Wood decided to work with the local police. This time his focus was on Damon, who had recently gone missing. He was thinking that maybe the two of them had run away from society to be with themselves, to avoid criticism about their identity, but Allen had made it clear that it was bigger than that. On his way to the sheriff's office, Wood bumped into a beautiful lady. From the looks on her face, he could tell she was stressed out. Could she be Damon’s mother?“I’m so sorry, my bad,” Wood apologized.“It’s okay,” she said and proceeded, but he stopped her.“Excuse me, are you Damon’s mother?” he asked, getting her attention.He watched as her curiosity peaked and her eyes flashed with hope.“Yes, do you know my son? Have you seen him?” she asked.“That’s why I’m here. I’m Agent Wood. I work with the FBI, and we’re here for the ongoing case of Mr. Alex. During our investigation, we learned that your son also went missing a few days after Alex did,” Wood said.“I don’t even know when Ale
In the ominous hush of Richville's moonlit streets, pandemonium erupted on that fateful evening. The shrill, piercing wails of police sirens shattered the tranquility, sending shockwaves reverberating through the neighborhood. One solitary gunshot, like a sinister omen, shattered the stillness, heralding a night of unrelenting darkness.As the police vehicles converged on the scene, their crimson and blue lights cast eerie, ever-shifting shadows. Illuminated by the flashing lights, the tableau that unfolded before them was nothing short of macabre—a lifeless body sprawled on the unforgiving pavement. It was none other than Nate, a notorious 18-year-old student of Richville High.Chaos and commotion gripped the crime scene, as the police officers struggled to maintain a semblance of order among the gawking, anxious crowd. Amid the tumult, the sheriff and the seasoned investigator knelt beside Nate's lifeless form, their expressions etched with grim determination.After a meticulous exa
In the dimly lit chamber of Richville's Town Hall, a clandestine gathering unfolded. Mayor Samuel Grant, an influential figure himself, had summoned the town's nine founding families to discuss a grim matter—the untimely death of Nate. The air was thick with tension, and shadows danced ominously on the wood-paneled walls.The chamber filled with a silent anticipation as the town's most prominent figures took their seats, some accompanied by their partners. Here, in the heart of Richville, power lay not only in numbers but in old alliances forged through generations.Mayor Samuel Grant, his poise unwavering, surveyed the assembly. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us on this solemn occasion."As he spoke, the spotlight of attention fell upon the families in attendance:The Grants, with Mayor Samuel and his wife, Roberta.The Harringtons, led by Lucas Harrington and his wife, Margaret.The Worthingtons, represented by Charles Worthington and his wife, Eleanor.The Prestons, w
The booming music reverberated through the backyard, where everyone was dancing and cheering, fully immersed in the lively atmosphere. Damon, however, sat beside the pool, his eyes scanning the surroundings, ever vigilant for anything unusual. He had a penchant for suspicion, always on the lookout for anyone not acting as they should.His trance was interrupted when Abigail settled down beside him. She greeted him with a warm smile. "Hey, stranger," she said.Damon turned to her, his curiosity piqued. "Why aren't you partying like the rest of them?" he inquired.Abigail deftly redirected the question back at him. "Well, I could ask you the same."Damon shrugged, leaning back a bit. "You know that's not my thing. I'd rather be on my couch playing video games right now."Abigail let out a sigh, her gaze fixed on the partygoers. "Well, I'd rather be beside my dad, telling him that everything's going to be okay and that this killer is going to be found."Damon raised an eyebrow. "Why aren
It was 6 pm on a Sunday, and the RichVille High soccer team, RichVille FC, was warming up for their match, scheduled to begin in an hour. They were engaging in fitness exercises and mental preparation to ensure they were ready for the game. Fortune asked Damon if he had given the sheriff the phone, to which he confirmed. "What's going to happen now?" Fortune inquired. Damon replied, stating that he had no idea and preferred not to dwell on it, as he needed to be mentally prepared for the match.An hour later, the field was filled with enthusiastic spectators, and the match was set to commence. Cheers and support echoed from both schools as they rallied behind their respective teams. The commentator announced the exciting match-up between RichVille FC and Rivers FC, highlighting the talent and determination displayed by both high school teams throughout the season. It was a perfect evening for soccer, promising an action-packed game. The referee blew the whistle, signaling the start of
Tension hung heavy in the air following Alex's bold claim that he had evidence implicating Danny as the murderer. Abigail couldn't quite wrap her head around what she had just heard; it was a gutsy statement. "What do you know?" she asked, her tone tinged with disbelief. Alex thought it best to take the discussion somewhere more discreet and led them to the locker room before spilling the beans."On the Tuesday night we were celebrating our victory, I asked Phillips to film it because I wanted to share it on my social media," he began. He went on to recount the ongoing hostility between Nate and Danny after their brawl at school the next day, marked by intense glares. According to Alex, Diana was Nate's crush, and he suspected that Nate saw Danny getting too close to her as payback. "So, on Thursday, he invited me to go to Diana's house," Alex continued.Abigail interrupted, seeking clarification, "What was the purpose?" Alex replied, "That's a good question." He explained how they di
