THE BLAME

Detective Roland

Detective Roland appeared, introducing himself to Jamie. They then proceeded to Jessica's tent to investigate further. 

"Do we have any suspects whatsoever? Any ideas of who could've done this?" The detective asked Jamie with such authority and power which made even him feel small. 

"Two girls assume one culprit," he answered quickly. Whether this was true, he'd not know so he added, "But I must inform you that the one they suspect, is the girl who got lost the previous night and injured too."

Roland kept his focus on the scene in front of him, motioning for the forensics to do what they're supposed to. "Quite an unlucky camp for you, hey. I'd like to ask her a few questions, please."

Mirah was brought into a separate room once again where there was another chair seated across from her. 

"Mirah, that's a pretty name," Detective Roland smiled invitingly. Probably to persuade her into confessing all she knows.  

"I'm going to ask you a few questions, is that right with you?" Mirah nodded, fiddling with her fingers to maintain her focus and cool. 

"Do you know why you got lost on the trial?" Yes, she did. Jessica sabotaged it so that she would get lost. But that would give her a motive, so she answered "Lucas hid the pointer that would've directed us in the right way."

"Do you know why he did that?" Of course; he loves Jessica and whatever Jessica tells him to do, he will. "Maybe it was a prank of some sort," she responded instead. 

"Did Lucas know you were going to be on that trail after him and his group?" Detective Roland kept the same monotone voice all throughout his interview as to not alert her in any way. 

"What are you saying? You think Lucas intended to prank me?" She tried sounding shocked by the suggestion, albeit knowing more than what she's letting on. 

"It remains a possibility that we have to see into. The person responsible for this may not even be involved in this camp, but could be an irregular burglary if looking at the expensive tent Jessica owns," Roland continued. 

Mirah hadn't even thought of this. If it were the case, then whatever she has to say about her findings of the incident would be irrelevant. 

It was the final day of camp, and this had to be resolved before everyone left. Soon, most evidence was put into sealed plastic bags and forensics revealed that it was a hammer which had bashed the victim's skull. Right at the temple, suggesting the girl had to lay on her back with her left side temple revealed. This further suggested the height of the suspect to be reasonable as they must've stood over her unconscious body, with both feet either side. In total, it appeared there were two blows to the head, enough to had broken the skull. 

Detective Roland crossed Mirah out as a suspect. No way possible she could've stood with such strength to hit a hammer only twice to break a skull with a swollen and bruised ankle like hers which he did inspect himself. And what motive did she have anyway? If Mirah was the guilty one, she'd have a greater reason. Besides, it was Lucas who lead her off track after all if that were to be of any motive. 

"Why did you suspect Mirah to be guilty?" the detective asked Jackie and Olivia, who had claimed they thought what they knew was the truth.

"It isn't rocket science to see that Lucas is head over heels for Jessica," Olivia mentioned. The two girls seem less in shock than what you'd expect when your friend's head was smashed with a hammer. Roland knew not why this had to have any connection. The case seemed as dark as it was getting outside so far. 

"Oh right, you don't know," Jackie rolled her eyes, "Mirah and Lucas are dating. It'd only seem like she was jealous enough to try something like that." He couldn't connect the dots; the file reports that came back running the criminal record search showed that no one on camp had convicted any serious crimes before. 

"Stupid," he had murmured under his breath when he stood up to leave. There must be another motive. Roland noticed how close Mirah and Asher are, wherever she goes he isn't far behind. This was suspicious especially since Mirah was seeing Lucas. Unless...

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"What is your history with Mirah?" 

"What do you mean, Detective?" Asher asked in return. 

"What I mean is, how long have you known each other? What are your feelings toward her, that kind of stuff," Roland waved his hands as to indicate elaboration while there was a smirk plastered on his face Asher didn't quite appreciate. 

"I've known her a long time. To me she is an amazing friend and I love her," he sounded confident in his answer. He had no idea what was coming for him. 

"Do you love her only as a friend?" 

"She is the love of my life. I'd do anything for her," he boasted of the girl he loves, unable to speak any less of her. 

"As I take it, you were the one to go and find her in the woods? Did anything happen between you two?" He was now squinting his eyes, anticipating an answer from Asher. Contradicting, Asher stayed still for a while. He then explained that he had kissed her without going into further details. 

"Does Lucas know this?" 

"I don't know who knows this other than me, Mirah and Jess-" He realized what he had said a second too late and Roland caught on to that as well. Despite this, he had what he needed from Asher, dismissing him. 

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It wasn't long after Asher left the office where the interrogations were held when the call came through. Jessica is dead. They couldn't save her. Her skull was too damaged and her brain further injured. The entire camp once filled with excitement was now enclosed in remorse and suspense.