Disguised As A Boy To Attend Belmont High School
Chapter 34: Unresolved Mystery

Chapter 34: Unresolved Mystery

A week had passed in the blink of an eye and yet Samuel’s murder case remained unsolved.

Ping!

Olive’s phone soon rang, distracting her from the book she was studying. Glancing at the name displayed on the screen, it was Lucas.

"Hey! How’s it going?" Lucas’s voice came through the phone as Olive held it to her ear. "We’re finally resuming school soon and yet, we’re still suspects."

"Yeah, the case seems like it will never be solved," Olive replied with a heavy sigh. "The murderer destroyed all the CCTV cameras in the house, took Samuel’s phone, and even the knife in Samuel’s chest has his own fingerprints as if he stabbed himself, which is impossible. The culprit is skilled, I must say; he cleared all evidence.

"My mom has forbidden me from going anywhere. I have bodyguards monitoring me 24/7. Even Mark and Aiden are not allowed to visit me. Lucas explained with a frustrated sigh. I’m really tired of this situation.

"I’m so worried about how Austin is coping with Samuel’s death. They were boyfriends." Olive said with a sad expression.

"I can’t believe the police haven’t solved the case yet. Lucas yelled angrily over the phone.

"It’s okay! I’m sure they’re working on it. I’m planning to visit Austin with Lara this afternoon. Mark and Aiden are also coming along." Olive revealed with a smile.

"Damn! I can’t even go to support a friend." Lucas lamented over the phone. " Those bodyguards are everywhere, watching my every move. Kindly help me to say hi to Austin."

"I understand. I’ll pass on your message to Austin." Olive said. " I have to go now to get ready before Mark and the others come to pick me up. Goodbye!" She added before ending the call.

____

At exactly 12 noon, Mark, Olive, Aiden, and Lara arrived at Austin’s house in a black Toyota jeep and proceeded into the luxurious mansion. Inside, they found Austin’s parents and Samuel’s parents in the living room.

"Good afternoon," Mark greeted, catching the attention of the parents.

"Good afternoon," the rest echoed with somber expressions.

"How are you doing?" Mr. Adam asked, mustering a smile.

"We know you came over for Austin. He’s in his room," Mrs. Adam added with a sad smile. "He hasn’t been himself lately."

"We’ll talk to him, Mrs. Adam. You don’t need to worry," Mark reassured, and Mrs. Adam nodded gratefully.

The teenagers then headed upstairs, with Mark and Aiden leading the way to Austin’s room, a familiar path for them. They pushed open the silver door and entered a room with a lavish sanctuary that reflected Austin’s passion for art and luxury. The walls, painted a deep, rich gray, served as a backdrop for his extensive collection of artwork, including original pieces by renowned artists and his own creations.

Austin lay still in bed, his back turned towards the door, lost in his thoughts, unaware of the four entering his room.

"Austin!" Aiden called out, approaching the bed where Austin lay, but received no response until he tapped him, prompting Austin to snap out of his reverie and sit up in bed.

"When did you guys get here?" Austin inquired, his gaze fixed on the four individuals who had settled on the sofa in the room.

"We just arrived," Mark replied, joining Austin on the bed. "How are you holding up?"

"I’m okay," Austin replied, mustering a smile, though his heart was heavy with sorrow.

His eyes were swollen from countless tears, his frame had become thinner, evident to anyone who looked.

"You’re not okay. You didn’t even notice us entering, you were lost in your thoughts," Olive interjected, her expression mirroring her concern.

"We understand that this past week has been tough for you, and we know it will take time for you to heal from this pain," Mark said, placing a comforting hand on Austin’s shoulder.

"Did you see them downstairs? Austin asked, his voice filled with anger.

"Who?" Lara asked, looking puzzled.

"Samuel’s parents. I hate that I have to see their faces every day. When Samuel was alive, they hardly came home and focused all their attention on their businesses. But now that he’s gone, both the husband and wife are here. Who are they pretending for? Their fake tears don’t move me at all," Austin exclaimed angrily.

"That’s true. I wonder why they’re staying at your house though," Mark said. "I understand that their house is a crime scene, but they have other houses in the country they could go to."

"My parents allowed them to stay. Mr. Robert and my dad are business partners, and my mom wants to keep an eye on Mrs. Robert so she doesn’t hurt herself," Austin replied with a scoff. "Those people don’t deserve any pity. They killed their own son, and I’ll continue to say it anywhere," he added, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"It’s okay, man. Everything will be fine," Mark consoled, embracing Austin and patting him on the back to comfort him.

"I plan to go to the crime scene tonight." Austin revealed as he released himself from Mark’s embrace, his expression filled with determination.

The room temperature dropped at the sudden shocking news.

"You can’t be serious, right?" Aiden asked, shock written all over his face.

"I’ve never been serious in my life until now. Since the police are being useless regarding Samuel’s death, as his boyfriend, I feel I should try to help. Who knows, maybe I could be the one to solve this case." Samuel said with a determined expression.

"If you get caught by the police, it wouldn’t be funny." Olive said, only to be stopped by Mark, who placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Can I come with you? Samuel is a student from my school and also my classmate. Even though we’re not that close, I still think I should help too." Mark said, sending waves of shock down the spines of Aiden, Lara, and Olive.

"What has gotten into you? You’re going too?" Aiden asked, his eyes wide open in shock as he gazed at the determined Mark.

"I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I’m in. In the short time I spent with you and Samuel, you both showed me kindness and treated me as a friend. So I believe I should help my friend." Olive said, letting out a smile.

"Oh my goodness! You guys are all crazy. If we get caught by the police, it’s game over for us." Aiden expressed with a shake of his head. "But count me in. Let’s take the risk and see how it plays out."

Austin, Olive, Mark, and Aiden turned their attention to Lara, who appeared speechless and nervous.

"Are you joining us, Lara?" Olive asked, extending her hand. Mark, Austin, and Aiden followed suit, placing their hands on top of each other.

"I’m not even a student at your school, but I’ll join. I was there when it all went down, and that guy deserves justice." Lara replied with a smile, sealing the deal with a hand on top.

"Great! I’ll let my mom know that you’re all staying over tonight." Aiden announced, getting up from the bed and heading towards the door, only to be halted in his tracks.

"Wait, I didn’t inform my parents about staying over." Olive said with a worried look.

" Me neither." Lara added.

"Then go do it now." Austin instructed as he returned to the group. "We’ll make our move at midnight when everyone is asleep. I have insider knowledge about Samuel, being my boyfriend, so there might be crucial evidence in his house that the police don’t have yet."