stick to the knife

Radia asked me, "What made you want to go to Palantine Academy? You only took the general education department that's obviously offered anywhere in public schools?”

I couldn't help but notice that Radia's tone had changed. She used to be so bright and radiant, but now she sounded like a blunt nerd girl at the library. It was like she was a completely different person. But I just shrugged it off

“It has always been my dream to study and learn under top-notch scholars in the field of literature and music. And I want to be with Carol. We grew up together and have always been close. She is the most important person in my life, and I want to be there for her. Just as she has always been there for me” I responded to her.but she didn’t responded

Let’s see…how to make this conversation a little longer.....i thought

Radia, do you know anything about Lesley? I met her before I started working here at the cafe, and I've always been curious to know more about her.

"Lesley? but she's quite reserved. She's a great cashier, always efficient and kind to customers. She had a huge crush on luca but that dimwit guy is too dense to realize. Other than that, I'm not aware of much else. Why do you ask? “

I was about to asked for more when a scream echoed throughout the room, instantly grabbing our attention.

"hiro!!"

We both looked at each other, confused and worried about what had caused that sudden outburst. We exchanged a tense look, trying to figure out what could have happened and whether or not we should be concerned.

“with a lingering sense of uneasiness. the sudden interruption to our conversation only made us more aware of our surroundings, and we kept a close eye on the other costumers nearby.

radia was standing behind my back, leaning her arm against the counter table, looking in the same direction as I was.

a boy eating the donut suddenly fall to the floor. It was as if he was strangled and unable to breathe. His mouth foaming as if he was poisoned.

My heart pounded in my throat as I tried to think of what could have caused such a strange reaction. What could have happened? What should I do? What should radia and I do?

I immediately looked for luca but he was nowhere to be seen.he must have done finish moping the floor

Radia suddenly rushed over to a guy who had fallen unconscious, touching his wrist "he's dead?"

One of the girls nearby cried out in shock and tried to come closer. Radia quickly stopped her and said, "Don't come any closer, this is now an active crime scene."

As Radia leaned closer to the guy's face, she said, "Scent of almond… potassium cyanide? "

Had she recognized the tell-tale signs of poison? i was immediately alerted to the possibility of poisoning.

She quickly called for help. But I was so scared. I don’t know what to do

When the police arrived, they immediately stepped in to secure the area and investigate the case. They took photos and surrounded the scene with yellow caution tape, to prevent contamination and preserve the evidence.

However, despite being a high school student, it seemed like Radia was quite familiar with the police. She was comfortable talking to the inspector and providing information, It was impressive to see her handle the situation with such calmness, expertise, and poise.

i hope you don’t mind me and my coworker will assist in this case inspector”radia said as she pointed at me

The inspector looked at Radia and me, and made a remark, saying, "Kids like you two shouldn't be allowed in the investigation. But, I owe your parents a favor, so please don't mess around and close it immediately."

Obviously, the inspector was not happy that a couple of high schoolers had gotten involved in the case. However, he allowed it because he owed Radias parents a favor?.

As Radia examined the victim's body, she said, "Judging by the smell of almond in his mouth, the victim was poisoned with potassium cyanide."

“Potassium cyanide is well known for its sweet and bitter taste, so the poisoner likely spiked the victim's food or drink with the cyanide.”

Just because of the smell? “I asked

"The smell of bitter almond isn't just an indication that potassium cyanide was used. That poison inhibits cellular respiration, preventing tissues from using oxygen in the blood. Anyone who ingest it will show bluish lips just like this." Radia pointed to the victim's bluish lips as proof. "This man ingested potassium cyanide about five to ten minutes ago.

"Where did you get that information from?" The inspector asked, amazed. "There's no toxicology subject in Saint Palantine Academy's music department."

Radia smiled confidently and replied, "That's correct. “

The inspector seems impressed by Radia's quick thinking and her knowledge of poisons. He realized that she was right,

"The murderer is among his three female colleagues." She said pointing at the three girls earlier

, "We can't do that, Hiro is our friend." One of the three girls spoke up in response

On hearing this, Radia glared at her and adjust her glasses, "Being a friend doesn't mean you can't devise an ingenious plan to kill him. Betrayal comes from your friends, not from your enemies." Her words struck a chord with the other girls, who fell silent for a moment as they considered the possibility that one of their own could have committed such a crime.

“How dare you!” one of the tried to attack her but I spoke up

"Potassium cyanide takes a minute before it can kill someone," I stated plainly. "Because you were with the victim thirty minutes before he collapsed, you three are the primary suspects."

As the three female colleagues denied any involvement in the murder, one of them asked, "Why would we kill our friend?" Another one of the girls added, "And what would our motives be for doing that?"

"You three like him, don't you?" I said

"If we're talking about motives, it's probably related to love," I said, crossing my arms. The other girls exchanged knowing glances as I spoke, realizing that I had hit the nail on the head.

Radia interrupted us and said, "For now, Let's check the table for traces of poison."

I examined the cups of coffee, noticing that they were almost empty. But what really caught my attention was the half-eaten donuts of the victim and the crumpled tissue near the red hair girl. I also noticed the fork and knife placed on the plates of the blonde hair and brunette girls. Everything seemed to be in order, except for those details that stood out to me.

"Who do you think did it?" Radia asked, contemplating the possible suspects.

"It was the red hair girl who ordered," I replied, "I was the one who took her order."

"No,the blonde hair girl was the one who tripped and brought a glass of water…Could it be she did it intentionally to take time and put the poison while everyone was distracted?"I added

"Or could it be the brown hair girl who asked for a coffee creamer from me? “radia said”And switch it with a poison one?"

But I protested“I think it’s the red-“