Confidential Scheme 1

Chapter 10.1: One Murder, Two Suspects, Three Cases

Chloe's POV

One... Two... Three.

I opened the door and to my surprise Lorcan was nowhere to be found in the room. Dustin and Minji both looked at me.

"Good morning, Chloe."

"Good day, Chloe."

They both greeted me a good morning. But this day wasn't gonna be good if there's no Lorcan here. I need to apologize for what I did yesterday.

Not because my conscience is killing me and I wanted to let go of the burden. But because I know he's hurt for what I've done. Should've take precautions for what I'm gonna do next time even though someone's good was on the line.

"Where's Lorcan?" I asked as I put my bag on the couch.

"Oh, he will go somewhere but he didn't tell where. He said he'll be back soon."

I nodded.

I sighed in my mind. It's probably because he didn't wanna see the face of the girl who threatened him of deleting one of his treasures. But as time goes by, I'm more getting curious where is the girl in the picture?

And what relation did the they share?

I shook my head to disregard all my thoughts. I need to think of something how to apologize for Lorcan. O fcourse it's important if he forgive me for what I did.

But I would still understand if he doesn't want to at the moment. Where is he even?

"Chloe, do you want to come? We're heading at the cafeteria. I didn't take any breakfast." Minji asked me.

"No, I'm good. I will wait for Lorcan here. You may go."

"You sure? It might take long for Lorcan to come back." Dustin said.

"I'm really fine. Besides there might be a client that'll come today. I'll handle them."

I assured them.

"Alright, you said so." Dustin flashed a tiny smile and closed the wooden door.

I will wait for Lorcan. I need to think of words that I could say when Lorcan steps and enter the door. Then...

Minutes of waiting...

Then I heard the bell rang.

I suddenly jolt out of sleep. Sheesh. I slept?

I quickly find my phone and took it from inside of my bag and looked at the time.

It's time for the first subject.

I quickly grabbed my bag and stepped out outside of the clubroom. I also locked the door and walk as fast as I could towards my classroom building.

I can't be late!

If ever I'm late then I don't know what to do.

I didn't realized I fell asleep. Well, now I know.

When I was meters away from my classroom, I slowed down. I peeked on the door when my heart almost stopped beating.

"No professors at th-"

I gasped as I looked at the man behind me. He was also stunned by my reaction but still didn't seem to be shocked. His face is still the same.

"Blaze."

"You're not late. She is."

I looked at the direction where he looked to see what is he talking about. I quickly ran towards my sit and my bag down but silently.

While Blaze is just casually walking until he's already sitted. How can he be so calm?

Throughout the two subject discussions, I can't seemt to get or focus to what our professors are saying. My mind is on something else.

Good thing none of the both have called me for recitation or else I would've answered nothing. Well that depends on the question.

When the 2nd subject ended, the bell rang. As usual, I remained sitted on my chair and didn't move a muscle.

"Hi Blaze, do you want to come with us?"

"Blaze can I take a picture with you? Please I just need it."

"Blaze what's your fa-"

"Blaze are you-

"Blaze!"

"Blaze?"

Ugh! I can't take this anymore.

"BLAZE!"

I caught everybody's attention on the classroom. I looked at my surrounding and found that the only people left in here are Blaze, me and the... I don't want to say it anymore.

"Blaze is coming with me and me only, get out!" Stooding up and looking at them as intimidating as I could.

The girls looked terrified as they left the room. Seconds later then realized what I just did. Blaze is looking at me and I don't what he felt about that. That's so embarassing.

I sit on my chair and put my head down on the table with my hands supporting it.

"Where are we going?"

I bit my lip as I hear his voice asking obviously me.

"I'm sorry." I said still remained with my position.

"For what?" His voice increased volume so he probably lean forward or at least his head.

"For doing that. I'm just pissed off."

"A'ight."

Then minutes of silence occured. My head is still down. Until I heard many footsteps entering the room the next minutes.

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"No, I will go with my friends."

I am now sitting on a bench just meters away from any classroom buildings. I was thinking of something when I see some feet standing in front of me. It was Blaze. He asked if I want to go with him leave the university.

He nodded. My eyes followed him as he disappear from my sight. I appreciate what he did. But I can't let this day end without apologizing to Lorcan.

