MURDER IN MO-TOWN
by
Lee Ivory
Murder in Mo-Town
Copyright 2011 by Lee Ivory
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Connect and Discover
Preface
Life outside my world seems to be so different than what’s in it. Ritual has been drilled into my head ever since my sister and I were recruited. Our parents always told us “Remain inconspicuous. That is the only way for us to survive.” It seems as though they may have slipped up in that department because they are no longer here. It hurts me to think about life without them, but life goes on whether you want it to or not. I guess I can say that I am thankful that I have my sister to keep an eye on me. Though, I hate that we always have to move around to keep our identities safe, I am glad that my life has somewhat remained the same and intact.
Janine Hawthorne
Of course we are moving, again. I hate that I have to always be in charge of everyone. If I was on my own, everything would be just fine. Instead, I have to look out for the weak one. Don’t get me wrong, I love my sister. It’s just the constant watching and keeping up with that I hate. Everywhere she goes bad things happen. Why am I the only one that can show some control? We were raised by the same people, but we turned out so different. I wonder what my life would be like if I was an only child. Obviously better than this. Since I can’t change it, I guess I just have to deal with it. At least until I die, which may be a very long time from now.
Jade Hawthorne
Chapter 1
Life in Moscow, Tennessee is quiet and simple, for the most part. Crime is almost nonexistent, but everything changes when two mysterious girls move there from Memphis, Tennessee. The lives of a group of friends are forever changed at the meeting.
We begin at the home of Teyana and Ciara Jordan who are getting ready to meet the new neighbors.
Teyana, in the living room, shouts, “Hurry up girl! We gotta go meet the new neighbors. I want to make a good impression.”
“Stop shouting, I’m coming,” says Ciara as she steps into the room. “Grab the food off the table so we can go.” Teyana grabs the food off the dining room and they walk out the door. As they walk down the driveway and onto the street Teyana brings up a story that she heard on the news.
“Hey, have you heard about all those unexplained murders in Memphis lately,” she asks.
Ciara responds, “Can’t this wait? We are on our way to see the new neighbors and all you can think about is a murder story you heard about on the news. At least talk about something positive.”
“Well excuse me for trying to get a little small talk going while we walk.”
Ciara refutes, “Uh, murder is not small talk.”
“Well, never mind now, seeing as we are here,” snaps Teyana as she knocks on the door. After a few minutes and no answer, Teyana begins to bang on the door.
“Could you stop that,” asks Ciara, “Maybe they are not home.” They turn to walk away but the door slowly opens behind them.
“Can I help you,” asks a petulant voice from inside the house.
Janine answers, “We heard we had some new neighbors, so we wanted to bring you a welcome gift. Our mom made this lasagna for you guys.”
Peeking her head outside the door to look at the food the girl answers, “Umm, no thank you.”
Ciara urges, “You have to try some. It’s my mom’s special recipe.”
The girl grumbles, “Fine, we’ll take it,” as she reaches out to grab the dish, and then tries to close the door.
Teyana catches it and says, “Our friends are having a party tomorrow. If you aren’t doing anything, we would be happy if you could join us.”
The girl answers, “Sure, whatever,” as she slams the door in their faces.
“Well that was rude,” Ciara complains as they walk away.
*****
Inside the house, the girl walks into the kitchen with the lasagna and places it on the counter.
“Who was that, Janine,” asks another girl from another room.
She answers, “Just some girls from next door bringing over a welcome gift.” The other girl walks into the kitchen and glances at the food.
“What do you want me to do with it, Jade,” asks Janine.
Looking disgusted, Jade replies, “Throw it away.” Janine takes the dish and tosses it into the trash can. “Is that all they wanted?”
Janine says, “No, they invited us to this party they are having tomorrow.”
“Great! We can meet some new people so we can fit in better. I wouldn’t want to have to move, again.
“I’m not the party type,” replies Janine. “You can go by yourself.”
“You are going with me.”
“Are you seriously forcing me into this?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Fine, I’ll go to the stupid party.
*****
Later that day, Teyana meets up with her friends, Jasmine and Teresa to do some shopping for the party.
Teyana exclaims, “I am so ready for this party. I’m about to flip out in this store.”
Jasmine cautions, “Try to compose yourself. You know they act kind of snobbish in here.”
Teresa interrupts, “Forget about these stuck up people. If we want to break out some dance moves up in here, we gonna do it.”
“Well, you go right ahead,” replies Jasmine, “If ya’ll get kicked out, I don’t know you.”
“You are a great friend,” replies Teyana sarcastically.
Teresa interrupts, “Anyway, have ya’ll been watching the news? They said a bunch of bodies were found floating up the river yesterday.”
Jasmine exclaims, “I heard about that. The thing that got me was what they think may have killed them.”
“I know,” says Teresa. “If they got attacked by some wolves, how did they get in the water?”
Teyana reacts, “Now I’m never going in the woods.”
“Like you would ever go in there anyway,” refutes Teresa.
