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“How could you?! Dating my ex after we just broke up?”
“Cool it Brody, she was my ex first.”
“Wow this is garbage.” Andrew mumbled under his breath watching ‘My Ex-ex-lover's New Secrets’. He’d gotten home earlier than anyone else today and decided watching this was the best way to kill time.
Whatever, he needed to get caught up anyway considering everyone in his college friend group watched and discussed it. Not watching would be a social death sentence. Though honestly, he’d prefer watching it with Ashley. Despite not liking it herself at least she made him laugh with all her snide remarks towards the actors in the show.
As if on que Andrew heard the front door open. He knew it was Ashley because she was the only one in the house who never announced her presence upon entry. Before he could look back over the couch to confirm, he heard stomping footsteps heading towards the couch before a very pouty Ashley took a seat right next to him. There was a brief moment of silence filled with Andrew’s confusion and Ashley’s refusal to look at him or talk.
“Ummm, what’s u-“
“Andy, you would not believe the day I’ve had.”
"Don't call me that but do tell oh sister of mine.” Andrew stated with a bored expression and still half paying attention to the show.
“Okay, not only did I have to deal with usual school bullshit like stupid teachers and one of my colored pencils broke, but there was this one asshole today that would not leave me alone.”
“What do you mean?” Andrews interest now perked.
“This morning, he tried calling me over to talk to him and his friends and again during lunch, that I ignored both times. After school ended today that loser tried getting in my way again walking home and even grabbed me. I had to stomp his foot for him to let me go.”
Andrews stared unblinking towards Ashley. The more she shared the more his blood boiled in anger.
“Plus, I think it left a bruise on my arm here.” Ashley rolled up her sleeve to show her brother.
Andrew was in disbelief. He took hold of Ashley’s arm to take a closer look and could see the unmistakable reddish-green coloring of a bruise. “Does it hurt?” he asked while lightly pressing the affected area.
“A little, kiss it better?” Ashley responded with a mischievous grin.
Andrew sighed, “If you want I can get you some ice for it, but your gonna tell me who that guy was and we’re reporting him to your principal tomorrow!”
“Yeah right, his name is Derrick, and there’s no way the principal is going to do anything about it since he’s on the soccer team or something. It’d be easier for me to just knock him out with a textbook to the face.”
“For love of God please don’t do that. In fact, make sure you’re not alone with him again, for now try hanging out with your frie-…. classmates a bit more. I’ll think of something to take care of this guy.”
“Ugh fine, but you’re treating me to ice cream tomorrow.”
“Yeah yeah sure thing, just remember what I said. For now, I need to do some studying.” Andrew said while getting up from the couch and patting Ashley’s head.
Ashley seemed to stay on the couch with a noticeably better mood while Andrew walked to their shared living space and sat down at his desk. He’d be doing some studying alright. Instead of grabbing his college notes he reached in his desk drawer for his school yearbook.
After a quick flip to the sports section, he found the soccer team and the only kid named Derrick on it. He gazed on the picture of evil incarnate, a man with brown hair that was short but curly, and freckles all over his face. How this guy thought he had a snowballs chance in hell with Ashley was beyond Andrew and only infuriated him more.
Andrew knew his next course of action. He was going to make this punk pay for harming his sister. This monster would be dead if not brutally tortured when Andrew was through with him. 'Or preferably both' Andrew thought while chuckling to himself.
“Now how to go about it?”
From within the Ice cream shop, aptly named ‘Eat Cold’ sat Andrew and Ashley enjoying the promised ice cream. In reality it was Ashley happily eating her ice cream while Andrew was staring at his melt. He had spent all last night on his action plan for dealing with his victim. For now, he planned on acquiring the necessary equipment and he’d do so after he’s done hanging out with Ashley.
“Andrew why’d you even get an ice cream if you aren’t going to have it? At least let me have some then.”
