The Halloween Week Murders

Chapter Four

Carmyn White

October 24th, 2020, 11:00 AM
Ann Arbour, Michigan

South Quadrangle Common Area, Starbucks, Ann Arbour Police Station

It's around 11, and I've just left the study group.

I have a three hour break, and I might go find Spencer and Danny.

After all, there aren't many places for them to be. Neither of them have classes on Saturdays, but they have work.

Sometimes.

And unless they're in jail being questioned or dead, they're at work.

My phone jingles, and I don't recognize the number.

I send it straight to voicemail, and stand outside the Starbucks.

Unlike Spencer, I absolutely love coffee.

I'd kill to work here and get the employee discounts. Not actually kill, I'd feel so guilty if I did that.

What I find strange is that it's closed.

Completely empty, no sign of either of my friends.

My phone dings again, signalling a voicemail.

Something inside me twists, concerns filling my thoughts.

My hands are shaky as I pull my phone out, clicking on the green icon.

" Miss. Carmyn White, this is officer Painter with the AAPD. If you could come down to the station, there is some bad news."

It replays three or four times before I finally snap out of it.

"Oh god no." I whisper, practically sprinting towards the station. It's close to campus and the Starbucks, thank the good lord above.

The lady at the front desk barely glances up as I dramatically burst in.

" Excuse me, I'm Carmyn White, I received a call earlier? Did Spencer or Danny do something? I swear they meant no harm-"

She cuts me off with a sharp look.

"Officer Painter will be with you shortly. Please sit down on one of the chairs or benches." Her monotone voice is aggravating, but I do as told.

After what feels like hours, but in reality is probably only around five minutes, a graying lady with her hair in a severe bun walks into the waiting area.

"Carmyn White? Please come with me." She smiles weakly.

"My name is Officer Painter. Will you come into my office? Thank you. Have a seat. This may be a lot to process, it was for your friend Spencer."

I move silently, terror filling my soul.

My heart clenches, and I'm breathing heavily.

" This morning, at precisely 9:13 AM, our 911 service operator received a call from the North Quadrangle. Dorm room 14B. The dorm of Alexander Evans and Daniel Dawson. I've been told it's common knowledge that Alexander has been with family these past few days. Daniel-" I interrupt her.

" He hates that name. Danny. His name is Danny." She sighs.

"Danny was home alone last night, last seen early this morning by a security camera in his hall. He opened his dorm door, and appeared to stumble back inwards. The door slammed behind him. Around 9:00 this morning, Spencer Howard went to go check on him. He was late to his job. When Miss. Howard arrived,, a freshman who has not been identified yet let her enter. We do have footage of this exchange, and it has been determined neither young adult had ill intent. Howard went into the building, and took the elevator to Danny's floor. She knocked on the door multiple times before trying the knob."

I feel my face twist in confusion.

"Danny always keeps the door locked." I insist.

If Danny's door isn't locked, something is very, very wrong.

" Miss. Howard said that too. She attempted to open the door, and was successful. What she saw next is still classified. But I am very sorry to tell you your friend Daniel Dawson was pronounced dead at 9:16 this morning."

My body doesn't know how to react to what my mind is feeling.

It feels like half of me has disappeared. Well, a good third.

Only one thing can come out of my mouth.

"Who did this?"