“Yeah…,” Liza trailed off, looking forward as she walked. You definitely didn’t have to tell her that. Liza had lost count of how many notes she’d found slipped into her locker-- just in the past week-- saying things like “Admit it already” or “I know it was you”. Must’ve been easy and taken very little brain power to assume it was ‘the bad girl’ of Rosemount high school.

She suppressed a sigh and shrugged again, “I know what they say. It’s not like it matters. What's the point of worrying about it....” They’ll eventually convict someone and the courts will do the rest… in the meantime, Liza just wanted to keep a low profile. That meant not talking about her relationship with Sierra with just any Bob or Sarah.

Cameron had a whole speech lined out for Andie when she opened the door. However, when she did and he stepped inside, seeing the boxes spread out over the floor, he lost it. The whole speech just went 'poof!' right out of his head. He closed the door behind him and then walked into the living room. He didn't sit down, but he did drop his books and soccer ball on the couch. She started talking, and he listened, trying to remember everything that he had been running through his head just moments ago. His eyes narrowed as he thought.

"You don't have to apologize," He said, he sat down across from her on the floor, taking a book off of the coffee table. He turned it over in his hands as if it held the secret to whatever the question was. He frowned, setting the book back down on the coffee table.

"I think you should do what you want to do," He said quietly, leaning back and looking at the television screen. His face was blank, perhaps a little upset, a slight furrow of his brow, a tiny pout on his lips. He shrugged.

"I mean, I can't stop you, you seem pretty determined to run away, I'm not sure if it's because of...what happened, or because you told me you loved me in the same conversation that you told me you were leaving, that doesn't make sense," He said glancing over at her, "Not that you love me because," He paused, gesturing to himself with a wry smile, "But telling me and then leaving," He said, becoming serious again. "If I didn't know any better I'd say you were trying to break my heart," He said, looking back at the tv. He watched the actors walk across the screen. Something dramatic was going on, he wasn't really following but the overall tone was teetering on the edge of dramatic and heartbreaking. How appropriate.

Edwin had to admit that the crime scene looked relatively undisturbed. Then again having a doberman like Hawkins laying down the law didn't hurt in this case. Edwin finally felt like he was free to do his job and not worry about the politicians get in his way on this one anymore. Then again being able to call the Governor's niece up and have him intervene on your behalf also wasn't a bad card to play. Edwin hated calling Katy to call her Uncle, but in this case there was no other choice.

He walked the perimeter of the yellow caution tape and studied everything as though it was a rare butterfly. Finally he bowed his head, said a brief prayer for guidance and to bring justice for the victim and closure to the family, and finally to make it through this alive.

Edwin put on some rubber gloves, lifted up the crime scene tape, and walked on through. He walked over to the oak that Sierra had been leaned up against. Edwin knelt down and looked around the base of the tree and saw no foot prints. Then again with as many roots as there were around the tree the killer could've stood on them. Just then he noticed several small black hairs in the tree which led Edwin to believe they were Sierra's hairs. He pulled out a sandwich baggie and put the hairs in the baggie and sealed it. Edwin wanted to be sure that they were Sierra's he couldn't afford to make a major screw up like making an assumption. His mouth and ego were writing a check his reputation alone couldn't cash. Edwin sat next to where the body was found and nodded.

For the killer this was all about putting his or her work on display otherwise why stage the body in public? Ground is relatively undisturbed so the evidence suggests that it happened here. Did Sierra have Snow White fetish? Was she stripped after she was dead and the costume put on her? According to the ME's initial finding the apple bite did it, but how the tests won't be back for a couple more days so no way of knowing if it was poison. Sierra took the bite which rules out an allergic reaction unless there was something on the skin like peanut dusting something that on the surface doesn't raise a red flag. If it was poison then the question becomes who had access to a poison like that in Rosemont?

Edwin shook his head because for every possible theory there were two more questions or possibilities. He said, "Oh I love my job." Edwin chuckled at that statement and knew it was time to do the one thing he hated more than anything else; visit the family. He hopped on his motorcycle and headed off.

Cameron watched her move into the kitchen, turning on the carpet to keep his eyes on her. Ah, he'd hit a nerve, he mused. He managed to keep a slow smile from creeping over his face. Yes, in fact he did feel as if she was breaking his heart. But why? He wasn't in love with her. That much was true. Did he have feelings for her? Of course. Absolutely. There was no denying that fact. A fact he could deny however, was having feelings for Sierra first. He would probably deny that for the rest of his life simply because they couldn't be real feelings. It was a mix of guilt and lust. He couldn't have her anymore therefore he wanted her more than ever. Pining over a dead girl. Story of his life.

