Infamy

Missing Links and Confusion

Detective Ryan knocked on the door a second time, he heard the lock come undone from the inside, then the door creaked open, Ryan looked at the sullen woman.

"Hello Mrs. Braxton," Ryan flashed his badge, "I am here to ask about your son."

"Okay," she whimpered as she let Ryan inside the building, he walked inside the room, she guided him to a seat in the living room. She sat down next to him solemnly.

"I am truly sorry about everything," Ryan started, "I hate to see such a tragedy."

"Thank you," Mrs. Braxton choked, "I wish I knew why."

"I'm trying to figure that out," Ryan said soothingly, he grabbed her hand softly, "has Cole been acting somber recently?"

"No, that's what makes me so upset," Mrs. Braxton cried, shaking, she continued, "He was actually happier than usual these past few weeks."

"How was he before he was happy?" Ryan asked, "Was he depressed?"

"No, not like that," She answered, "He was always antisocial, never talked a lot, but he's been all cheery and talkative recently, and his grades have improved."

Ryan looked at her with confusion, odd...maybe he got addicted to something...but that does not explain his rising grades...

"Was he hanging around new people recently?" Ryan inquired.

"Well, he made many new friends recently," she sniffed, "this makes no sense, I thought he was happier than ever."

Ryan ran through scenarios and possibilities in his head, "May I see his room?"

Mrs. Braxton nodded and led Ryan to Cole's room. Ryan walked inside and was surprised by its aura. It seemed lifeless, dusty and uninhabited.

"It looks like he has not been here in months," Ryan said in wonder, Cole had only died the day before, "has he been here?"

"Yes, but he is out a lot," Mrs. Braxton answered. Everything but the bed seemed unused in weeks.

"With whom?" Ryan asked, "Girlfriend? New friends? Sam Wells?"

Mrs. Braxton was startled at hearing Sam's name, she busted into tears, "Oh Sam...What happened to you?"

"It's okay," Ryan consoled her, "We are looking for him..."

"Thank you...I hope he is okay..." she sniffed, "Cole...Cole...was with his new friends a lot..."

"Do you know where these friends live?" Ryan pursued with concern.

"Well...I...I don't know..." She answered, stunned in confusion, "I...I never thought to ask...why didn't I?"

Ryan was baffled, I am not liking these new friends...They are highly suspect...

"What did Cole tell you about these friends?" Ryan continued.

"Well...Not much...but he really liked them..." she answered quietly, "Why don't I know anything?...I'm so sorry...I am no help..."

"No, you are a great help..." Ryan consoled, "Was Sam a part of this group of friends?"

"I think so..." she replied, "Those two were so close...I could count on Sam to have Cole's back, and the other way around as well..."

"Alright, I think I need to pay the Wells residence a visit," Ryan stated, "Thank you so much for everything, if you think of or need anything, just give me a call."

Ryan gave her a card, she took it and then embraced Ryan, "Please help him...Please find out why..."

Ryan did not budge, "I swear I will find out the truth..."