Apartment 309: A Murder Mystery

(POLICE SIRENS WAILING)

Detective Evan Rhodes: Sir, what happened? What’s going on?

Police: Ah, detective! You’re here, thank goodness. Homicide.

What? Who?

Jake Jones, 26. Found dead in apartment 309. Stabbed.

 

2 DAYS LATER…

Inspector, what is the calculated murder time?

Between 11 P.M and 12:30 A.M

Anyone went in?

No. The cameras cut off at 11:58 P.M and came back at 12:45 A.M.

Have you rounded the suspects?

Yes, five.

Who?

 

Tom Carter, Jake’s 41-year-old neighbour. According to the night watchman, they had an argument a couple months ago.

Edgar Moore, Jake’s 57-year-old grudge. They had a huge fight over the years and now everyone’s pointing fingers at him. According to the security cameras, he was found lurking near the dorm 309 near the time of the homicide.

Then?

Billy Jackson, his other neighbour, aged 28. He was brought in because he was seen walking near the apartment at 12:14 A.M.

Jacob Evans, 25, who has an apartment just below Jake. He wasn’t near his dorm except when he stepped out for a walk around 11:56. That sounded suspicious, but he was back only around 1 AM.

Finally, Susan Marsh, Jake’s 26-year-old friend. She went out at 9:30 P.M and came back at 12:57 A.M, according to cameras.

 

Hmm… thank you Inspector. I’ll start working right away.

Alright, Rhodes. Good luck. Here’s the list of addresses.

 

A couple hours later…

 

(Knock at door)

Tom: Yeah, come in.

(Door opens)

Hello Mr. Carter. I’m Rhodes. Detective Evan Rhodes. I’m here to talk to you.

Oh. Come in.

A few minutes later…

 

So, Mr. Carter, where were you at between 11 P.M and 12:30 A.M?

Me? I was sleeping in my apartment.

Hmm… but the watchman says that you often go out for walks... but at the day of the murder, you didn’t go out?

Oh, I felt tired that day so I sat in my apartment and watched some T.V. I went to bed at 10:30.

Do you have anyone to confirm your story?

No.

Is it true you had an argument with Jake a few months ago?

Yeah. I told him to keep his music down but he told me to keep quiet. I did apologize to him last week.

Oh. Well, do you suspect anyone?

Hmmm… well I don’t wanna blame anyone, but before I went to sleep, I heard Edgar-

Edgar? Edgar Moore?

Yeah, him. I heard him utter ‘he’s gone’ a few times. Then I went to bed.

Well then. I’ll see you later, Mr. Carter. Call me if you know something or saw something suspicious.

Very well. See you, detective.

 

A few minutes later…

(Knock at door)

Edgar Moore: What? Who now?

I’m detective Rhodes, Mr. Moore. I’m here to question you.

Huh. Another one of you, this time wearing a suit. Come in.

 

A couple minutes later…

 

So, Mr. Moore, a lot of people suspect you of killi-

NOT YOU TOO! I HAD TO SHOO AWAY THOSE KIDS AND I-

Sir, calm down. Let me talk.

A’ight.

Is it true that you had a grudge with Jake?

Yeah.

What about?

Well, the kid was pretty sly. I gave him a little loan a year ago, but when I asked him to give it back, he refused, sayin’ he needed more time. I gave him a good telling off but he didn’t. So, I didn’t talk to him until I got my money back. He paid it back a few months ago, but I didn’t talk to him. Apparently, kid good a good job and made lot of money.

Oh. Well, what were you doing between 11 P.M to 12:30 A.M that night?

I was readin’ a book when my dog barked. I thought he had to pee so I took him out but he ran to Jake’s dorm and started madly scratchin’ the door. I ran after him but he ran down into the park. I hunted for a solid 15 minutes but didn’t see him.

Then?

Then I went back to my dorm, called up Animal Control to catch my dog but they closed down for the day. So, I went out of my dorm and hear some noises inside Jake’s apartment. Then I went to the park and found my dog. I went back up, but the noise didn’t stop. I tried to open the door, but it was locked. Then I went to sleep.

But why were you lurking near his dorm then?

I told ya, I was trying to listen to the noise.

But Tom heard that you said ‘he’s gone’?

Oh, while I called Animal Control, I said ‘my dog’s missin’. He’s gone.’ Carter heard that.

Hmm… can’t say story checks out, but you’re clear for now. See you later, Mr. Moore.

