Acess Code for Murder

First Gang Meeting

I somehow developed a sixth sense before the party. I knew that something was gonna happen. In fact, we can take that something out. I knew someone was going to get murdered.

We all get those chills down our spines once in a while that warns us that something bad is going to happen. We all pick up on sudden tells and learn information that isn't just available to the public. But if we know this information, and change our actions according to it, does that mean we're the ones that caused evil? In fact, if we knew this information with no basis, did our subconscious already know what layers of evil rest within?

I thought about it over and over: the murders I had been solving since the beginning of the year. Did Death actually follow me throughout the past months? Was it like my shadow? And if my shadow was Death, was I evil? Was I just an allegory stuck in this world, representing Death? To be honest, I'm not a very spiritual person... I don't believe Gods control us, but I'm open to hearing and accepting other theories as long as they have solid evidence backing it up. So if one day I find solid proof that I'm evil, just because I cause Death, I wouldn't be surprised, if I'm honest. I've seen enough things to be able to say that everything is possible.

- Formal or informal? - I asked her, standing in front of the closet that contained my clothes. Her scent filled the room, a nice and sweet smell.

- Oh, definitely informal. - She answered, putting her earrings on. Maggie liked to wear a lot of accessories, like bracelets, earrings and such. - Andrew is gonna fire up the grill and cook us some ribs with his special sauce. By the way, don't ask him what the sauce has or he'll go on for hours about the importance of secrets.

- Who's Andrew? - I asked, picking up a grey long-sleeved shirt.

- Come on, sweetie. I've told you before: Ivy's boyfriend. - She could see my face had no reaction to the uttered words through the mirror and continued: - The guy that's probably responsible for this party. - Now she was trying to put an earring on the other ear. - He's always looking for some pretext to host something.

- What does he do for a living? - I said, turning around to face her.

- He has a restaurant. - Her eyes were gazing at me. She then continued facing away: - Maybe he only wants compliments on his foods, hence his parties... Sweetie, don't go with a long-sleeved shirt. - She turned around. - Their house has like five fireplaces or something, so you shouldn't be cold at night.

- At night?

- Oh yeah... Usually, his parties last until like 3 a.m. or something. - I heard her while putting on a blue t-shirt. She paused and I gazed at her again. - To be honest, I don't see any problem with his parties. I mean, of course I know them, but you're not like me, you can make friends easily, so you should be fine... 

- Or I'll be with you by my side. - I moved towards her and kissed her neck, wrapping my hands around her waist. She laughed. 

- Ivy is not gonna let that happen and you know it. - She turned around, her lips close to mine. - I'm sure you'll break the ice. - Putting her arms over my shoulder, she leaned in for a kiss. - Anyway, are you ready?

- Yeah. - I said. - I don't have lipstick on my lips now, do I? - While laughing, she uttered silently "No". We went down the flight of stairs and exited the door, going through our backyard to theirs.

Just like Guy Finch, Ivy and Andrew lived next door. 

- Mr. Detective! - I heard a friendly unknown voice coming from inside the little shack they had as soon as I crossed the line between our houses.

Their garden seemed bigger than ours. On one side, the table was already set 3 hours before lunch, with plastic forks, knives, and plates above a brown wood table, with a purple beach umbrella. On the other side, there was a little pound with some turtles swimming in it. Alongside it, I saw a few trees, some with green leafs, some painted with beautiful tones of yellow, orange and red and some that were already prepared for Winter. I couldn't see what was behind the shack, but since the smoke was coming off from it, I assumed it was the grill Maggie told me about.