Chereads / SCHOLAR TOWN / Chapter 5 - THE BEGINNING OF THE LIFE OF MADISON ARCHERS

Chapter 5 - THE BEGINNING OF THE LIFE OF MADISON ARCHERS

****Later on, sheriff hiram arrived at the location, which scared those criminals away. It was truly a dark day, as the sheriff called for us. When we approached him, kelvin could not help himself, he asked the sheriff for the number of casualties. The sheriff informed us that they were five casualties, three dead and two injured. Among the injured, is mrs frisbee, the owner of the diner. We were so distraughted, the sheriff advised we each call our parents and tell them what had happened. We did exactly what the sheriff said, We each called our parent to inform them about the situation we were currently facing. Mine were so scared, they rushed to frisbee shop to ensure nothing terrible had happened to me. Same was the case for my friends.

A while later, our parents arrived at the diner, they were confronted by the sheriff, he requested for permission to question my friends and i regarding the incident. Our parents surprisingly agreed, but it had to take place in his station to avoid any further problems. Few minutes later, we arrived at the station, we were led to a waiting room, our parents informed us that the sheriff wants to ask some questions regarding the incident. This literally scared us, how exactly would we come up with a story that would corroborate?, we were surely going to get caught. Few minutes later, the sheriff turned on the camera in the interrogation room, so our parents could watch as we are been questioned, in other to ensure there is no pressure. Few seconds later, the sheriff began to call us one after the other. The first person he called was Madison, she was asked to come into the interrogation room. Lest i forget, the sheriff informed us that the CCTV screen we were watching, had no audio. Which implied we could not hear what each one of us would say. This revelation got me worried.

Madison walked into the interrogation room looking confident, she never flinched despite the circumstance she was about to face. When she entered the room, the sheriff offered her a seat. She took her seat, then he began to ask her question. It was tough to see Madison get questioned, cause we feared that she would crack. Fortunately for us, she did not. Which gave us strength to cover our tracks despite the pressure we got from sheriff hiram.

About an hour later, we all had been questioned, we were asked to go home, but we bluntly refused. We were more concerned about what Elizabeth may say, it may ruin our plans. Surprisingly, Elizabeth would comport herself against sheriff Hiram pressure. Just then, Mr sanders lawyer arrived at the sheriff department, demanding they let Elizabeth go. Sheriff Hiram had no other choice than to comply, after discovering Mr sanders lawyer came with a court order. He released Elizabeth to her lawyer, and told our parents to take us home. While we were going home, the loved ones of the casualties were arriving at the sheriff station crying. Some of them were accusing the new sheriff, of being unable to perform his responsibilities. I tried my best to ignore what was happening, but I could not. I believe this was all my fault. When I got home, I couldn't even have dinner, I went to bed straightaway. I cried myself to sleep, thinking about the innocent souls that are dead because of my friends and I. I made a promise to myself to ensure those soul get retribution. I will have to find out from Elizabeth why those armed men were after her.

Monday 28th September,

I am Madison Archers, and this is the story of my life. After February kale had pass on the responsibility of documentation to me, i knew the world had a plan for me, which i had the obligation to fulfill at all cost.

My day began like every other day, i woke up from bed, had my bathe, got dressed and went downstairs to have my breakfast, and headed for school. While I was walking to school, i was approached by Elizabeth, she claimed to have something important to tell February and i regarding yesterday's incident. I was initially surprise, "why then did she not inform the sheriff about it when he was interrogating her?" I wondered. This was definitely a suspicious move by Elizabeth. Of course, i was so desperate to hear her story, i believed it had something to do with her father, who i intend to expose before the entire town. I asked Elizabeth to come to my home after we close from school, so we could discuss further. I could not visit frisbee shop after last night incident, my parents gave me a stern warning. Honestly speaking, I feel bad for Mrs frisbee, but the truth is that i saw it coming from the beginning. My parents are just too over cautious.

However, despite all the plan i had made, i had to get through the long hours of school, Which i am sure would be very brutal. After the confirmation that one of the dead victim in the last night shooting, was a student of my school. His name is Keaton tyler. It was definitely going to be a terrible and sad day for the entire town. This terrible incident forced the hands of the mayoral office, the mayor made an announcement earlier on today, charging the sheriff department to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime within a short amount of time. Well, all of this i viewed in the television while i was in our school lounge.

A while later, the school siren sounded to indicate the start of classes. When i entered the classroom, i realized i had to face the disdain from my classmates, who believed that the incident that took place last night has something to do with my friends and i. Regardless, i was not much concerned about that, cause i believed everyone has the right to think what they like. I took my seat, only to discover a piece of paper hidden in-between the corner of my table.