A’ight. Out.

 

A few minutes later…

Rhodes (On phone): Hey, inspector.

Rhodes! What happened?

Just interviewed Moore. His story seems to be convincing and convenient… too convenient.

Hmm… any theories to back this up?

No. But I’ll need the footage and access to the cameras.

Any leads yet? What about Carter?

He seems fine. But I can’t really say unless I review the footage.

Alright. I’ll try to get my hands on it. Who’s next?

Billy. Billy Jackson.

Alright Rhodes. Good luck.

 

Three minutes later…

Hi, can I come in? (Knock)

Yeah, come on in.

(Door opens) Hi, I’m Rhodes. Detective Rhodes. I’m here to talk to you.

Oh, about Jake?

Yes.

Well, take a seat. Tea?

No, thank you.

Ok

 Where do we start?

Why were you near Jake’s dorm at 12:14?

Oh, that? I heard a noise inside his dorm? I tried to listen but I couldn’t hear properly.

What were you doing before?

Oh, I was trying out a new recipe. Makin’ some cookies.

Huh. Well, heard anything suspicious?

Other than the noise, I did hear some screeching noise – like a window opening, but I didn’t check it out.

Hmmm… alright, you’re clear for now. See ya, Billy.

Alright, detective.

 

Five minutes later…

Um, hi? Anyone home? (door knocks).

Yeah, I’m here. Come in.

(Door opens)

Hi, I’m detective Rhodes. I’m here to talk to you.

About Jake? Well, come in, cause I have some facts.

 

 

So, did you step out for a walk at 11:56 P.M?

Yeah, I did.

To get groceries?

Nah. Wanted to stretch my legs.

Hmm… what were you doing before that?

Binge-watching my favourite TV shows… movie night.

Oh. You hear something?

Well, kinda. I did see a shadowy figure in the come up from the park and near Jake’s dorm… I think… he was trying to get inside. I got a bit scared so I quietly went down the stairs and out for my walk.

Wait. A figure from the park?

Yeah.

You were back an hour later?

Yep. Walked for 20–25 minutes, took a break and came back. Went to bed.

Well, do you suspect anyone?

I kinda suspect Moore. Guy’s been bitter to Jake. Can’t trust him anymore…

Alright, well thanks for the clues. Gotta go. See you, Jacob.

Bye, detective.

 Five minutes later…

(knock at door) Hi, can I come in?

Uh, who is this?

Detective Rhodes. Here to talk about Jake, ma’am.

Oh. Well, come in.

 

A couple minutes later…

 

So, Ms. Marsh, why did you go out at 9:30 P.M?

Oh… I, um, went to visit a friend’s house.

That late?

Yeah. It was a late get-together.

Hmm… what were you doing before that?

Me? I was eating dinner, then making some calls.

You heard anything?

Yeah, a noise.

In Jake’s dorm?

Yep. Sounded like T.V static.

T.V?

Yeah. I heard some loud music before that, but then it stopped, and got replaced by static.

Weird. Well, anything else?

Actually, yes. When I came back, it was 12:05, so I decided to take a walk around the building. But then, I heard a noise.

A noise?

Yeah, from the side of the building. I went to check it out, but I only saw a shadow.

Wait, a shadow?

Yeah. I got scared and I walked off. Then I walked around the park a bit, saw a dog-

Wait. a…dog?

Yeah. He licked by leg and ran off. I heard a voice calling for the dog… couldn’t hear properly.

Ohhhhh… well, anything else?

No. I walked some more, sat on a bench, texted some messages and came back. I spent a lot of time at the park, actually.

Oh. Well, thank you for your time, miss, I’ll call you up later.

Ok. See you, detective.

 

Five minutes later…

[Phone rings, (Evan picks up.)]

Inspector?

Yeah, Rhodes. Done questioning?

Yeah.

Reports?

Well, Tom and Jacob seem to be fine. Billy is a bit involved, and heard a window opening. Marsh is kind of off, like she’s scared or somethin’, but Moore is very suspicious. But apparently, he lost his dog in the park, and Susan said a dog licked her leg while she was at the park. Could be Edgar’s, so he could be clear.

Inspector: But it could be any dog.

I know, but-

Hmm… well, I have some valuable information.

What? What information?

I got my hands on cams. You need to come tomorrow to pick up the footage.

Cool.

