Murder and Mayhem

[Roland Gilliad]

James Lyrhea

*he stood in the study of his Best Friends new England Home, lining his bookshelves were the greatest murder Mysteries of all time, from the timeless classics of Sir Aurther Conan Doyle, To the great Agatha Christies novels, to so many other authors so few had ever heard of, Was his grand book collection, his friend was allowing him to live with him until he could get back on his feet and start writing again, His most Famous Work " TheChickadee Rd Murders", Was a number one best seller, but after getting screwed in the courts by a city in bumfuck Iowa, he didnt have much money left, So he wrote as much as he could, hoping his next novel would be successful, It was sometime later in the day that the mail came to him And he was stunned, he did NOT THinkt that they would invite him, being positively thrilled at a chance for some Ideas, he packed up some of his things and was on the way there*

*Finally right on time he wandered into the gymnasium, he was stunned to find a great deal of some of his old classmates remembered him, and said they couldnt wait for his next book, he managed A Grand smile until his eyes fell on a small group of people he never thought he'd have to lay eyes on ever again, he went slightly pale, and his hand automatically shot to his hip, where he now kept the Colt Python Double Action Revolver, he had...ever scince so long ago.*

 

[poohlive]

As they went inside Frank looked at Catherine with some confusion. Then it hit him, he smiled giving her a wink.
"You think I care about what these guys think? It's been ten years, if they can't get over it, then it's their problem."
He waed hi to a few friends he remembered. Although for the most part he tried to forget.
"Why don't I get us something to drink," he moved off to the bar. Ordering a couple of mildly alcoholic drinks. He glanced over to the bar, someone was staring at him. He pretended not to notice. It was odd enough that he was back here, but now people were staring at him.
He went back to Catherine, handing her her drink. He leaned in, nodded over to the bar. She smelled wonderful.
"You wouldn't happen to know who that guy is over at the bar is, do you?"

 

[Lady_Siren]

Kara stepped into Auditorium with an air of confidence she had lacked in highschool. She wore a simple summer dress her legs long and tanned. Looking at every face she felt memories asail her. She stopped dead when she saw Frank. He was with Cat his handing holding hers. She wondered if he would recognize her. Her and Frank had always been good friends. She had helped him when Angela and him would fight and she had come to think of him as somewhat of the brother she never had. However after Angela's death they had drifted apart. The pain to intense for both of them. Approaching him somewhat hesitantly she called his name. "Frank?"

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Li

Lucy noticed James Lyrhea walk in. She had to smile, she'd done a short piece on the law suit against his best selling book "The Chickadee Rd Murders". It had to have hurt him pretty badly financially. She assumed none of the other classmates knew of it... she looked around herself. They hadn't been interested in reading anything but the social pages until Angela's death.

She frowned and opened up her small evening bag pulling out her even smaller cell phone. She pressed the quick dial number and waited for the other end to answer.

Some static and then, "Adams here..."
"Toby... it's Lucy... I've got an idea for my next story..."
"Hit me..."
"Unsolved teen murder..."
"What? Where?"
"Here... at my school... 10 years ago"
"10... 10 years?? Are you outta your mind... what are you Sherlock Holmes? I gave you time off but I expect you back in this office tomorrow morning got it?"
"Great... I knew you'd love the idea... I should be back in the office next Thursday... bye Toby!"

She hung up on the loud angry shout she started to hear on the other end. She smiled. Better get herself a pad and pencil. She thought.

She saw Angus MacTaggert arrive. He'd been a bad boy in highschool and he looked even tougher now. She walked up to him, she hadn't been scared of him then and she'd met a lot worse in her years in journalism.

"Hey Angus... Lucy... used to be editor of the school rag... I'd figure you'd be the last person to turn up here... got a cigarette?"

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*He'd spotted Lucinda and gave a small smile, his eyes glinting, he had read her piece and was glad someone had given a damn about the thing that had damn near ruined him, he sighed and downed a small glass of the Fruitpunch, Pulling a pen from his ear he kept writing in one of his many journals he used for storys...*


.....The Ace reporter entered the seedy party in the hopes of being able to find some information on the unsolved murders so many years ago..She asked her collegue for a Cigarette, commenting on the odd behavour of the other partymembers..as I stood to the side and watched on carefully, my trained eye missing nothing....