Ashley’s comment seemed to snap Andrew out of his stupor enough for him to clean his hand with a napkin and share some of his ice cream as well. “I’m not feeling ice cream right now, besides I’m just thinking about my group of friends and Julia since I blew them off to hang out with you.” Andrew lied, not only about thinking of them but also about feeling bad about it.
“You get to hang out with your friends and that hussy all the time during your classes, would it kill you to focus on what’s right in front of you? Shame on me for thinking you cared more about what happened to me yesterday.” Ashley said while eating her ice cream indignantly.
“Completely untrue. I’m sorry I have a lot of things on my mind, but why do you think we came for ice cream?!” Andrew retorted matching his sister’s anger.
“Thanks for shutting me up with ice cream Andy, please go back to your more important problems.”
“Great idea, I’ve got a few errands to run and I’ll be home later tonight.”
“Fine, don’t be surprised if you come back and the front door’s bolted shut!” Ashley shouts while getting up from her seat and leaving.
He hated when she got like this, but he figured this was inevitable since he would have to blow her off to carry out his plan. Considering there were a few people in the ice cream shop that saw this whole argument unfold, Andrew decided it was his turn to leave as well.
After a short bus ride Andrew makes it to his first stop, the hardware store. It was a relatively small store meaning it wouldn’t have cameras recording him. He quickly grabbed necessary items including duct tape, rope, sticky notes and a hammer he’d need. To add to his secrecy, he paid in cash. The cashier at the front was a young bored looking girl who barely looked at him and probably wouldn't recognize him. Andrew was smiling at how well things were going as he came up to his next stop.
In front of Andrew was the home of Derrick. A two-story townhome that seemed well maintained. He took another look at the address he wrote down from the school directory and confirmed it was the right house number. From the front of the home he could see two people, presumably his parents, in the living room watching TV. Taking a trip around the back he could see a few soccer balls in the backyard and his target walking around in what seemed to be the kitchen. It seemed like he may have gotten home recently, unless he enjoyed walking around his home in soccer gear. Whatever the case, Andrew would be confirming his routine in the coming days.
Walking around Derrick’s neighborhood for anything interesting, Andrew found what he was looking for. Behind the neighborhood park, not too dissimilar to the park he and Ashley enjoyed in their childhood, he saw a forest seemingly out of sight from other nearby houses. Further inspection confirmed he was shielded from the houses and street view due the inclined terrain. This is where Andrew would take Derrick to give him what he deserved. Satisfied, Andrew started his way home. Luckily, even though the sun had gone down the buses would run for a while longer. He supposed if Derrick got home this late from what was most likely practice, this might be even easier than he had hoped.
On the bus ride back there’s not much else to do besides stare out the window and avoid eye contact with other weirdos. It was times like these Andrew missed Ashley. Not only did he despise being alone with his thoughts, but she would be entertaining enough to make fun of said weirdos. Like that lady with the furry looking purse. Ashely would probably say ‘she probably skinned a cat to make that’. Andrew chuckled at the thought.
Andrew wondered if it was right for him to keep his plan from Ashley. though the more he thought about it the more he convinced himself it was the right thing to do. Not only was doing all this for her embarrassing as hell, but knowing Ashley she'd want to help him do this and he would not let her get involved if this went wrong. Either way, he needed to talk to her when he got home.
It was pretty dark by the time Andrew made it to his front door, though it really wasn’t that late in the day. Such is the case during Autumn. Which is why it was surprising for Andrew to see his sister in bed with the lights off.
Andrew cautiously stumbled through the dark room while also watching to see if Ashley would acknowledge his presence at all. Once across the room, Andrew turns on his desk lamp and sets down his bag and directed his full attention towards his pink-eyed menace.
“Ashley c’mon I know you’re not asleep.”
No answer.
“Ashley I literally heard noise and lights turn off before I stepped in here.”
“…..What do you want? I thought you’d be too busy with your assortment of whores to give a shit about me.”
“You’re still on about this? None of that is even remotely true you nutcase.” Andrew seethed.
