Everyone's A Suspect

New Relationships

It’s been two weeks since the Montgomery house was vandalized, and the only thing Dalton Crawford has shared with police is that he knows the person who keeps the keys to the flattop mountain parking lot after hours. To Alyse, this meant that he might know something about Kayla’s killer if he knows the key keeper, which not many people do. Ashton tried to comfort Alyse, but since they had no evidence connecting him to Kayla’s death to keep him in custody, they had to let him go, which felt like a set back to Alyse and the Saint Francis family.

“This is bullshit, why don’t they have any information?” Alyse asks angrily. “Hey, it’ll be okay. I have a hard time believing that this case will run cold. Unfortunately, my dad and his team can’t do much if they don’t have anything to go on.” Alyse knew Ashton was right, but isn’t there something to go on? Didn’t Dalton Crawford say that he knew the key keeper to the parking lot for flattop? Maybe the cops should have gotten the key keeper’s name. Alyse expressed this to Ashton.

“I think they did, but my dad hasn’t told me or anyone else anything on the matter.” Alyse wanted to know so badly if anyone in the Saint Francis family had heard anything, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to call anyone to ask. Aurora and Keith had been doing good on keeping her up to date, so she had no reason to believe that they wouldn’t tell her when they got an update. Aurora even called her to tell her about the update on Mr. Crawford, so she heard it from both Ashton and Aurora.

“I just wanna know what happened! It’s been almost two months, how do they not have an answer?” Alyse sat on Ashton’s bed with her hand on her head, clearly distressed. “Hey, it’ll be alright.” Ashton sat down next to her and put his hand on her shoulder, which Alyse found comfort in. It was almost Thanksgiving break, and Ashton was going snow machining in Seward. Alyse and her family typically don’t go on trips around Thanksgiving because Alyse and Kali have different school schedules, but Kali wanted to go to Fairbanks. Alyse hoped her parents weren’t planning on giving in since it was too cold in December in Fairbanks.

The Saint Francis family was definitely going to Orlando for the holidays, but it was going to be the first one without Kayla, even though they had already bought her ticket back in mid-September right before she died. Trying to get a refund on her ticket would be a pain, not just because their tickets would all be on the line, but they wouldn’t get a full refund according to the airline’s refund policy.

Alyse wondered how that was going to go. Kayla’s parents owned a second house there, and sometimes, other relatives went to Orlando to spend time with them. Julian had told Alyse that they planned on doing what they always do since Kayla wouldn't have wanted her family to skip a holiday trip. As Alyse sat quietly with Ashton, she began to wonder what happened to Megan. “Did your dad or other cops do anything about Megan?”
“My dad said that a few deputies were sent to the house. She was taken into custody, but she was released after 24 hours. She was charged with vandalism and stalking.” Alyse was happy to hear that she was arrested, but not so much to hear that she got out after a measly 24 hours. “That's it?” “Well, I’m sure there will be worse consequences if it happens again. Is the principal at your sister’s school aware?” Alyse nodded. “OK, great, so then I know for a fact that she will face the consequences if she does it again.”

Alyse liked talking to Ashton. He knew what to say, how to speak to her and understood her. She wasn't sure if Ashton was supposed to be telling her this information about the case, but he was doing it anyway. As Ashton walked her to the door, he held her hand. Alyse liked it when he held her hand. It felt warm and protective. When they reached the door, Ashton turned Alyse to face him. “Alyse, I really like you, and I can tell you like me too. Would you be my girlfriend?” Alyse was speechless at first. “I thought you'd never ask.” Before they could kiss, Officer Hart pulled in.

“Parents always ruin the fun.” Ashton says, giggling. Alyse giggled with him.
Alyse headed towards her car, and smiled the whole way home. She couldn't wait to tell her parents and Kali about how she and Ashton are officially together. Alyse suddenly remembered that Kali’s dance is tonight. Maybe she’ll save the news for another time and let Kali have tonight. Maybe Shane will ask Kali to be his girlfriend too, and they can giggle their love stories to each other. When Alyse pulled in, she did her best to hide her happiness so everyone could focus on Kali.
Around 3:00, Kali took a shower and took extra time to dry her hair. Once she was done, she went to Blair’s room so she could get her hair done. Alyse waited patiently. Kali’s hair was done by 4:30. She went to her room, likely to do her makeup and put on her dress. Shane and his parents arrived at 5:30, just in time for Kali to come downstairs. Everyone thought she looked beautiful, especially Shane. Kali’s hair was curled and hanging long down her back. She had a braid headband since Blair was great at those, and she had flowers in her hair. Her lavender dress flowed nicely with each step and her makeup made her look like an angel.
“You look beautiful sweetie!” Says Everett. Blair cupped her mouth with tears in her eyes. “My baby, all grown up.” Kali gave her a look. “Mom, not in front of Shane!” “Sorry honey.” Alyse cleared her throat. “You look really nice, Kali. I hope you have a great time.” Alyse and Kali smiled at each other. Alyse thought Shane looked handsome. His tie was the exact same color as Kali’s dress, and his tuxedo made it seem like he wanted people to think he was attending a royal wedding. Kali and Shane traded corsages and boutonnieres, then headed out with Shane and his parents.

It must have been 11:00 at night when Kali was dropped off. She came pounding on Alyse’s door. When Alyse opened the door, Kali was smiling broadly. “What just happened?” Alyse asked. “Shane asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said yes.” Alyse immediately hugged Kali, then told her about Ashton doing the same thing. Both Kali and Alyse have boyfriends, and they're happy.