Fifteen

Chapter 15

Golden High Hall room.

After it was confirmed that Elena really died, Elena's body was then taken by police officers to the hospital for an autopsy process. This choice was taken because Elena's parents suspected that the cause of her death was considered unnatural and indicated a case of planned murder. Just like what happened to James. They had the same sad fate. At a very young age, they died terribly.

"We hope the police can solve this case as soon as possible, Mr. Blake," said Sophia, Elena's mother.

Meanwhile, her husband, Jhon, embraced Sophia and tried to calm his wife gently. John looked at Mr. Wilson and said, "We're going to the hospital now."

Mr. Wilson shook John's hand respectfully. "I'm very sorry for your daughter's death. I promise to assist you with the entire investigation."

"Thank you," said John. He and his wife left the scene.

Mr. Wilson spoke with Nicholas before the Golden Group CEO left the scene of the crime. He even avoided the students who were looking at him intimidatingly and went into his room without saying anything.

The cafeteria is the crime scene that has been marked by the police. Now, everyone was asked to leave the crime scene, except for the main witnesses who were at the scene and were suspected of knowing what happened. Alicia, Ace, Brittany, Luke, Carl (the cafeteria counter man) and Elena's two close friends: Selena and Amanda. They were asked to sit and wait until the police finished observing the scene.

Nicholas was taking notes on the situation when his boss, Paul Scoots, appeared and immediately asked the young detective a question.

"Have you confirmed that the victim died from taking cyanide?"

"Looking at the characteristics and symptoms of the victim, the answer is yes. But to find out how much potassium cyanide was mixed in the drink, we need to conduct lab tests at the office, sir."

"How did someone acquire such a dangerous poison, detective?" Paul Scoots, the chief shook his head in disbelief. "This is an elite school, only important people can go here. Why would such a horrible incident happen twice, in such proximity while my daughter is at the same school. This is a pretty serious matter and I want you to catch the culprit as soon as possible. I don't want to take any chances, and I don't want my daughter to be in danger."

Nicholas murmured in agreement. "It seems like there's a lot I don't know here, but I'll do my best, Chief." His brown eyes then glanced at Alicia who was now sitting waiting with the other witnesses in the corner of the cafeteria. "I'll start questioning the witnesses at the scene. I heard that they don't usually serve coffee as their main course."

"Fine, please continue with your work. I'll meet the victim's parents at the hospital."

"Sure, Chief."

And after getting approval from the chief, Nicholas immediately walked over to the witnesses (who were deliberately united at one table in the corner of the cafeteria). Around the square table that (coincidentally) Alicia & Brittany had breakfast at this morning with two police officers in full uniform watching over them. It was a bad thing that they had to meet Nicholas for the second time.

The young detective stopped in front of them and sighed. It felt like he was being played by the perpetrator. James' case had not yet been solved, but now another case had come up.

"You just saw a horrific scene a few minutes ago. And you must understand why I am here now," Nicholas began.

Everyone wasn't paying attention. They just looked down, or looked the other way to avoid Nicholas' gaze which seemed to scan them all carefully.

Nicholas then looked at the students' expressions one by one and found that their gazes only portrayed endless sadness and confusion. Could one of them be the culprit? They were the same people, who were at the scene of the first incident when James was found dead.

This was no coincidence.

Nic pulled out a small journal from his jeans pocket and looked at them in turn, seemingly considering who to interrogate first. His brow furrowed when the lips finally spoke, "Let's start today's interrogation with,"

"Excuse me, detective," Amanda interrupted. She raised her hand in the air and caught the attention of everyone there.

"Yes? What is it?" Nicholas and the others turned to the brunette curiously. Especially, Alicia, she did not for a second take her gaze off Amanda - who she thought had suspicious movements. Alicia wanted to know more about Amanda.

Amanda raised her hand in the air and got up from her chair. "Can I use the restroom for a moment? I think I need to pee. I can't hold it in anymore."

Nicholas considered for a moment, before finally giving an approving nod to the brunette girl. "Sure," Nic said.

Amanda quickly left the cafeteria to relieve herself. But Alicia's heart was troubled by this. Amanda must not have gone to the toilet. Alicia kept stealing glances at the transparent cafeteria door, which had just closed. I have to prove it myself, Alicia thought.

"Okay. I think I'll start the interrogation with..." Nic turned to Alicia. "Alicia."

But the girl suddenly got up and moved her chair away from the table. "Sorry detective, I have to go to the toilet!" she concluded in a hurry and ran as fast as she could out of the cafeteria.

"Alicia! HEY!" yelled Nic behind her.

The girl ignored Nic's call behind her. She also heard some harsh words coming out of the young detective's mouth for her. But Alicia didn't care. She had to satisfy her curiosity. Questions like where Amanda had gone and who Amanda had been, were disturbing her concentration. Even when Amanda Greenie's name was mentioned, Alicia felt familiar. It was as if they had met before, perhaps in the past.

Or in a time that Alicia didn't realize in the first place.