“Fuck you Andy, you make it pretty obvious you want to be anywhere but with me!”
“What I WANT is for you to stop freaking out every time I mention hanging out with someone other than you.” Andrew’s stern demeanor didn’t fade even when Ashley finally sat up to face him with a scowl. “But I also want to….apologize about earlier too.”
“Go on.” Ashley replied with uncertainty.
God how did this get so overblown, Andrew thought to himself. This whole mess started because he wanted to right a wrong done to his sister. Regardless, he didn’t want to continue this bickering any longer. He needed to make this good and he had an idea how.
“Dearest Ashley." Andrew began calmy with the most proper accent he could come up with.
"Apologies for not keeping my mind squarely on you on our ice cream outing.
It was foolish of me not to realize sooner, radiant and rowdy as you are.
Would you be so kind as to forgive me so that we may enjoy a stroll in the park tomorrow?”
Ashley was already grinning from the longwinded apology but was confused at the mention of an invitation to the park.
“You want to go to the park? Where’d that idea come from?”
“Y- you know……. Nostalgia.”
“Hmmm, I accept.” Ashley replied feeling extremely satisfied. Though she wore a slight scowl for what she’d say next. “And don’t think I don’t notice your not-so-subtle backhanded compliments.”
“Sharp as ever I see.”
“You say that like it’s hard to keep up.”
Andrew silently hummed, happy this was over, and laid down on the bed next where Ashley sat.
“By the way, where did you go today?”
“I was…….looking for a part time job.” Andrew kicked himself for not thinking of a an excuse sooner or at least a better one.
“Why are you looking for a job? You’re barely home as is.”
“Why else Ashley? Money. Anyway it didn’t work out so I’m done with that. Andrew added hoping that would defuse the situation.
“Good. If you need money then you could always drop out of college and stop getting in debt.”
This wasn’t the first time she talked about this. That didn’t make it any more bearable to listen to.
“Plus, you get to spend more time with me.”
“I’d still need to get a job in that scenario. That’ll keep me out of the house for a similar amount of time.”
“Ughh, isn’t there some job you can work from home?”
“Oh my bad I forgot about the remote control robots for sale that can do your job for you. They’re super trendy right now.”
“Fuck you Andrew! I meant something like being a telemarketer, they work from home.”
“I’m jumping off the balcony before becoming a telemarketer.”
“Okay, what are your ideas then?”
“I got a good one, let’s do our homework.”
“Boo, I’m doing mine later. See ya.” With that Ashley got up from bed and walked to the kitchen.
Andrew sighed, he hoped Ashley wasn’t lying about doing her homework. Either way he had to do his. For now he was content. He had a plan to continue his investigation and Ashley was happy.
Having gotten out of school/college classes, the Graves siblings were now taking a leisurely stroll and were almost at the park Andrew mentioned. Andrew’s eyes were scanning his surroundings making note of any potential witnesses and opportunities for when his plans were in motion. He was glad Ashley was with him right now, an unknown couple looked much less suspicious than a random guy to local residents. Meanwhile, Ashley was taking in the new scenery as this was her first time in the area.
“This definitely seems like a rich-person neighborhood. I hope I don’t have to see anyone from school around here.”
“You and me both.”
Andrew prayed no one would recognize he’d been here, but thankfully the one person he did know that lived here was at soccer practice. Plus, being seen out with his sister wouldn’t help old rumors concerning him and Ashley.
After another block of walking and they arrived. The park was smaller than Andrew remembered, but then again, he wasn’t paying that much attention to it the first time he came around here. There were three swings and a small structure with a slide on the side clearly intended for small children.
Andrew was starting to worry this was a bust and Ashley would throw a fit, but to his surprise Ashley ran past him towards the swings and sat down comfortably in the middle swing. Seeing her on the swings she looked ecstatic and she beckoned Andrew to sit and swing with her. Though before he could actually sit down, Ashley called him again.
“Andy wait, I need you to push me.”
