Thirty Nine

CHAPTER 39

Golden High Sports Stadium, in gym class.

The sound of the ball being purposefully dribbled during gym time made Nicholas even more convinced that Ace was telling the truth yesterday. That young detective walked slowly, taking in every inch of the indoor stadium built under Wilson Blake's rule with great interest. The interior looked luxurious and classy. Nicholas thought that the old man Blake did not want to be too conspicuous so he chose to apply a light blue color to the stadium walls.

For the duration of the investigation, Nicholas or the team of investigators sent directly by Paul Scoots had full rights to the facilities in the dormitory. And all of that has been an agreement between the chief and Wilson Blake to find the serial killer who is still on the loose in the dormitory. They were so sure the killer was hiding in the school, that security was tightened, but as much as possible students were made to feel comfortable.

Nicholas then sat in one of the stadium seats, mingling with the other students and being a spectator during the basketball game. And in the middle of the synthetic court, Nicholas found Ace, Luke and Jake. His eyes began to scan every move they made and assumed.

"Let's start with that kid," he mused as the black-brown bead spotted Ace. Ace appeared to be holding the ball and running toward the opposing hoop. "Ace has a pretty strong physique, his body is well-proportioned and his movements are pretty fast. But from the way he gave up the ball to his friend, he seems unselfish and sympathetic to others." Nicholas shook his head. "It would be hard to suspect him of murder, especially when the victim is his own best friend. Although his emotions do seem to be more prominent," he said to himself.

Nicholas then moved on to Luke. Ace's closest friend could hack banned sites well. "His physique is not much different from Ace's, maybe they have almost the same energy." He opined while rubbing his chin lightly. "But Luke looks childish and silly. Can someone like him do that? I kind of doubt it."

In the midst of scouting, the sound of applause and cheering from the crowd began to break Nicholas' focus. Ace had just scored and Jake didn't seem to like it. They exchanged glances while the rest of the crowd began to call out, demanding a duel on the basketball court right then and there.

"Jake... that kid--"

"Nic?" someone called out, causing Nicholas to immediately draw his gaze towards the source of the voice. It was Brittany.

The blonde-haired girl with a full back smiled slightly before walking over to Nicholas and sitting next to him. Nicholas smiled kindly from where he was. "Are you doing something important here?" Brittany asked.

And Nicholas nodded. "I'm looking out for students who might be suspicious here," he answered frankly. He then raised one eyebrow. "Are you alone?"

"Alicia is in the restroom."

"I see," Nicholas said. "Are you always with her in the dorms? You seem close."

Brittany smiled slightly and folded her arms across her chest. Her face turned to the basketball game that was beginning to heat up on the court. "I'm not friends with anyone besides James. But I think Alicia can make me feel better after James left," she said bitterly.

Nicholas could feel the mood turn somber between them. Brittany's hazel eyes were suddenly sad and Nic could tell she was trying to hide it. "You must miss him a lot, Britt," Nicholas concluded.

"Yes, I do." Brittany looked away. "I still can't accept all of this until the culprit is caught. Alicia said..." Brittany trailed off and Nicholas was certainly curious about that.

"What did she say?"

Brittany sighed heavily before continuing her sentence, "Alicia started asking me if James might have had a specific reason for taking the cocaine and we all know he's not that kind of person, right?"

So, Alicia started investigating the case on her own now?

"Ah, Nic, I have to go." Brittany got up from her chair. "By the way, are you still here until tonight?"

Nicholas muttered under his breath, "I guess so. What's up?"

"Can you join me and Alicia for dinner tonight?" Brittany gave a quick shrug of her shoulders. "I invited her to eat at the new cafe tonight."

"I guess I could." Nicholas smiled kindly. "Call me when you two are ready."

"Bye, Nic," Brittany said goodbye.

"Bye."

Nicholas rubbed his temples lightly. It felt like his head was suddenly assaulted with dizziness to see Brittany that sad. This must all be hard for her, Nic thought. After all, they had known each other for a long time and Brittany was like a sister to him. He exhaled heavily before turning back to the court. "Where was I."

On the basketball court, the game seemed to be heating up. Jake's game turned aggressive when Ace pushed him with one shoulder, causing the ball to fall into his hands. While the game was getting more intense, the crowd sitting around Nicholas was getting more enthusiastic and cheering louder.

"Dr. Drew said that the stab wounds left by the perpetrator were made to vent a deep-seated grudge." Nicholas muttered to himself. "The deep and long incision was made in the chest area, not directly to the heart. The perpetrator seems to have wanted to witness James' suffering before he actually died."

The black-brown bead drew its gaze towards Jake. Squinting her eyes intently at Elena's lover. "Jake... is the only one with a motive here. He may hold a grudge for being cut from the core team, but..." Nicholas took a short breath and sharpened his gaze. "This is impossible. Jake looked worried when Elena pressed him. It's like the kid doesn't have enough courage to kill someone."

Nicholas' opinions and speculations were then interrupted by a vibration coming from his own cell phone. Nicholas immediately checked it and found Noel's name on the screen. "What's wrong?" he asked matter-of-factly.

"We found evidence, detective," he said from the other side.

Nicholas flexed his forehead deeply. "What did you say?"