 

The next day…

 

Rhodes, here’s the footage. Call us if u see somethin’ suspicious.

Alright. Thanks, Inspector.

Security guard turns on footage.(x 10 speed)

FOOTAGE: 9:25 P.M, outside.

Hmm… nothing, nothing, no- hey, is that Susan?

Security guard: Hmm… yup. She’s going out.

Nothing for the next two hours… Jacob going out…hey, the cams just cut off!

Yeah. At 11:58.

Scroll in to 12:45, when the cams come back online.

Ok… nothing…

Hmm… go to the flat area, near Jake’s apartment floor. Show me when he last came in.

(6:31 P.M, 4th floor)

Hey, there he is! Jake went right in…

Yeah…

Huh. The footage cut off at 11:58 again. Show me when Jacob came back.

Alright… cams back on at 12:45… Jacob came in around 1.

Not much help… wait… Susan saw something at the side of the building… got cams there?

Yeah. But Susan came back at 12:05, and THEN she saw somethin’… the cams cut off by 11:58, so it wouldn’t be any help.

Oh, right. Well, show me before it cut off.

Hmm… wait, is that…

(Gasp) Is that the figure? Seems to be wearing… some kind of a…hood.

Woah! But the murder took place inside.

Weird. But this hooded guy… OR girl… is a clue.

Yeah. Cams cut off… again. Where did he come from?

Let’s see. (scrolls back two minutes) Hmm… he seems to come from… the back side of the building?

Show me the back.

I can’t. The cameras there broke a long time ago.

Ugh. That could’ve been useful. But we’re closer to cracking the case.

Yes. Glad to be of help.

 

10 minutes later…

 

Inspector!

Rhodes! Got something?

Yeah. Edgar’s story MIGHT be true… Susan did back it up a bit… though you said it might be any dog.

On cams?

Jacob clears out. Didn’t see Billy. Susan is involved, and what she said about the figure is true… though the ‘figure’ could be an accomplice, and she could be trying to sway us away.

Tom?

Nah., He stayed in the whole time.

So… Moore?

Not entirely convincing… not much backup… his story takes place when the cams cut off… suspicious.

Hmmm… well Rhodes, tomorrow I need you to go and check out his dorm for clues or any hard evidence. If you find anything, we’ll bring him in.

What if I don’t?

Check out the other dorms.

Uhh, Mr. Moore, it’s me, Rhodes. (Door knocks)

OYE! You again?! Well, come on in.

(Door opens) Hello, Mr. Moore. I’m afraid you’re a suspect.

I’m a WHAT?! Sit down, kid. I’ll get you some tea.

Oh, no need.

I insist.

Well, can we talk in the kitchen?

Sure.

 

2 minutes later…

 

Kid, tell me, why am I a suspect?

Well, Mr. Moore, all fingers are pointing towards yo-

NO! I DON’T WANNA TALK ABOUT THESE STUPI-

Sir! Calm down. Let me explain.

UGH! Fine.

Your story was partly backed up by Susan, who says a dog licked her leg

See? I’m innocent!

No, sir. She couldn’t describe the dog properly cause she couldn’t see.

Then?

Well, most of your story takes place when the cameras cut off, and-

But that’s just a coincidence!

But sir, you DID have a big grudge over Jake, have little backup of your story, which takes place WHEN the cams cut off. AND, Jacob said he saw a dark figure from the park come up to Jake’s dorm, trying to open the door.

But I didn-

Mr. Moore, we may have to take you in later. If any more evidence is found, you might be in trouble.

FOR WHAT?!

Sir, I-

AARGH! Can’t believe even a detective would listen to those kids’ stories! I’ll be back in 5 minutes.

 

(Edgar rushes off into his room)

 

Evan sits there, waiting. He notices the milk boiling over and turns it down. As he does, something catches his eye-

Huh? What’s that?

Behind the blender, a sharp, metallic… knife?!

Huh? What-

Evan picks it up. And notices... a red stain on the edge.

Huh? Is that...?

He touches it.

Blood...clotted.

Evan picks up his phone.

(Calls inspector) Hello, sir? I have some news.

Yeah? What did you get?

It’s him. Edgar Moore’s the killer.

Are you sure?

 

 

Confirmed.

4 days later...

 

Security guard: Well, I gotta get back to my shift.

Detective Rhodes: Yeah. 

You okay, Rhodes?

Uhh, yeah! Sure. Why not?