“One, don’t call me that. Two, you can’t expect me to believe you don’t remember how to swing?”
“I do, it’s just getting momentum is the hardest part so just push me like you used to when we were little.”
Andrew sighed before walking behind his grown sister to push her on the swings. With 3 pushes from Andrew, Ashley was comfortably swinging back and forth. Andrew, seeing nothing else to do, began swinging as well.
Gliding through the air was actually pretty relaxing. It also helped that it was a fairly nice day outside with no one there to disturb them. He wasn’t sure how much time they were there, but it wasn’t like they were in a rush. Andrew swore the last time he did something like this was when he was 12. A glance over to Ashley revealed that she was looking at him as well. For a few seconds they had both been swinging in tandem staring at each other. He wasn’t sure why but he thought the smile she wore had a look of longing in there as well.
“And-Andrew what gives? Why did we stop going to the park together?”
“Because we’re not kids anymore Ashley.”
“That’s stupid, who gets to decide when you’re too old to have fun?”
“I guess society.”
“Well screw that, I don’t want strangers who I don’t even care about deciding what I can and can’t do.”
‘You and me both’ is what Andrew wanted to say to that. But all he could do was stare out in the distance. Unfortunately, he knew better. He also knew better than to argue with his sister on this. He figured now was a good time to do what he really came to do.
“I gotta take a leak.” Andrew said while hopping off of his seat.
“Way to kill the mood.”
“Whatever, I’ll be in the forest over there.”
“Fine, but hurry back.”
Andrew walked until the trees masked his presence from his sister. Making sure there wasn’t anyone else in the immediate vicinity, Andrew made his way to the clearing from yesterday. The first thing he made note of was that there were no footprints besides his from yesterday which was a good sign. He’d probably continue making sure that’s the case in the coming days.
Considering no one seemed to come here, Andrew took out the hammer and tape he brought along and hid them in a nearby bush. This would be another indicator of people snooping around and a way to have them handy while not carrying too many supplies on the day he puts his plan to action.
As he finished up and was walking back to Ashley he thought about his ultimate goal.
Was he really going to kill him? He could beat him and scare him. It would mean less police involvement, unless his face was seen. He hated putting it this way, but because of this he was spending more time with Ashley. Regardless, Derrick would get what was coming to him, that was for sure.
“I guess I’ll make up my mind when the time comes.”
Shortly after the Graves siblings went home satisfied with the day spent together. Over the coming days Andrew was active with his investigation work. Andrew and Ashley visited the park one more time, but it was mostly Andrew going by himself to stalk the area alone.
Within a week, Andrew figured out the soccer team schedule when practice ended and exactly what time Derrick walked home. He walked with a friend, but not for the last 3 blocks. Andrew would knock him out in that interval, drag him a short ways to the woods, and enact his vengeance. ‘God that last part sounded cringey’ Andrew thought to himself. All that was left was waiting for the weekend.
At last, the fated day arrived, and Andrew awoke with a grin. He got out of bed, showered, and got dressed all while Ashley slept soundly on her bed. He had some time before he needed to get things in motion. This Saturday Derrick had practice from the afternoon until it got dark, Andrew could chill until he would make himself seen at the library as an alibi. That didn’t mean he didn’t want to have a good start to the day.
A cup of coffee later and Andrew decided to watch TV. Flipping through channels he saw “EMERGENCY BROADCAST” and felt compelled to check the local news.
Andrew’s blood ran cold. He couldn’t believe it.
The news correspondent was detailing a brutal assault against none other than Derrick, last night, and that the suspects had not been identified. All that was known from Derrick was that he was beat by 2 masked individuals.
Andrew was going through a range of emotions listening to the report. On one side he was content knowing ‘what goes around comes around’. On a smaller side he was annoyed at the enormous amount of effort seemingly gone to waste. On another larger side, he was getting nervous. Is it possible this could be pinned on him? The only evidence of his plans was here and the tools he left in those woods that may have his prints. Andrew tried to calm himself down since getting rid of those tools could be an easy fix. Other than that he’d be in the clear.
