The Murder Of Willowstream

Ch.03. When Six Became Five

The Den sat on the far western side of the Willowstream quarry. This side of the quarry had long been in disuse, rarely seeing any foot traffic, and therefore made the perfect hide out for the group. It sat cave-like, as a recess in one of the far walls, just round a corner that hid it, for the most part, from view.

It had been theirs for years, and as such had been made into a much more homely place than a simple whole in the wall. A scavenged, tattered, rug was spread out wide along the floor. Poorly put together shelves made of cobbled, splinter-filled, wood sat pushed against the concave walls holding various memorabilia. Plenty of picture frames and knick-knacks holding memories that none of the group looked upon disappointedly. The place looked far more like a college dormitory than a hideout. Two lumpy couches sat in the middle, and the place even sported a rarely used cot against the far wall, for those days when teenage angst was at its highest and staying at home was not a preference.

This was a sanctuary. A home away from home. Just for them.

Rhys, Marshal, and Alice were the first to arrive. They had pottered around the entrance to The Den for a few minutes, before deciding it was best to wait inside, sprawling comfortably on the couches.

"I'm sure it's just Alaric being dramatic." Marshal pondered as he rested with his legs on Rhys' lap and a forearm across his eyes.

"I still haven't seen Yasmine today..." Alice mentioned, worrying at her bottom lip as her hands found the chain again. "And she hasn't responded to any of my messages."

"She could be busy with family stuff? What if they found out she's a Witch?" Rhys offered, although suddenly wished he hadn't as Alice' reaction began to increase into almost panic. "No, no! I didn't mean to say that. You know Yasmine. She's the most careful out of all of us, there's noway her family know without her wanting them to."

"Hey guys!" Lilly's voice called from the entrance as she stepped in, the black wispyness of her summer dress, fluttering behind her as she arranged her grip over her book bag and did a mental head count of everyone present.

She was met with a resounding "hey" from the three, Marshal quickly retracting his legs as she fell comfortably between him and Rhys. Lilly noted Alice's worried demeanour and it didn't take a genius to notice that Yasmine wasn't present and that, that was what she was worrying about. She reached over and gave Alice' hand a reassuring squeeze, being replied with a wry smile.

"You'd think, being the one to call the message, on a school day: He'd at least be the first one here." Lilly huffed, uneager to maintain the silent waiting that kept the air pregnant with anticipation.

"It's like the last month before it ends for the summer, thank fuck. Nobody cares really, the morning register is just a formality at this point." Rhys commented

"Yeah. Besides, this is Alaric we're talking about. He's at the very least, fashionably late." Marshal said.

Before another word could be said, there came a loud Flumf! Sound as a familiar messenger bag was dropped in front of them all. Alaric standing just to the side with his arms, defensively crossed over his chest. He was frightfully emotionless. His face holding nothing as realisation dawned on each of the other members.

The messenger bag was brown and well-worn. The tell tale badges, of various animal charities, still pinned to the strap, although a few were now spotted with the blood that had soaked through the various patches of fabric. It was Yasmines bag.

The Den was silent, yet it felt like static was roaring through as their minds raced onwards.

"H-how? What did you... Why do you have Yasmines bag?" Alice questioned, forcing herself to ignore the bloodstains.