What Did You Do?

Chapter Ten

"Well that rules Jake out!" I declare. It has been a few hours since we interrogated Jake and the girls and I are huddled on the couches, snacking on chocolate, while we discuss our new plan.

"Definitely!" Mia says, "But what suspects do we have left?"

Mia, Jackie, and I glance towards Chloe, silently wondering whether or not we should confront her. I have been watching her closely but found nothing suspicious, but I feel we are running out of time.

"We've reached a dead end!" Chloe says.

"Chlo," I state, "We need you to be honest with us."

"Why did no one else know about the early morning training?" Jackie questions.

"Do you have something to do with the death of Mr Miller?" Mia asks.

"No- no!" Chloe stutters.

"You can tell us Chlo," I say, "We'll protect you."

"Ok. Follow me." Chloe takes us into her room and reaches under her bed, retrieving a small black box. Mia, Jackie, and I pile onto her bed, ready for the big reveal.

"Here!" Chloe places the box on my lap and sits down in the desk chair opposite us.

"Open it."

Carefully, I peel off the velvet covered lid and peer inside. It's a pile of photos and letters. I pick up the photo on top and gasp. It shows Chloe and Mr Miller laughing on the beach. Quickly I pass it to Mia and Jackie and grab another one. The glossy shine on the photographs show they are quite new. The next photo shows Chloe kissing Mr Miller on the cheek. I pass it on and reach for the next thing; it's a postcard. From Mr Miller.

My dearest Chloe,

I know letters are lame and you will tease me for being so old and boring but Italy is beautiful and I wanted to send this postcard to show you the extraordinary adventures we will go on when we finally visit. I must admit; I bought this one from the two dollar shop down the street but maybe we can just pretend it is from an overpriced italian gift shop and we are sending it back to our family and friends. Sharing our amazing adventures. Now I know it is just a photograph but I want you to keep it as a reminder so that whatever happens this year, you will always have me and our Italy dreams to keep you happy. I remember seeing you today, while we were sneakily strolling through the streets and taking a secret path to a beautiful beach. I remember the way you smiled at my crazy jokes and laughed when I dropped my ice cream onto my sandals and had to buy another one. I love you Chloe Jackson. I hope you know that.

Yours truly,

Sam

"We were going to go there." Chloe points at the image of old Italian buildings, "To Italy. We had it all planned out. This summer, we were gonna run away and not tell anyone. Of course I doubt I would have been able to hide it from you detectives." She smiles. "But now he's gone and it's as if none of it matters anymore."

"Oh Chloe." I say, flinging myself off the bed and into her arms. I'm shocked and suspicious but I know she will cooperate better if we act as if we are on her side. "It's ok. You will always have us."

Jackie and Mia wrap their arms around us and squeeze tightly.

"I went to the pool that Sunday night." Chloe says once we are all settled back down, sitting in silence. "We had decided to meet up one more time before school started and our summer charade would have to be hidden. He told me to come early to train. I think he was about to email the rest of the class when I left. He must have been murdered before he had the chance."

"It's alright Chlo, we'll find whoever did this and they will pay for it." Jackie announces as we all share a determined look.

We will find the killer and we will bring them to justice! I think, I just pray that it is not you!