Benjamin found his clue at the Dry Cleaners, Heidi wasn’t abandoned at the abandoned house, because she found the Killer there.....
Heidi-"AHHHHH!"
FLASH! BANG!
.... And was eliminated from the game.
Now, 14 suspects and 9 investigators
***
In the quiet town of Sunrise Ridge, a Killer is on the loose. A reward has been offered to 10 ordinary people;
Deanna
Benjamin
Chrissy
Frank
Stacey
Harrison
Kristen
Doug
Heidi
Mitchell
They have been sent to Sunrise Ridge to play the Killer's twister game. Now, they must enter the mind of a Killer and solve the mystery, or else they will be eliminated, one by one.
***
Deanna-"Last night was intense. Emotions were high and I feel like it's just gonna get more difficult from here on out."
Harrison-"I sent Benjamin out last night because he was the one who told me to send Mitchell out. He told me Mitchell wasn't helping and making bad accusations. Day 1 and he's mad about a theory? Plus, Mitchell single handedly got a suspect cleared. He deserved to stay then."
Mitchell-"Relief. That's it. When Harrison said I was going to be his choice, my heart dropped. When he said someone put it in his ear and he sent Benjamin out in my place, I could of dropped dead from relief right then and there in my desk."
Benjamin-"I'm on the war path now. If I gotta go on another damn Game again, I'm taking one of these idiots with me to make sure, if I pick wrong, the Killer takes them out with me!"
It was 9:00 AM the next morning. The group was exhausted, but no one was more tired than Benjamin, for obvious reasons. They all grabbed their breakfast, which was already in the kitchen and prepared for them by a short, black haired woman and a dirty blonde haired man who stopped by, their names are Tiffany Shaw and Spencer Stevens.
Tiffany-"Good morning guys!"
The group gave her a very sleepy 'Hello'.
Spencer-"We know you guys are trying your hardest to solve the case, and we want to show our thanks to you, so we wanted to make you guys breakfast."
Tiffany-"Its on the house, and we are more than happy to serve you guys whenever you stop by."
The group was very thankful, with hugs and handshakes for the 2 diner workers.
Spencer-"We're also here because we wanted to pass this invitation to you all. Tomorrow at 5:00 PM is a benefit for the Bundy's at The Hot Spot. We will be catering the event and basically the whole town will be there."
Gary-"We will be there, you can count on that. Thank you for your generosity guys."
Tiffany-"No problem guys. And good luck catching that killer!"
The 2 of them left the Headquarters, and the group dug into the food. Eggs, bacon, waffles, sausage, pancakes, fresh fruit, OJ, and toast. The group ate like kings and queens, but Gary had to take them out of their imaginary kingdoms.
Gary-"I hate to do this everyone, but, if your still eating, grab a plate of food and meet me in the Briefing Room in 5 minutes."
Chrissy-"You can tell it's gonna be a long day when you're pulled away from your breakfast. I grabbed a plate of fruit salad and went straight to the Briefing Room."
Frank-"Its not the first time I've been pulled from a meal to do police work. It comes with the territory."
The group met in the Briefing Room, some of them finished their meals, some of them still had plates of food with them. Gary stood behind the table, even he had a plate of pancakes with bacon with him. He addressed the group.
Gary-"Good morning everyone. Now, I know last night was a tough one, especially when you lose one of your own. We played the Killer's Game for the first time last night, and we lost a member of the team, Heidi Gilligan. However, Benjamin went out and was able to return. Congratulations go out to him. What happened last night out there?"
Benjamin-"I got to the Dry Cleaners and went to the back of the building and found a noose with the key attached. I walked in and found my way down the washers and dryers to a room containing dry cleaning equipment. I ended up finding the X back there."
Gary-"Great job, Benjamin. These X's mark the clues the Killer will be leaving us. Benjamin's Clue last night was this; A ceramic heart. It looks like it's seen better days though, because this one is cracked and looks like it might fall apart. It'll be in the evidence locker for anyone who wishes to see it."
He walked to the corner where the evidence locker stood and placed the ceramic heart carefully in it. He walked back to the table.
Gary-"Now then, before we name a Lead Investigator, I wanna go over the evidence. You guys brought back a lot, and this is what I wanna go over. First off, the finger prints from the crime scene, we have positive matches on Officer Jack Faye, but as he was cleared by the Killer, we know he's not responsible. We also have a match on Robbin Evans and Jeffery Ardis. At some point, each of them was at that house, whether it was before, after, or during the murders, we need to find that out. As for the blood, forensics has ID'ed the blood at the door being Matthew's, the blood in the master bedroom being Ashley's, and bathroom as being a mix of both Matthew and Ashley. Any idea on how their blood got into that tub?"
Doug-"We were under the assumption while we were there that the Killer might have cleaned their self off after taking the bodies away."
Kristen-"Yeah, maybe to make sure no one had a clear path to them when they walked away."
Gary-"Good idea. The Killer probably doesn't want to leave a trail of any kind. Now, these are our tracks today. Track 1 is going to go out to question Brad Stokely; he said during the meeting that the Mayor rigged the election. Figure out his source and his reasoning behind it. Track 2, you're going to speak with Robbin Evans. Her prints were found at the crime scene, but I want everyone to look at this."
Gary clicked on a web browser and a website came up. It's was 'Robbin's Scoop', her news website. Robbin appeared in a video on the home page that Gary played that appeared on the TV.
Robin-"Robbin Evans reporting; the town meeting about the murders has just wrapped up, and their are now more questions than answers. First of all, Mayor Daniel McGee refused to answer questions of his election victory back in November. As it is well know in the town, during the November election, a flaw was found with the voting machines that were in Sunrise Ridge High School. Daniel McGee was at the high school doing a rally and meet and greet for voters just hours before the polls opened. Could he have tampered with the machines before then? Also, with the Sunrise Ridge Killer still at large, the city has received help from 10 investigators from across America. The question now is, how are these people getting paid. A source claims that it will be with Mayor Daniel McGee's pocket change, as with the title of Mayor came a substantial pay increase."