It's two days due already. Well, there's not really time limit for saying sorry. You can say whenever you want. For me, I want to say it as fast as I could.

But Lorcan seemed to avoiding me these days so I didn't have any chance. Its my fault and this is the consequence.

I just wished he won't avoid me this time or at least listen to what I have to say.

Addison is absent for the past two days for some reason. I texted her to ask how is she doing. She answered she's okay. She's got a fever but it's getting better through time.

Addison's presence brings happiness and I don't know why. Same of having these guys by my side. I smiled. Can't believe I have actually made friends in such a short amount of time.

When I came here, I was quiet intimidated of the people. I thought that people here was different. It's a different province. Different university.

I expected them the exact opposite way. But it's kind of like the same from when I was still in Manila. My smile fade away and I shook my head.

I think coming in here is one of the best decisions I've made.

My thoughts ended when I felt something vibrated in my pocket. My phone again. It was probably Lucy since we haven't still finished talking about my stay here.

She wants to ask about my new friends. The life I live in and how am I adjusting to things.

But I was wrong. It's another unregistered number coming from an unknown person.

I wanted to talk to you but I was a bit shy.

Did you like what I put in your locker.

Please answer.

I became uncomfortable suddenly. I looked at my surroundings to see if someone's watching me. All I see was a few students going towards the direction of the exit gate.

I looked at my phone again. If this person thinks I'm going to reply to him then he's very wrong. This is getting creepier. This needs to stop as soon as possible.

Wait. I've got an idea. I composed a text message and sent it to the person.

I hope this works.

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I'm going to meet that person soon. I need not to lower my guards. I need to be careful. I don't know what that person is capable of doing. I took a deep breathe once again.

I heard the door opened once again. I turned as soon as I heard his footsteps getting towards me.

Martin?

"You said you want to meet me. Here I am, Chloe."

"Wait. It's you all along."

"Yes." he said flashing such a creepy smile.

"Good choice of place, huh?" He added as he look around.

"Cut it. What do you want from me?"

He looked at me. And walked towards me.

"I like everything about you. Your hair. Your lips," The more he talks the creepier it gets.

I keep moving backwards 'cause he keeps walking towards me.

Bzzzzzz

His face and body shivered abnormally and seconds later, his body fell on the ground.

I took a deep breath and stare at the man in front of me.

"Thank you, Lorcan."

He just stare at me.

"I didn't have the chance to say this earlier. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I didn't know that-"

"Shh," he stopped me. "I already know the reason but you should know, that I know when to behave."

I nodded. "So, what now?" I looked at the perverts body lying on the floor.

You deserved that.

"We'll bury him with his crimes."

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What exactly happened in there? Well, I texted the unknown number to meet me on the gymnasium. It's fortunately still open. I told him to meet me backstage.

I waited for minutes then I heard someone opened the door. I gasped as I saw Lorcan walking towards me.

"What are you doing here?"

"What are YOU doing here?" He out the question back to me.

"I am meeting someone. What about you?"

"That's irrelevant for the situation. Explain who's this person you're meeting."

He quickly answered. He didn't even stutter.

"Well someone's been sending me gifts-"

"Like a secret admirer?"

"Yes. Like that. But... the longer it gets, the more I am feeling uncomfortable. I wanna know who he is."

He then borrowed my phone and opened the recorder app. He told me to put it on my pocket to record the conversation between me and the creepy admirer.

"Do what you want to do. I'll be right here."

Minutes ago, I wanted to back off because I felt like something bad will happen. But right now... I felt like no matter what happen, someone will be right there to protect me.

When Martin was about to touch me, there's Lorcan behind him who's holding an electric stunner on his right hand. He then put in on his neck until he's unconscious.

That night we also called the campus police and gave the evidences such as the text messages and the recording. It was all thanks to Lorcan.

I am now curious to the possibility that what if Lorcan didn't arrive that time. What will happen to me?

But I am more curious as to why is he there the exact time I am at the place? Maybe it's just coincidence.

Today's another day. I headed at the clubroom and found Minji as the only person at the moment.

"Lorcan's going to the campus police. He said he'll going to check how's that secret admirer of yours."

"Wait. He's still on the campus police? Is there a case that'll leave him detained there? He didn't do anything to me."