I feel it. What's wrong?

(Exhale) It's just that, even though we got proof that it's Edgar, we... I just don't feel it's him... for some reason, something tells me that he's... innocent.

Innocent?

Yeah. I found the knife with blood in its side. Clotted. Gave it to the lab. It was Jake's blood, according to tests.

Well, detective, if it's not Edgar, he could be in jail for the next 15-20 years. He's an old man. Let him die in peace. A-

But... it's him! We all know it's him!

Do we? (Walks off to shift)

 

Rhodes stands there, silent. He has to find out if it's Edgar... or not.

 

At that moment, I felt... strange. Edgar's life was in my hands. Everyone else's story checked out. Who was it?

Something told me to visit Edgar at the station. Before the court judged him. Before he went to jail.

 

2 hours later...

 

I'm Rhodes. Detective Rhodes. I'm here to talk to Edgar Moore.

Oh. You can talk to him in 10 minutes. Let me arrange the meeting.

Where is he?

In a cell.

Cell?

 

10 minutes later...

 

There you go. 

Thanks. (Walks up to Edgar's cell)

Edgar (turns around) YOU!! YOU RUINED MY LIFE! I'LL K-

Mr. Moore, there's no use of being angry. I need you t-

I DON'T CARE! YOU'LL MESS IT UP! Y'ALL MESSED IT UP BIG TIME! YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BE-

MR. MOORE! I'm here to question you. I'm looking for more clues. If you would help, maybe I could find the... 'real' killer then.

Alright. DON'T MESS IT UP!

Okay. Mr. Moore, tell me, at the time of the murder, your dog ran down to the park, right?

Right.

Was he scratching at the door?

Yep.

When did your dog run out?

At about 11:55. 

Did he go to the park then?

Yeah.

You hunted for 15 minutes, and after that, you found him, and you came back, right?

Right. At about 12:15, I was back in my apartment.

Did you hear anything?

Well, the noise stopped about 5 minutes before I went to bed, which was at 12:30. I went to sleep at 12:35.

Hmm... what were you doing before I came to your house?

Well, ate breakfast, Jacob popped in-

Jacob? What about Jacob?

Ahh, he wanted to borrow a cup of sugar. 

Sugar?

Yeah. My sugar tin was over, then I went to refill it in my pantry, which is close to my bedroom. Then I refilled it and gave a cup to Jacob. Then I read the news and was about to switch on the T.V when you came in.

Huh. Well, that was helpful. 

Anything else?

I'm done with questions, thank you.

Alright. YOU BETTER NOT MESS IT UP.

I'll try not to. Bye.

 2 hours later...

 

Edgar's angry. And I would be, too, IF I wasn't the culprit. He was a bit helpful, but, if I needed to connect the case, I had to question someone. Again, in detail.

We could've found the culprit, but the killer was smart enough to wear thick gloves. No fingerprints showed up.

Something told me to interview Billy. It could be him, with a brilliantly executed plan to frame Edgar, or he might have some clues.

 

5 minutes later...

 

Hey Billy. It's me, Rhodes. (Doorknock)

Oh! Well, come on in.

2 minutes later...

Well, Billy, I know we caught Edgar, but I just need to... you know, make sure it's him.

Oh. So, what you need?

Information. More.

Fire away.

What were you doing at 12:14? Besides, the noise?

Oh. Well, I came to check the noise, then I saw Jacob, just outside his dorm. He was checking out the noise, too.

Huh. 

He pulled down his 'hood' quickly when I came. He was wearing a hoodie, you see.

Oh. Well, you heard a 'window opening'. Explain. 

Well, at about 12:05 - 12:10, when I was baking, I heard this sound. Coming from Jake's dorm. He probably felt hot and opened it. 

Hmm... anything else?

No. Jacob went out, said he'd heard the noise too and he came to check.

Oh. Well, thanks.

Anytime.

Gotta go. Bye, Billy.

Bye, Rhodes.

 3 hours later...

 

(Rhodes, in his house.)

 

Just interviewed Billy. Not much. Seems like Edgar's gonna stay in jail. Susan, Tom, Jacob and Billy check out. Better review my notes...

Rhodes flips through his notes. Through all their alibis. As he reviews his interview with Billy a few hours ago, something catches his eye...

Huh? What?

What were you doing at 12:14? Besides, the noise?

Billy: Oh. Well, I came to check the noise, then I saw Jacob, just outside his dorm. He was checking out the noise, too.