When Andie finished talking, Cameron hauled himself up off of the floor and followed her path into the kitchen. He moved slowly, trying to pick his next words carefully. He didn't look over at her, or move to take her hands. He just walked around the counter, trailing his fingertips over the top. He stopped, tapping the countertop lightly a few times. He opened his mouth and then promptly shut it, shaking his head. That wasn't the way he wanted to start talking. She was standing next to a very heavy tea pot, he'd have to be delicate.

"I'm proud of the fact that you managed to tell me," He said, still studying the countertop, "And I hope that you can forgive me for breaking your heart," He paused looking at her now only to add, "I may not love you yet but I do care, Andie I left school, I'm pretty sure we had a chemistry test today too..." He let his gaze wander around the small apartment, "I wonder what kind of punishment I'll get..." He said absentmindedly. His gaze flicked back to her sharply, as if he'd just remembered that they were in a very serious conversation. He gave a heavy sigh and looked up at the ceiling for a minute. All this mushy feeling sharing had him feeling uncomfortable and bare. He didn't care for sharing feelings. Any feelings really, except happiness, anger was hard for him to show even.

"I wish you would stay, but you should be happy too," He said. He lifted his hands like a scale and moved them up and down before shrugging and dropping them back to the countertop.

Cameron smiled at her, taking the cup gently. He set it on the counter and pulled her into a hug, resting his chin on top of her head. He rubbed her back gently, sighing again. She'd stay if he asked her too. The temptation was there, he didn't want her to leave but he also didn't want her to be miserable if he did. It was a sticky situation.

"You know I can't ask you to stay," He said quietly, "I want you to stay, but I can't ask you too," He pulled back so he could look at her face.

"I would be happy if you were happy, so it's your choice," He said with a small smile, "Besides, I have a game coming up, you can't leave yet anyway," He said, trying to lighten the mood, "Well, that is if coach doesn't bench me for skipping class," He frowned at that thought, looking down at the floor. That would be the kicker to the past couple of weeks, but he shouldn't groan and moan about it. If he got benched then he got benched. He did choose to leave class. He glanced back at Andie, no he chose to fight for a good friend. Even if she did leave, he would still keep in touch with her. He may not be in love with her, but he cared very deeply for her.

Nothing to see here...move on please.

Thomas winces as Liza's voice trailed off, knowing now that he shouldn't have brought it up. People hadn't exactly been kind to him, but she had probably gotten the worst of it. Most people looked at her like she was the worst person in the building, which he found to be rather unlikely. Few people ever deserved the reputation they had, and even fewer ever tried to fix it.

"Sorry, I should pay more attention to what I say. And yeah, there's nothing really to do about it. It just puts me on edge. I go from being invisible one week to the spotlight the next. Just doesn't sit right." His hands move to his pockets as his shoulders slump a little more. "Sorry," he says again, little more than a whisper. "I should probably just leave you to your lunch."

"Sorry, I should pay more attention to what I say. And yeah, there's nothing really to do about it. It just puts me on edge. I go from being invisible one week to the spotlight the next. Just doesn't sit right…. Sorry, I should probably leave you to your lunch.” By now they were in the lunchroom, sitting at one of the smaller tables where nobody was likely to hear them over the typical lunchroom buzz of numerous conversations. Liza listened pensively as Thomas spoke, sucking on the inside of her cheek. Had she sounded hurt before? Why was he apologizing so much? She slightly frowned without turning to him—pulling out her pudding cup and a plastic spoon.

“You’ll get used to it,” she scoffed, shaking her head. “And I’d rather you just say what you mean without trying so hard not to offend me…. I’m not just some delicate flower that’s gonna break down crying if you don’t think my hair is pretty, y'know?”

She wanted to say more. She wanted to tell him she truly didn't care what he thought, so it didn't really matter what he said. And that she didn’t want his pity. She wanted to tell him to stop acting so high and mighty like he never laughed at a Loose Liza joke before or just sat by complacently as people shamelessly spread outrageous lies and rumors about her. She had little faith in the quiet boy's ability to stand up to most of the loud, raucous pricks Liza dealt with on a weekly basis. But this was normal for her.

People are always the picture of benevolence when they’re talking to your face. Was sympathizing with her Tom’s good work of the day? Jesus must be so proud.

“I know people talk shit about me and I stopped caring a looooong time ago,” she sighed, placing a spoonful of pudding onto her tongue. “I’d be more worried about what you’re going to say to those inspectors when they come busting through your door.”

She pointed her spoon at him, “Or what people around here are going to say to them—not each other.”