The video stopped.
Gary-"Ok, so Track 2 will go and question Robbin about her being at the crime scene and the story she has surrounding the Mayor. Find her source. For Track 3, you are going to talk with Georgina Seeger. We only spoke a little bit with her the night she found Ashley's body. Make sure you get all the info that you can. In order to find out what tracks you will be going on, we need to ask the Lead Investigator, and to figure out who the Lead Investigator, we need to turn to the Last Will and Testament of Heidi."
Gary clicked a file and brought up a video of the departed investigator. He pressed play on the video.
Heidi-"If you are watching this, then I guess I didn't return, which is crap. I shouldn't have been sent out at all. So seeing that a good investigator got sent out with someone else who was doing a excellent job, I will be naming that person as the Lead Investigator, and that is Benjamin."
Gary-"Benjamin, congratulations, you are the Lead Investigator."
Benjamin-"Thank you Heidi. Now I hope the Killer can be in 2 places at once to get both people that play the Killer's Game later."
Mitchell-"The only question I have right now; Who's getting sent for the Killer's Game with me?"
Gary-"Benjamin, I need you to send out 3 people to talk with Brad, 3 to talk to Robbin, and 2 to talk to Georgina. Please pick now"
Benjamin-"I'll send Chrissy, Doug, and Frank to talk to Brad. Kristen, Stacey, and Deanna to talk to Robbin, and that leaves Harrison and Mitchell to talk to Georgina."
Gary-"Very well. Get ready and go out guys, and remember, if you are alone, you are at risk of the Killer."
The 3 groups got ready and headed down stairs. Chrissy, Doug, and Frank got in the first van, the group of Kristen, Stacey, Deanna left in van 2, and Harrison and Mitchell left soon after in van 3.
-
The first group arrived at Stokely Works Inc., the construction site owned by suspect Brad Stokely. They walked up to a trailer that had an 'Office' sign above the door. Frank knocked on the door.
Man's voice-"Come in!"
-
The van pulled up to the local news station, and Kristen, Stacey, and Deanna all got out and started walking up the stairs to the doors to the station. They walked in and quickly found a stage hand.
Deanna-"Excuse me, we are looking for Robbin Evans. Do you know where she is?"
Stage hand-"Yeah, she's down this hall and to the right. Second door on the left. Can't miss it."
Deanna-"Thank you so much."
They went down the hall, took a right, and found the second door on the left. They were right when they said you couldn't miss it; 'ROBBIN EVANS' was emblazoned across the front of the door.
Stacey-"Ummm... Think this is it?"
The girls giggled at the joke and then knocked.
Lady's voice-"Come in!"
-
Harrison and Mitchell arrived at the house of Georgina Seeger; 192 Mustard Mill Drive. They walked up the pathway to the brick house and rang the door bell. Georgina answered the door just seconds later.
Georgina-"Well hello. I remember you 2 from the day I found that poor girl's body. How can I help you 2 men?"
-
Chrissy, Doug, and Frank entered the office and found Brad sitting behind his desk.
Brad-"Hello. What do you want?"
Doug-"We're here just to ask a few questions about your comments at the town meeting."
Brad-"I'll give you the short version. McGee is a con artist. He rigged that election."
Chrissy-"How do you know?"
Brad-"There was a rally at the High School the day of the election, and that's also where the voting took place."
Frank-"So he was at a rally at the voting center and that's your theory?"
Brad-"Oh, trust me. He did more than attend."
-
Robbin-"I'm sorry ladies, I'm not signing autographs today."
Kristen-"No, I'm sorry, we aren't here for autographs. We are here about your video you posted to your website."
Robbin-"Ohh, I see. You got some extra details I can throw into the next one, right?"
Deanna-"No, we wanted to know about the story you broke. How did you get that information?"
Robbin-"The guy in the checkered shirt. I can't remember his name though."
Stacey-"Brad Stokely. He runs the construction company Stokely Works."
Robbin-"Ah, right! That's him! Yeah, I was able to talk to him after the meeting. He said that he knows for a fact McGee is guilty."
Deanna-"Did he give you any facts?"
-
Harrison-"We are here to just make sure we have our statements in order from the other day."
Georgina-"Oh ok, well please come in, I'll gladly go over everything."
The 2 men entered the house. Georgina showed them to the living room. They took a seat on the couch and she sat across from them in an armchair. Next to her was a second armchair that belonged to her husband.
Mitchell-"We just wanna make sure. You found her by the woods at Harper Park, right?"
Georgina-"Yes, that is correct."
Mitchell-"Alright, and you were sure you did not see anything or any one out of the ordinary?"
Georgina-"No, I'm sorry I did not."
Harrison-"If you don't mind me asking, you went out by yourself. Why didn't you go out with anyone?"
-
Brad-"You, see, this idiot had a chance to fix the polling machines. One of the High School teachers that helped organize the rally, this moron named Jennifer Harris, she was talking to him and told him about the machines being there and then they walked off together."
Deanna-"Did you see any of that happen?"
Brad-"Sadly no, and oh boy do I wish I did. I'd bury that idiot. Plus I don't trust him as far as I could throw him. Can't stand him or what he stands for, so you'd have a better chance of catching Bigfoot with a pack of chewing gum before I would be caught dead there. I got my info from a first hand witness that was there. Sadly, he's dead now."
Frank-"Matthew Bundy?"
Brad-"Yep. He was in attendance cause Ashley wanted to vote for the chump in charge and..."
He stopped when the door opened and his ex-wife, Diane Pearlman, walked in.