I got so worried, "who could have place this paper right here?" I pondered.

After few minute of consideration, i eventually decided to see the content of the letter.

"Dear Madison Archers, it took me a long time to realize what i am about to tell you. I do know your friends and yourself are in a state of confusion, since your investigation hit a stumbling block. Well, this is because you have no idea of what you are facing. I guess you think you are going up against organized crime, but am sorry to say it is beyond that. The advice i would give to you is keep Elizabeth sanders close, she is the key to ending your town misfortune. Yours sincerely, Anonymous."

This letter from mr anonymous initially made me rethink the entire situation. I was not one of those who will change direction because a person demands it, That will definitely rule me out as a detective. However, the moment i saw the picture Mr. Anonymous starched beside the paper, i began to come up with possibilities that could explain what i had just seen. It was a picture of two of the town greatest mobsters, Mr. Sanders and Mr. Olsson.

"What exactly is going on?" I wondered.

Perhaps, it was anonymous way of telling me that all that have been happening in town, is all because of the war between two opposing strong forces. I immediately sent this piece of information to my friends before the subject teacher arrival.

After a long terrific half of the school day, the siren blew to indicate the start of break. My friends and i gathered at the cafeteria, we had a lot to discuss, after the piece of information i got from Mr. Anonymous. He had giving us a strong lead, which in recent weeks, my friends and i have found difficult to get. We summed up our different opinion, eventually, we decided our best option was to talk to Elizabeth. She is the only one who could tell us if all this fact from Mr anonymous are true. I know Mr. Sanders, he is careful and sneaky as a fox, and mr Olsson on the other hand, i better not speak about him. Moreover, he had no offspring we could pressure.

Thereafter, we digged into our lunch. Some seconds later, we discovered the stares we were receiving from the student community. We had to do something, so my friends decided within themselves to give a performance for the entire school. They started laughing hysterically, which would get their attention, making them believe that i was cracking jokes. From that moment, it was clear to me that my friends were thespians, no one could tell me different, even i myself was fooled by their acting. Although, their act only infuriated majority of the student.

After a while, we were done with our lunch, when the siren sounded to indicate the end of the school break. Thereafter, we all went to our various classes. I was on my way to the classroom, when i was approached by a senior. She demanded to speak with me.

She exhaled, she looked distraught and gloomy. "Please Madison, tell me the truth, what happened at frisbee shop yesterday?" She asked.

I stared directly into her eyes, "I don't know honestly." I answered. "The men were wearing mask, I think they were thieves."

She began to cry, "You are lying, you don't want to tell me the truth. You know what, I am going to find it out myself. And when I do, i will come for you." She said indignantly.

I was feeling bad for the young lady, at the same time ready to protect myself at all cost. "Why will you come after me?, I didn't do anything." I replied.

She snuffed, "You know the truth, yet you refuse to tell, that makes you an accessory to the crime, and I am going to prove it." She muttered.

I scoffed, "I don't know anything, believe what you like." I noted.

Later on, I found out the reason why Adeline attacked me regarding yesterday's incident. It was because her cousin happens to be one of the injured victim. This instantly made me feel bad, i realized that my wish to do good were literally hurting others. Adeline cousin was one of the few lucky to survive. This made me understand how important it is for my friends and I to get to the bottom of the matter. We had to ensure that those who suffered unjustly would know their sacrifice was not in vain.

A while later, i set out to meet February, we had to come up with questions we will ask Elizabeth when she comes visiting later this evening. This is an opportunity we can't take for granted.

By 3:52pm, i was at my house with melody and February, Suddenly, i heard a knock coming from downstairs, i immediately ran down to check who was knocking. I was stunned, It was Elizabeth at my door. This made me realize she really needed our help. The Elizabeth i know, would never come to my house even though I granted her permission. Although, i was still a little bit bothered, this could be one of her schemes. She might intend to gain the trust of my friends and I, and when she does, she will stab us at our backs. Nonetheless, i really needed to know the information she has. I am having the feeling that Elizabeth's information, would help greatly in solving the mystery we are faced with. I called Elizabeth to my room, to ensure no one disrupt our conversation. She Surprisingly agreed with me, she followed me up to my room. When we got to the room, Elizabeth saw melody, she became so estranged and fearful. February believed her confession has something to do with Nicholas, who is melody's brother. However, i begged to differ. But the moment Elizabeth revealed everything to my friends and i, i was heartbroken.