As much as I want Martin to pay for that. I don't think it's fair considering that he didn't do anything in me. Maybe he was gonna do something bad but that thing didn't have a chance to happen 'cause Lorcan was there.

"Lorcan's for sure gonna do everything to make that secret admirer removed from this school."

To think of it, I don't really care about Martin being expelled. That's his fault not mine. But what's bothering me is why Lorcan is so eager to make sure that he'll be expelled?

I opened the door.

"Chloe? Where are you going?"

"I will just asked Lorcan about... Some things."

"Wait, let me come with you." She said closing her laptop.

I waited for her as she locked the door. She double-checked if it's really locked then she looked at me and we both walk heading to the campus police.

We got lots of time if ever there's something we get to do. Meters away from here from the campus police, we're seeing Lorcan talking to Officer Bernard. He's holding a folder probably consisting of files and/or documents on his left hand.

He glanced at me as we enter the custody.

"Oh, your girlfriends are fetching you." The Officer punned.

Lorcan didn't seem to be bothered at all. "We'll go."

At the first place, we didn't we want to look like we were fetching him. But we arrived the exact time where he was about to leave.

We were about to walk outside when we heard the other police officers calling out Officer Bernard.

"Writher situation!"

For some reason, Lorcan went with them. Me and Minji exchanged glances then we followed them inside.

I don't know much about police station because this actually the first time I've been here since that incident. I shook my head and tried to focus of what I'm seeing.

A guy was lying on the floor unconscious with bubbles flowing down his mouth. The longer I look on the person's face, the more I'm getting familiar with it.

Wait. Is that Michael Writher?

Lorcan steps inside wearing his gloves and carefully put his two fingers on the person's neck checking for any pulse. He also put his finger inches away in front of his nose before looking at the Officer.

"He's dead."

Minutes later some people lift his body and put in on top of the stretcher. Lorcan was looking down when I entered the interrogation room.

He's probably thinking what's the possible cause of Michael's dead.

"Lorcan." I called him and placed my palm mid-air in front of him.

He looked at it and changed his glance at me. I sighed, "Gloves."

He then took two pair of latex gloves out of his left pocket. It was folded to a tiny fabric so that explains why it fit on his pocket.

I gave the other pair to Minji. I said that wanted to solve a case. This is it. This is an opportunity and to widen my skills on a detective work.

I can no longer hold to look like a decoration for the club.

We need to find out what killed Michael. And how did he die. I memorized the details that I've seen earlier when his body is still here.

Lying unconscious on the floor. Eyes closed. Something was also coming out of his mouth.

"Minji." I heard Lorcan's voice beside me. He passed the glass of what seem to be water.

Minji then smelled the glass inches away from her nose.

"That smells like it."

Then Minji looked at me. I was confused st first but when I saw Lorcan's face I already knew what they were waiting for.

"Is it poison?" I asked. I cannot say it is poison, I haven't smelled or touched the bottle yet. I also don't know anything about poison at all so I can't risk it.

"Of all possibilities, it's the only thing that fit on Michael's condition." He said looking down where Michael was lying down earlier.

"How?" I knew possible answers as to why he come up with that but I need to hear it from him.

"His eyebal were twitched when I checked them. There's also some reddish traces on his neck, possibly because of the pressure he put when the effects of the poison is spreading all ove this body. Imagine you're choking, what would a normal person do and what's the first thing you'll touch?"

I was getting more interested of what he's going to say.

"The top two buttons on his polo shirt were also untied and how will you explain that if the temperature especially here inside is cool? I also observed that his hand were a bit wet. Why would that be?"

Wow. Just as I expected. He's seeing things widely and making sure that there are no holes with his explanation. No wonder he can actually solve a case on his own.

I want to ask myself, what am I even doing in here?

"In conclusion, Michael died because he's poisoned."

"And that poison is no other than cyanide."

Minji said as she stare at the glass on the table.

"Cyanide can kill a person within minutes. Immediate symptoms are headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness and rapid heart rate. The longer and more the exposure, it can cause serious problems maybe coma and for this case... death." Minji explained.

"Cyanide? Isn't it one of the dealiest poison that have exist?"

"It is exactly. One of the most lethal." Minji added.

"Does this mean he comitted suicide?"

"That's possible." Lorcan replied.