-
Robbin-"The only facts he gave were that McGee tampered with the voting machine just hours before the election was supposed to begin. McGee won by a landslide, but that Stokely guy was not having it. He went straight to the town hall and demanded a revote."
Kristen-"Were they running against each other?"
Robbin-"No. McGee was up against some guy named Jacob Anderson. Anderson conceded shortly before 10:00 that night, but after Brad's suspicion spread like a wildfire, there was a revote 2 weeks later. They actually had everyone that voted come back to the school and write down their vote. McGee still won. Anderson was super nice about it all. He works now in a state office, so I don't think he's that broken up about it."
Stacey-"Ok. Now we actually have just one more thing to ask you. We went by the Bundy household and, after dusting for fingerprints, we found a set that matches yours. Why were you there?"
Robbin-"I was asked to take pictures of the crime scene by the police department. Gotta earn that money somehow."
Deanna-"So if we call the department, they can confirm that?"
Robbin-"Yes."
Kristen-"Alright, that's all we have to ask. You have a great day."
Robbin-"You too, and here ladies. Takes these as well."
She handed them each an autographed 8.5X11 of her headshot. The group thanked her and walked out and back to the van.
-
Georgina-"Well, I used to take these walks with my husband, but he sadly passed away in 2013 from heart failure."
Mitchell-"Oh my, I'm so sorry."
Georgina-"Its ok, sweetie. Joseph lived a great life. He was the town judge. Well respected in the town. A good, sweet man."
Harrison-"How long was he the town judge?"
Georgina-"He worked up until the day he died, so about 35 years."
Mitchell-"That's incredible! He loved his job?"
Georgina-"Oh yes he did. He was a fair and honorable man. You came in with a parking ticket and couldn't pay the whole amount, he'd help them out by lowering the fine. If you came in for theft, he never talked down to them, but try to help build them back up. If he had to send them away, he'd set something up to make sure they got help once released."
Harrison-"He seemed like a one of a kind man."
Georgina-"He was. He was."
Mitchell-"Well, we should get going. Thank you very much for your time Mrs. Seeger."
Georgina-"You're very welcome. You 2 nice boys are welcomed here anytime."
The 2 men walked out of the house and down the path to the waiting van.
-
Brad-"What the hell are you doing here?"
Diane-"You're behind on the alimony. I'm trying to be nice so you don't get locked up again."
Brad-"Here! Take this!"
Very quickly Brad wrote a check for $7,500 and threw it at his ex wife.
Brad-"Take that and get the hell off of my property!"
Chrissy-"Well.. Thank you for your time."
The 3 of them walked out and saw Diane sitting in her car. Tears running down her cheeks.
Frank-"Excuse me, are you Ok?"
Diane-"Yeah I'm fine. He's just such an ass sometimes. Right before our divorce, he turned into such a jerk."
Doug-"How long ago was the divorce?
Diane-"Just over 10 years ago."
Chrissy-"I'm so sorry he's acting like that to you. If you don't mind us asking, what caused the divorce?"
Diane-"He was working one night and... and I found him cheating on me. His former secretary on his desk."
Chrissy-"Oh my. I can relate so much. I've been cheated on before so I know what it's like."
Diane-"Thank you, honey."
Chrissy-"it's no problem. Take care."
Diane-"You too."
The 3 left and made their way to the van.
-
After all 3 groups returned to HQ, they made their way up the stairs to the Briefing Room. Gary greeted them as each group walked in.
Gary-"Welcome back everyone, I hope you all got some good information to share. Track 1, what do you have?"
Frank stood up to address the group.
Frank-"We arrived at Brad Stokely's job and questioned him on his accusation. He told us that it was Matthew Bundy who gave the idea to Brad after Daniel was apparently seen with a Sunrise Ridge teacher going to look at the voting machines."
Frank sat, and Chrissy spoke up.
Chrissy-"That's not all, Diane Pearlman showed up to let him know he missed his alimony payment and that she wanted it so he wouldn't have to get arrested again. She told us that they divorced about 10 years ago because he cheated on her with his secretary."
Gary-"Thank you guys. Track 2?"
Stacey-"Well, we can confirm that Robbin got the story from Brad. The man he ran against was not angry at all and went on to work in a state office. She also said that she was contacted by the police department to take pictures of the crime scene. Which would explain the fingerprints."
Gary-"I'll check with Officer Faye, but good job. Track 3?"
Harrison-"Georgina's story never changed at all. We still can't confirm she is or is not responsible for the crimes yet though. We also did learn that her husband was the local judge and was a extremely nice man at work."
Gary-"Good job guys. Take the day to yourselves and we'll catch up at 9:00 AM. Good work today."
-
Harrison sat in the men's bedroom on the edge of his bed. Mitchell came walking in.
Mitchell-"We all know what's gonna happen when that black envelope comes into play. Benjamin is going to pick me to play the Killer's Game."
Harrison-"He needs to get the hell off his high horse and get the chip off his shoulder."
Mitchell-"Damn right, but he can't go out for the Killer's Game because he's the Lead Investigator. I'm gonna go out, it's a fact. If I do come back, alright. If not, I'll name you Lead Investigator and you can send him out."
Harrison-"Well, if that Killer Question is answered by you again, he might not and send me. If that happens and I don't come back, you send him out for me."
Mitchell-"Deal."
The 2 men shook hands, sealing their agreement.
-
Doug and Kristen were chatting about why the killer would commit such a crime.
Doug-"It could be Ardis. He loved Ashley and could of been 'If I can't have her, no one will!'. You know?"
Kristen-"That's a good point. Remember, we haven't met everyone yet. You hope we'll meet them at the benefit?"
Doug-"Defiantly. They have to be there. Tiffany and Spencer said the whole town will be there. Walter DuChamps, Jennifer Harris, Tyrone Cribbs. Hell, Tyrone owns the damn place. If he's not there he might as well be the Killer!"
