𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝

Chapter IV : Shadow of Terror

Upon arriving in the parking lot, you find several police officers interrogating other students. Feeling confused, you take out your phone and text Wes.

"Hey, man, where are you and the squad?" you type and send. Moments later, you see the message has been delivered and then read, indicated by the bubble that appears beside Wes's response.

"We're here in the tree spot. The whole gang is here," Wes replies. You quickly respond to his message, saying, "Okay, I'll be there." Wes reads your reply, and you grab your backpack, slinging it over your shoulder before closing your car door.

As you turn around, you notice Sheriff Judy Hicks standing behind you. Startled, you gasp and clutch your chest. Sheriff Hicks chuckles and says, "Oh, shi— Hey, Sheriff Hicks, what can I do for you?" you stammer, trying to recover from the surprise.

"Sorry for scaring you like that, but I have some questions for you," Sheriff Hicks apologizes. You nod and reply, "Yeah, sure, anything, Sheriff. What is it?"

"What's your alibi for last night, Y/N?" Sheriff Hicks asks directly, catching you off guard. Confused by her question, you quickly respond, "Last night, I went for a ride and see my uncle last night, I stopped by from the gas station for gas and by some things I can bring to Tara and our movie watch together." you said.

"Tara Carpenter, somebody attacked her last night. She was stabbed and had a broken leg, so we're questioning some students," Sheriff Hicks explains.

"I have seen it last night Sheriff, when I arrived to her home there's police everywhere and ambulance," I explain, reaching into my pocket to retrieve my phone. I open our conversation and show it to Sheriff Hicks. "This is our conversation before I go to her house," I point out, holding my phone towards her.

Sheriff Hicks takes a moment to observe the messages, her gaze shifting between the screen and me. "Is this the only conversation you had with her, Y/N?" she asks, her eyes studying my movements.

I nod and respond truthfully, "Yes, Sheriff, that was the entirety of our conversation last night. I'm relatively new here, so I wasn't that close to Tara."

Sheriff Hicks takes a deep breath and exhales slowly, her expression thoughtful. "I appreciate your cooperation and providing this information, Y/N. It will be helpful for our investigation," she says, her tone reflecting a mix of concern and determination.

Feeling relieved that my alibi is confirmed, I offer a sincere nod. "Of course, Sheriff. I'll do whatever I can to assist in finding out what happened to Tara," I assure her.

Sheriff Hicks nods back, her gaze steady. "Thank you. If you remember anything else or notice any suspicious activity, please don't hesitate to reach out," she emphasizes.

"Is she going to be okay?" you ask, worry lacing your voice.

Sheriff Hicks sighs, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and determination. "She's in the hospital now, undergoing treatment. It's a difficult time for her, but we're doing everything we can to ensure her safety and catch the person who's responsible," she assures you.

Feeling a surge of unease, you ask, "Do you have any leads? Any idea who might have done this?"

The sheriff's gaze turns steely as she responds, "We're exploring all possibilities. It's still early in the investigation, but we won't rest until we find the truth."

As she speaks, you notice a group of familiar faces nearby. Wes and the squad have gathered under a tree, discussing the recent events. You give Sheriff Hicks a nod of understanding. "Thank you for the information, Sheriff. I'll be heading over there to join my friends now," you say.