Juji -- Teen Investigator

Chapter 12 - "Computer Night"

    I sat on the floor next to the couch and was going over details of my investigation. Examination captured still frames, I zoomed in on shots from all around Annie’s Antiques. Photos showed everything from old clothes, old records, and old books to beautiful polished antique furniture.

    I had confirmed the connection to Winston but believe Annie was unaware of illegal activities. Although I still had no direct evidence proving d**g sales, I was convinced that Annie had no involvement.

    “So you know The Beatles’ first drummer?” asked Grandpa as he muted the volume on his favorite game show again.

    Without hesitation, I answered. “It was Pete Best. He played and performed for two years and was kicked out before the Beatles had their first number-one single in England.”

    “How do you know these things? You’re like an encyclopedia!” When Grandpa hit the remote control button, the players began guessing answers.

    “Ringo Starr?”

    “John Lennon?”

    Players made their guesses before the host of the show finally gave the correct answer, “The first drummer of The Beatles was named... Pete Best.”

    I continued. “The Anthology album contained original recordings of songs with drums played by Pete Best. That was the first time Best was paid royalties for Beatles’ songs.”

    “I always liked Ringo Starr. Even though he didn’t write songs, he was my favorite Beatle,” answered Grandpa.

    “He actually did write two songs on Beatles albums. ‘Don’t Make Me Cry’ on the ‘White Album’ and ‘Octopus’s Garden’ on the Abbey Road album.”

    Grandpa looked confused. “How can you possibly know that much detail about The Beatles? I thought I was the Beatles expert.”

    “Okay, guys. Come and eat.” Grandma began carrying dishes out to the table. I wanted to continue laying out details for my investigation but wanted to be respectful. I closed my textbooks and laptop, and shut down my phone.

    “Oh boy, your Grandma made her specialty, Juji. It’s her ‘Home Fried Rice”. It’s got three types of meat, with a perfect combination of vegetables, onion, and secret spices. It will always rank as my absolute favorite.”

    Grandma had laid out a salad, main course, and dessert on the table; but she remained quiet as she sat down. “Thank you, Grandma,” I said politely. “It looks delicious.”

    Without speaking, I put down a scoop of each dish on my plate. Grandpa finally broke the silence, “So Juji, what can you tell us about your latest investigation? Any news?”

    “I’m still gathering evidence, but I think I’m getting closer to solving the case. I plan to confront the suspect in the morning.”

    “I don’t want you getting involved in other people’s private lives,” Grandma said. “Just because you disagree with someone’s actions does not give you the right to start pointing fingers.”

    Grandpa quickly butted in, “I think it’s wonderful that Juji is sticking her neck out just to do what is right. She’s only making the school and the city safer. Can you tell us details of today’s crime?”

    “I believe I have uncovered an illegal distribution of drugs being sold on the campus of Pixley High School.”

    “Those are pretty strong charges,” replied Grandma. “You better have indisputable evidence.”

    “Juji, we don’t want you making enemies with d**g dealers and d**g addicts. That’s not something young boys and girls should be involved in. It could get you in trouble.”

    “I have video of an unexplainable exchange and recorded testimony from the employer of the distributing source. When I confront them with the...”

    Grandma then slammed her fork down and cut me off, “Do you realize what you're doing? You’re endangering our family name and the life that we’ve built here over the last twenty years.”

    “Juji, do you have a plan? How can we be sure of your security?” asked Grandpa.

    “I feel assured that after confrontation, a deal can be struck resulting in a settlement that will appease all sides.”

    “When will this confrontation be taking place?” asked Grandma.

    “I have more investigation to conduct that will ensure disciplinary actions for all parties involved without involving the school or the police department.”

    Grandma shook her head before Grandpa looked over, “Maybe I can be like armed reinforcement.”

    “You can’t be armed. You don’t even have a g*n!” yelled Grandma.

    “I don’t need a g*n. I can use one of these knives, and maybe I can just throw rocks.”

    “No. It’s okay,” I replied. “I don’t need security, and I don’t want police involvement. My confrontation will be a simple matter of questioning several of the parties involved. In exchange for a confession and a promise, no charges will be filed.”

    “Juji, crime-solving is not so simple. People don’t just confess and make promises,” replied Grandpa.

    “And when a criminal promises to be good, that’s usually just another crime -- perjury,” said Grandma before the two began yelling again.

    “No,” I replied. “I have everything worked out. Guilty parties will be asked to correct all wrongdoings.”

    “So what happens if there is retaliation? What if you are mysteriously taken out of the picture?” asked Grandma. “What are we then supposed to do?”

    “If anything happens to me, all documented evidence will be presented to police,” I replied. “Responsible parties will be prosecuted and put in jail. The only incentive of lawbreakers will be to keep me alive and healthy.”

    “I can’t argue with that,” replied Grandpa. “Sounds like you’ve got all your bases covered.”

    “Sounds like Juji’s in line for a double play. I’m scared she’s going to get thrown out before she gets around first base.” Grandma put down her fork, then picked up her plate and walked back into the kitchen.