-
It's 2:12 AM. The investigators all were asleep. It was a long day. In the morning they would eat another breakfast from The Shaw Shack.
CRASH!!!!!!!
It was glass shattering. It was so loud that the entire group jumped and woke up.
Deanna-"What the hell was that?!"
The group walked out of their rooms and down the hall. Some stayed upstairs and checked the Briefing Room and bedrooms. Some went down stairs to check the kitchen and lounge. Chrissy looked at the ground.
Chrissy-"Crap. Guys, grab shoes and a broom. There is glass everywhere."
She looked up at the former sky light window. Her head only got half way up before she gasped.
Chrissy-"Ah! Oh my God!"
There they hung. The red and black envelopes. They were hanging there from a noose with a brick tied to them. The Killer sent the group their message, as promised, by means of their own makeshift gallows. A sign of things to come for one of them.
Kristen-"What is it Chri..... Oh."
Mitchell-"I'm going to call Gary."
Mitchell grabbed the phone as Deanna and Frank grabbed a broom, dustpan, and their shoes. The glass was scattered all over the floor. Tiny pieces, large shards, and a snow like dust from what fell off as well.
Mitchell-"Hey Gary, its Mitchell, we had a break in just a bit ago... Yeah, the Killer threw a brick threw the sky light in the lounge.... Yes, it's with the envelopes as well....Well we're cleaning it up right now... Yes, everyone is here still. No one is missing... Ok, we'll see you in the morning. Goodnight."
He hung up and helped clean up the broken glass. They then cut down the envelopes and put them in the evidence locker. Everyone did all this in silence because they were not only tired, but they realized that, with the arrival of the envelopes, meant that two would depart soon and one would not come back.
-
At 9:00 AM, the group all met in the Briefing Room. The local window repair company was already replacing the shattered window as the group tried to wake up to the coffee and breakfast dropped off by Tiffany Shaw and Spencer Stevens.
Gary-"Well, it seemed like you guys had a long night. Mitchell called me last night and informed me of what happened. So, I have good news and bad news. Bad news is that tonight, we go back to playing the Killer's Game. However, the good news is that you all get a rest until the benefit later today."
The news of having the morning off made each investigator sigh in relief as some, if not all of them, did not sleep at all after the Killer's sick version of a wake up call.
Gary-"Alright, so you all have the morning off. Go sleep for a bit, eat something, do whatever. Only thing is the event is at 5:00, so be ready by 4:00. We will meet back here before we head out. You're dismissed."
The investigators went back to bed. Alarms were set for 11:30 AM, noon, and 1:00 PM for everyone to get rest. Two investigators, however, did not sleep right away. They grabbed some food and sat down quickly, and quietly, at the kitchen table.
Stacey-"I'm just saying, after the issue with Heidi last round, look at how Benjamin is getting. He tried to get rid of Mitchell, and when he failed and got caught, he swore revenge on Harrison. He's gotta go."
Doug-"Definitely, but he can't now, he's Lead Investigator."
Stacey-"I know, that's the downfall. Someone who deserves to stay right now is about to leave. But who's the biggest threat?"
Doug-"Maybe Frank? He is a former cop."
Stacey-"Deanna? She sat back a lot last round and made it through. She could ride along to the end."
Doug-"Good point. You know, I'll talk to a couple of people and maybe we can get one of them out. See how a few others feel."
Stacey-"Ok. Now I'm gonna go and sleep."
Doug-"Same. See you in a bit."
-
The group got showered and dressed up for the benefit for the Bundy's. They filed back into the Briefing Room. Gary stood in his usually spot behind the table and spoke to the group.
Gary-"Ok, I see everyone is doing better since this morning. I hate to do this, but immediately after the benefit, we have the matter of opening the envelopes as soon as we get back. Until then, you guys can have some fun, but remember this is a perfect time to see our suspects. We still haven't met all of them, and this is the best time to see what makes them tick. Don't be afraid to question them. The vans are outside. See you guys at 8:00."
They filed out and hopped into waiting cars and drove off to The Hot Spot where the benefit would be taking place. When they arrived, they saw a man with an impressive black mustache with subtle hints of gray in it. He wore a white shirt with a pair of black dress pants, and the small pin on his shirt from the post office made it clear he is Walter DuChamps. He was mumbling to himself and seemed extremely nervous.
The group walked inside and found several town members, as well as the other suspects. Walter walked in, still mumbling to himself.
Walter-"No, no, no. Don't say that."
Frank-"The way Walter was talking to himself, in public like that. Seems highly suspicious."
Cooper Davis was up on stage with a guitar. Sydney was next to him at a microphone singing a song they wrote together. Across the room was a lady ordering a drink from the bartender. She had long brunette hair and was wearing a white and black stripped dress. He is a nice guy with his hair in short dreadlocks. He wore a light blue shirt with a dark blue tie.
Lady-"Thanks Tyrone. And great job putting this all together."
Bartender-"Well thank you Jennifer, but really, the whole town helped pitch in to help set it up. I'm just the guy with the club."
They both laughed. They are Jennifer Harris and Tyrone Cribbs.
After Sydney and Cooper finished, Cooper reached into his back pocket. He quickly swung his guitar to his side, and fell to a knee. Sydney turned toward him, expecting to see him eye to eye. Once she realized he was lower than expected, she gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.
Cooper had a ring in one hand, and a microphone in the other.
Cooper-"Sydney, with everything happening, I've realized that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Tonight, with the celebration of life, I want to have you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?"
She didn't answer. She threw herself to him and kissed him. It was Sydney's way of saying 'Yes!'.
After the clapping, the Mayor walked up to the front of the stage. The DJ that was going to take over after the song handed him a microphone and he started talking to the group of people.
