Knights of St. Christopher

1 - 'Cheater'

Rene was a standard student studying Theatre at Belgrave University. She had long ginger hair, bright blue eyes and a smile that could light up the room. She and her best-friend Melissa sat at a table in the cafe. Melissa had short black hair, a round face and green eyes.

Rene twirled her finger around the cup as she spaced out, "Earth to Rene!" Melissa called. Rene snapped out of space and stared at Melissa, "I did it again, didn't I?" She asked. Melissa sighed "Josh is one of many guys in the world. He's not even that hot either" Melissa reassured. Melissa was that friend that always was by her side to cheer her up. Rene nodded, "It sucks that I walked in on him and Rachel..." She admitted as her eyes gazed into the coffee cup. Melissa tilted her head whilst giving her a judgemental stare, "What, little miss 'open my legs to any dude on campus'. She's got nothing on you!" She added. Rene laughed lightly, "I'm heading to class. I've got Shakespeare to rehearse for" She finalised before standing up. Melissa sighed and put on a dramatic voice, "To be or not to be, that is the question!". Rene laughed and left the cafe.

As she was walking through the campus, she spotted Josh. She snapped her head forward and picked up her pace. Josh saw her and ran towards her, "Fuck" She cursed under her breath. Josh jumped in front of her, "Can we talk?" He asked. Rene paused, "I have class" She ended. Josh continued to talk with her, "Can we talk later?" He persisted. Rene didn't flinch, "You did a lot of talking to Rachel". Josh sighed, "That didn't mean anything!" He defended. Rene halted, "And that's why I caught you fucking her!" She shouted loudly. Everyone's gazes landed onto the two. Rene looked around and leaned in, "Back off if you know what's good for you" She whispered. Josh raised an eyebrow before she pushed passed him. He spun around as if he had a plan, "Is that a threat?" He spat, licking his lips slightly. Rene stopped, everyone around them ooed. Josh was now determined to embarrass her. He was the type that everyone wanted, and if you embarrassed him publicly, you're in for a world of hell.

Rene halted and turned to face Josh, "I'm sorry?" She questioned as she stepped closer to him. Josh put his hands in his jersey and sent a smug shrug, "That sounded like a very dominate threat...but everyone knows you're a sub" He loudly stated. Rene smiled then laughed lightly before her fist collided with his face. Josh wiped out and fell to the floor, "I tried to warn you" She sang. A group of four, three boys and a girl, started to clap. Rene laughed lightly but proudly. One of the guys was tall, blonde hair and wore a shirt with smart trousers. Another was mid-height, dark curly hair and wore a jumper and jeans. The final boy was just below the second, he had mid-length dirty blonde hair and wore a denim jacket with regular jeans. The girl had long dark hair, wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

Rene finished class and sat at a giant chessboard. She was doodling a tree. Unexpedially, a boy spoke from above her, "That's pretty cool" He complimented. Rene looked up "Oh, thanks!" She exclaimed. The boy sat down in front of her. It was the boy with the dark hair from the group. She smiled weirdly at him, "I have to say, the way you punched that guy earlier was outstanding!" He stated. Rene laughed, "Thank you, he deserved it" She noted. He laughed, "It sure looked like he did". Rene closed her book and stared at the boy, "So what's your name?" She asked. He pointed towards the book and pen, "May I?". Rene furrowed but obliged. He opened it and wrote down his name and number, "If you ever want to talk, or if you're about to punch that guy again. Don't be hesitant to send me a text" He mentioned then got up, "It was a pretty good punch" he finalised before walking back to his group.

Later that night, Rene was studying in her room whilst eating pizza. A loud knocking was soon heard, which made Rene jump out of her skin. Rene walked to the door and opened it up. Melissa stood there covered in blood and dirt, "Oh my god..." Rene faintly whispered as she processed Melissa's appearance. Melissa pushed passed her as she started freaking out and crying. Rene quickly closed the door, "What happened?" Rene asked. Melissa rushed into the bathroom, "It's Josh!" Melissa cried. Suddenly a scream was heard from outside. Rene turned to Melissa, "You get cleaned up, I'll see what it is!" She finalised.

When Rene got outside, she spotted Josh's mangled body covered in blood, almost eaten whole. Red and blue flashing lights appeared, students stood nearby. Rene covered her mouth as she spotted 'Cheater' was written across his chest. She looked away and spotted the guy from before. He looked at her with a worried expression before slowly walking away. She found this strange then rushed to her room.

When Rene got to her room, Melissa was sitting at her desk whilst tapping her leg, "I think I might have a lead to who done it" She stated. Melissa furrowed then looked at her as if she was insane, "Who done it?" Melissa asked confused, "What done it, is the question" She corrected. Rene furrowed, "Huh?". Melissa stood up and strolled to the window, "It was huge. Red in colour, it looked like a werewolf" She admitted. Rene raised her eyebrows, "I think the shock has gotten to you" Rene suggested as she walked over to Melissa, placing her hands on her shoulder. Melissa turned around, "I saw him being murdered by that...thing!" She exploded. Rene tried to hush her, "You have to be quiet, somebody might hear you and think you're insane" She warned. Melissa laughed, "Let them hear me, they need to know what killed Josh!" She declared. Rene could see the crazy in Melissa's eyes, "Mel..." She spoke softly. Melissa backed away, "I need to go" she stated before escaping the room.

***

Rene woke up the next morning to a knock on the door. Rene opened it and saw an older man standing in front of her, "Detective Andrews. May I come in?" He asked. Rene nodded and stepped aside. Rene closed the door then sat on her bed, and the detective stood in front of her, "I need to ask you a few questions about Josh Peters" He stated. Rene nodded, "Of course".

"How do you know Josh?" He asked. Rene sat up straight, "He's my ex-boyfriend" She informed. He raised his head, "Cheater was written on his chest, did you know that?" He questioned. Rene nodded, "I saw it written, yes".

"Where were you at the time of the murder?" He followed. Rene clapped back instantly with no hesitation, "I was in here. My friend informed me that Josh was dead. She was covered in..." Rene paused, the detective leaned in, "Covered in what?" He tried to coax the answer out. Rene looked into his eyes, "I'm not too sure..." She lied. The detective nodded, "Can you give me the friends name?" He asked. Rene nodded, "Melissa Baker". The detective nodded and fixed his coat, "Thank you for your time" He finalised before leaving the room.

Rene took a deep breath out before laying down on the bed. She looked off towards the desk where her phone and notepad lay. She thought for a second about texting the guy "Fuck it" She stated before she grabbed the notebook and phone. Randall Carpio was written on top of the tree.

She texted the number "Hey, is this Randall that stood suspiciously at the crime scene?". She laughed to herself when she sent it. Soon enough, she got a reply, "What're you suggesting?" He replied. Rene grinned, "Oh nothing, just find it weird how you slowly walk away" She replied. "It wasn't me if that's what you're talking about. Still didn't get a name" He texted back almost immediately. Rene sat up, "I'll tell you once I see you again" She teased. She put her phone down, but it dinged, "Meet me for coffee tomorrow, 7 am" He replied. Rene grinned, "Okay, see you tomorrow".