Almost on cue, Ashley walked out of their room and into the kitchen to make herself some cereal. Out of the corner of her eye she glanced at the TV and burst out laughing at the news.
“Serves that asshole right! Have fun playing sports with broken legs.” She punctuated her statement by taking in a mouthful of cereal.
Glad as he was that his sister’s smiling face, Ashley revealed to Andrew a possible issue he needed to confirm.
“Ashley, despite how elated I am to see this asshole get the beating he deserves the police are looking for suspects. You didn’t talk to this creep again did you?”
“Geez paranoid much? Or are you getting jealous?”
“Ashley!”
“Okay okay, I did tell him off when he walked by me in the hall like 2 days ago.”
“….And what did you say?”
“Something about…..him ending up 6 feet under if he comes near me again. No big deal right?”
Andrew turned off the TV, his hands were gripping his head and he was staring at the floor.
“Are you kidding me? You can’t just hand out death threats and expect the guy who got beaten like a piñata to not mention your name to the police!”
“So? We didn’t do it. How are they actually going to prove it was us who did it?”
Under normal circumstances the police could probably pin this on anyone who didn’t have a solid alibi. In this case Andrew had no alibi and incriminating evidence that could be used against him. Andrew was a hair away from biting his finger off with the very real possibility of going to jail despite not even getting to carry out his revenge.
“FUCK!”
Ashley was startled by the outburst. Good thing their mom was at work and dad wouldn’t question this at all.
Without another word Andrew left to the balcony. He needed a smoke.
Andrew exhaled a large cloud. He had calmed down considerably. He was already starting to formulate all the steps he needed to take to cover his tracks. Thinking back to the news broadcast, they said authorities only got to talk to Derrick about the incident this morning. If they weren’t lying he probably did have some time before they get a warrant. This was doable.
Another drag. He thought about possibly getting help from Ashley. While he could get this done faster with her assistance he still didn’t like the idea of her incriminating herself. And to a lesser extent, telling her he went this far to get back at her aggressor was still embarrassing.
Andrew smashed his cigarette against the ashtray and went back inside. As he passed Ashley, who was finishing her cereal. He told her he needed a few minutes in their room to get changed and that he’d be heading out.
Not waiting for her response Andrew shut the door to their room and got his backpack full of tools making sure they were all there. The tape and knife he could probably keep, but the rope and ski mask he’d rather throw away to be safe. Next he dug in to his desk to retrieve some important documents.
The documents in question were plans detailing Derricks routine and a monologue he was planning to give Derrick once he was in Andrews clutches. He was planning on taking his time.
‘So much for that.’ Andrew thought as he ripped the papers up. Though this probably wasn’t enough. He needed to burn it. He dumped the paper scraps, grabbing the biggest one and reaching for his lighter.
Behind him, Andrew heard the door knob to his room turning.
“Don’t come in I’m not decent!” Andrew shouted panicked.
For a moment, there was silence as no one made a move. After a few seconds the door swung open with Ashley walking in to stare at her brother. Andrew was frozen kneeling down next to the trash can with ripped paper and a lit lighter in his hands.
“What part of ‘I’m not decent’ did you not understand?” Andrew spat out hoping to deflect the obvious question.
“Don’t be such a prude. If you really want privacy change in the bathroom.”
“……. What are you doing anyway.” Ashley asked as if she only now registered Andrew’s current position. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted the hammer and part of the rope from his backpack. After a few seconds, it seemed like she was slowly putting the pieces together. “Wait, were you actually the one that did it?” Ashley asked with a beaming smile.
“What? N-no….but it should’ve been.”
Seeing her clearly wanting him to continue, Andrew had no choice but to recount his plan, summarizing what he’d been up to the past week or so. He made sure not to describe exactly how much effort he put into this. He’d do a lot for his sister but she didn’t need to know exactly how far.