*he grinned and put it away, this could be some nice Material for his next novel, He sat back and watched everyone pass him by, he was as content to watch as his fictional charicter....detective Munroe...*

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

Cat Garcias

I smiled at him. God, if he only knew that I tried so hard to put him out of my mind. But I still, they say you never forget your first.

I wanted to...

Things seemed as if nothing changed. He seemed sweeter, more like himself. It suited him.

I took the drink, with a smile, I thanked him. The thin stem of the glass slid delicately between my fingers. I held the cup of cool liquid and brought it to my lips, letting the flavor roll around my tounge. I remembered at that moment what he tasted like. I blushed.

Good thing he couldn't read my mind.

He asked me about the man standing by the bar......I was going to tell him I knew everyone, they just didn't know me...that was the way it was when you were the geek in high school. You spent hours and hours of your life finding out about people, so that you could be the best friend possible, only to find, they don't even know your name.

"You mean James Lyrhea? The tough looking man? He is a writer...murder mysteries...."

My voice trailed off as I struggled to gain my breath.

I spotted Kara...my heart raced...then she spotted Frank, with a greeting, she shouted his name. She began to walk towards us.

I gripped Frank's hand tighter, not in a sort of holding on for fear of losing him to her, but more in response to the shiver I felt when she came into my vision.

I prided myself in the last ten years on my inpenitrable pride and my strength, as a woman of power....it seemed to just crumble away....in these last few minutes.

I had squeezed the goblet in my hand so hard, in anger, that it shattered in my hand.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Li

Lucy heard a glass shatter and her eyes quickly honed in on Cat Garcias standing with Frank ?... what WAS his last name anyway? She quickly took in the fact that Kara Faville was approaching the couple and instantly her natural curiosity was roused. There was something going on there. She watched intently hoping something would be reveiled that would help her story.

She noted Joseph Monroe with Robert Summers. She scanned the room, there was Grace Marshall, always quiet as a mouse... looked pretty good now, probably hoping to rid herself of the stigma of her teen years. Ah, Michelle Andrews... wow... look at that dress... that had to have been sprayed on. Thought Lucinda quickly taking in the events in the room. If she were still editor of the school paper tomorrow would be a headache of stories from all the gossip mongers that considered "best dressed" to be "best journalism". She grinned thankful at least that she had a real paper to write for now.

But... only if she could get this story... it would certainly sell papers... 10 year old murder mystery solved. She smirked and turned back to Angus... waiting for that cigarette.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*he didnt jump at the sound of shattering glass but rather swirved his head silently, his eyes focusing on whoever did it, and then shrugging, he did that all the time, especially at business partys, he had a very firm grip to him and enjoyed it. he sipped a Martini quietly, his eyes darting all around, though somthing caught his eye, though he couldnt tell what, he stood and decided to socialize, walking over to the nearest Familiar Classmate, his eyes glinting quietly, he didnt intend to be a wallfly like always...*

So what brings you here? other than the free food...

*he said with a slight grin*

 

[Lady_Siren]

Kara's smile faltered when she saw the glass shatter in Cat's hand. She wondered what type of ground they were on with each other. They had never been close but never had they been enemies. Forcing her smile to stay put she stopped in front of the couple. "Frank it's good to see you again, you look great. As do you Cat. I hear your a lawyer, congrats of that acheivment"

 

[Xander]

Angus MacTaggert

Seeing more and more arrive, Angus just had a little smile on his face.

It has been as he had predicted. No one had spoken to him. Some he had had eye contact with, he could see the old fear and repulsioin against him.

Angus didnt give a fuck, he now knew why he had come.

Drama was already breaking out, and the damn reunion had not even been officially started yet.

This looked like the potential of a very good day.

Some guy that looked familiar walked by Angus......he saw pure hatred in his eyes when he walked by.

He looked familiar...but he couldn't quite palce the name.
Ah well, maybe just some fuck up he had used to ruffle up a bit back in the days.

Angus leaned against the far wall, and watched the drama unfold.