Daniel-"Good evening everyone. Before we continue, please give a hand to Cooper Davis and Sydney Shields for that fine performance and on their engagement."
Everyone clapped, and when done, the Mayor spoke again.
Daniel-"We are all here to pay respect to Ashley and Matthew Bundy. Umm... Goodbyes are never easy, especially in such a small town like this where we all basically know each other. When one is gone, there is no cure for the sadness. Hopefully tonight, we take one step in the healing process towards happiness again and we bring the peace back to our town. Here's to Matthew, Ashley, and to those affected by this horrible crime."
He raised a glass into the air. Everyone else followed suit.
Daniel-"This benefit is for them. May they never leave our sides."
The Mayor finished his toast, people applauded, and they started eating. Tiffany and Spencer stood behind a table serving the food. Since it was starting to get warmer out, they decided to do a cook out. Hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, grilled chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, fresh salad. The investigators each grabbed some food and took their seats. It wasn't long before Mitchell and Harrison both starred at each other, as if they both had the same idea.
Harrison-"Excuse me everyone."
Mitchell-"Pardon me."
They both left the group and walked away. The other investigators looked at each other, asking what they were doing. It was when they saw Harrison and Mitchell sit with Jennifer Harris, Cooper Davis, and Sydney Shields that they figured it out.
Deanna-"Let's do the same."
Chrissy, Doug, and Frank walked off in one direction towards Tiffany and Spencer. Kristen, Stacey, and Deanna walked off towards Tyrone. Benjamin sat at the table by himself. He decided to get up and talk with Brad Stokely.
Harrison-"Do you all mind if we sit with you all?"
Jennifer-"No, by all means. Please join us."
They took their seats and started eating. It wasn't long until the questions started.
Mitchell-"Before I forget, my name is Mitchell Kennedy, and this is Harrison Adams. We are in the town to help solve the murders."
Sydney-"Oh, that's awesome. How's everything going?"
Harrison-"Difficult, trust me."
Sydney-"Well, I wish you guys luck."
Harrison-"Thanks. Now, if you don't mind, we actually have to ask you some questions."
Cooper-"Go on. Fire away."
-
Chrissy, Doug, and Frank stopped at the serving table that Tiffany and Spencer were just finishing handing out the food.
Chrissy-"You guys did all this? It's amazing!"
Tiffany-"Well there is more of us at the diner than just the 2 of us, but some people did stop by to help out. Tyrone came by, and so did Cooper and Sydney."
Chrissy-"That's so incredible."
Spencer-"It is. When one town member is hurting, we all get together to support."
Frank-"I hate to ruin the talk, I'm sorry, but can we talk to you 2 for a little bit?"
Tiffany-"Yes, sure. Let us just grab a little something to eat and we'll sit at that table over there."
-
Kristen, Stacey, and Deanna walked up to Tyrone. He was at the bar, still pouring drinks.
Stacey-"Hey, is there a way we can chat with you for a bit?"
Tyrone-"Yeah, just give me five minutes."
Tyrone made drinks for the few people waiting in line still. Once done, he set a sign up that said 'Be Back in 5 Minutes' and proceeded to talk with the group of girls.
Tyrone-"Now what may I don't for you lovely ladies?"
Deanna-"We hate to bother you, but we just wanna talk to get to know you."
Tyrone-"Ok, that's cool with me."
-
Benjamin found Brad. He had already knocked back 5 beers and was in the process of finishing off his sixth one when Benjamin sat near him.
Benjamin-"Hey, mind if we chat for a little?"
Brad-"I already spoke to your idiot friends the other day. What else do you want?
Benjamin-"I just want to know why you are so bitter. You yell at us, you start arguments with others, I just want to know why."
Brad-"You wanna know why? Oh, I'll tell you!"
-
Mitchell-"Well, Jennifer, when we went through the Bundy's home, we found a check for $2,500 from you. What exactly was that for?"
Jennifer-"Oh, wow. Just, you know, for a repair."
Harrison-"A repair?"
Jennifer-"Yes. My dishwasher broke and he fixed it."
Harrison-"That seems like a lot for just a dishwasher."
Jennifer-"He tried fixing the old one, but he couldn't fix it. He went out, bought a new one and installed it for me. I paid for the original repair, the new one, and for him to install it for me. Oh, I'm sorry, please excuse me."
Jennifer got up from the table and walked, quickly, away from the group.
Cooper-"Well, I heard that money was for something different."
-
Tiffany and Spencer sat at a table with Chrissy, Doug, and Frank.
Tiffany-"So what's up guys?"
Frank-"We wanted you to give us a feel on the townspeople and yourselves."
Tiffany-"Oh, ok. Well, I've been living here my entire life and I've owned and operated The Shaw Shack for the past 8 years."
Spencer-"I've lived here years ago. Just moved back here about 5 years ago. Been working at the diner as a cook and server for about as long now."
Doug-"Thanks. Now, do you know anyone that seems suspicious?"
Spencer-"Well, there is this one guy. He walks into the diner, mumbles incoherently and then leaves. The mailman, Walter."
Tiffany-"Aww, don't say that. Yes, he's a little bizarre with the mumbling, but he doesn't seem like the type to hurt anyone. He seems really sweet."
Spencer-"Tiffany, think about it though; He walks in, mumbles to himself for 5 minutes, drops the mail off and rushes out the door again. I'm not trying to sound mean or anything, but that's got crazy written all over it."
Doug-"Is there anyone else you can think of?"
Spencer and Tiffany looked at each other and thought the exact thing.
Tiffany-"Brad Stokely. He's bitter and mad like, all the time."
-
Deanna-"We wanted to ask you about the townspeople."
Tyrone-"There is some I like, some I can tolerate, and some I can't stand."
Stacey-"Who can't you stand?"
Tyrone-"Well, for starters, Brad Stokely and Matthew Bundy."
