Chapter Two

After this interview, I think I can solve this case. Stiles was found dead on 2nd May at his house. But he never had any arguments. So why will anyone try to hurt him? I am sure of it because of the scratches and bruises. 
As I was on my way to leave the bar, I recognised someone. A boy who was wearing a lecture jacket. He was drunk and dancing on the stage. He was almost 6’3 feet tall.
As I looked closer, I saw his face. It was Oliver Brown. He was in my high school and graduated three years ago. He was in the same class as my sister. They were friends I guess. He was pretty drunk. 
He still looks the same. He has brown hair and midnight blue eyes. I walked forward to leave the bar when someone bumped into me. His drink spilled all over my clothes. I need to wash it right now. I ran towards the washroom and spilled some water on it. 
As I was doing that, I heard something. Someone was throwing up. I was on my way to leave the washroom when I saw Oliver in front of me. He was a few inches bigger than me. 
He was drunk and didn't recognise me. I am assuming it. He was nauseous so he ran away and threw up. I asked him if he was alright. Although I know he wasn't okay. So I drop him? I know his apartment already. Will he even be able to go alone after getting so drunk?
I could see him leaning on the wall and his steps clumsy and uneven. Alright Liam, don't think too much and drop him home. I helped him to walk and took him in my car. He was already asleep. 
It took a few minutes and we reached the building where he lives. I put my arm under his and helped him stand. Holding his wrist, I guided him forward, moving his feet so it looked like he was walking.
We finally reached towards his apartment. It had a password lock. Oliver was awake. I didn't know the password. How can I take him inside now? Oliver moved and typed the password himself and the door opened.
He wasn't dumb. He remembered the password when he's drunk. I took him inside. He was clumsy and walked unevenly. He fell down. I was too exhausted to help him. I held the back of his shoulders and pulled him towards the couch. 
He was too heavy. What does he eat? I can't even lift him. I somehow picked him up and made sure he was comfortable on the couch. Then I left his apartment and went straight to my house.
The first thing I did was take out my clothes and wash them. What if it contains the smell of wine? I couldn't take that chance. I washed it carefully and went to bed. 
“What are you thinking about? Let's go and have fun.” Clara said, excited about it.
“But that's too far.” I said, handing over the coffee to our customer.
“Our shift will be over in ten minutes. We can leave after that.” She said, trying to convince me.
As we were doing our job, he came here. It was Oliver. He walked towards the counter, his eyes were on his phone. Maybe texting someone as he was typing something. He gave an order for espresso. 
Clara made an espresso and handed it over to him. He saw me and gave me an unreadable gaze like I did something wrong. What's with him? Why did he give me that look? 
My shift was over. I was with Clara walking towards the exit when I saw Oliver glaring at me. His eyes were sharp and looking at me like I am a wanted criminal. I was irritated by his looks. I walked towards him.
"What's with the look? Something wrong?" I asked, keeping my tone calm.
"Why don't you tell me?" His voice was cold.
I frowned. "What do you mean?" I pulled out a chair and sat across from him.
"Don't play dumb. I know you dropped me home last night." His sharp gaze pinned me in place.
I shrugged. "Yeah, so what? You were drunk."
"How could you do that to me?" he snapped.
I raised a brow. "You're welcome?"
"Wait. You went to a bar? But you're not even eighteen. How did you get in?" Clara interrupted, eyes wide.
I waved her off. "Not the point. Besides, how do you know it was me?"
His lips curled into a smirk. "I checked the cameras."
I blinked. "Wait—you have cameras in your house, and you’re mad at me for helping you?"
"Yes! You ruined my shoes!" His anger flared.
I scoffed. "Oh please. Maybe learn how to walk when you're wasted. Do you know how heavy you were?"
He glared. "Wait. How did you even know where I live? And my door code?"
I smirked. "You posted your address on your Instagram story. And as for the code—you typed it yourself."
His jaw clenched. "Unbelievable. You should’ve been more careful. My shoes are ruined."
I stood up, rolling my eyes. "Next time, I’ll let you sleep in the gutter."
“Stop this. We are getting late. Let’s go.” Clara snapped at me, dragging me toward the door.
I pulled my arm away. "Stop it. I’m getting late. Not everyone is free like you."
"Who said I’m free? I’m a surgeon," he shot back.
I scoffed. "Then act like one. What are you even doing here? Go treat your patients."
"I’m just an intern, and it's my day off," he snapped.
"Then go study or do something useful instead of whining about your shoes."
His eyes narrowed. "Do you always have to be this stubborn?"
I folded my arms. "Do you always have to be this dramatic?"
"You should’ve been more careful," he repeated, frustration thick in his voice.
"And you should’ve been less drunk." I turned toward the door. "Next time, I'll make sure to leave you passed out in a puddle."
"Next time, don’t touch my things," he shot back.
