Broken Memory ✓

12. Investigations

It's Monday. The past week - and weekend - went by quickly. I still haven't heard anything about the dinner from Mom, making me wonder if that'll ever even happen. I doubt it... Unless I ask her a bunch more or something.

As I walk into the school building, Caleb joins my side and we sit in our normal spot together. I notice people eyeing Caleb once again, trying to glance away whenever me or him look up. Oh, great. They still think he did it.

Connor joins us and we talk about random stuff for a while until the principal walks to the middle of the cafeteria. We stare at him for a few moments right up until he yells, "excuse me, students of Bridgeport High, if I could have your attention for a few minutes."

Students quiet down and I glance at Connor who just shrugs.

"My son, Liam, was found dead in the same woods as Jonathan was found. I believe there is another murderer terrorizing the town of Bridgeport. Maybe even the same one that disappeared six years ago. I lost my son to them. Make sure to be cautious knowing two of the students here fell to the hands of them. Look out for other classmates. Please be home at decent times and don't go into those woods.

Today there will be police questioning students. Do not be alarmed, we're all just trying to figure out who the last person who saw Liam was and who knows anything at all about this. It will be okay. Just be honest." At this, Caleb shoots me and Connor a nervous look, and I try to give him a reassuring smile to tell him it will be okay. He doesn't seem to respond to my smile positively, only giving an uncertain smile back. Like saying, 'I appreciate the effort, but I don't feel okay about this still.'

"With that being said," he continues. "Don't be surprised if you're called to be questioned. This does not mean you're a suspect. That is all."

He leaves the cafeteria and kids begin to talk again, filling the awkward silence. I look back towards Caleb, who has a somewhat troubled expression on his face.

"Caleb, look," Connor says. "I know it's hard, but please try to hide the fact you're nervous. It'll look very suspicious to police. We're of course going to defend you, but you need to also play a huge role in this so you don't become a suspect."

"But... What if I did kill him without realizing it?"

"What?" I question, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"I don't know... Just... There's got to be a reason as to why Liam always thought I killed people... Maybe I did... Just... Without realizing it..."

"Caleb, unless you're severely unstable - which you aren't - I doubt you killed someone without realizing it..."

"Ugh," he groans. "I just want this to be over with. Solved."

"Me too."

In the third hour of the school day, history, I'm called to be questioned. I'm brought into a secured room in the school, a policeman sitting at a table. Other than him, two chairs, and a table, the room is scarcely furnished and decorated. He smiles upon seeing me and I sit down across from him.

"Ashlyn J. Bowers, right?"

"Yep, that's me," I nod.

"Okay, Ashlyn. I'm Officer Nathan. Before we start, I want to clarify you're not a suspect. There's no reason to be nervous."

"Yeah, I was told. It's naturally a bit intimidating, and I think that's what's freaking some students out."

"Right, and I hope you feel more at ease. Any questions?"

I shake my head.

Nathan starts recording our conversation from here, making me feel a tad more uneased for some reason. "Then, tell me, who is Liam Anderson to you? How do you know him, if at all?"