The Wild Scientist

Chapter 1

Other day I saw this suspicious-looking man, entering the local library. He was dressed in old clothes which really made me follow him. As I entered the library something caught my attention, which was a red Hyacinth.

"Amber! Amber Gates!" The librarian yelled my name.

Without showing any disappointment I went near the small table where Tyler, the librarian was arranging a pile of old newspapers. "What brings you here, Amber?"

"Research" I replied.

Tyler Thomas is one of my friends in Wildwood High, who works as a librarian during the weekend. He is really the parrot-thing, so I excused myself for my "undefined" research.

As I went through the shelves, I saw the man in old clothes running his fingers through a book named "Lab guide". As if he found what he wanted, he carried the book to Tyler, rested it on the table and pulled out five 10-dollar notes to Tyler.

"Sorry sir, but we aren't selling books here. Besides, this is the local library."

The man came closer and said, "How about I pay double then?"

"I'm sorry sir but this is against the rules."

"Alright! I'll buy it elsewhere."

The man stormed out of the library.

"Crazy fellow. So, how's your research Amber?" Tyler questioned me.

"Well, I wasn't on research, I was stalking that old man. He looked suspicious to me."

"Back on your so-called crime scene investigations, I guess?" Tyler laughed.

"It isn't funny Tyler. I'm going to meet Xander now. See you later." I left the library.

On my way, I was enjoying the sweet smell of freshly baked cakes when I almost fell down by tripping over a stone but my best friend Xander caught me just on time.

"Always on your back, Amby!" Xander smiled.

"Stop calling me that, Silly!" I punched him. We both laughed and walked down the street to our favorite coffee shop.

As we entered, I saw the same old man from the library, gobbling down a cupcake. He seems to be hungry. We sat down at a table where I can observe the old man closely. Xander noticed my unusual behavior and asked what it was. Before I could explain, the waiter came along and we ordered two coffees and two chocolate muffins.

I began to tell the story of the old man to Xander. But to my surprise, he laughed at me.

"You know what? You are a very stupid one. Maybe that old man is a scientist, Amby!"

"But..."

"Ssshhh! That's enough. Enjoy your coffee."

I wasn't surprised much. My best friend isn't like me at all.

About 10 minutes later, I saw the old man walking towards the cashier. He was all normal now, no disturbances at the coffee shop. Maybe Xander was right. He was just a crazy old man who has lost his temper.

After enjoying our coffee time, Xander and I walked out of the shop and went down the street to our "parting-point".

"See you in school Amby!" Xander said as he walked away.

I waved goodbye and walked towards my home. It was almost getting late and my mom asked where I had been.

"I was in the coffee shop with Xander."

"Amber! I have something to show you!" My brother yelled from upstairs and I went to see what it was.

In his hands was a newspaper, and his eyes were dilated. I grabbed the newspaper and read where my brother was pointing.

The newspaper read;

"2 girls were found dead by the Hillwood Lake at 12noon today. As per the surgical reports, the bodies of the girls were filled with poison."

I couldn't believe what I was reading, so I read the article again.

"Who on earth drinks poison?" My brother, Lyon asked.

"I don't know. But I don't think those girls drank poison."

"How do you know?" Lyon asked me.

"I just felt it" I replied and went downstairs.

Hillwood was the village next to ours which isn't very far. We often go there to visit our grandparents and some distant relatives. After reading about the crime scene happened there, I was curious to know more about the tragedy. I was lost in thoughts when my mother called me for dinner.

"I am not hungry but still I feel like I can eat all these dishes." I said.

Lyon laughed. My father smiled at me and began to treat himself with bread and jam.

After dinner, I went upstairs, to my room and contacted Xander to discuss about the Hillwood tragedy.

"This can't be suicide, Xand. This is a murder by someone really mad."

"I do feel the same. I was shocked to hear that the bodies were filled with poison." Xander whispered over the phone.

"Don't scare me Xand. I know this is unusual but I am not scared."

"Maybe the old man you told me about, did this!" Xander laughed loudly.

"Hahahaaa that was so funny. I am tired. Good night Xander."

"Good night, Amby!" We disconnected.