[ A COMPLETED 2020 TEEN MYSTERY ] Life can take a turn for the worst when you least expect it, spiralling deeply out of control in mere days. It's hard to see the signs sometimes; it may be personality changes, or even just an odd remark, but if we...
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Sonia
"What did you just say to me? You think Joel could have done such a diabolical thing?" I yell at him, eyes blazing.
"Sonia, please calm down and think about it. I have seen how he looks at Stephanie, I can see the heartbreak leaking from his face when we're together. That right there is a motive, and our best one at the moment," He tries explaining to me, but I scowl.
"He doesn't 'look' at Stephanie! He is my boyfriend, and a completely faithful one at that! I can not believe you'd even suggest something so incredibly atrocious!"
His face softens, but my scowl only grows deeper. "Sonia, I understand how trustworthy he may seem, but you have to understand that we can't rule anyone out. Don't you want to find out who's trying to kill Stephanie? I know I do, and I will investigate Joel if I have to. Think about it this way, how long till he police realises Joel's heart was broken by Stephanie? How long till he's a suspect?"
I bite my lip and slowly meet Sebastian's eyes. "I'll help you, but not because I believe for one second that Joel is capable of this, only because I want to prove to you he's innocent."
He breathes a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're in this with me. Now, are we going to tell Stephanie?"
"What?" I ask. "Is that even a question? Of course! It's her life that's at risk, obviously we're going to tell her!"
I pause and ponder, perhaps it wouldn't be right to cause her more worry with everything that is happening to her. "But not now. Let's let her settle down a little, give it a day or two."
"That's what I was thinking, I don't want to upset her at the moment, especially not with the fact that Joel's a suspect."
I glare at him and he shrugs. "What else am I supposed to call him? The innocent suspect?"
I laugh and he grins. "Yeah, you're right, that does sound pretty stupid. Just try and refrain from calling him a suspect, it makes me feel uneasy."
He nods. "Can do. Now. You said Stephanie's father found this matchbox outside their house?" I nod. "Does Joel still have his matchbox? You mentioned that you three bought them?"
My face flushes as I recall him telling us that his stepfather threw it out. "Well...no."
Sebastian raises his eyebrows. "Convenient," He mutters.
"He said his stepfather threw it out and I wouldn't be surprised if he's telling the truth, he really is a horrible man. But, even I'll admit it is a little convenient." I shake my head. "What am I saying? He's telling the truth!"
"We'll have to see about that." His eyes light up. "How about we set up a trap?"
"A trap?" I ask, amused. "And how do you suppose we'll do that? Our budget is a little limited."
