SCREAM - THE GHOST OF LONDON

CHAPTER FOUR

"Have you guys seen this?" Lana asked, dropping her backpack onto the wooden seat as she climbed up and sat on the tabletop. She was holding her laptop under her arm and quickly fished it out, placing it on her lap. As she opened it, Paris looked over her shoulder and frowned.

"They're now saying that Professor Montgomery was actually murdered," Lana said, her voice tinged with shock.

"Murdered?" Cassandra asked, her face full of concern. "Actually murdered?"

Lana nodded, her thick brown hair framing her face on either side. Her dress, large and over-the-top, hung off the sides of the table. She knew everyone was looking at her, wondering about her outfit, but she loved the attention. Paris, who sat behind her, kept it simple with a long-sleeved white shirt with black hems and blue jeans, her hair tied back in a ponytail.

"Yep, it was just published on another website," Lana confirmed, scrolling through the news article.

Cassandra was stunned. Her long brown hair hung heavy over her shoulders, with her fringe pushed over and tucked behind her left ear. Her bright blue eyes scanned the others, looking for some sense of understanding. She wore a black tank top tucked into white jeans, secured with a brown leather belt.

"This is crazy," Cassandra muttered, shaking her head. "Who would want to murder Professor Montgomery?"

"Are you guys talking about what happened to the Professor?" They turned as Joe walked over to them, his bag slung over his shoulder. He held the strap with one hand and had a paper cup with a pink straw sticking out of it in the other. "I just heard not even five minutes ago."

The campus was bustling with activity. Students, concerned family members, and even the press were everywhere, creating a chaotic scene. Reporters were interviewing students as they exited classrooms, trying to piece together any information.

"You were in her class, weren't you, Joe?" Lana asked, looking up from her laptop.

"Yeah, for like two seconds. I transferred out and went into film studies," he replied with a chuckle. "The police already questioned me. They practically waited for me at the door to my room this morning before my morning class."

"Did they say anything?" Cassandra asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Joe frowned, taking a sip from his cup. "Who? The police? No, they just asked if I knew her, if I attended her class, and where I was on Sunday night."

"I can't believe it's already been two days," Lana said softly, her expression troubled. "My parents are freaking out."

"I wonder what Charlie thinks" Lana commented.

"Eh, know knows with that kid. He's so quiet".

Charlie, however, was already on campus. After spending the night at Kit's hotel due to the storm, he had caught the train straight in. Blissfully unaware of the news about Professor Montgomery, he walked across the campus, observing the bustling crowds and the reporters interviewing students.

"Charlie!"

He jumped, startled when John suddenly appeared beside him. He turned and smiled at his friend, trying to shake off the surprise.

"Jesus, John," Charlie said, his heart still racing a bit from the unexpected greeting.

John laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. Have you heard the news?"

Charlie frowned, confused. "What news?"

John's expression turned serious. "Professor Montgomery. She was found dead. They're saying it might be murder."