    I continued eating from my plate before Grandpa turned to me, “I think you’re a brave genius for taking on these d**g criminals. Your Mom and Dad would be proud. They both risked their lives to do what was right.”

    “Yes, I’ve always been very proud of their dedication.”

    Grandpa then stopped and put his fork down. “My one request, Juji, is you must do everything you can to protect yourself. Grandma’s right. We can’t take being informed of some unexplained accident. That’s just too big of a price.”

    “I know. I will remain safe, and I’ll keep all my bases covered.” I finished my last bite of food and picked up my plate. “I’m going upstairs to finish my work. Thanks, Grandpa.”

     When I got to my room, I immediately carried my phone and laptop to my computer and began downloading photos and videos. Variations of color and angles varied, but each student in the school parking lot was identified and documented with pictures taken from the school yearbook.

    Shots of Winston making deals and exchanges with students ten five to ten years younger were unmistakable. Photos showed clear shots of small substances in small bags. Money was also being exchanged, and smoke could be seen around students around the car.

    I compiled meaningful documentation for everyone involved, then created individual files of students that included photos, descriptions, plus school information along with legal history.

    “Ring!” The phone began ringing, and I didn’t move. I never received phone calls past seven o’clock, and those calls usually involved sales. Grandpa answered the phone but was quiet. I sat listening to what he might say, then heard him quietly walking up the hall to my room.

    “Knock, knock, knock.”

    “Yes?” I answered softly looking up from my computer. “What is it?”

    Grandpa opened the door slowly and poked his head into the room. “It’s for you Juji.”

    “What? It can’t be. I don’t get sales calls after seven.”

    “It’s a boy. He sounds like he might be from your school.” Grandpa then walked over to my chair and handed me the phone. He then stood quietly waiting for me to say something.

    I took the phone and waved Grandpa out of the room. “Hello?”

    There seemed to be a long pause before the voice on the other end spoke up. “Hello? Juji? This is Sean. Do you have a second? I mean, can you talk?”

    “I am doing important work right now, and I do not have free time to spend socializing.”

    “Oh, I understand,” Sean said. “Will you have time for the ‘Fall Formal’ Dance on Saturday? I just want to ask you personally... So you won’t have to have pressure... like we were at school... like in the cafeteria.”

    “I understand. I am preparing for an important meeting in the morning, and I am unable to discuss social activities,” I said respectfully. “I’ll speak to you about my schedule in the school lunchroom tomorrow.”

    “Okay. Cool. Not a problem.”

    “Now I have to get back to work,” I said.

    “Thanks, Juji. See ya tomorrow.”

    “Goodbye.” I hung up the phone and thought about what I would do about a dance. At my age, a formal date and just attendance at a school dance might be inappropriate.

    The door began to squeak open again, “So everything okay? Did that have something to do with your investigation?”

    “Everything is fine, Grandpa. It was just a student from my school. Not a big deal. I’ve got to get back to work.”

    “Okay Juji.” Grandpa reassured me as he pulled the door closed. “Me and Grandma just want to make sure you’re safe.”

    “Thank you,” I replied.

    When I turned back to my computer, I searched for information on laws for all d**g offenses, from the purchase of illegal chemicals to the sale of drugs to minors. Drugs exchanged involving a minor on school grounds could be prosecuted as a felony or misdemeanor. Under aggravated circumstances, the crime could be constituted as unjust behavior. Any adult involved in the exchange of an illegal substance could face two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

    The penalty for students involved in illegal d**g exchange could result in expulsion and up to one year in jail. I felt it was important to have a full understanding of all these laws ready to lay out for Annie and Winston at the time of tomorrow’s confrontation.

    When I started printing, I wanted to avoid complications. My plan was to lay out easy to follow documentation showing the time, location, and accurate photos and descriptions of everyone involved. This information would be laid out in a detailed file on line so if anything were to happen to me, all documented information would immediately go to the police.

    My plan was to simply confront Winston and reveal his actions to Annie. I would then go over details of crimes that were committed, and I would explain all penalties that applied. I would finish by giving Winston the simple option of confessing and promising to halt all crimes being committed, or dealing with authorities in a formal investigation.

    Sheets printed, and I laid them out on the bed. I then placed sheets in order for proper presentation. I went over the details and made sure there was no repetition and no inconsistencies. When I was satisfied with the content, I closed the computer programs and set up a recharger on my phone.

    “Juji?” Grandma opened the door slowly and began to walk in. “Your grandpa and I are concerned about the danger you may be in. Planning to confront a d**g dealer and taking calls from boys at night is very frightening to us.”

    “I understand,” I replied. “I have documented evidence and proper options that will benefit all guilty parties.”

    “But you’re just fourteen years old. It’s not your place. This is dangerous.”

    “I’ll be fine. And I’ll be turning fifteen in just a few weeks,” I said as I climbed into bed.

    “But Juji...”

    “Good night Grandma,” I replied. Grandma then walked out mumbling.