The ladies 3 thought about the names he just said. While Tyrone seemed nice, they all thought the same thing; Did he do it?
Kristen-"So, um, what reasons is that for?"
Tyrone-"Well, they're both alcoholics. Can't tell you how many times I've kicked them out for fighting with others. Hell, they tried getting me shut down several times. They had my liquor license questioned, the kitchen was inspected because of under cooked food, even the Fire Marshal got involved at one point too. One of them claimed the building wasn't up to code and couldn't hold a large amount of people as it posed a safety issue."
Kristen-"I'm not trying to say they didn't do it, but how do you know that it was the 2 of them?"
Tyrone-"There was a night a few months back. The 2 of them came in, like they'd usually do and grab drinks together after a long work day. They drank, and drank, and ate, and drank. Then someone else came up to the bar to order a burger, and Brad shoved them. Thought he was talking smack about him. This dude shoved back, and out of nowhere Matthew came up and decked this guy in the face. Broken nose and teeth. Guys friends saw it and a massive brawl breaks out. Called the police as soon as Bundy landed that punch. Somehow Brad and Matthew cleaned house. 5 on 2 and they still whooped them. I gave my statement to the cops and the 2 of them were arrested on a couple of charges; disturbing the peace, assault, and public intoxication. Thank God they were arrested because I know they drove here and I don't think they were planing on getting a designated driver that night. Anyway, the cops throw the cuffs on and take them away. The 2 of them are yelling at me that they'd bring me down and get me shut down. Couple days later, my first complaint comes my way."
Kristen-"Oh wow. That makes sense."
Tyrone-"Yeah. Now, that first complaint that came in, it was the first complaint this place ever received. 7 years this place has been opened, never a complaint or even a violation. Now after these 2 get arrested, in comes the complaint and the Health Inspector saying that I served undercooked food and someone almost died. Few days later, apparently my liquor licenses are forged. A little bit later, I'm getting a visit from the Fire Marshal. I apparently allowed a 300 person concert with pyrotechnics in here on a night we were closed. With that one, don't know how, but we were fined $5,000 for it. A concert that never happened! No proof except for a statement from 'someone who was at the concert' that night who claimed they got injured at it."
Deanna-"Do you know who that was?
Tyrone-"Nope. Not a clue. Report was made in confidentiality."
-
Cooper-"Now, I'm not sure, but my friend's brother attends Sunrise Ridge High where she teaches. Apparently, the rumor going around was that she slept with a student."
Harrison-"Are you serious?"
Sydney-"Yes. I heard the same thing."
Mitchell-"So, that money is for blackmail?"
Cooper-"I'm assuming. Unless she's telling the truth about the dishwasher. Like I said, it's a rumor. Last year the rumor was that the principal had sex with the gym teacher dressed in mascot costume."
Sydney-"Yeah, the year we graduated, the rumor was that one of the students was actually a 45 year old that got cosmetic surgery and wanted to relieve their youth."
Mitchell-"High School is a lot different than I remember it. Most I had in school was we had my senior class show up early and park their cars in the faculty parking lot."
Harrison-"Some idiot threw a couple of stink bombs in the air vents my senior year.... They never caught me."
The group of them laughed at Harrison's comment. The laughter was short though.
-
Brad stood up, bobbled a bit from the beer, and yelled at Benjamin.
Brad-"No one in this town deserves to live and breathe! They are as clueless as the corrupt mayor that they follow like the dumb little sheep they are! It's incredible that anyone in this town knows how to tie their own shoes! If it wasn't for the fact that my business is set up here, I'd have moved away years ago! This town is trying to celebrate lost life, but in reality it's a lost life in Matthew and a wasted life in Ashley!"
Cooper-"Hey! Why don't you shut the hell up for once in your miserable life!"
Sydney-"Cooper, please don't get into it with him. He's drunk and is just trying to start a fight."
Brad-"How about you put that dog on a leash, little boy, and keep your comments to yourself before I put you in your place like your daddy should of!"
Daniel McGee-"Sir, please, calm down and..."
Brad-"Shut the hell up McGee! Like I need a crook like you to tell me what to do!"
Cooper-"Hey Brad!"
Brad turned around and was met with a right hook to the face from Cooper. He stumbled backwards a tiny bit before regaining his balance. It was incredible that he remained standing not only because of the punch, but also because of the fact that he drank 6 beers and his world was probably already spinning before the punch hit him.
Brad saw the 27 year old, spit the blood out of his mouth, and went after Cooper. He put his shoulder into Cooper's stomach and ran him backwards a bit before both went down. Brad was on top of Cooper and delivered a hell of a punch to Cooper's face. Blood instantly came from his nose. Brad was not done though. He hit him several more times.
Cooper was able to grab a bottle and defend himself from Brad's punches. He swung it and cracked it across Brad's head. Once Brad fell over, it was Cooper's turn to land some hits. A right, a left, and another right. Cooper backed off. He was sure he knocked out Brad cold. However, Brad somehow sat up and then proceeded to stand up.
Brad-"Is that all you got you little bitch?! Ashley's dead body can hit harder than you!?"
Cooper went after him again and at this moment several towns people and the investigators stepped into stop the 2 men.
Daniel McGee-"Get out of here! I will NOT tolerate this behavior!"
Brad was quickly shown the door.
Brad-"Yeah, yeah. I'm leaving. Better hope I don't ever see you again or you'll be the next death in this town!"
Brad walked out, amazingly, under his own power. Before he could be stopped, though, he jumped into his pickup truck and sped off. Sydney sat down next to Cooper.
Sydney-"Cooper, babe, are you ok?"
Cooper-"Yeah, why, what happened?"
Cooper smiled when he said it. Sydney punched him in the arm for trying to mess with her. Daniel McGee grabbed the microphone from the DJ.