From Elizabeth confession, we discovered that the murder of Nicholas was not unintentional, but actually a premeditated murder to cover up a crime. She said Nicholas uncovered the perpetrators who were responsible for making drugs much earlier before we even knew about the drug. His murder was a means to ensure the truth does not get out. This was honestly disgusting, i was initially going to blame mr sanders as usual, but before i could speak, Elizabeth revealed the perpetrator of the crime was one of scholar town alleged brightest business men, Mr perez mouser. This literally shocked me. I could never imagine a rich successful man like mr perez would engage himself in such atrocity.

February was Marvelled, "Elizabeth, how did you find out about this?" February asked.

Elizabeth looked surprised about February's question, "You don't believe me!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

February was feeling strange, "I didn't say that, I just want to know who told you." February responded.

Elizabeth stared right at melody, she muttered, "I found out the truth from those armed men, that is the reason why they wanted to kill me. They didn't want me to reveal the truth to anyone."

Melody was bothered by Elizabeth revelation, "Why then did you chose to tell us?" She asked.

"Do you ladies think I am not aware about your Nancy drew like behaviours?" Elizabeth said distinctly.

I was suspicious of Elizabeth, "What are you talking about?" I inquired.

She smirked right at us, "February, Who do you think told Miranda to ask for your help when she was been stalked?" She muttered.

February was feeling inquisitive, it showed on her facial expression. "About that, I have been meaning to ask, how did you find out?" February queried.

"Seriously!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Everyone knows You and Madison don't like each other. All of a sudden, you two become besties, and you expect me not to think there is some reason behind it?"

Melody laughed, "Okay, that is kinda of smart. I just want to know something." Melody said.

Elizabeth had a look of concern, "What is it melody?" She asked.

Melody exhaled, "Can you recognize any of the armed men?" She inquired.

February was worried by melody's question, she turned to face her, "Why are you asking melody?" She queried.

"So we could report them to the sheriff." Melody answered.

I reacted instantly, "No way. The sheriff would think we are hiding something, and he will inform our parents." I said distinctly. "Just think of it, how would we explain to our parents that we know who the drug maker is?"

Melody was stunned by my refusal to involve the sheriff. "Madison, Don't you think it's better than the risk we are taking?" Melody asked.

Elizabeth sighed, "I am so sorry melody, I didn't see their faces." She said.

Melody was so disappointed, "No worries, I understand." She muffled.

I stared directly at Elizabeth eyes, "One last question Elizabeth." I said confidently.

"What is the question?" Elizabeth replied.

I cleared my throat. "Where did you find the Armed men?" I asked.

"Besides lake side, There is this abandoned building there, that is the place". Elizabeth answered.

I was still a little bit doubtful about what Elizabeth said, nevertheless, if they is anything i have learnt in all my years of been a detective, is that the ones people never suspect often turnout to be the perpetrators of the crimes. This could be an example of those situation. Despite our newly found evidence, we knew we couldn't get mr perez arrested for drug making or for the murder of Nicholas velma, Since we had no credible evidence to prove he committed the supposed crime. Regardless, i would not let that stop me. I decided with my friends that we had to first find evidence proving mr perez is actually responsible for making drugs in the town. This is to ensure he is not able to stop my friends and i from investigating his involvement in the murder of Nicholas velma. This was our chance to get justice for those who has suffered unjustly.

After a while, Elizabeth informed us that she was leaving for her house. Few minutes later, February, melody and myself were deliberating if we should tell the boys and felicia all that Elizabeth said. We didn't want to keep anything from them, but we were not sure about the way they would react when they find out it was Elizabeth who told us all this.

Few hours later, something strange happened. It was announced on the news that the sheriff department had arrested the drug maker. The news identified the drug maker as Perez Mouser.

I was in dismay, "what exactly could have happened?!, Who could have gotten him arrested?" I wondered.

I was in confusion, Elizabeth lied, I thought she said she isn't man enough to go meet the sheriff. Well, that is to my own advantage. I will not have to scheme or come up with any ridiculous plan to get Mr Perez to jail. At that instance, I began to think about what step I should take next. That very night, my intention was to visit mr perez in jail to question him. Perhaps, he will blurt out information that would help me expose him as Nicholas killer. However, that is not my only reason for wanting to see Mr Perez, I also want to ensure I am not doing the sanders family bidding. The sanders are known for their manipulative skills, I want to be sure Elizabeth is not trying that skill with my friends and I. I called melody and February to share with them my intention, they advice me not to take any step at the moment, it was necessary for us to observe before reacting.

