Disguised As A Boy To Attend Belmont High School
Chapter 32: Investigation Begins

Chapter 32: Investigation Begins

Upon hearing the news of Samuel’s death, the group was initially shocked but quickly became panicked and fearful. They began to speculate about who could have committed such a terrible act and whether they themselves were at risk.

Austin, still processing the information, stumbled back, leaning on Olive and Lucas for support. "No, no, no... this can’t be happening!" he cried, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Are you serious? Samuel can’t be dead, right?" Olive blurted out, her face filled with shock as she approached Mark at the door, having left Austin in Lucas’s care. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she awaited his response.

"What are you talking about? How can you say Samuel is dead?" Lucas interjected, joining Olive in confronting Mark.

"We’ve been waiting for him. We’ve been trying to reach him on the phone, and now you’re telling us he’s here but dead?" he added, disbelief evident in his expression as he stared at Mark.

"Come and see for yourself. The police are downstairs," Mark said, turning to leave. Olive, Austin, and Lucas followed him, their bodies tense with shock.

The mood in the living room had shifted. The once cheerful teenagers now looked worried as they watched the police officers in blue uniforms with guns by their side investigating the crime scene.

Olive, Lucas, Austin, and Mark hurried down the stairs and pushed through the crowd to get a closer look. They saw Samuel’s lifeless body on the floor, a knife in his chest, his face pale and lifeless.

"This can’t be real. I must be dreaming," Austin said in disbelief, trying to approach but got stopped by the police officers.

"Kids, please stay back. I’m Officer Blackwood," a stern-looking woman with black hair tied up in a bun said, dressed in a blue police uniform. "I understand that you’re upset about your friend’s death.

"Who killed Samuel? Who the hell is responsible for this?"Austin cried, tears streaming down his face as he tried to approach Samuel’s body for the second time , but was stopped by Lucas and Mark.

"Don’t go near the body. Let the police handle it," Olive said calmly, looking at Austin with sadness. "You could ruin the evidence that would help in locating the culprit."

"The culprit will be caught, Austin. Just give it some time," Aiden said, moving closer to him and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"You all are coming with us to the station to give your statements," Officer Blackwood said firmly.

The previously quiet teenagers, looking somber as they observed the police officers investigating the crime scene, suddenly became vocal, turning the living room into a bustling marketplace upon hearing the woman officer’s mention of taking them to the station.

"Silence!" A burly, stern-faced man in police attire bellowed, restoring order in the living room with his commanding presence, causing the teenagers to quiver in fear as they gazed at him.

"Line up now," he instructed. "I’m Officer Johnson, and as Officer Blackwood mentioned, you will all be coming to the station to provide your statements."

The students promptly complied, following his orders out of concern for the potential consequences of defiance. They formed a straight line and were escorted out of the mansion by the police officers, who had requested backup upon realizing the number of teenagers present at the crime scene.

____

A blue van drove into the police station and parked at the entrance promting the teenagers to get out of the van.

The teenagers’ faces were etched with shock and fear as they filed into the police station. The flickering fluorescent lights above cast an eerie glow on the drab, gray walls. Old wanted posters hung limply, and a chalkboard covered in scribbled notes seemed to be the only thing that added a pop of color to the bleak atmosphere.

Officer Blackwood, addressed the teenagers with a calm expression. "We will be questioning each of you individually. Remember, we are seeking the truth. Do not omit any details, no matter how insignificant they may seem."

"We are not treating you as criminals. We simply need your cooperation in providing a statement to assist with the investigation. That’s why we are not placing you in cells." Officer Johnson emphasized to the students, who responded with a nod.

The first student to be interviewed was Olive, her eyes showing signs of recent crying. Officer Blackwood escorted her to a small room with a metal table and two chairs.The sound of the door closing behind them echoed through the room.

"Can you please state your name and describe your relationship with Samuel?" Officer Blackwood asked, her voice firm but gentle.

Olive hesitated, her voice barely audible. "My name is Arthur Williams, and Samuel and I are friends."

Officer Johnson raised an eyebrow. "Just friends?" he asked, his tone skeptical.

Olive nodded, tears falling again. "Yes, just friends."

"Tell me where you were an hour ago," Officer Blackwood said, handing Olive a tissue to wipe her tears and blow her nose.

"I was in Samuel’s room with Austin and Lucas ," Olive replied.

"And who is Austin and Lucas? How come the three of you were in Samuel’s room while the other kids were downstairs partying?" Officer Blackwood asked, raising an eyebrow with a stern expression.

"Lucas and I went to Samuel room to congratulate him and Austin only to meet Austin alone in the room. Austin mentioned that he had been trying to call Samuel, but his line wasn’t going through," Olive explained.

"Aren’t you guys in Samuel house? Where did Samuel go to then?" Officer Blackwood asked.

"Austin said he told him he was going to get something real quick." Olive replied.

"And what’s the congratulations all about ? Officer Johnson asked, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"It’s Austin one-year anniversary with Samuel, his boyfriend." Olive replied.

"Oh, I see. Austin was his boyfriend. Who else knows that you and Lucas are going to congratulate them?" Officer Blackwood asked, jotting down notes, a voice recorder placed on the table, recording their conversation.

"Mark, Aiden, and Lara. The five of us arrived at the party together, and they know that Lucas and I are going to see Samuel and Austin." Olive disclosed, her heart racing.

"And how did you find out about Samuel’s death while you were in his room with Lucas and Austin?" Officer Blackwood raised an eyebrow.

"Mark informed us." Olive said, causing Officer Blackwood to raise an eyebrow.

"Alright, thank you, Arthur. I’ll call you back if I have more questions." Officer Blackwood said as she escorted Olive out of the interrogation room.

It was now Austin’s turn, and he was visibly shaken, his eyes swollen from crying as he was been led into the interrogation room.

"Please calm down and cooperate with me." Officer Blackwood said as she sat down in front of Austin.

"Who is Samuel to you?" She began with the interrogation.

Austin hesitated before answering, "He’s my boyfriend, and we were celebrating our one-year anniversary today at his house."

"Has Samuel ever mentioned any threats or had any conflicts with anyone?" Officer Johnson asked, his gaze fixed on the trembling Austin. "I heard that you’re his boyfriend, so I’m sure you guys tell each other things going on with you."

"Samuel is a kind person and doesn’t get into fights. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to harm him. And, no! He didn’t tell me about anyone threatening him."

"Where were you when the incident occurred?" Officer Blackwood questioned, her eyebrows raised.

"I was in his room, getting ready for the party and trying to reach him on the phone."

"What did he tell you he was going to get outside?" Officer Blackwood asked.

"He said it’s was a surprise and ask me to wait for him." Austin replied he cried uncontrollably.

"Were you alone in the room?" Officer Blackwood asked.

"Initially, yes, but then Arthur and Lucas joined me."

"How did you learn about Samuel’s death?" Officer Johnson asked.

"Mark came and told us."

Officer Blackwood and Officer Johnson exchanged a knowing look, realizing that Mark might provide them with crucial information about Samuel’s murder.