As he explained hunched over the trashcan he did not miss the growing smirk on Ashley’s face as he continued. She had been leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, as he recounted his misadventures. As he finished, he imagined any sane person would be horrified, but in his sister’s case he waited for laughter. Instead she walked over to him. Under the weight of her grin he turned away facing the torn papers. He knew what was coming as she propped her elbow on his shoulder.
“Aww don’t get too down Andy, I’m sorry you didn’t get to avenge my honor yourself.”
“But...” Ashley inched closer as she continued, even squatting down next to him, “To think you’d go this far for me? How sweet of you!” She punctuated the last line by wrapping an arm around him and pinching his cheek with her other hand.
“Knock it off.”
The teasing was unbearable, but considering how stupid the situation Andrew was in, maybe he deserved this. He eyed the lighter in his hands. ‘Or maybe I should light myself on fire,’ he thought to himself. Before Andrew could give his response Ashley stood up.
“Now that that’s out of the way, what are we doing to fix this?”
“Hold on Ashley, I do have a plan but it doesn’t involve you possibly going to jail too if this goes south.”
“Excuse me? What kind of little sister would I be if I didn’t help you clean up your messes. Besides, if I help isn’t there a better chance neither of us goes to jail?”
Andrew chose not to engage with her not-so-subtle insults considering she did seem to have a point. “….Fine, I’m not arguing on this.”
“Not so fast, you need to ask properly first.”
“Will you please help me not go to jail?”
“Times ticking Andy, try again.”
“......Would you be so kind as to assist me in my hour of need Ashley?
Time is of the essence and your aid would be a godsend. That good enough?”
“Yep. This episode will be titled Andy and Leyley and the Uncommitted Crime Cover-up”
“Okay then listen up, because I wasn’t kidding about our limited time.”
Andrew hurried on his way towards the forest near Derrick’s house. If the police were still searching for the suspects then they’re bound to look in the forest eventually. He needed to get there first.
Ashley was tasked with burning the papers and mask in the balcony to make sure the apartment doesn’t smell burnt and throwing the rope out in the dumpster behind their apartment. Andrew wanted to run as fast as possible but wasn’t sure if there was any cops in the area so he opted for a speed walk.
Across the street from the park Andrew could see some police tape probably indicating the scene of the crime. He hurried in the forest right to where the clearing was. Seeing no one else around and no visible footprints, he lunged for the tape and hammer from the bushes and put them on his person. Now he just needed to make it back home to Ashley and figure out an alibi just in case.
Andrew left the forest making his way to the bus stop when he saw 2 police officers walking down the same sidewalk. Andrew tensed but continued to walk in their direction, changing course now would be too suspicious. As they were close to crossing his path one seemed to take notice of him.
“Hey kid!”
“Uhh yes officer?” Andrew responded while stopping in front of the 2 cops.
“You know what happened around here?” One officer asked pointing at the taped off area.
“I ….. saw on the news a guy got beat up there.”
“Right, we’re currently looking for any suspicious individuals.”
Andrew was sweating bullets, if they searched him, he’d certainly be detained.
“So let us know if you see any.” The other officer chimed in. With that they didn’t even wait for Andrew to respond and just kept walking. Trembling, Andrew started on his way as well.
On the bus ride home Andrew was thinking up potential alibis he could rehearse with Ashley in case they needed it. Their options were limited considering they just stayed home last night. The best option was probably saying they had a movie marathon. They could go into detail about movies like HyperGore SplatterBrains 2 to make it more convincing. Andrew fidgeted in his seat all the way home hoping it would be enough.
As he approached the front door of the apartment he heard conversation inside and unknown voices. As he opened the door his suspicions were confirmed seeing his sister and dad standing near the couch with what looked like 2 police officers.
“Andy you’re back I missed you!” Ashley said while running up and hugging him.
"I was just out……getting cigarettes. How long have they been here?" Andrew responded while whispering the last part.
