Chapter 26: The Culprit
JADE:
I was ready to go to school when I heard a knock on the door. I quickly opened it, and I found Liam grinning, his eyes twinkling beautifully at me on the other side.
“Ready for school?”
“Yes,” I said, smiling back.
Although Liam and I are not really together, he insisted on playing the part of my pretend boyfriend, at least until the end of the semester.
The idea did not sit well with me, but he insisted, and since I cannot even give him a straight answer, I conceded to his offer. At least in this manner, I could freely say yes to him…
If I think about it, spending time with Liam like this is not such a bad idea… He knew my situation. He knew I was not yet ready to open up my heart just yet, and he said he understood. Perhaps, I just have to see how far that understanding could stretch into. Hopefully, I’d be able to open up to him before the end of that limit comes…
Today, we set out early to go to the library. Our research paper was really long overdue, and it was all because of me and the dramatic events that had happened recently.
“Did you sleep well,” Liam asked, to which I happily nodded.
I wanted to tell him about the little fella yesterday, but I decided against it. The dorm rules specify that there shouldn’t be any pets allowed inside the premises, under any circumstances.
Since that furry baby wouldn’t probably come back, I’ll just keep our encounter yesterday all to myself.
Liam and I walked towards school as usual, taking the same street we have taken every day for the past few days, feeling more secured now that Liam was by my side. Since he was with me now, Kix wouldn’t possibly show up like before and surprise me out of the blue, right?
At that time, my head was filled with worry about seeing Kix prematurely that I almost missed him…
As we crossed the street towards school, my eyes fell on a man. He was wearing an all-black hooded jacket. He was also wearing a dark cap.
I can’t be mistaken. That black jacket and cap looked too familiar…
Liam was saying something beside me, but my mind blocked his voice away. My mind was only fixed on the man in the black jacket and cap.
I squinted my eyes. I wasn’t mistaken at all…
That cap and that jacket – they were the same articles of clothing I saw from the man who chased me down the foggy alley on the day Marian died!
“Liam, um, sorry, but can you go to the library first? I-I think I have to go somewhere. I’ll meet you there as soon as I can.”
Not waiting further for Liam’s answer, I sprinted towards the boy, who was already a few steps in front of me.
By now, a crowd has gathered near the school gate. I continued observing him, and I saw the man line up with all the other bunch of students in my university.
I watched as I saw him fetch something from his bag… It turned out to be his ID card. He hung the red lace against his neck and proceeded to fall in line like the others…
Is he… Is he perhaps a student at my own university?!
“It can’t be,” I whispered quietly. How can the killer be a mere student?
But then again, weren’t all the victims college students from around the university belt? If one thought thoroughly about it, wouldn’t the culprit most likely be found in a place where he could mingle with his victims?...
If that was the case, I mustn’t lose him! I must know who he is, and why the heck did what he did to those girls and to Marian!
I struggled in vain as I waited for my turn towards the gate inspection. The boy was several strides away from me. I must follow him closely without being seen.
As soon as he got passed the guard inspecting our bags, he walked fast towards the east corridor. I tried to move as fast as I can too that I almost shoved my bag in front of the guards.
After profusely apologizing, I went to the direction of the east corridor as speedily as my legs could carry me.
I’m sure he was just a few minutes ahead of me, so where the hell did he disappear into?
I was thinking logically on where he could have possibly gone to in such a short period of time when an arm rested itself on my shoulders.
I instantly shook it off by instinct, and thankfully I did, for it was none other but Kix’s elongated arm.
“What are you doing here so early in school, classmate,” he said, a smile spreading widely on his goofy face.
I eyed his arm lest he put it on my shoulders again. My skin crawled just thinking that he was back…
“It’s none of your business,” I said. I was about to turn around when he said something interesting.
“Are you looking for someone, Jade… Someone familiar?… Perhaps someone you think is connected to the death of Marian Rabelo?”
“What is it to you,” I hissed at him. How the hell did Kix know I was looking for Marian’s killer?
“I figured you would. After all, weren’t you the last person to see Marian before she died? Knowing you, I’m sure you’re curious why and how things like that had happened to someone like her...”
Rather than a silly face, Kix was wearing a solemn expression now, which was so in contrast to the cool and easygoing vibe he usually had.
“Why do you care,” I retorted, “So what if I’m a bit curios? Would you help me if I say I was?”
“Of course!”
“I don’t care if you think I’m crazy… Wait, what?” I just had to stop mid-sentence when I heard his firm answer.
“Jadey, did I not tell you that one of the reasons I was here was to find out the culprit who threatened you? Well, that’s why I intend to do, so I will support you one hundred and ten percent. I’ll make sure that man never gets to see the light of day… What do you say? Let’s catch him together, shall we?”
