Chapter 3

One week later...

Mrs Reed got dressed quickly. She was on her way to the police station. It's been a week and some days and she still hadn't heard any word about her daughter's death. She boarded a cab and arrived there after thirty minutes.

When she got there, she requested to see Detective Hudson and was taken to him.

"Good day, Mr Hudson", Mrs Reed greeted with a faint smile.

"Nice to see you again, Mrs Reed. How may I help you?" Mr Hudson asked with a smile.

"Well, it's about my daughter's death. Haven't you found any clue leading to her death yet? Mrs Reed asked eagerly.

"Oh that! I thought he told you about it," Mr Hudson said with a surprised look on his face.

"He? Who?" She looked at him quizzically.

"The principal, Mr Hesley."

"No, he didn't tell me anything. What happened?"

"Well, Mr Hesley asked me to dismiss the case".

"What?"

"Yes. And besides, there was only one eye witness. I've called her for questioning and she told me the same story. I'm sorry Mrs Reed. I don't think it was murder. Your daughter fell in the process of taking pictures," he said.

"My daughter would never do a thing like that. I'm certain that it was murder. Besides, the eye witness was among her bullies. She must have cooked up this story. Please Mr Hudson, look into the case", she pleaded.

Mr Hudson signed.

"There's nothing left to investigate Mrs Reed. I'm sorry for your loss," he said in a tone that implied finality.

But Mrs Reed was not ready to back down. She inhaled and exhaled.

"Mr Hudson, it's your job. You should question all her bullies and gather..."

"Mrs Reed, you can't teach me how to do my job. I've been a detective for over eight years. I know very well what to do".

"Then do what you have to!" She snapped.

"There is no evidence pointing to murder, Mrs Reed. I understand you are grieving but that doesn't mean you can go around accusing others of murder".

Mrs Reed was shattered. She stood up gently and left the station. She decided to go to Sea Coast High. She wanted to speak to the principal. When she got there, she asked for the principal's office and she was directed.

"Have a seat", Mr Hesley said after they exchanged pleasantries.

"Without much ado, I'll tell you the reason I'm here," Mrs Reed said.

"Go on," he urged.

"Detective Hudson told me that you dismissed the case of Sammy's death".

"Oh you mean Samantha Reed?"

"Yes, she was my daughter."

"Well, yes, I asked him to dismiss it. Do you have a problem with that?"

Something snapped inside of her. Does she have a problem with it?

"Are u really asking me that?" She tried to keep her cool. "Of course I do. I mean she's my daughter and I have to fight for her justice. I'm sure she was murdered."

"Hmm. And what made you think so?"

"The story that Claire told wasn't convincing. I know Samantha would never do such thing", Mrs Reed said.

"Listen Mrs Reed, there's no proof that it's a murder case. Perhaps Sammy was drunk and..."

"Stop it, sir!" Mrs Reed said angrily.

Mr Hesley was shocked at her sudden outburst.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude but I won't tolerate you saying such things about my daughter. Sammy doesn't drink."

"What exactly are you driving at, Mrs Reed?"

"My point is Sammy was murdered."

"By whom."

Mrs Reed raised a brow.

"That... I do not know but..."

"That's it, Mrs Reed. Not another word from you!"

"But sir, my daughter was bullied."

"Are you saying she was murdered by her bullies?"

"No but..."

"Listen, Mrs Reed. I have alot of work to do. I'd really appreciate if you leave right now."

"Sir..."

"I said right now!" Mr Hesley half yelled causing her to flinch.

She stood up sadly 

"I have to tell you this before I leave. Eradicate bully in your school. There could be more victims," she said and with that, she left.

She wore a gloomy face as she made her way out of the school. The school reminded her so much of Sammy. She wished she was still alive. She missed her alot. She was lost in thoughts and bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry," she apologized.

"It's ok ma'am," the person said and looked up. "Hey! It's you."

"Alvin?" Mrs Reed said.

"I'm so sorry that I haven't come to see you since Sammy's funeral," he said.

"Oh, it's ok dear."

"It's just that I'm still trying to get used to her absence".

"You don't have to worry about me. Jade always makes out time to see me".

"That's good to hear. I'll try to visit," Alvin smiled.

Mrs Reed returned the smile.

"By the way, why have you come here?"

"It's regarding Sammy's death. I came to know why Mr Hesley dismissed the case".

"He dismissed it?"

She nodded. The bell rang.

"Don't worry. I'll handle this. Go".

"I'll see you some other time," he said and hugged her before leaving.

 ********

Mrs Reed paced up and down in her sitting room thinking about what the detective and principal told her. She couldn't just sit and watch her daughter's killers go free. She had to do something. And fast. She was tensed up as she couldn't think of anything.

Then, an idea struck her. She smiled and quickly took her phone and browsed through it. She smiled again satisfactorily when she found what she was looking for.

"Since the police doesn't want to further the case, I'll do it my own way. My daughter's murderer must pay!" She smirked evilly.

 ********

"Get ready, she's heading towards us," Danica giggled.

Claudia smirked as she put a piece of chip into her mouth. The six girls watched Jade as she came to their direction.

"Now," Claire said and Roxanne poured her juice on the floor.

Jade didn't realize that there was spilled juice on the floor. As soon as she got to the spot, she slipped and fell hard on her butt causing her tray of food and drink to pour all over her.

"Ow! That hurts!" Jade yelped.

A loud laughter erupted in the cafeteria especially from Claudia's table and Jade didn't need anyone to tell her that they were responsible for her fall. Her face turned pink from embarrassment. She was very angry. Seeing her pink, Claudia smiled and then winked. Jade couldn't stand up. She didn't know how to face the people. The laughter continued and tears threatened to drop from her eyes. Her eyes grew very misty. She bowed her head and winced in pain.

Just then, the laughter died down. She raised her head a bit to see the reason they all stopped laughing. As she raised it, she saw a hand stretched towards her. She looked up at the owner and discovered it was Alvin. He was with his best friend, Brook. She smiled and took his hand.

"Can you help her to the clinic?" Alvin said to Brook.

"Sure man. Come on Jade," Brook said and held her.

Together, they walked out of the cafeteria. Jade turned back to look at Claudia and her puppets and gave them a knowing smile.

"Come with me, Claudia," Alvin said sternly.

"What? Why?"

"Would you like me to expose you in front of everyone and get you detained?"

"Are you threatening me?"

"If you think so. Now, follow me," Alvin said and walked away.

Claudia rolled her eyes and went after him.

"I know you did it," Alvin said as soon as they got to a quiet place.

"Did what?" Claudia asked.

"Don't act innocent, Claudia. You know what I'm talking about."

"For your information, I didn't do anything. Roxanne did," she said with folded arms.

Alvin shook his head.

"Of course it was your plan. You asked her to do it," he said.

"Yes I did ask her to do it. So what?"

"Listen Claudia, I want you to stay away from Jade. Don't try to bully her ever again."

"Oh Alvin! You've told me alot of time when Sammy was alive and I didn't listen to you. What makes you think I'd listen to you now? Jade is not even your girlfriend."

"She doesn't have to be my girlfriend before I can protect her. She was Sammy's best friend and she's my friend too. I want you to stay away from her or else..." He said and began to walk away.

"So you're threatening me, uh? Just listen! I won't stop bullying her until you're mine!" She yelled after him.

"She's a psycho," Alvin muttered as he walked.