Laura found herself immersed in a barrage of police questions regarding Diana’s mysterious death. It was she who had discovered the lifeless body, entering the hospital ward with an uneasy feeling. She knew something was amiss. Carefully, she tapped Diana a few times, her heart sinking as she confirmed the absence of a pulse and a heartbeat. With a heavy heart, she alerted the hospital staff to record the time of death.Amid the relentless police inquiries, Laura did her best to answer their questions. She chose, however, to leave out the detail that her son and the sheriff’s daughter had been the last individuals seen with Diana in the ward aside from the medical team.The sheriff arrived at the hospital and promptly requested a private conversation. Laura led him to her office, where they began discussing the pressing matter.“How did she die, and why was it already in the news?” the sheriff demanded, his voice laced with urgency.“A friend of hers paid a visit this morning and poste
One week later, the somber atmosphere within the church was palpable. A golden casket, beautifully adorned with flowers, occupied the altar, and pictures of Nate were placed beside it.Nate’s mother, Catherine, wept inconsolably, with her husband and some family members attempting to provide comfort.When it came time for someone to deliver a speech on behalf of the school, only one person stepped forward. He spoke of Nate’s supposed caring and loving nature, although many students present knew this portrayal was far from the truth. Their compliance was driven by the need to show respect for the deceased.Finally, as the moment arrived to transport the casket to the burial ground, Danny unexpectedly walked into the church, dressed in a suit. He wished to pay his respects to the deceased, despite the accusations against him. The instant Catherine noticed him, she erupted from her seat, rushing toward him with fury. Danny was at a loss for words as he received a stinging slap across hi
Wood decided to work with the local police. This time his focus was on Damon, who had recently gone missing. He was thinking that maybe the two of them had run away from society to be with themselves, to avoid criticism about their identity, but Allen had made it clear that it was bigger than that. On his way to the sheriff's office, Wood bumped into a beautiful lady. From the looks on her face, he could tell she was stressed out. Could she be Damon’s mother?“I’m so sorry, my bad,” Wood apologized.“It’s okay,” she said and proceeded, but he stopped her.“Excuse me, are you Damon’s mother?” he asked, getting her attention.He watched as her curiosity peaked and her eyes flashed with hope.“Yes, do you know my son? Have you seen him?” she asked.“That’s why I’m here. I’m Agent Wood. I work with the FBI, and we’re here for the ongoing case of Mr. Alex. During our investigation, we learned that your son also went missing a few days after Alex did,” Wood said.“I don’t even know when Ale
Allen, seated on a large chair in his house, contemplated who might have held his son hostage just to get back at him. He was so confused he didn’t know what to do. Just then, his assistant came in with a cup of coffee to help him relax.“Thanks,” he said as soon as he was served. Before sipping the coffee, he asked, “Hey James, do you think one of them has him?” He asked with concern.“I doubt that, sir. They wouldn’t do that; they’re not that dumb. Moreover, if they did, you’d know,” James, his assistant, assured.“Let’s just leave the investigation for the FBI. I just don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be working with them. You know you’re already on their radar,” James added.“I know, but I’ll do anything for my son. They won’t get anything out of me,” Allen said and dismissed James. He then continued to contemplate. Shortly, James came in to announce that Wood was here to see him, to which he told him to allow Wood in.Wood came inside wearing a corporate suit. He walked gr
In less than 24 hours. The FBI was already in the city carrying out investigations, the first thing they did was go to Alex’s school as they learned that he sent the voice message the night they won the championship. With the permission of the school, they began to question students whom they’ve learned are Alex’s known associates, including Fortune and the rest. “So you’re saying he gave his phone to this guy name Phillips and Phillips went home with it?” An agent name “Wood” asked. “Yes, I’m certain,” Alicia replied. “Are you saying that this Phillips person has something to do with Alex being missing?” Wood asked. “I’m not saying that, but we should try connecting the dots here, Alex went to get his phone from him and that was the last time he was heard of or seen.” Alicia explained. “Well, I suppose we’re gonna have to bring this Phillips person in for questioning, I’ve heard his name countless times in this investigation, a few kids said the same thing you said,” Wood said.