”Just now, they didn’t ask anything yet."As Ashley finished, she let go of her brother and looked back at their guests both of whom were walking towards them.
“You must be Andrew Graves, I’m Detective Seirch and this is Detective Cizure.”
The detective introducing herself was around the age of their mother with brown hair in a bob style haircut with her partner having pulled back blonde hair and looked only a few years older than Andrew.
“I-If you don’t mind we’d like to ask your sister a few questions.” The younger detective added speaking up for the first time.
“I’m sorry, but do you have a warrant for coming in here?” Andrew asks with a front of calmness
“No, but your father let us in and said that’d be perfectly fine.” Pointing to Mr.Graves, still next to the couch nodding in affirmation.
‘Then why ask again asshole?’ Is what Andrew wanted to say. Now they had no choice, but to talk them.
“But before we get started, could I trouble you for some coffee? I swear I can’t function without it.” The older detective asked.
“Of course, did you want a menu too?” Ashley responded sarcastically.
“Apologies for my sister, she likes to joke around sometimes. Ashley go make some coffee please.” Andrew chimed in with a fake laugh.
“Alright? Let’s get started then, Ashley were you aware about what happened to one of your classmates yesterday?”
“Yep, karmas a bitch.”
“What she means is we saw it on the news, sure the victim and Ashley weren’t on the best terms, but my sister never wished any harm to come to him. Right Ashley?”
“……….Of course not.” Ashley said with the weakest fake smile Andrew had ever seen.
“That’s good to hear. Andrew if you don’t mind we’d like to ask your sister for clarifications for questions directed at her. So keep the comments at a minimum.”
“No problem.” Andrew hoped Ashley was up for this.
The next 20 or so minutes was filled with questions from the older detective and notes taken by the younger one. Ashley seemed to be doing well on her own. Andrew only interjected when it came to the movie marathon alibi for what they did last night. Dad was busy doing nothing in the corner of the room.
“Well we’re almost done here, but could you point me to where you keep your napkins?” The older woman asked with a finished cup of coffee.
Andrew pointed to the table which the lady walked to herself. Andrew looked at Ashley hoping she could tell he was impressed with her. it seemed like things were gonna be alright. She must have got the message with the smug smile she gave him.
“Hold on what’s this?” The older detective said while she stared within the trash can she just threw her napkin in.
Andrew wasn’t sure what was going on until the detective pulled out the rope Andrew bought out of there. Andrew felt like his eyes were bulging out of their sockets and Ashley looked like she had the word ‘whoops’ written all over her face.
The younger detective rushed over to examine the rope himself and spoke up.
“When did you both get this rope? A-and why throw it away it looks brand new?”
“I bought that rope and I didn’t need it anymore so I threw it away.” Andrew said hoping this situation was salvageable.
“Are you both aware the victim had rope burns around his mouth from the assault he suffered?”
“W-we used this rope f-for…”
“…When we went to the park!” Ashley blurted out.
“Yeah, we used it to play….Tug of War. But we didn’t really like playing it so we threw the rope away.” Andrew cringed internally.
“Really?” The detective asked as if saying ‘Is that the best you got?’
“Yeah, dad you were there tell her.” Ashley added.
Huh?” Mr.Graves responded unsure why the atmosphere was more intense all of a sudden.
“Dad remember? We went to Lame Lake park for Tug of War and to just hang out as a family.” Andrew chimed in as if pleading.
“Ohhhh yeah know I remember. We did do that.”
The graves siblings wanted to face palm at their father’s contribution, but it was their fault for expecting more.
All of a sudden the front door opened. In came Mrs.Graves from work wondering who the strangers in her house were. After a brief reintroduction from the detectives it seemed like things were looking better for the Grave siblings.
“All right Mr. and Mrs. Graves I think we’re about wrapped up here. Your children will be accompanying us to the station for further questioning.”
