Too Hot to Breathe

Back to School

I'll spare you the details of our gruesome fight.... Let's just say that I quickly packed some of my things, including clothes, wallet and other things that I would need urgently for the investigation. I had only asked if I could take a time out of our relationship, but she freaked out and asked if I was spending time with other women, and, being the man of truth that I am, I just told her the truth, while stressing the fact that it was all for a case. But she actually did break up with me because her mind was corrupted at the time, or at least I think so. Anyway, I respect her decision. No more fianceé. I would take the things out of my house eventually, but now was no the proper time for that.

My night at the hotel wasn't exactly good. A lot of noise, uncomfortable bed, and a lot of other complaints that I would have reported if I didn't felt guilty about what I had done. To be honest, I did miss her. I did want her by my side. But one of my biggest weakness and strengths was my pride, and I wasn't going to back down. Maybe I don't actually feel love. Probably should do a psychopathy test at some point, just to realize how bad my emotional side is....

The next morning I googled Mr. Spiegel on my computer, to try to get some information while I had no report from Maggie. Nothing too big popped up, but I did manage to see an older picture of him, and from there on out, I managed to see some other accounts he had on social platforms. I found out that he used to work at a high school, as the principal, but the school's Administration fired him because of a scandal involving him and a student. In order to see what that was all about, I went to the school, that was about an hour away from my new home. 

When I arrived there, no one was inside, obviously, since it was the middle of August. They were all on vacations, most likely. Still, I climbed over the gray fence that surrounded the seemingly boring school. I got inside and the door to the main building wasn't even locked! I managed to find a piece of paper on the reception desk with the names, phone numbers, and addresses for some of the members of the administration. 

I called the first one on the list. Ms. Nancy Owen. I guessed her parents were big Agatha Christie fans (If you didn't get it, you probably should read "And Then There Were None"). I asked if she was home, but she said no.

- Sorry... Not right now. I'm shopping. Who's asking?

- Detective James Atton. I'd like to ask you some questions about Casey Spiegel. 

- Oh, that man... What did he get himself into this time?

- Well, he was murdered. 

- What? By who? - I hated when people asked this question. If I knew who it was, I wouldn't be calling, now would I? 

- Trying to figure that out, ma'am. Anyway, can we meet somewhere?

- Well, if you want you can just ask whatever you want through here. I'll try to answer your questions.

- Ok. First of all, what was the incident that led to him getting fired?

- Well... He was caught having sex with a student. 

- What is the student's name? - I could hear the tension in her voice. - Ma'am, I know this is not comfortable to talk about, but it is necessary for my investigation.

- Linda Booth. - She finally said. - She is 17 years now, and even though it was consensual, at least from what I've heard, we had to take care of the problem as fast as possible.

- How did you happen to know what happened?

- Well, another student walked in. - She confessed. - He was expelled too. He tried to blackmail Casey, but since Casey had barely any money, he couldn't pay it off, so he got reported. 

- But I'm guessing he told the truth about the student that blackmailed him. - I could hear her saying "Mh Mh" quietly through the phone. - What was his name?

- Philip May. He was also 17 years old. The worst part is, Philip and Linda used to see each other, but not anymore. 

- Do you have their phone numbers? 

- Where did you find this number? - I hated being answered with a question.

- Front desk, Ms. Owen. 

- Go up the stairs and at the end of the hall go through the wooden door. That's my office. Student's profiles are there, and it includes their addresses and phone numbers. I don't mind you taking a peek, but... - She paused for a long time.

- But what?

- The school is not involved with any step of this investigation. If you knew the amount of trouble we had last year, you'd know that our reputation is not exactly the best right now. 

- Sure thing, ma'am. Thanks for your help.

- You're welcome. - She said, hanging up the phone. 

I know had my first two suspects. The investigation was going somewhere. Finally!