One New Message (Random Updates)

Chapter 5

"Been able to find out anything on the phone yet?" Luke asked Corey and Victor as he plopped down on the couch and caught the pillow that North threw at him.

"No," Corey shook his head.

"But we are working on it," Victor sighed.

"We may not be able to get any information with it being a prepaid phone," Corey tried to explain. "It's basically a burner phone. What we were able to find out was that it was paid with cash so there is no receipt available and the phone company doesn't have any information either since it's prepaid."

"Were you able to solve the pin so you can unlock it?" Brandon asked.

"No," Victor shook his head. "It can be anywhere from 4 to 8 numbers so that's what a million different options to go through?"

"You actually don't want to know," Kota shook his head.

"Shit," Luke shook his head. "Well, if anyone can figure it out, it's you two. You are computer geniuses."

"Not yet," Corey shook his head, "we still have a lot to learn. I mean we are in our early twenties so just imagine how much more we will know by the time we get our degrees."

"You are still freaking geniuses," Gabe said as he came into the room and plopped down on the couch beside Luke.

"Man you got paint all over you," Luke chuckled. "You better go get cleaned up before Mr. B sees you. We're going to go check out that new gallery opening once everyone gets here, Man."

"Fucking on it," Gabe said jumping back up and rushed to the bathroom.

(A couple of hours later)

"Wow, look at these!" Gabe exclaimed as they walked into the gallery and he spotted some photography of gothic architecture on the walls. "The way the light fucking hits is just fucking...wow."

"Language, Mr. Coleman," Owen Blackbourne said as he straightened his tie while looking around.

"Sorry," Gabe mumbled as he walked over to a clay sculpture of a dragon with the moon in its grasp while also laying on a pile of various treasure items. The blend of colors made it look very realistic. "Hey, I know who did this!"

"Who?" Owen asked. "I like it."

"Watch where you are going, you fucking freak!" A screech came from the back making them stop talking to take a look at the commotion. "God, look at what you did, you just ruined my Gucci purse!"

"How is my fault when there is a sign right there stating to stand back since I am working?" The group approached to see the girl from the river with purple hair standing there pointing to a sign. Her hands were covered in clay and paint, and there was fury in her eyes, "Or can't you read? It clearly states to stand back and I am not liable for anything if you choose not to heed the warning."

"You freak!" The blonde screeched, "You will pay for this, or I will make your life a living hell more than it already is! Can't you see no one wants you here, why don't you everyone a favor and drop dead?"

"If I did then how can you make me pay?" Jade asked causing most of the group to chuckle. The woman let out a screech and stormed away. Jade rolled her eyes then went back to the table where she was working with some molding of some sort.

"You okay, Cupcake?" Luke asked stepping away from the group to approach her. Jade looked up shocked and dropped the tool she was holding.

"You," she whispered as she looked at the whole group, recognizing a few of the large group. "Professor Blackbourne?" She asked confused. "Professor Morgan? Professor Toma?"

"Hello, Miss?" Owen trailed off then cleared his throat. "I don't recognize you from any of my classes, I apologize. Which class are you in?"

"Yes, which classes?" Victor Morgan and Axel Toma asked at the same time.

"None," She shook her head, "I um...I've just um...heard the both of you play a few times during my breaks Professor Blackbourne and Professor Morgan, and I've read your Native American folklore book, Professor Toma." She blushed and looked down.

"And why aren't you in any of our classes?" Victor asked.

"They are full for the next year," she admitted. Seeing something behind them, she tensed then cleared her throat, "I apologize for the commotion and taking up your time, please excuse me."

Seeing the head of the art department talking to Jade angrily, the men frowned. "Who is she, Mr. Taylor?" Owen asked not liking how the art director was pointing his finger at the woman.

"She's the one who made the fucking dragon," Gabe mumbled. "I'm not in class with her but I've seen her around the art building a few times."

"She's the one I told you about that gets made fun of for how she dresses," Brandon nodded. "What you heard is pretty much the same that I heard the night of the party."

"I don't know her name," Luke shook his head. "But she was at the river party for a bit. I had to convince her to join us, she's a loner."

Owen turned away and looked at Luke, "Is she the owner of the phone you found?"

Luke gasped as it dawned on him, "yeah she is!"

North let out a low growl, "Where is she?"

The group looked back to where they last saw her but she was no longer there nor was the art director. They searched the whole gallery, but she was gone.