If the police can’t find enough evidence right away—it’s the rumors that are going to tie them to that suspect list. Liza knew this… and honestly? For the first time in a long time she felt frightened of something other than the dark. After what happened between Sierra and Liza, she was never sure exactly which version of the story prevailed…. But if it was the one she was thinking of, she could be in some trouble. She blinked a couple times, realizing she’d just zoned out for a few seconds there and shoved more pudding into her mouth.

“You were her friend, right?” she glanced at him suddenly, “You’ll probably be fine. It’s not like you’ve got anything to hide.”

Edwin decided to delay going to see the Williams sisters on his own at this time. He decided that it was time to not just rattle the cages, but it was time to turn the cages upside down with the animals still inside of them.

Edwin stopped off at the court house and met with the clerk of the court. A woman who looked more like a stereotypical librarian. Brown hair in a tight bun, glasses on the end of her nose, and of course a tweed skirt with matching jacket accented with a white blouse typing up a report of some kind. Her name plate stated that her name was Charlene Wilson.

Okay something tells me the old Rogers charm ain't gonna work here, so I guess it's time to do my Joe Friday and see if that wows Charlene.

Rogers flashed his badge and said, "Detective Edwin Rogers homicide Pittsburgh P-D. Here on special orders from the Governor looking into the..."

Charlene looked up and said, "We're aware of who you are Detective Rogers. How can I help you?"

Charlene actually smiled at Edwin who in turn smiled at her and said, "Well Charlene I need to see a judge about a search warrant. Can you help me with that?"

Charlene nodded and looked over her schedule and said, "Judge Stone up the stairs turn right 3 doors down is free at this time."

Edwin replied, "Thank you Charlene." Edwin made his way to the Judge's chambers and once he arrived he knocked on the door. A somewhat Northeastern accent replied, "It's open."

Edwin walked in and saw an older gentleman bent over slightly playing with a practice putting green, He tapped the ball and it drifted towards the left and the judge made a face like he just ate a sour olive. He shook his head and said, "Come on Dan you can do better than that."

Edwin said, "I beg your pardon your honor my name is Detective Edwin Rogers of....:"

The Judge retrieved his ball and said, "Trust me Detective everyone in city politics knows who you are now." Stone looked at Rogers and said, "You're the guy who not only was picked by the Governor to solve this case, but who also managed to get Sheriff Hawkins in hot water with the Governor."

Edwin shook his head said, "Well well word travels fast here. It wasn't my intention to get the Sheriff in trouble your honor."

Stone chuckled and said, "One of the deputies is married to the Clerk of the Court that's we all heard about it. Personally I think Hawkins has had it coming to him for years. About damn time somebody put that third rate hoodlum with a badge in his place. You stood up to the school yard bully and whacked him good. I love it been trying to get him in line for years, but with the Mayor being so spineless around him Hawkins gets away with murder. Off the record there are a couple murders I think he actually did do but that's another matter for another day. What's on your mind have a seat?" The judge gestured to an empty chair as he took a seat behind the desk.

Edwin replied, "I need a search warrant for the Williams residence. Need to see what I can find in her room that might help with getting things going. After that I plan on bringing all the kids on her list to question them as a group."

Stone asked, "Wanna see how they interact with one another?"

Edwin nodded and said, "I realize there is one other person on the list a Nigellus Rollins who's 21. I'm really wondering about him. I think this is the day karma bitch-slaps for certain other items on his file."

Stone nodded and replied, "Yeah I agree with you about him off the record of course."

Edwin nodded and said, "Oh absolutely your honor."

Stone smiled at Rogers and said, "I like you Detective. You're not from around here so that means you can be fearless and shake things up. I like that about you, and I read your file as well. You are one helluva Detective."

Stone pulled out a warrant and filled it out. He signed it and said, "Need anything else call me direct." Stone handed Edwin his card and Edwin put it away. Edwin said, "Thank you your Honor."

Stone nodded as Edwin started to leave Stone said, "Oh by the way nice hog. 1979 restored it looks like."

Edwin turned back to the Judge and replied, "Good eye sir. You ride too?"

Stone said, "Yeah I got an 1982 I ride once in a while. Good luck Detective."

Edwin bowed his head slightly and made his way back over to his Harley. He started it and went to the address on the warrant. Luckily for Edwin the town wasn't that big so finding the house was no issue.

Edwin took a deep breath and said, "Okay now the real game begins."

Edwin went to the front door and knocked Warrant in one hand, and his badge in the other.