 

[poohlive]

"Oh my goodness, Kara, it's been..."
He flinched as the glass shattered. Frank looked at Catherine with great concern. He saw blood beginning to drip.
"Oh, that's terrible," he looked at the wound. Just one piece of glass, he took it out, carefully, giving it a slight kiss.
"Kara, would you come with me to the kitchen? We can find some towels, and maybe a first aid kit. Catherine, go get another drink. We'll meet you back there in just a little while."
He took Kara's hand walking into the small kitchen. He began shuffling through doors.
"It's been so long Kara, I've really missed you. You look terrific, even better than back in high school. How has everything been, what are you doing now?"
He stopped searching through the drawers, looking at her.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Li

Lucinda was still waiting for her cigarette. She waved her hand in front of Angus' face.

"Earth to Angus... do you read me?" She said wryly.
"Geez... do you have a cigarette or not?" She arched one delicate eyebrow questioningly.

She was beginning to wonder if maybe she wouldn't have better luck with someone else. She watched as Frank took Kara's hand and walked away. She wondered what that was about to after the semi-intimate way he had kissed Cat's hand. Curious.

So many people. Her mind worked over time thinking of the best way to go about this story.

James Lyrhea approached and asked her what she was doing here. She paused for a moment wondering if he'd guessed that she was looking for a story. She decided he wasn't and answered with a cool smile, "well, presently I'm trying to get a cigarette out of this guy..." she said, "as for the food, from what I've seen of it... I've wasted my time... yourself?"

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*Trying to get a cig offa ANGUS? She must be here for somthing else was his practical immediate thought, he grinned, and fished around in one pocket, withdrawing a pack for her, and tapping one out, offering her a book of matches while he was at it*

Me? The usual, Trying to recover from that bedamned lawsuit. Writing my newest novel, It's a tough world out there for writers. Especially when small town Beverly Hillbilllys snatch your big break right out from under your nose. ah well.

*he shrugged softly*
At least Im not broke....so, you're here for somthing and Im rather sure it isnt the boys. *he gave her a sly grin*

 

[Ravenloft]

Robert:

"What the?" Robert asked as he craned his head to look toward where the sound of glass breaking came from. He thought he recognized the girl, but she and some other guy were heading out of the auditorium a moment later. "Well... That was interesting..." He mused as he turned back to Joe, finishing their hand shake. "Five minutes in and already a bit of excitement. This should be an interesting reunion, don't you think?" He asked with a wry smirk.

Ravenloft

 

[Rockingham]

"Here we are, are you sure you want to go through with this?"
Rocky looked back at his mother, hope was in his eyes. They sparkled with a thousand dreams, an impossible part of existence, and he had achieved them.
"Yes mom, I do. Pick me up at midnight, ok?"
She nodded, smilingly, "Ok."
Rocky gave her a hug, and fixed up his tuxedo. He felt awesome, like Superman or James Kirk or someone important. He strolled up to the school smiling at everyone. He has this goofy smile on his face, that would looked like it belonged on a child. Indeed, all of his features were that of a child. A wonderous child learning and seeing things for the first time.
It was also apparent that he had down syndrome.
"Hi," he hugged someone, feeling so happy. So many faces, some of them he even recognized. Three days ago he was scared to even show his face here, but now, seeing all these friendly faces, he could help but smile and laugh. It was like a great party.
"Catherine," he walked up to his long time friend, giving her a great hug.
"You always used to help me in my studies. I remember you, I always remembered you. I thought of you as my girlfriend once, cause you always hung out with me."
He gave her another hug, "Don't worry. I just thought it would be nice to have a girlfriend. You would make a good girlfriend."
Rocky's eyes beamed brightly as he offered her his hand.
"Want some grapes?"

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Li

Lucy accepted the cigarette and rested it between her lips before taking the book of matches and lighting one. She cupped her hands around the flame and inhaled deeply. Blowing out the smoke and the flame with a satisfied sigh.

"Thanks James..." she handed back the matches, but not before noting the hotel name on the cover.

"What makes you think I'm not here for the boys? I like boys..." she grinned knowing he was trying to get a something but she wasn't showing her cards just yet.

Her gaze swept the room yet again. More arrivals... the gymnasium was almost looking crowded. She couldn't believe how many people had actually accepted the invitation. If she was going to find a lead... this was her best chance.

 

[Guest]

Michelle

Michelle stood at the entrance to the auditorium....

Staring out over the crowd that had gathered. Searching out all the familiar faces, and yet not finding anyone she really cared to talk to. She knew she would have to be social.... it was expected of her.