"We need to start asking questions: Where was the last place Damon was seen after the trial?" Alicia asked."Um, I didn't see him leave, but neither did we see Phillips too. He and his mother were both present," Abigail replied."We should go check the park. Maybe their security cameras caught something. It's possible that I can hack into it to retrieve videos, photos, or anything that can help," Dominic added."No, it's too risky to hack into a court's security system. Why don't we just ask my dad to retrieve it legally?" Alicia suggested."We don't have that kind of time. This is Damon we're talking about," Fortune said."Trust me, I know the implications of things like this. Let me ask my dad. Just give me time," they all contemplated for a while before agreeing to her plans.Alicia then went to her father's office to discuss with him. In the office, she saw Martha, Philip's mother. Not wanting her to know what they wanted to discuss, she whispered to her father to dismiss her. He,
The time had come for them to meet with Alicia. She called Abigail again and instructed her to ensure Phillips wasn't with them.Abigail was somewhat surprised; this behavior mirrored Damon's. What's the deal with them and Phillips? "That won't be a problem because he's not with us," Abigail replied."Good," Alicia said and hung up. Abigail had only agreed to work with Alicia because of Damon. Otherwise, she would have blocked Alicia's number the moment she called.Abigail, Fortune, Danny, and Dominic went to the school to meet with Alicia. She led them to the chemistry lab, where she pulled out her laptop from her backpack. Then, she connected a drive and played a video for them to watch.In the video, a figure covered in a large black material walked inside gently, as if sneaking in. The material got caught, revealing something golden embedded on their chest and by the waist – a gun. However, the video was blurry, making it impossible to discern the person's face."This looks like t
There are times when we have to suppress our feelings so we won't look weak, to not give our enemies the satisfaction of seeing us broken. It takes a strong mental and emotional will to do this.For Alex, it's something he has had to do all his life. From the moment his mother died and his father left him in the name of business, Alex had to suppress his emotions – to not appear like he was lacking a parental figure, to not appear like he missed his mother.All his life, while being in the midst of people who claimed to be his friends, he always felt lonely and depressed. That's why he camouflaged his feelings into being bad, manipulative, and most of all, sarcastic.He didn't know it, but he constantly put everyone in a situation where they would have to choose between him and someone or something else. He was constantly trying to prove to himself that people didn't really value him, and they just kept him around because of his trauma.He used that excuse to challenge everyone's loyal
Damon discreetly trailed Phillips and his mother, maintaining a cautious distance as he observed their interactions. While preparing to enter the car, they appeared engaged in a heated argument."The police department is going to do everything they can to find the killer; we're in a precarious situation," Martha expressed her concern, contemplating the next course of action. If Danny had been incarcerated, the case would have concluded, sparing them scrutiny. However, now the police would intensify their efforts until the perpetrator was identified.Martha grappled with the implications of Alex's disappearance. Anticipating that the town would soon be inundated with security agents, she recognized the complexity of the situation she had unwittingly entangled herself in. Faced with these challenges, she pondered devising a plan. The notion of portraying Alex's demise as an accident crossed her mind, but the geographical incongruity and potential questions arose—Alex is said to have left
Damon then called Danny's lawyer, instructing him to keep everything a secret and meet him at the restaurant."Why's that?" Ramirez asked on the phone."You wanna win or not, get here, please," Damon said and hung up.The restaurant door opened, and a man dressed in a corporate suit entered. He scanned the place and saw Damon sitting beside two girls. He then went to them."This better be quick," he said, sitting down and checking his watch.Damon then introduced them and told him their story and how Regina could actually be the key to Danny's freedom.Ramirez watched the video thoroughly, studying it."Check the time it was filmed," Damon said.He then looked at the bottom of the video; the time was exactly when Nate was shot. This proves that Danny wasn't the one who did it.Finally, he wasn't going to lose to Garry this time."Do you know what this means? Your friend could be free for this. If I could put you on the witness stand and you testify to this, my client is definitely gonn
"Mr. Daniel Weston, you said Diana was with you the first time; can you please elaborate on what happened the first time?" the prosecutor said.Danny then looked at his lawyer, who gave him the go-ahead."She came to my house to study first, and then while studying, we heard noise from the living room. I immediately knew it was my dad... beating up my mom, so I went to help," Danny replied."How exactly did you plan on helping? Were you going to fight your father or beg him?" The prosecutor asked."How does this concern... all of this?" Danny snapped. He looked at the judge, who didn't utter any word. God, he hated lawyers. Maybe this was also a legal procedure, or was the prosecutor trying to get him to fumble his story and prove he's been lying all along? Not a chance."I tried to get him to back down, even if it meant fighting back, and he eventually did," Danny said."But that's not exactly how I remember the story," the prosecutor said.'What now?' Danny thought. Why was this man