“Yeah, whatever Miss Know-It-All,” Teyana retorts. “On to more important things. What are we wearing for this party?”
Teresa replies, “I don’t know about you, but my closet is in terrible need of an upgrade.”
“Well, let’s go do some shopping,” Teyana exclaims. “You coming with us, Jasmine?”
“No I am not.”
Teresa asks, “Why not?”
“I already have an outfit, plus you guys take forever. I have other things to do,” Jasmine explains.
Teyana replies, “See you later, then.”
Chapter 2
Today’s party day, and the whole crowd is preparing for what they hope will be the time of their lives. At Ciara and Teyana’s house everything seems cool.
Teyana shouts, “Ciara, can you come help zip up my dress,” as she stands in front of the mirror in her bedroom.
Ciara is standing in front of the bathroom mirror, “Wait a minute! I’m trying to finish putting my make-up on.”
“Never mind, I got it.”
“You ready,” Ciara asks as she puts on her heels.
“When I put my shoes on we are out the door.”
*****
At Teresa’s house, things seem to be a little more stressful. She accidentally burned a hole in her shirt and she broke one of the heels off one her favorite pair shoes.
“God, Am I cursed today? I gotta hurry up,” she replies while rushing. “Where is that girl?” Like clockwork she hears a knock on the door.
She answers and sighs, “It took you long enough. I thought I was gonna have to walk
.”
Jasmine refutes, “I’m the one that’s late, but you ain’t even done getting dressed, yet.”
“I would be if I wouldn’t have burned a hole in my shirt and broke one of my heels.”
“Sucks for you.”
“Thanks for the encouragement.”
“Just hurry up and get dressed.”
*****
At Jade and Janine’s house it seems as though nothing is actually going on.
“Janine,” Jade yells as she is putting on her clothes.
“What,” she yells from her bedroom.
“I hope you are getting ready for this party. I will leave here without you.”
Janine replies, “Good, I want you to.” Suddenly, Jade is in Janine’s room standing directly behind her.
“You are going to this party, even if I have to drag you to it,” Jade replies.
“Why do I have to go? Go by yourself.”
Jade answers, “We need to blend in with these people. So, get ready because you are going to this party.” Jade is suddenly gone from the room as Janine slams the door and groans in disgust.
Chapter 3
At the Lakewood Drive Community Center, situated outside the town of Moscow in a small clearing in the woods, the party has begun, but it seems to be going downhill really fast. Everyone is hoping that more people would show up, but it seems as though that won’t be happening.
Teyana walks up to Teresa at the food table, “Wow, this is the lamest party, ever. Nobody else showed up except for those Hawthorne sisters from next door. And where is the food?”
“I don’t know why nobody came. And the food is being prepared.”
“When did you send out the invitations?”
“Yesterday,” says Teresa embarrassed.
Teyana, frustrated, exclaims, “Are you serious? Who would expect anyone to show up to a party with a day’s notice? That is the dumbest thing anyone could ever do.”
Teresa yells, “I can see that now. Go mingle with the guests.”
“Yeah, I’ll go mingle with the only other 4 people here,” Teyana retorts as she walks away.
Teresa walks over to Jade and Janine standing by the front door and asks, “Are you guys hungry?” Jade and Janine glance quickly at each other. Before they could answer, Teresa grabs them and pulls them to the community center kitchen. Standing at one of the counters was Ciara, cutting up some vegetables for a party tray.
“What we got to eat in here? We got some hungry guests out there.” says Teresa enthusiastically.
Ciara answers, “What guests and there’s some wings in the stove that are done.”
“I’ll get them out,” Teresa replies.
“Ouch. Crap, I cut myself,” screams Ciara holding her bloody finger. Teresa runs to help her as Jade and Janine stand frozen on the other side of the counter.
Janine whispers, “I don’t think I can do this,” eying the blood on the counter.
“Just remain calm. I won’t let you do anything,” Jade whispers back.
“I need to leave now,” whispers Janine. Jade, observing her sister’s discomfort, decides that it is best that they both leave.
“I think we are gonna step outside for a minute.”
“Okay,” says Teresa. “I’m just gonna help her and then I’ll be out.”
Jade refutes, “That’s alright. Take your time,” as she and Janine begin to walk out of the room. Seeing that Janine is getting twitchy, they rush through the main room of the community center and out the front door.
Janine states, “I told you coming here was a bad idea.”
“Just calm down. Who could’ve predicted that someone would have gotten cut preparing food, anyway,” Jade replies.
“Well, it happened.”
“Just stay out here until you are ready to come back in. I’m gonna go back inside,” Jade responds as she walks back into the building. Janine begins to pace back and forth trying to calm herself down. After a few minutes she decides to go back into the building. Doubting her strength she decides to go to the restroom.
Staring in front of the mirror, she chants, “You can do this. You can do this. You can do this.” Suddenly Ciara rushes into the restroom headed for the sink to clean her cut.
“Excuse me. I just need to use the sink for a minute,” Ciara pleads. Her eyes are fixed on the bloody cloths covering the wound on Ciara’s hand.