"Gladly." I pushed the door open. "Now get over yourself.”
“It's already ten. If we take a train we can reach it in two hours and probably return at night. Let's go quickly.” Clara said, stopping a taxi.
We took a seat in the taxi and went to the Everbrook Station where we caught a train to Redbrook. When we were on the train, Clara suddenly asked me a question. 
“I didn't know you were so brave. How did you get to the bar?” She asked me. 
“Wait. You went into a bar. And the guards didn't even know.” Max said, looking into my eyes.
He is Clara’s twin brother. He has black hair and is the smartest in our class.  
“Well. It's not like you think it is.” I say, trying to defend myself. 
“So tell me what it was.” Clara snapped at me.
“It's just that I saw Gloria Bennet drinking a glass of wine.” I said, when someone interrupted me.
“Wait. Isn't she the mother of the boy who was found dead in his house last year? What was his name?” Cam asked.
“Yes, it starts with S….Stiles Bennet. It's the name.” Max replied quickly.
“And you just went in by seeing her?” Clara asked.
“Yes. I wanted to ask her some questions. Also I recorded our session when I interrogated her.” I said, excited.“Wait, so what's going on here?” Can asked. 
“Well. The thing is I have decided to investigate this case. Maybe I found something that says that it was not a suicide.” I said.
“What? Really. You aren't a detective Liam.” Max said.
“You aren't Sherlock Holmes, Liam. Just forget this.” Can said.
“Guys. Just trust me. I can do this.” I said, trying to prove them.
“Wait. Is it because you want to be in Blue Shark University, isn't it? You can do something else.” Max asked.
“Easy for you to say. You are smart. But I want to do this.” I said.
“Alright. But be careful. Don't go near danger.” Clara said.
“Let's stop this. Who wants to play with cards? We still have two hours to reach Redbrook.”  
We all nodded and started to play with cards. Enjoying the scenery and eating the snacks we brought from the store while coming here.
Finally, after two hours we reached Redbrook. We took a taxi to Mirroway. It's a newly opened amusement park in Redbrook. It has a large maze where people get lost. And we all decided to give it a try to solve it. 
When we stepped into the amusement park, we could see all the rides. We were too excited and ran to buy the tickets. When we tried to buy the ticket for the maze, we realised it would open at three in the afternoon.
At first, we went on a roller coaster ride. And one by one we enjoyed all the rides. It's already two in the afternoon. We decided to have lunch. We went to a restaurant and ordered some burgers and fries. We talked about some stuff and enjoyed our food. It was three and we ran towards the maze. We went inside. It was too big and had different ways. We tried all the possibilities and found many dead ends. We were getting tired. 
Time was passing. There were many people and it was crowded too. Maybe because it was too famous. Finally after two hours, we found the exit. It was fun. 
Then we went into the mirror world. It was a big room consisting only of mirrors. We could see reflections everywhere. We didn't realise it was already six in the evening. We were getting late. 
We quickly went to the station and caught a train to Everbrook town. It was getting dark. It was eight when we reached Everbrook and we said goodbye and returned back to our home. 
When I was chilling and watching a crime documentary in my room, my phone rang. It was my Aunt Millie. 
“Hey Liam. Could you please drop Ava home. She's at the Study cafe right now. I am in traffic and will be late.” she requested.
“Yes of course. No problem at all.” I replied and hung up the call. 
I walked towards my car and started the engine by inserting the key. The study cafe isn't far away. Just ten minutes from here. Also they live near my neighbour. 
I walked inside the cafe trying to find her. I found her doing some math problems. It was already nine and probably late at night. I took her in my car. And I tried to start a conversation.
“So how's school life?” I asked her. 
“It's fun. I am trying to learn my next syllabus. I have made a friend in the cafe.” She said, looking at her phone. 
“Really. Who?” I asked her, looking at the traffic light. 
“It's Gabe. He's a year older and helped me with some of my problems. He's lonely now as his study mate died last year.” She said, texting someone.
“So you are his new study now. Right?” I asked her.
“Probably. I feel bad for him. He was happy to study with Stiles.” She said,“You mean Stiles Bennet.” I asked her. 
“Yes. Why?” She asked me.
“Nothing. Can you give me Gabe’s number? I want to talk to him about something.” I asked, handing her my phone.
“Of course.” She replied, saving his number. 
So I got a new clue. Stiles used to study with Gabe in the study cafe. They were study buddies, I guess. Maybe he can tell me something. 
Finally, I dropped her home. Then I said goodbye and returned to my house. I was too tired. I quickly went to bed.
Should I text him? I need to talk with him and ask questions. But will he meet me? I should text and ask him immediately. 
[Me] : Hey! I am Ava’s cousin Liam. I wanted to talk to you about something. Can we meet somewhere?
[Gabe] : Yeah, sure. Let's meet at Frost and Fable cafe at five.
[Me] : Alright. See you there.