Wait... wasn't Jacob out? Didn't he come back by...

So, did you step out for a walk at 11:56 P.M?

Jacob: Yeah, I did.

You were back an hour later?

Yep. Walked for 20–25 minutes, took a break and came back. Went to bed.

Huh? This doesn't make any sense. Wait...

Susan: When I came back, it was 12:05, so I decided to take a walk around the building. But then, I heard a noise.

A noise?

Yeah, from the side of the building. I went to check it out, but I only saw a shadow.

 

Hmm... what were you doing before I came to your house?

Edgar: Well, I ate breakfast, Jacob popped in-

Jacob? What about Jacob?

Ahh, he wanted to borrow a cup of sugar. 

 

Wait... Oh my...

 

Billy: He pulled down his 'hood' quickly when I came. He was wearing a hoodie, you see.

 

Oh my god... I have to... I...

 

I ran out to the street, caught a taxi, and reached the guard in 2 hours. I ran up to him.

 

Security! I need footage! (huff) 

Wait, wha-

FOOTAGE! NOW! (puff)

Okay, okay, fine! Just calm down. Here. What time?

Side of the building, before the cams cut off. (huff) I wanna see that shadowy figure.

Oh, ok. Here it is.

And as I looked, I saw it.

A figure. With gloves. 

And a hood.

 

Jacob. It had always been Jacob. It was him from the start.

And then, I understood everything:

 

1. At 11:56, Jacob Evans had stepped out for a 'walk'.

2. Then, as soon as he was out, he went around the building, pulled his hood down, jumped over the back wall of the building, and cut off the power. He prepared to climb the building, till Jake's balcony window.

3. As he did, at 12:05, when Susan came back, she saw the 'figure' and walked off.

4. Jacob climbed the four stories till he reached Jake's balcony window. He opened it, causing the slightly old and dirty window to creak a bit, which explains the 'window opening noise' Billy heard. 

5. Then, according to Susan, Jake was possibly playing loud music on his T.V or radio. Then, Jacob came in, attacked Jake, and stabbed him with a knife. The murder could've happened in less than 10 minutes. 

6. As he did so, according to a report of the crime scene, the T.V was found cracked. So that could mean during the struggle, Jacob slammed Jake into the T.V, finished him off, then turned off the T.V, which explains the static loud noise inside Jake's dorm, and also what Susan said: 'the noise stopped' when he turned off the T.V.

7. Jacob couldn't jump down, so he had to go out through the front door. He quietly went outside and pulled his hood down just as Billy came in. 

8. Then he went to the ground floor undetected, jumped the back wall again, and was on the road. He came back around 1 A.M to make sure that the guard wouldn't suspect him.

9. Some days after this, when I interviewed him, he said 'I did see a shadowy figure in the come up from the park and near Jake’s dorm… I think… he was trying to get inside.' He also said: 'I kinda suspect Moore. Guy’s been bitter to Jake. Can’t trust him anymore…' to throw us off track... completely. 

10. He went to Edgar some days later, he asked for some sugar, he planted the knife he killed Jake with to frame him.

 

But why? Why would he do this?

 

I called the police, but they said it would take some time. I HAD to confront him. Myself.

 

I ran up to Jacob’s apartment and knocked on the door.

 

And as it opened, I saw a figure with a pair of cold eyes. Cold, bitter eyes. And a cheery smile.

 

Hi, detective! Come on in!

Uhh... hi, Jacob. (enters)

Well, let me make you some tea.

No, thanks. Listen... I...

Well, be seated!

'I KNOW IT'S YOU!' I blurted out.

Jacob stopped. He turned around, very slowly. 

What?

Jacob, I... (exhale) I know it's you. Give it up.

What?! No! It's NOT me! What would make you think it's me?

Confess, Jacob.

I'm not confessing cause IT'S NOT ME! I KNEW EDG-

Stop, Jacob. The police are on their way. 

The police?

Yeah. Put your hands in the air.

I took out my phone but Jacob dashed for the door, locking it.

Wait! What are yo-

Well, detective. You're impressive. Excellent work there, even after I'd framed Edgar.

Wait, wha-

Very good. Quite a good job there. I never liked Jake much anyway.

But wha... why? Why'd you kill-

Oh, Rhodes. You still haven't connected all the dots? Well, he was rich! Rich as Edgar probably told you. His music made nearly millions! His job was good, his career was good, and his money... his money was... a lot.

