Venus Blue's Rede(ad)mption Handbook

chapter one

Let me set the scene for you. I had just finished up a movie at the theater, and was raving to my best friend about my favorite and not so favorite parts. I remember saying something along the lines of "there should've been an end of credit scene" when Claire excused herself to go to the bathroom. I told her that I'd meet her outside and I walked out to the cool night air. It was a Wednesday night, and if you ask me, not a bad day to get killed. I was leaning up against the wall of the theater, closing my eyes and enjoying the quietness of the night. When someone, who I still don't know, decided to grab me by the waist and arms and drag me into the alleyway. I fought back as hard as I could, but they were too strong. My thrashes and kicks didn't do much and I was thrown onto the floor. At the time there were more pressing issues, but now that I can see my outfit after the whole murder thing, it's a little upsetting that my killer threw me into muddy water. I was wearing a new top.

Where was I? Oh! Right. So, after I realized that I was done-zo, I kind of accepted my fate. They had already pulled out a knife and were coming way too close to comfort with it. I tried to scream once more, in hopes that a bystander would hear me and rescue me, but, obviously, that didn't happen. Thankfully, it was quick and essentially painless, except for a little pinch. If I wasn't aware of what was going on, I would've thought I was getting my ears pierced.

After I was gone, I ended up here. In this small room, with this random desk and a random notebook in front of me. I always thought school wasn't something that existed in the after life, but I guess knowledge is the gift that just keeps on giving! Once I opened the notebook, three simple rules showed up on the first page.

1. Record what you remember of your death and don't leave out any details.
2. Record any further evidence or information that you find based on your field work.
3. Find. Your. Killer.

It's safe to say, I was a little disappointed. I was already dead. The last thing that I wanted to do was figure out who killed me! I wanted to go up to heaven, or probably down to hell, and enjoy my eternity doing whatever it is I was bound to do. But there was a silver lining. As I said before, I had nothing going for me when I was alive. At least this way, I'd be able to get someone off the streets that was a cold blooded killer.

I had started to realize how lonely it was in this room when someone walked in. She had long black hair and piercing blue eyes, the kind that I would've killed for, pardon the phrase, when I was alive. She stood in front of me, her silhouette towering over me. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to raise my hand or speak directly, but she cut me off before I could decide.

"Venus Blue, born on October 7, 1998, deceased on May 21, 2018. Cause of death, multiple stab wounds to the chest, stomach, and legs." I winced at that one. "Killer, unidentified. Reason for being in purgatory: To find whoever killed you and use your research to benefit those who come after you."

I furrowed my brows at the last part.

"I was following everything you said until the last sentence. What did you mean by 'benefit those who come after you'?"

"Tell me, is it true or not true that you believed yourself to not be of any significant importance while you were alive?"

"True, except for my family and my best friend," I said, knowing that they loved me.

"Tell me, is it true or not true that you would spend your free time researching unsolved cases and writing about them, coming to your own conclusions?" How did she know about that?

"That is also true, but I promise I'm not crazy I-"

"And, finally, tell me, is it true or not true that you were going to school to become a detective of some sort?"

"That was my goal, yes."

"So you see. With the spike in unsolved murders in the recent years, we've decided to try and find someone to write a so called 'handbook' for those who come here with unsolved cases. And, believe it or not, we've come to the conclusion that you would be the most suitable for the job."

"So, what you're saying is, I've been murdered, assigned to my own case, and then condemned to purgatory until I finish this book?"

"Precisely, yes. I'm sure along the way you'll be able to develop your own little team, but right now those of us who make decisions around here think this is the best one."

"Oh, right, about that. Where exactly is here?" I asked, gesturing around to the room. Within seconds the desk was gone and I was seated on top of a bed, with a wardrobe in front of it and nightstand to the right.

"This is your temporary housing. It's called Hotel De La Vie."

"Your joking right? The Hotel of Life?"

"Just because we're dead doesn't mean our humor has to be too." I nodded my head, understanding. "My name is Poppy and if you need anything else while you're here, just think of me and I'll appear."

Before I could thank her, she was gone. I sighed and fell back onto the bed, thankful that purgatory had the softest pillows I'd ever encountered. I grabbed the notebook from the side table and opened it once again, finding a new note on the inside.

Good Luck,

May Your Killer Never Rest In Peace.