With a sigh she headed off in the direction of Robert. He had always been sensible...well at least more than the others. She might even get a good conversation out of the deal.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Kara followed Frank into the kitchen surprised by all his questioned and pleased by his compliments. "Well I own a firm in Flordia at the moment, I'm a successful Lawyer, I am still single however not really interested in relationships, what about you Frank?" she smiled "i've missed you to "

 

[MissTaken]

April, Angela's sister

April, feeling quite pleased with herself for having volunteered for the reunion committee, was in the kitchen closet searching for toothpicks when she heard Kara and Frank continue their conversation.
Her palms became sweaty and her heart raced as she slipped behind the open closet door and listened to their repartee.

 

[Ravenloft]

Robert Summers:

"Look at this Joe... Like... Senior year prom queen coming this way!" Robert joked in a mock of a vally accent. The two of them turned to greet Michelle, Robert gave her his well practiced hollywood smile and waved her over encouragingly. "Michelle! Last time I saw you was at a senior kegger! How the hell you doing?" Robert said as his smile continued to beam.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Li

Lucinda Li watched as Michelle Andrews sauntered over to Robert Summers. The red dress she wore really was something else. The matching shoes the EXACT right color. The woman looked like she'd stepped off the front page of Vogue. Lucy considered this all carefully. Now if ANYONE truly benifited from Angela Wilcox's passing, it had to be Miss Prom Queen herself. Lucindi idly wondered if Michelle Andrews really had it in her. Her reporter's mind opening every possibility and closing none.

She inhaled on her cigarette again this time releasing the smoke in a perfect ring of white air that floated up and dispersed somewhere above her head. She sighed looked down at her fingers holding the rolled up tabacco and paper. "I don't even remember when I started smoking these things... I really should think about stoping..." she chuckled at this as if it wasn't really on her top list of priorities. Reporting for an editor like Toby Adams was hard enough without trying to give up addictive substances.

She inhaled deeply once more before dropping the cigarette onto the gymnasium floor and pressing her slinky silver heel on it with a twist to put it out. She threw a smile of thanks at James before walking over to Michelle, Robert and... ah... Joseph Monroe.

"Hello Michelle..." Lucy had always been deadly serious whilst in school. She had found most people tediously childish and had spent an impossible amount of time on the school paper trying to write something worth while. Over the years, she'd learnt that a woman with a smile could get a lot further in her industry than a man with an attitute. She addressed Michelle now with a confident smile and an outstretched hand.

"I'm Lucinda Li... I was on the school paper... we did a piece on your billiant acceptance as Prom Queen." She turned and acknowledged Robert and Joseph, "gentlemen..." she smiled again, slipping in a sly wink for good measure. She turned back to Michelle. "I was actually asked by the school board to write up a reunion piece, kind of like the gossip pages of the good old days... they're going to print copies and send them to everyone... to give everyone an idea of what everyone has done with themselves since graduation. I was wondering if I could ask you a few quick questions?"

 

[Ravenloft]

"Oh, please..." Robert interjected. We all knew you would take up with the local rag... Li... What one you writing for? The Daily bugle? The Planet? Lucky if you're off the comics page yet..." Robert said with a bit more venom than anyone would have expected from him. He looked over to the blond "prom queen" with a wink, shooting Joe Monroe a sly look as well. Robert thought he was playing his cards just right...

Ravenloft

 

[Valdimer]

Joesph Monroe

Agian, Joe's thoughts came into prespective. 'Nothing to do with me, as before. Just like old times.' he thought, fumbleing through his pockets for a cigarette. "Damn. Hey Robert, I left my cigarettes in my car, I'll be back in a moment. Michelle, a pleasure, as always." he said, giving her the last glance as he left the gym. Taking the long walk to his car, Joe remembered how it used to be........

10 years ago......

WHAM!! The punch hit Joe's face hard. Angus stood there with a smile. "Want another one?" he said to Joe, who was lying on the ground. Joe looked up to Angus, while holding his nose, which was dripping blood by now. " No Angus, I dont, I couldnt possibly take another well placed blow by one such as yourself." WHAM!! Another one. "Smart ass. Talk back to me like that, and next time, I wont be so nice." Angus turned and walked away. Joe, holding his head, and nose now, stuggled to get up. Robert, hs best friend, came over to help him. Extending his hand, Robert said, " Shit dude, you could have kicked his ass. I new you were just holding back." Joe, holding his nose in his hankerchief, said, " Rob, I didnt even throw a punch!! How the hell could I have kicked his ass?!? I would have been pavement pudding if I even tried to defend myself!" Shaking the blood from Joe's hankerchief, they walked toward the buses.......