But... bu-

Too bad, detective. Even though the police know it's me, you won't. Not after ten minutes.

And with that, he pulled out a knife.

 

Jacob screamed and lashed out his knife but I dodged in the nick of time, jumping out. He ran at me and swung, but I ducked and punched him... in the face. Blood dripped out.

 

Well... you're pretty good, Rhodes. Just... NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

 

He yelled and... turned off the lights. 

 

I ran and hid behind the door of his bedroom. In the hall, I could hear him...

Detective... where are you, you little coward? Come on out, let's play...

Rhodes? Rhodes...

I held my breath and waited...

Jacob slammed open the bathroom doors first, in the living room. He checked the kitchen. And then, I could hear footsteps... coming towards me...

Then, it he was in front of the door. It was so close; I could hear him breathing.

I seized the opportunity and flew at him. I jumped on him and punched him, causing him to drop the knife. I kicked it under the table.

So, that's how you wanna play it, eh? Well, I can do the same, Rhodes!

With that, he smacked me perfectly in the chin. So hard, I thought I heard it crack. Pain swelled up like a raging river. I lunged at him, but he ducked out perfectly and kicked me in the stomach. I saw stars. Really. He wasn't just strong. He was trained. In martial arts. 

I made an attempt to bang him against the wall, but he caught me by the shoulders and stomach and flipped me perfectly onto the ground. I crashed and it hurt so hard that I felt like I was being impaled. I couldn't even breathe properly. 

Jacob fumbled out the knife under the table, and he came up to me.

Too bad, detective. Your potential for the future... just wasted.

He raised the knife.

STOP! PUT YOUR HANDS DOWN!

Wha-? Jacob stopped midway and looked up. Wait... you?!

I managed to peek a glimpse at...

At...

Carter?

Tom was holding a gun, pointing it at Jacob. 

STEP AWAY FROM THE DETECTIVE AND DROP YOUR KNIFE!

Jacob had no choice. He dropped the knife and kicked it away. He held his hands up and sat on his knees.

Here, Rhodes. Carter gave me a hand and I took it. He boosted me up.

 

A few minutes later, the police came through.

 

4 days later...

 

Well, that's the whole story.

Guard: Wow. How's your back?

Ugh. It's fine. The punk flipped me over like a sausage.

Your stomach and face?

Yeah, my belly's fine. But you can see my bandaged head, right? (chuckle)

Yeah. What happened to Edgar.

Oh. I was there when he was out. He yelled and screamed a lot until he calmed down. He was compensated, of course.

Ah, yes. Jacob?

He's in jail. Gonna be in court later.

Hmm... okay. Anything else?

Well, yeah. Later, after the police arrived, Carter told me that he was actually an undercover agent.

Oooh! Well, Billy? Susan?

They're fine.

Well, I gotta get back to my shift.

Yeah. Thanks for your help. I couldn't have pulled it off without you. 

Anytime. Anything else?

Uh... yeah. Could you show me where... where Jake was buried?

Oh. I, uh, don't really know. I think Tom knows.

Oh, ok. Gotta go. See ya.

Bye, Rhodes.

 

 10 minutes later...

 

(Knock at door) Hey, it's me.

Rhodes?

Yeah.

Well, come on in!

Thanks. Hey, I'm not here for a visit. I want you to show me where Jake was buried.

Oh. Why?

I don't know. Just to... visit him. (nervous chuckle)

Oh. Well, mind if I join you?

No, you can tag along.

Alright. Cool.

 

30 minutes later...

 

Here it is. 

Oh, ok.

Well, I gotta go. See ya, Rhodes.

Yeah, sure.

 

I don't know why I came to visit him. It just... felt... right.

 

I looked at the tombstone. "R.I.P, Jake Jones. We know you'd be with us today if haven't wasn't so far away."

 

He deserved life. He didn't have to die. 

 

I reached into my pocket, grabbed flowers, and sprinkled their petals onto the grave. 

 

I stared at the grave for two minutes, offering a silent prayer.

 

I started walking away when I heard footsteps.

 

I turned around. No one.

 

I started walking faster when a sudden cold, very cold gust of wind went through me.

 

I turned around once more.

 

The petals were unchanged. 

 

I started walking away.

 

Then, as I walked, I realized that now, Jake's spirit could finally rest in peace.

 

THE END.