Crestwood Murders

Chapter 18: Track Star

The next morning
The group gathered in Emma's dorm again grappling with the weight of their discoveries last night from the campus computer.

Michael addressed Tyler first
"Hey Tyler? We can form groups for questioning. Two pairs and one solo. Do you want to team up or would you prefer to go with Emma? I can handle either."

Tyler, blushing hesitated for a moment before choosing
"I think I'll team up with Emma. We can cover a lot of ground together we're a great team."

Michael nodded in agreement
"That works, Joshua and Hannah you two can partner up also. I'll go solo for now."

Michael feeling the need for a proactive approach finished his suggestion that they split into groups to question the suspects. So now Emma and Tyler would team up, Joshua and Hannah could team up, and Michael decided himself to investigate Raquel first.

They would all meet up that night at Emma's dorm again after they finished investigations.

The group discussed the approach to questioning emphasizing the need for subtlety and gathering information without alerting the suspects.
Michael suggested they focus on alibis, motives, and connections, reminding them of the delicate nature of their mission.

Emma agreed
"Yes we shouldn't go around calling anyone a murderer."

As they dispersed to approach the suspects, Michael headed towards Raquel's location. He found her in a quiet corner of the campus alone and on her cellphone.

"Raquel" Michael greeted her
"mind if I join you for a moment?"

Raquel looked up startled, and nodded in response.
Michael delicately broached the subject explaining their investigation and the need to question everyone involved.

As the conversation unfolded
Raquel shared her experiences of being bullied for her limited English proficiency.
She mentioned having a casual acquaintance with Jessica but clarified they never engaged in deep conversations.
Michael sensed her vulnerability and empathized with the challenges she faced.

"I want to assure you"
Michael said "we're just trying to find the truth. Can you provide an alibi for the times of the two incidents just so we can rest assured and get closer to the true suspect?"

Raquel slightly relieved explained that she was at track practice during both events and several teammates could vouch for her presence.
Michael noting her innocence continued the conversation to understand more about her connections and potential insights into the situation and mentioned Kayla as well.

Raquel admitted she never knew Kayla any
"No I've never met Kayla, I'm very sorry for your loss though I've seen about it."

Michael nodded believing her.

Just after Raquel had mentioned her track teammates who could vouch for her.
Luisa a girl in a track uniform approached.

Michael spoke up
"Hey Luisa right? Can you confirm Raquel's whereabouts during these two dates?" Michael inquired.

Luisa nodded
"Uh absolutely Raquel was at track practice during both those times she's always staying outside longer than most of us late into the night being the work horse she is haha"

Michael satisfied with the alibi continued the conversation diving into Raquel's life.
They discussed her interests her dreams of being an Olympic track star and even her experiences at the university being new to the country and English not being her first language.

Amidst their conversation Luisa added
"Raquel is very dedicated and hardworking. She's the most valuable part of our team."

Michael couldn't help but feel a sense of connection with Raquel she was a nice girl who just wanted to fit in better. They continued talking forming an unexpected bond during his quest for truth.

Meanwhile.
As Joshua and Hannah embarked on their journey to gather information they decided to make a quick stop at Starbucks to fuel up for the questioning ahead. The tension in the car was palpable and Hannah couldn't help but express her frustration.

She said
"This is so unfair Joshy! Just because I was outside at those times now I'm a suspect? It feels like the whole group is turning against me this week especially fucking Emma and then the two simping idiots" she complained frustration in her voice.

Joshua trying to reassure her said
"Hannah, you have nothing to worry about. We're just trying to find the truth. No one thinks you're guilty I promise last night Michael even said he doesn't think you're guilty ."

Hannah scoffed "oh yeah Michael the guy who has been hard judging our relationship all week fuck that jealous prick I'm not very fond of him right now at all Joshy."

Joshua attempting to diffuse the tension pulled into the Starbucks drive-thru.
"Let's grab something to drink and then focus on the task at hand I promise you Michael has no iil intentions he doesn't like how fast I moved on but he wasn't there and doesn't understand fully you can't be mad at him over it ."

At the window Joshua ordered himself his usual black coffee and then added a cream vanilla caramel latte with a chocolate swirl for Hannah who enjoyed trying new drinks. With drinks in hand they resumed their journey.

Arriving at the baseball field they spotted Kevin and Matt in their usual element practicing and goofing off as usual.
The air was thick with anticipation as Joshua and Hannah prepared to approach Kevin and delve into the questions that might lead them closer to the truth.

Hannah spoke one last time before getting out
"I'm just saying if the others would be more direct we could've already had Hector and Randy locked up and not have to waste more time and question your own friends and girlfriend babe, they're being terrible influences in your life."

Joshua sighed
"Look I don't wanna question Kevin either I know him for years, but he might have witnessed something or have something to help us, and I can't leave any stone unturned if I want the truth for Kayla."

They both got out of the car to go question Joshua's teammate Kevin.