“Are you okay,” Ciara asks as she notices Janine staring.
“I’m fine,” says Janine snapping back into reality. “Sure you can. After all, it is your party.”
“Thanks. You have no idea how bad this hurts,” she says as she begins to wash the cut. Janine begins to stare again as temptation overcomes her. Suddenly, Janine has Ciara in a chokehold.
“What are you doing,” asks Ciara, strangling.
“Don’t worry,” says Janine, “You won’t remember a thing after I’m done with you.” Janine extends a pair of razor sharp fangs.
“Oh my God,” screams Ciara before Janine covers her mouth.
*****
Back in the main room, everybody is trying to have a good time, but it seems like a wasted effort. Jade and Janine are on the dance floor dancing, while Teyana and Jasmine are arguing about the food not being ready. Teresa is sitting in a chair near the door ready to leave.
“Okay, I’m officially bored,” says Teresa as she walks over to Teyana and Jasmine. “Have any of you guys seen Ciara? She’s been gone for awhile.”
Jasmine says, “Last time I saw her she was heading to the bathroom to clean that cut.”
“Let me go check on her. It has been awhile,” offers Teyana.
“I’ll do it,” Jasmine counters. “You need to finish with the food anyway.” She walks away from them and heads toward the bathroom. She slowly opens the door to peek in.
“Ciara, are you okay?” She does not hear a response and decides to step into the bathroom. She looks around for Ciara, but does not see her. She sees a trail of blood droplets leading from the sink to one of the stalls. She follows the trail to the second stall and slowly opens the door. Suddenly she sees Ciara sitting on the toilet dead, and she lets out a scream so large that the people in the main room hear it. In less than a second later everyone, except for Teyana, crowds into the bathroom to see what is happening.
“What happened,” asks Janine as though she was completely clueless. Jade quickly glances at her knowing the truth.
“I just walked in and found her like this.”
Teyana walks over to the crowd and asks, “So, what’s goin’ on?” She suddenly sees Ciara in the stall dead and breaks down to the floor crying.
Jasmine proposes, “I’ll take her into the other room while someone calls the cops.” She reaches down to help Teyana up off of the floor, and they slowly walk out of the bathroom.
Teresa takes out her phone and dials 911, “There has been a murder at the Lakewood Drive Community Center. Our friend has been murdered, and we need someone to come down here right now.”
*****
Later that night, outside the community center, a few police cars were parked with the lights flashing, along with an ambulance. They had the community center taped off with caution tape on every side. Two policemen were out front talking to everyone who was at the party.
The taller, black policemen says, “My name is Detective Jones, and this is my partner Detective Fuller.” He gestures to the smaller, white man standing next to him.
Detective Fuller then says, “We know this may be hard for you but we need to know everything that happened.”
Jasmine replies, “Well, I walked into the bathroom to look for Ciara. She was supposed to be cleaning a cut she had on her hand that she got when she was preparing the food. She had been gone for awhile, so I decided to go check on her. When I walked into the bathroom I saw blood leading from the sink to the stall she was sitting in. I saw her and freaked out, and that’s when everybody rushed in behind me.”
Detective Jo
nes asks, “Is that everything? What about the sister?” He points at her standing near the ambulance.
“We didn’t want to bother her,” Jade says. “Besides, she came in a little later than everyone else.”
Just as Detective Jones was about to speak two EMTs were seen carrying the body out of the building in a large black body bag. Teyana began to cry once again, but everyone else was holding back their tears.
Detective Fuller interrupted the silence, “We can see that this is a hard time for all of you, so we are gonna let you go until we hear something back from the doctor at the morgue.”
Jasmine goes over to Teyana to comfort her as they take the body away in the ambulance.
Chapter 4
The next day would be a long day as everyone copes with the loss of their close friend, Ciara. To keep Teyana comforted, everyone is huddled around her on Jasmine’s porch trying to keep her mind off of it. But, sometimes it’s hard to control such strong emotions.
Jasmine blurts out, “I can’t believe someone would want to kill Ciara.”
“Me either,” Teresa replies. “I can’t believe the police were questioning us all night, like we were the ones that had something to do with it.”
Jasmine questions, “But who would want to kill her, though?”
“Can we not talk about this right now,” Teyana interrupts.
“We are so sorry,” Jasmine apologizes. “We know this must be hard for you.” She continues to console Teyana when Jade and Janine suddenly appear at the end of the porch stairs.
Jade says, “We are so sorry for your loss. How are you doing?” Just then, Teyana bursts into tears.
Janine exclaims, “Oh my God! Could you please stop crying. It’s very annoying.” Everyone looks at Janine with surprised reactions, except for Teyana who has become enraged. She walks up to Janine and slaps her on the face. Janine displays no reaction to it even though Teyana tried as hard as she could. Teyana realizes this and stomps off angry.
“Oh my gosh. I apologize for my sister’s attitude,” Jade says as she drags Janine off in another direction. She whispers, “I can-not believe that you just said that to her.”