Tuesday 29th September, I was having my breakfast, when dad tuned to a news channel. It was revealed that a robbery took place at one of the town most influential bank, (dominion trust bank). The bank is located at the east side of scholar town that leads to frostdale. This news really shattered me, cause it seems like all my fight and struggle were for nothing. The situation the town was facing was similar to hydra in marvel comics. For all who cares to know, an hydra is an evil organisation which never comes to an end. Their slogan, "cut one head, two rises up to take its place." That exactly was the case in scholar town. Truly, it took the mobsters years to perfect their organized crime. It would only take a much clever person to solve the ignominy that has befall this town.

Afterwards, i got myself ready for school, but before i left the house, i ensured i finished my breakfast, I believe it was the most important meal of the day. Thereafter, i left for school. When i got to school, i was approached by Elizabeth, who was seeking a thank you for allegedly helping me apprehend the town drug lord, who is also the murderer of Nicholas velma, Mr perez mouser.

I said to myself, "What is she talking about?" I turned to Elizabeth, i said to her "I never reported Mr. Perez, I thought it was you?"

"No, it wasn't me." She answered. "I thought it was you". She said.

I was stunned and concerned, "If it wasn't you either, who could have done it?" I asked.

Elizabeth had a worrisome look, "I don't know. Should we be worried?" She replied.

I needed to leave urgently, i had to go meet my friends, so i could inquire from them if they were the ones who informed the sheriff. "You know what, I would see you later, i have to go now". I muttered to Elizabeth.

"Okay." Elizabeth replied.

I went looking for February and melody, to tell them all that just happened. But when i found them, they were already discussing their similar situation. Then i realized that Elizabeth was trying to cover her track all along. The fact that i did not appreciate her like she had ask, would make her suspect me and my friends. I immediately ran to tell her all the thank you she needed. Although, I was unhappy, but I had to do it.

I rushed to find Elizabeth, "Elizabeth wait." I screamed.

She turned to face me, "What is it Madison?" She asked.

I was hesitant, but i knew i had no other option. "I want to thank you for helping my friends and i to get Mr Perez." I replied.

She smirked, "I thought you said you weren't the one who arrested Mr Perez?" She noted.

"Yes, I wasn't the one, it was felicia, she told her father." I revealed.

Elizabeth smiled at me, "Okay. You are welcome by the way." She said.

"Thank you so much once again." I replied.

Some hours later, the crew and myself gathered together to talk about Elizabeth. We just found out she has been playing us all this time, which meant we could not trust her, "what is her intention towards us?" we all wondered. We had to do something about her, before she drowns us. Before I forget, we already told our friends everything Elizabeth did. Felicia suggested we keep tabs on Elizabeth, most of us agreed with her, but we couldn't. She is smart, if we do such, she will notice. We had to come up with a far creative plan.

"I got it, I know how we can keep tabs on Elizabeth without her knowing." Melody said.

February was excited, "Tell us melody." She said.

Melody stared at me, "We will bug her phone." Melody muttered.

Felicia was looking unimpressed, "That is a great idea, the only problem is how exactly are we going to get access to Elizabeth phone?" She queried.

"Seriously, we have seven of the most intelligent people in town, I think we could come up with a plan." Melody mumbled.

Kelvin chuckled, "Classic melody." He said while laughing.

James smiled, "Do you have an idea melody?" He asked.

Melody smiled back at James, "No, I didn't say I had an idea, I said we could come up with one." She replied.

Benjamin exhaled, "I think I have one guys." He said.

Not to lie, i was surprised to see Benjamin saying he had an idea, i guess i am not over our conflict fully. "What is your brilliant idea Benjamin?" I queried.

"Leave this to the guys and I." Benjamin said.

I was a bit pissed by Benjamin's statement, "What do you mean by that?" I asked.

"Madison I need you to trust me, all I need is for you girls to get me the bug. I assure you all my plan will work." Benjamin said distinctly.

"Okay, no problem." I replied with doubt.

James still bothered about a forgotten fact, "So, where exactly are we going to get the bug?" He asked.

I will rush home, I think I should have one ." Felicia said.

Kelvin was amazed by felicia's statement, "What are you doing with a spy camera?" Kelvin confronted Felicia.

Felicia glared right at kelvin, "Dad gave it to me after I revealed my intention to join the CIA. I think he was trying to tell me the things an agent will be doing." Felicia responded.

"That is kinda cute." Kelvin noted with a daring laughter.

February was amazed by Felicia revelation, "So you want to become a federal agent?" She asked.

"Yes. What about you February?" Felicia inquired.

"Investigative reporter." February replied with a smile on her face.

"Wow, that is nice." Felicia said.

"I want to be a mechanical engineer." Melody noted.

James snuffed, "Wonderful, melody big madam." James said.

Kelvin was inquisitive, he wondered what the young vibrant son of a billionaire intends to do with his life, as the future may be concerned. "What about you James, any plan for the future?" He asked.