Something was telling me that this is indeed suicide but I get why Lorcan is looking on different angles of the case. I'm still stuck with my suicide theory because I don't any of the officers here had a motive to poison Michael.

And also he's going to transfer to a bigger cell. In the prison. Maybe because he doesn't want to live a miserable life inside so he just end his life and see it as the only solution.

We followed Lorcan as he opened the door. I was shocked when I saw how many police officers are watching outside. I didn't even realize that some people were actually watching us maybe because I was preoccupied by what is happening.

"We were listening. I guess you need to check that thing now?"

"You know me too well, Officer. Indeed, we're actually heading in now."

I have no idea what they're talking about.

"Take this. I always have it everytime we interview someone, this might help you." The Officer handed a black of what seemed a recorder. Audio recorder.

He nodded and we followed the direction he's heading to. I thought we were going to leave the station when Lorcan turned right.

There's also a 2nd floor to this building. It's quite large considering that's only a campus police.

We spent second of walking until we stopped in front of a door then without knocking Lorcan opened the door. There was a man sitting in front of video monitors hanging on the wall.

So, this is the CCTV room.

"Lorcan, long time no see!" The guy seemed to know Lorcan for so long.

"I know what you're here for. A'ight take your time." He tapped Lorcan's right shoulder.

The guy then leave the room. He wasn't even finished yet when Lorcan clicked the keyboard and examine everything that can be seen.

He spent minutes on clicking and repeating each of the footages. There was one showed Michael was still in a positive condition. He didn't seem to have anything burden at all.

There's only two people inside the interrogation room. Minutes later another police officer with slim body bring glass of water inside. We saw Michael drink ounces of it until he finished it minutes later.

We waited for minutes. Until Michael's face became weird. His eyes were a but twitching. He looks like he was feeling so he unbuttoned his shirt. The officer in front seemed alarmed for what's he acting.

Then seconds later, he grasped for his neck as if he can't breathe and looked like he was choking. The officer in front of him called out people outside. He coughed until white bubbles came out of his mouth. His hand also lose it's balance sand dropped on the floor.

Seconds later when Lorcan entered with his gloves on. Exactly what had happened earlier.

"Found anything suspicious?" Minji asked all of a sudden.

"There's something wrong." Then he paused the video from where an Officer entered holding the glass of water. "I haven't seen him."

He's definitely talking about that police officer. I feel something off with him but I'm not sure what it is.

He then switched to another CCTV monitor. This time, it's the footage outside.

He turned it backwards until we saw the same police officer heading outside. That's confirmed, it's him. But why would he do that the time where Michael died? He's just walking casually.

Lorcan then turned it back again right before we went to the station.

The video showed Lorcan entering the station. Two minutes later he was followed by a police officer who was obviously late, he's still fixing his unbuttoned uniform.

Minutes after the last one, the footage showed the same person who walked towards the entrance. Lorcan posted it and zoomed it in.

"I knew it. That's why you're not familiar..."

"Minji, do you know where Madeline is staying?"

Minji nodded. "She's just staying right at the condominium in front."

Then Lorcan opened and walk swiftly as he could. It's the time again. I need to keep up. From fast to faster until he ran outside. The school guard is shouting but we don't have time.

Well, according to Lorcan's fast reflexes. I believe this is not something to wait for. We need to arrive as fast as we could.

When we were meters away from the condominium's entrance, Lorcan slowed down a bit. So as we. Me and Minji were both catching our breathe as we still follow Lorcan.

The security guard greeted us. When we past the entrance, he ran towards one of the elevators and tapped on the button.

"What's the rush?" I said still catching up my breathe.

He was about to say something when the elevator opened. We walked inside and Minji tapped the number icon 3.

"She's on room 307." She added.

Ding!

When the elevator door opened, we're still in a rush. Lorcan is still walking faster than usual so we need to keep up. But it's definitely much slower than before so I'm glad about that.

We halted in front of room 307. Lorcan didn't bother knocking and straight up opened the door.

The condominium is unexpectedly huge. We found no one around as we enter.

"She must be in her room."

Lorcan stopped in front of a door and quickly opened it. Wrong door! It's the bathroom.

Only one door left so there's no way it's not the room. If not then where could it be?

He once again opened the door.

Lorcan came to a halt. Minji walked backwards. I gasped.

What on earth did happen?

Two girls were hanged on the bedroom's ceiling.