Daniel-"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, I, uhh.... I think that is the signal for the end of the festivities. Thank you all for coming out. We raised enough money for Ashley's funeral cost and for when we hopefully recover Matthew. Goodnight everyone.
The guest all left, Cooper was helped to his car by Tyrone and Sydney. She took his keys to drive the 2 of them back to their apartment.
Kristen-"Cooper, shouldn't you go to the doctor? You might have a broken nose and concussion."
Cooper-"I'm good. Trust me. I just need some ice and maybe a steak on my eye and I should be good to go. Thanks for caring though."
They left and the group gathered back to the vans and started off to the Headquarters.
Chrissy-"I just thought of something. What if Cooper didn't want to go to the doctor's because he felt he wouldn't get back in time for the Killer's Game."
Doug-"Great point. Wish he did go now. We could possibly eliminate 2 suspects tonight if we get the question right when we get back."
-
Doug-"The vote tonight is gonna be one of the hardest ones probably. Everyone was on their A-Game these last few days and it's gonna be hard to pick."
Frank-"I don't know what's going to happen in that vote tonight. I just hope it's not me."
The group walked up the stairs and into the Briefing Room. Gary was waiting behind the table and, once everyone took their seat, he started talking to them.
Gary-"Ok guys, welcome back. I hope we met some of the suspects."
Harrison-"Mitchell and I went off and talked to Jennifer Harris, Sydney Shields, and Cooper Davis. We asked Jennifer about the check we found and she quickly told us before running off it was for a dishwasher repair. Once she left, Cooper and Sydney told us about a rumor about how she slept with a student."
Mitchell-"They then told us about how every year their is a major rumor that goes around the school. One year was the principal wearing the mascot costume and they had sex with the gym teacher while wearing it."
Stacey-"Kristen, Deanna and I spoke to Tyrone. He can't stand Matthew and Brad because they are both drunks. They got into a fight at his bar a few months ago and got arrested. They blamed Tyrone for it and filed numerous complaints against The Hot Spot. One ended up costing Tyrone $5,000 in fines."
Frank-"Chrissy, Doug and I talked to Tiffany Shaw and Spencer Stevens. We asked if their was anyone they saw as suspicious and Spencer said Walter DuChamps. Tiffany tried to defend him, but Spencer said that his stuttering and nervousness seemed off to him. They did both agree that Brad is probably the major one to watch out for because of the fights he starts."
Benjamin-"Oh he started a fight alright. I went to talk to him and he was already in his sixth beer when I got to him. I asked why he's so mad and he flipped at me, he yelled at Cooper and Sydney, then got into a legit fist fight with Cooper that we had to break up."
Gary-"Wow, you guys did seem to have your hands full tonight. Great job out there. Unfortunately, now we have the matters of the envelopes to deal with now."
Gary walked over to the evidence locker and took the red envelope out, walked with it back to the table, and grabbed a pair of scissors. He spoke while cutting it open across the top, again with care to make sure he didn't cut up the question.
Gary-"Remember, the Killer has said there is a question and if answered correctly, they will clear one of the suspects."
He reached in and pulled the brown paper out. Gary unfolded it and was met with the label maker words.
Gary-"The questions is; 'WHAT 3 SUSPECTS WERE AT THE SHAW SHACK TO HELP TIFFANY AND SPENCER?'. I'm going to bring up the address."
Gary clicked a few buttons, typed a few keys, and a Matrix like grid appeared once again, followed by a single lime green line for the answer.
Benjamin-"Does anybody know who they are?"
Chrissy-"I know she said Tyrone showed up. Makes sense because his club hosted the event..... Ugh, I can't remember the other 2 names."
Frank-"Pretty sure the young girl, what's her name... Sydney was one. Who was the other?"
Doug-"I don't remember the names she said, but if your sure Sydney was one of them, I can bet Cooper is the other one. They are a couple, right? It makes sense to me."
Frank-"I'm more than certain they said Sydney."
Deanna-"We saw them at the town meeting the other day sitting together, so I wouldn't be surprised if they were together helping Tiffany and Spencer. "
Gary-"So are those 3 your answers, guys?"
Harrison-"I'll side with you guys on those 3."
Stacey-"Same here."
Benjamin-"Ok, we'll say Sydney, Tyrone, and Cooper. That's our answer."
Gary-"Very well. I'll send it off."
Gary typed the 3 names into the computer. On the screen, the group saw the words 'SYDNEY, TYRONE, AND COOPER' appear letter by letter. Gary hit send, and the Matrix grid of letters and numbers flashed across the screen. Everyone held their breath as the screen continued to flash. Fingers were soon crossed and prayers were said quietly in their minds. After a few seconds, which seemed like an eternity, the message finally appeared to them.....
YOUR ANSWER IS CORRECT; A SUSPECT WILL BE CLEARED.
The group clapped and cheered. They all hugged each other, and gave an even bigger hug to Chrissy, Doug and Frank. The picture of the cleared suspect then popped up on the screen.
SUSPECT CLEARED; GEORGINA SEEGER. WIDOW
Gary-"Excellent job guys! Great teamwork all around! We can now clear Georgina."
Gary then pulled a red sharpie out and drew a red X over the picture of Georgina, the person that found the body of Ashley, effectively clearing the widow of the wrong doing.
Gary-" That was great teamwork and deduction to figure out the names, guys. I'm really proud of you all on that. Now, sadly, the fun must end. We gotta open up the black envelope. Remember, you can not vote for Benjamin. Tonight, we'll start with Chrissy."
Chrissy made her way to the voting booth just outside the Briefing Room. Once inside the sound proof room, she could speak her mind and freely choose who to vote to go out.
She thumbed through the pictures several times before she found a picture she wanted. She placed it behind her in the frame.
Chrissy-"I have zero idea who to pick tonight, but I have to pick, and I'm sorry Stacey, your my vote tonight."
