Murder

Chapter 6- Starting Point

Well, I don't know anything about murder investigations, aside from what Russ and I used to watch on TV. I remember them starting at the place where the body was found, they searched the area for clues. The cops probably covered that, but I can double check. I walked onto the steep rock wall that the town put up to prevent the hill from erosion because there are benches and things on the hill. It's icy and slippery, but I think I'll be fine.

I walk very slowly and carefully, trying not to slip. I take one step at a time. Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot. Slow and steady. I reach the end of the hill, scanning as I go. Nothing. The cops must've gotten everything, if there were any clues. I hope there were clues, this can't be a dead end mystery. I won't let that happen. I walk back towards the dock, scanning for clues. Left foot, right foot, very carefully. I watch the river and look for any clues. It's stupid to think there will be, considering there's a current, but it's my only hope. I guess I was watching the river a little too closely because my ankle twists and I go falling.

It's icy cold, and the current is fast. The Delaware river is not the best river to fall in, ever, especially in winter. It's half frozen and it's too fast a current for me to swim in, I'm in too much pain. I'm frozen, my head is bleeding, and my stomach is throbbing. I try to swim but I cant. I struggle to rise to the surface, but theres a block of ice in my way. I can't swim to the sides of it, I'm not in good enough condition to move. I can't keep trying, I'll just make things worse for myself. My lungs feel like they're about to collapse. I go limp, it makes things easier. I black out, and everything is stone cold.

I'm on a flat surface, gasping for air. "Easy, kid. Take it easy." A hand on my shoulder brings me some comfort and a little bit of warmth. I'm freezing. I look up, and there's a guy looking down at me. He has bright blue eyes and long brown hair. He's sort of tan and he's wearing a blue shirt.

"I... what-" I'm interrupted by my own coughing, and I start gasping again.

"Kid, it's okay. Relax take it easy. You're okay, you're safe." The guy keeps trying to calm me down. He looks about sixteen or seventeen years old, and his clothes are wet too. Did he jump in the river and save me?

"What's your name?" I ask him. My voice is small like a four year old's again, just like in my dream.

"I'm Rob. I jumped into the river to help you. What's your name, and what were you doing in the river?" he asks.

"Thanks. I'm Gab. I was looking for clues," I reply. Crap. I shouldn't have said that. I instantly regret that.

"Clues? Clues to what?" he asks. I silence myself and look down. I don't know him, I shouldn't tell him. "Okay, I get it. I'm new, you don't want to tell me stuff. You should tell me though, how you got all these bruises, and why the side of your head is bleeding. Because it looks like you need medical attention, which I can get you. My dad's a doctor, he can help you," Rob says. He reaches towards me, I cringe. Last time somebody touched me, I think he fractured my skull. I don't want anybody touching me. "Ok, I get it. Let's just get you some medical help okay? You can trust me. I promise," he says. I don't want to. I don't want to trust anybody, and I don't want to go anywhere. But I know I should. So I will. I look up at him. It pains me and I make a small noise in the back of my throat. "It's okay, I'll get you help." He did just save my life, I can probably trust him.

"Sure." My voice is barely a whisper.

"You're a quiet kid, ain't ya?"

"Not normally, but I did just almost die," I say.

"And I did just save you." He has a somewhat happy tone to his voice, I guess he's trying to cheer me up.

"Come on. Let's go get you some help." He stands me up. I'm still at the docks. I was in the gazebo that overlooks the river.