“Okay then I’m sure this is all just some mix up.” Mrs.Graves said with her best fake smile. “Oh Honey I just remembered I left my wallet at work come on and help me look for it.”
“You need my help?”
“YES I need your help, get over here!”
As soon as Mr.Graves was within reach Mrs.Graves grabbed his arm and dragged him out the door shutting it behind them.
It was silent for a moment until the older detective spoke up.
“Like I said, you both are coming with us and before you ask you will be detained there overnight.”
The siblings were about to protest while the detectives got out their handcuffs, when a radio on the younger detective started making noise. He fumbled with it for a second before talking to someone inaudible to the siblings on the other side. After a minute the conversation stopped and everyone was waiting for an explanation.
“Officer Dohnitz just got 2 suspects as well around the neighborhood of the crime scene.”
“Did you tell him we were about to bring in these 2?”
“N-no, should I have?”
“Nope, it’s your lucky day you 2. You’re both free to go.”
“Wait Detective Seirch, these people also seem like suspects, and we just told them we’d detain them. We have to bring them in now.” The young detective exclaimed like his boss grew a second head.”
“Rookie we’re already going to be working on one set of suspects, we don’t need another. Try not to make more work for everyone.” The older detective punctuated with a hand on the shoulder. “You both have a nice day!”
With that, both detectives walked out closing the door behind them. Both Andrew and Ashley were left frozen in place wondering if God actually was real. After a minute of silence Andrew was the first to speak up.
“Ashley why was the rope in our trash can?”
“Because the stupid dumpster wasn’t there today I didn’t think anyone would be digging in our garbage. What does it matter, it worked out didn’t it?”
Andrew wanted to say something but opted to let out the biggest sigh of his life instead. “I need to take a nap before I start having a panic attack.”
“Awww did you want me to join you? I wouldn’t mind taking a nap too.”
“……..”
“Oh please Andrew, this was all so very scary, and I need comfort as well.” Ashley exclaimed, faking distress.
Andrew wasn’t sure if he should be relaxing just yet, but there really wasn’t anything he could do at the moment so he might as well take it easy. Plus, he was sure there was some truth to Ashley’s pleas despite how she said them.
“Ugh fine.”
“Perfect, we’re sleeping in your bed.”
The next few days were uneventful. Andrew spent a good amount of time checking the news for more updates on Derrick's case. By day 4, there were finally reports that the detained suspects confessed to the assault. Turns out Ashley wasn't the only girl Derrick got aggressive with and the culprits were the brothers of another girl Derrick cat-called. By day 6, Andrew was convinced they were in the clear and swore he’d never do another insane murder plan ever again.
More than a week later Andrew was back home from college classes, finally taking the time to catch back up on ‘My Ex-ex-lover's New Secrets’. Right when he was wondering when Ashley would get home, he heard the phone ring.
“Hello this is the Sigmund High School office; I’m calling regarding Ashley Graves. Am I speaking to a parent or guardian?”
“Yes, what happened?” Andrew’s worries were starting to creep back in. ‘Was this about Derrick’s beating?’ He asked himself.
“I’m calling because she was in an altercation with a disabled classmate and needs someone to pick her up and speak to the principal.”
“Can you tell me what exactly happened?” Andrew was feeling a lot better thinking this may be concerning a DIFFERENT Derrick beating, but he needed to be sure.
“She pushed a young man out of his wheelchair, took it with her, and the student had to crawl to the principal's office.” The woman on the phone recited in a monotone voice.
Andrew had to cover his mouth to prevent from bursting out laughing and use his other hand to hold the phone away from him. After regaining his composure, he heard the woman asking if he was still there. “Yes, I’ll be there soon enough, thank you bye!” Andrew concluded while hanging up the phone.
Andrew felt like he should be more upset about the situation, but he was still just glad that neither of them were going to jail. His sister may be facing suspension, but with any luck he could help negotiate that down to detention. Turning off the TV, Andrew stepped out the front door, eager to bail Ashley out of trouble like they always do for each other.