Now......

"Ahhhh, there you are." he said, reaching for the cigarettes and lighter he had left in his car. Pulling one out of the pack, Joe lit it, and inhaled deeply. "Damn. Nervous as I am, I'm suprised I can hold this smoke." he said, with a somewhat slight laugh. "Well, better make my way into the gym. "............

 

[poohlive]

"It's been a long long time, almost too long. I tried to look you up a few times, but the closest I got to your whereabouts was Oregon. I was hoping to see you here actually."
He grabbed the broom and a dustpan, probably the same from back when they went here. It was old and dirty, the old color faded through to a wooden scratched surface.
Turning back he saw Kara had found a first aid kit. He walked over to her, hugging her intently.
"You have no idea how great a friend you were to me back then, I've missed you so much."
He held her, brought her to him. He had missed her, she had been the one who had really brought him out of the shit hole he called a life. He had considered breaking up with Angela many times for her, but...
"..We'd better get back Catherine. She's probably bleeding all over herself."
He walked out, finding her at the bar. As soon as he cleaned up the mess he joined them. It seems as if Catherine had met herself a friend. Rocky, he remembered Rocky. A very great guy.
"I see you two are getting along very well," he paused, "How's the hand. Is it ok?"

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Li

Lucy's eyes narrowed as Robert Summers interrupted with his rude comments. She missed the grin he threw to his friend Joseph Monroe and took the bait. Her eyes sparking fire as she took a deep breath and replied, "unlike SOME wanna-be-film stars you mean? At least the comic pages are ligitimate work... what was that last movie you were in called? 'Babes at the Beach'? How does one audition for a part like that anyway? Just take off your shirt and flex?" She had to admit she was surprised she was so easily insensed by Robert Summers. The man just infuriated her... ever since high school...

10 Years Ago...

Lucy was typing furiously hoping to get her story into that week's edition of the school paper. She was having a lot of trouble with a particular word she needed to make the last sentence memorable, something she'd just learnt in her English class. She was the only person in the room until the door slammed open suddenly completely distracting her. She looked up startled out of her focused world of written word to see Robert Summers standing there with Angela Wilcox.

"Hey... I thought this room would be empty!" He stated as if saying it would make Lucy disappear in thin air. His blue eyes almost impossible to ignore. Lucy glared at him immediately thinking the worst. He probably wanted to make out with Angela and hoped the editorial room would be free. He sauntered over with that hollywood smile of his and stared at the screen over her shoulder. Instantly Lucy felt protective of her work and almost covered the screen, but then she realised how silly that would be seeing as she was planning on having it read by the entire school anyway.

Robert had whistled... "boy... could you possibly make it sound any more dull than that?" He commented. Lucy bristled, "just because your IQ limits your vocabulary to porn mags and comic books doesn't mean the rest of the school agrees with you!" She snapped back. He just grinned cockily, holding up his hands in mock surrender, "hey CHILL girl..." he laughed, "it's good... it's just a little long winded is all... don't ya think Angela?" He called over his shoulder. Angela looked impatient and crossed her arms watching them from the doorway... "Come ON Robert... we're going to miss them..." she frowned clearly not seeing the point of the whole thing.

"Okay babe..." he replied looking back a Lucy and shrugging apologetically, "sorry... would love to sit and chat but the angel calleth..." he winked at her before exiting the room with Angela.

Lucy sat there in stunned silence. Unbelievable! He was the MOST damned ANNOYING man on the face of the planet and a complete idiot to boot. It hadn't helped her mood any when her English teacher had said the exact same thing apon reading her article. "Lucinda... the idea of writing for news purposes... requires the writer to understand that people are reading it to get the latest news in the most concise and easily digestible form... while I admire your vocabulary... one must remember to keep things simple..." Lucy walked under a black cloud that ENTIRE day thanks to Robert Summers. Super-stud.

PRESENT TIME:

Lucy tossed her pony tail over her shoulder and turned as if to continue her conversation with Michelle.