James stared right back at kelvin, he answered, "I have no idea."

"Well, I am going to be a civil engineer." Kelvin revealed.

February looked worried, after noticing me and benjamin lost in our thoughts. "What could this two be thinking about?" She wondered. "Earth to Benjamin and Madison." February muttered.

I was pondering, i said to myself, "This is so strange, what exactly is Benjamin planning to do?".

Benjamin was also talking to himself, "I have to do this, this is my chance to get February trust." He muttered.

By 11:45am, the start of break, the entire student community gathered at the

cafeteria to have their lunch including my friends and i. Meanwhile, Felicia and Benjamin were discussing.

Benjamin was a bit nervous, he kept on rubbing his palms, "I want to talk to you felicia." He muttered.

Felicia was worried, probably wondering what Benjamin wanted to discuss with her I have already given the spy camera to kelvin." Felicia said distinctly.

"I know." Benjamin said confidently. "That is not what I want to talk about." He muffled.

"What is it Benjamin?, what do you want to talk about?." Felicia asked with a look of concern on her face.

"I need you to do something for me, will you?" Benjamin muttered.

Felicia became more worried, "What do you need me to do?" She asked.

Benjamin exhaled, "I need you to Spill a smoothie on Elizabeth." He said.

Felicia was confused, "what does that have to do with Benjamin's plan?" She wondered. She stared at Benjamin, with worry, "Why will I do that?" Felicia queried.

"Let just say it is part of my plan." Benjamin answered instantly.

Felicia was clueless and pissed, "Your plan requires me to spill smoothie on Elizabeth?" She muttered indignantly.

"Yes." Benjamin replied with a smile, hoping to ease the tension.

Felicia scoffed, "Why does it have to be me?, why not February, melody or even Madison?" Felicia asked.

"Well, first of all, if anyone of the three girls does what I ask of you, it will make Elizabeth suspicious. Secondly, she won't expect this, which will work for our advantage." Benjamin said.

"If I do this, you owe me one." Felicia grunted hesitantly.

"Of course." Benjamin replied.

The lunch break began like every other day, the football team turning themselves into bullies before taking their sit at their preferred chair. Then the classy girls including Elizabeth taken their sit among the boys. The weirdos like my girls and myself taking our seat which is atleast 5cm away from the cool people. We were all having our lunch, seconds later, I saw ben wink at Felicia.

I was confused, "What could be going on?" I wondered.

Soon after, I saw Felicia, she stood up with a smoothie in her hand and walked behind Elizabeth, then she spilled her smoothie on Elizabeth dress. This infuriated Elizabeth, she stood up to confront Felicia. However, things went awry the moment Elizabeth attempted to slap felicia. Unexpectedly, she got knocked out by Felicia's right hand. This little incident, was the start of an argument that would distract everyone and give ben and james the opportunity to snatch Elizabeth phone. While kelvin walk pass them dropping the bug on the ground. I saw james picking it up, as ben open the case of Elizabeth's phone in order for james to place the bug in there. After planting the bug, ben Instantly dropped Elizabeth phone on the table before anyone else notice what James and he had just done.

Few seconds later, the brawl was ended by one of my subject teacher, Mrs. Barkley. She was furious, she handed both Elizabeth and felicia detention for initiating a school brawl. Well, it was a bullet felicia knew she needed to take, after all it was for the team.

By 5:30pm, felicia and Elizabeth were finally released from their punishment. I knew this because i was at school by that exact same time, helping February out in writing her soon to be publish article. The article had to do with the town most unfortunate event which took place last night. After a while, February concluded her article and instantly submitted it to the editor's laptop for editing. While February and i were going home, we noticed Elizabeth entering a strange car, I wondered what exactly was going on.

Thereafter, felicia approached February and i, she was wistfully starring at Elizabeth car, it was like she was wishing something terrible would happen to Elizabeth. I found that really scary, until the moment Felicia informed me that during her and Elizabeth argument, she was racially abuse. That was the reason why she knocked out Elizabeth. I found this truly disgusting, I could not believe we thought Elizabeth could change. Felicia told February and i that Elizabeth had called her a latina black ape, a term use to racially abuse people. I concluded to myself that i would be damned if i let Elizabeth go scott-free.

By 7:30pm, i arrived at home, I was welcomed by my younger sister, she asked me to help her complete her school project, I told her to bring her project up to my room. After helping her complete her project, we came downstairs to have dinner. After a while, I returned to bed. While I was in my room, I was caught in my own thought, i was so excited about the football match my school are scheduled to have with the bolster town raptors. This would create an avenue for me to meet two of my close friends, glory and dominion Acherbeth.