She took it down and slid it into the slot of the voting box outside the room. Mitchell walked in after her, sat on the stool and went through his photos.
Mitchell-"Wow this is hard. I figure we got to start going after who we perceive as strong. Only problem is that everybody was on their game these last few days. With that being said, Frank seemed like the strongest being he's a former officer, so Frank, I'm sorry, but you're my pick."
Mitchell put his vote in and next was Stacey. She stayed silent and simply put Deanna's picture up and walked out. Harrison walked in after her.
Harrison-"This is my first time voting tonight, and I hope I'm making the right choice. I'm gonna vote for Deanna. You were quiet last round and it was Chrissy, Frank, and Doug to answer the question today. I'm sorry."
He walked out and in walked Frank.
Frank-"Last round, I picked between 2 people. This week, I pick out of 7. That's how good we all were. This time, I just gotta go with Kristen. I think she might have been the worst of the best. Nothing against the young lady at all, but I just don't know who to vote for."
He walked out and Kristen took her place inside the booth.
Kristen-"We gotta start playing by who's a threat and who's not at some point. Tonight, I play that and, sadly, my pick is Frank. He's a great guy but he's the strongest player here being a former cop. He could win it all if we don't get rid of him."
Kristen put her vote in the box and Deanna walked in. She sat with her head in her hands for a few seconds before she placed a picture in silence and left. Doug was the last to walk in. He looked over his pictures and decided on his vote.
Doug-"This is insanity. To whoever goes out, I'm sorry, we all deserve to stay, but someone's gotta go. In this case, I'm sorry Deanna."
He walked out, placed the vote in the box, and walked back into the Briefing Room to his seat.
Gary-"What I need you all to do is turn around please while I count the votes. Please do not turn back around until you are instructed."
The investigators turned around and faced the back of the room. Gary left the room and retrieved the voting box from the voting booth. He returned and unlocked the box and took the pictures out one by one. Gary placed each vote in a corresponding pile. A vote in one pile, another vote in a different pile. He had a few piles on his table, and the results were tallied.
Gary-"Please turn around."
The group turned back to face him, a picture against his stomach.
Gary-"I have counted the votes, and by a vote of 3-3-1-1, we have a tie."
The group gasped. Gary showed that instead of 1, he had 2 pictures.
Gary-"That tie is between.... Frank and Deanna."
Both of them stood up.
Gary-"Now, in the case of a tie, the Lead investigator must break it. Benjamin, please."
Benjamin walked up and stood in front of the table.
Benjamin-"I really wish it was someone else I could pick. I don't want to choose between the 2 of you. I sadly do, and I have to pick...... Frank."
Frank nodded and Deanna sat back down.
Gary-"Frank, you will be playing the Killer's Game tonight, but you will not be playing alone. Benjamin, I need you to pick one other person to play the Killer's Game tonight."
Benjamin-"Like I said, I wish their was someone else tied so I could pick the 2 I wanted to go out tonight. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, but I can send 1 of them out. Out of the 2 people I wanted to send out, my choice for the Killer's Game tonight is Harrison."
Harrison laughed a little and stood up, smiling.
Gary-"Harrison, you will be playing the Killer's Game along side Frank tonight. Benjamin, if you please."
Gary used the scissors to open the black envelope. Out came 2 smaller black envelopes.
Gary-"The Killer has said that at one location will be an important clue. At the other, the Killer will be waiting, and one of you will not be coming back. Benjamin, I need you to hand one to the groups choice, Frank, and the other to your choice, Harrison."
Benjamin thought it over. Which map would lead to the clue and which would lead to the Killer? He then handed Frank one map and Harrison the other.
Gary-"Please open your maps and tell us where you are going."
Both men open the black bag like envelopes and pulled the brown paper out.
Frank-"I'll be heading to the Farm on Kovick Drive."
Harrison-"I'm going to the local Gym on Lambert Street."
Gary-"Very well. You guys have just over an hour to pack before your rides show up. Before you pack, I need you to go back to the voting booth to record your Last Will and Testament. If you do not return, you are responsible to name the next Lead Investigator."
-
Harrison-"I'm a little surprised, but then again I'm not. I knew it was either Mitchell or I going the moment Benjamin was named Lead Investigator. It sucks, but what are you gonna do?"
Harrison started packing his bag. Soon after Mitchell walked in.
Mitchell-"Hey, good luck tonight, kid."
Harrison-"Thank man. By the way, I want you to know I stuck to the deal. If Frank comes back, you're the next Lead Investigator."
Mitchell-"Thanks Harrison."
Just then, Frank walked in to start his packing.
Harrison-"Hey Frank."
Frank-"Hi guys. Good luck tonight Harrison."
Harrison-"Thanks, you too."
The two men shook hands. Harrison finished packing and Mitchell and him helped Frank pack his bag.
Harrison-"I'm sorry you gotta do this tonight. You're a great investigator."
Mitchell-"I feel bad too. It should be me going out honestly."
Frank-"Guys, it's ok. I knew it was gonna happen at some point. Just hoped it wasn't this soon."
Mitchell-"Let's make a pack, right now. Which ever of you comes back, we work together to make it to the end. Take out Benjamin, everyone else, and catch the killer."
Frank-"That sounds good to me."
Harrison-"Same here. Good luck guys."
The 3 men shook hands, cementing their pack.
Frank-"I know that, after tonight, I'm a threat to the others for being a former officer. I knew that coming in, and I hoped it wouldn't bite me but it did, and earlier then I wanted it too. If I am to go home tonight, I'd wouldn't be upset. I'd actually be happy because I know they see me as a strong force and, after the other night with getting the envelopes, I'd rather get my sleep back and enjoy my retirement. Haha."
Topic: Murder In Small Town X; The Return (Read 4559 times)