Murder at the McMasters' Residence

Chapter 7

After shopping, Chelsea and I stopped at a burger joint we used to come when we lived together. Chelsea insisted that we go somewhere healthier but I wasn't having that. All I was craving was junk; lots and lots of it. I had two cheeseburgers, cheesy-fries and a large vanilla milkshake.
Yum. I love being pregnant.
Chelsea watched in disgust as I vacuumed everything in my mouth. She only had two slices of pizza and lemonade.
Lame, skinny bitch.
"Wow. I knew pregnant women have cravings but damn.." she said, watching me eat.
"Fuck off," I said blankly with a mouthful.
Chelsea giggled. "What are we gonna do about Moss?"
I shrugged.
I finished the last of my meal then told Chelsea everything I knew about him. He was a gardener and worked for the president of the First Moms Club. I even told her everything he did that was suspicious. Especially that day he pretended as if it was the first time he met me. And someone (yes, someone!) fucking up my lawn the day after I told him his service wasn't need. Johnathon Moss was a fucking psycho; all I needed was proof.
Chelsea sighed, "Aria, I believe everything you're saying.."
Yes!
"But that's not much. How are we gonna look for clues when you don't even know anything personal about him?" she continued.
"Personal? I don't even wanna talk to him! So how am I gonna know anything, Chels?" I whisper-shouted.
"Think."
We sat there for about fifteen minutes thinking about it then it finally hit me.
"Let's head home right now. I have an idea," I smirked.
"What? Tell me," Chelsea said.
I grabbed my purse then replied, "C'mon, I'll tell you in the car."

On the way home, I discussed the plan with Chelsea. I couldn't wait to get there. This may be a bad idea but it was worth a try.

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Chelsea parked her truck behind Johnathon's. I hopped out the passenger side then waited for her to get out.
"Remember the plan?" I asked as we approached the front door.
She nodded.
We headed to the kitchen where Claire was cooking her famous lasagna. We placed our bags on the counter then I took a seat on the stool at the kitchen island.
"Hi Claire. Where is Mr. Moss?" Chelsea asked nicely.
Claire looked at her as if she was wondering if she heard correctly. "He's by the pool. I just made him lunch."
Chelsea glanced at me then winked. I winked back then she went outside.
"What are you two girls up to?" Claire asked suspiciously.
I smiled. "Nothing, Claire. Going to my room. Be back in a few."
I slid off the stool then headed to the coat closet by the front door. I searched around for Johnathon's jacket but it wasn't there.
Shit.
I went out the front door and walked briskly to his old truck. Looking around first to ensure that no one was watching, I tried to open the door but it was locked. I tried every other door and they were also locked. I peered through the windows, looking for his wallet which was placed on the backseat of the truck. Afterwards, I realized that the tiny window at the back of the truck was open. I looked around once more to ensure that no one was watching then carefully climbed in the back of the van. I slid my arm through the window (seeing that my baby bump couldn't fit), stretching until finally I was able to grab his wallet. I was about to celebrate when I heard Moss' voice.
"I'll be back Chelsea. I have to go to the van," he shouted back, sounding so annoyed.
"I'll do it for you," Chelsea shouted.
"Nope, I'm almost there anyway."
Fuck! Think, Aria, think.
I laid flat in the back of the van, slipping the tarpaulin that was in the back as well over me. I prayed to God that Moss wanted nothing to do with around here because if he did, I was screwed. I heard his footsteps approaching the van as well as Chelsea's heels. Luckily, I heard him unlock his front door then went inside of the van. I really hope he wasn't looking for his wallet which I already slid in my back pocket. Moss came out of the truck and everything was just too quiet.
Then I heard Chelsea ask, "Is everything okay?"
Moss paused then replied, "Yea.. Let's just go back."
As soon as I knew the coast was clear, a sigh of relief escaped my lips. I took my time to climb out of the back then went inside. The mission wasn't complete as yet.
I headed back to the kitchen. Luckily, Claire wasn't in there. I snatched a knife from the knife holder and went back to his truck. I looked at his tires then sighed.
God forgive me.
I stabbed a hole into one of his front tires then hurried back into the house. Claire was back in the kitchen so I hid the knife behind me so she wouldn't notice.
"Aria, your bedroom is not Mr. Moss' truck," she sighed while cutting tomatoes.
I sighed.
She put the knife down then walked towards me. "Child, what are you doing? I don't think you should be messing with him or his tires."
"But Claire!" I whined, putting the knife on the counter.
"No buts," she interjected, pointing her finger at me.
I ran my fingers through my hair then folded my arms. I hated when Claire spoke to me like a child but I understood her point. She was just worried about me getting my pregnant ass in trouble.
"Claire, I don't trust him. If we find nothing, I'll leave him alone," I sighed.
Claire nodded then replied, "And what if you do?"
"Then he has to go."
Claire gave me an unsure look then left the kitchen. I felt bad seeing that she seemed a little disappointed in me but I had to do this.

Moments later, Chelsea came bursting through my room door.
"Are you okay? I was about to piss myself when he came to the van," she whisper-shouted.
I nodded. "What was he looking for?"
Chelsea shrugged, "His wallet, maybe. You got it right?"
I waved it up in the air. Chelsea clapped and giggled. We searched his wallet. He had IDs, little cash and other junk. All his IDs had his name, except one which had a different name (Michael Wyatt) and had a picture of a woman taped to it.
"What the fuck.. who is she?" I whispered.
Chelsea shrugged. "She kinda looks like you."
We stared at each other for a minute then back at the picture. The woman really did look like me.
"C'mon, clean this up. He's about to leave soon so let's go downstairs," she sighed.
I took a picture of his old ID and the picture of the lady with my cellphone then tossed everything including the wallet in my drawer.

We headed downstairs and saw Moss discussing something with Claire. He looked very upset too.
"Is everything alright," I asked, pretending not to know anything.
Moss looked at me and if looks could kill, I would've dropped dead immediately.
He nodded stiffly then gave a tight smile.
Claire cleared her throat then glanced at Moss then me.
He sighed. "I have a flat tire and must have misplaced my wallet somewhere."
"Oh no," Chelsea replied.
"I guess we could take you home," I said, not sounding very excited even though I was.
"No, that's too much," he disagreed.
"C'mon, we insist," Chelsea smiled.
He looked at us realizing that we weren't going to back down and take no for an answer.
"Fine, let's go."

Yes! It worked.

Step One : Complete.