The several tabs on her computer were closed with one absent click. Excitement welled in Alexis' chest as she pushed away from the computer desk and grabbed the notepad that had several scribbled jot-notes on it. She had spent the last hour digging up dirt on the Williams family. Considering that sshe had been in town only a couple of years, Alexis didn't know too much about what seemed to be a family filled of misfortune. Not only had their middle child been murdered, but their youngest had just been released from intensive care. Feeling somewhat commiserated for the family, she packed up her bag and slung the thing around her shoulder. It rested comfortably against her hip, the leather worn in some places due to over use. Just because she felt badly for the tragedies these people faced didn't mean that Alexis was going to stop doing her job.

Giving a lazy wave towards Rudy, who had turned a curious eye towards her, Alexis pushed through the door and out into the afternoon warmth. The sidewalk was empty except for several people who quietly made their way down the streets. They exchanged only muffled words and whispered greetings as they passed each other. The small town, which had once been so vibrant and happy, had become ghostly after the death of Sierra. People sought closure and were coming up empty handed. No one knew anything about what had happened, other then the fact that a sixteen-year-old girl was dead and the police suspected foul play. Fingers were pointed in all directions, mostly towards people whose names appeared on the list found in the dead girls hands, and all hell was sure to break lose sooner rather then later.

Alexis walked down the barren streets with these thoughts rolling over and over again in her mind like clothes in a dryer. She unconsciously made her way through the town, which was easy enough to navigate, enjoying the quiet the settled over her as she entered a more residential part of town. Her mind sharpened as she looked down at the paper which had a scribbled address on it. This was where the young girl, who was the subject of all the town gossip, had once resided with her family of five. Stepping in front of the looming, two story home Alexis drew in a deep breath going over again what she would say when the door swung open and revealed a distraught person who had just lost one of their loved ones. Crumpling the paper in her fist, she convinced herself that this was what she had to do. "No good reporter ever got the story without getting a little dirty." Her quivering voice reminded herself as she traveled slowly up the walkway and stood in front of the door. Her hand connected hesitantly with the wood. "Here goes nothing."

Nigellus tapped his fingers on the table in front of him, looking over to his flute case. He looked out the window, seeing some cars out on the street drive by. It was a truly, truly lonely town. He wiped dust off the rest of the table, using it like one might use a drum-set - whacking the hell out of it with anything you have on hand, to the tune of your favourite song.
Why did I think it was a good idea to sleep in an abandoned house? Almost everything in here is broken, and I can swear those are bloodstains on the bed, Nigellus, not coffee stains!
Calm down, you. I'd rather save my money for finer things in life, like a nice meal or wine.
As he thought this, his stomach growled.
Because that works all so well, yeah?
Oh, do shut up.
I don't believe that's how your mind works, Nigellus.
Nigellus got up from the table as pain shot up his hand, which he accidentally whacked against the table during his rendition of the death waltz. He got up, slinging his flute case over his shoulder, climbing out the shattered window, into the alleyway. He dropped a few inches, unzipping the flute bag on his back. He took the flute parts between his fingers, bringing them in front of him. As he walked, he assembled his flute. After which, he zipped the bag. Less than two doors down from him, a man was knocking on a door with a purpose, a thin and wide piece of paper in the other hand. It looked vaguely familiar, but Nigellus couldn't care, at that point. Several people were walking down the side-walk from either side, and that man knocking on the door, as well. Nigellus took his flute case off his shoulder, putting it on the ground, and opening it. And with that, he began to play.
Because having a normal job was too easy for you, after all.
Nigellus continued playing the jazz song, making a flute - generally used for orchestral scores that required their light melodies, into a jazz instrument. He played the song brilliantly, making it seem natural and easy, keeping his tone clear, and making it seem like the flute was made for jazz, which to him, it was. As two people passed, they dropped some bills into the case, and he continued playing, enjoying his own music, and for that reason, and the fact he wanted to eat dinner, that night, he played to the best of his abilities.

As soon as she knocked, and the noise resounded off of the door and into the air, Alexis regretted it. She hated this part of her job; the pushing and shoving. Digging up dirt and recounting things that most people wanted to forget. It made her feel selfish and as she waited silently outside a feeling of angst made its home in her gut just like it always did before an interview. 'This won't be too bad.' She coaxed herself, tapping her foot slightly on the door step. 'Just a few questions, nothing deep, then you'll be out of here.' She calmed herself down and released all her anxiety in one shaky breath, a technique she had learned from a Victims Anonymous group that she'd been apart of for a couple of years. Alexis raised her fist again, ready to give another sharp knock on the door when the handle started rattling.

The door swung open to reveal a tall, rather audacious looking girl who could only be the oldest Williams daughter. "Can I help you? You look kinda lost... And if your not, I don't want to buy anything so don't even bother..." The wind picked up, blowing Alexis' soft, brown hair into her eyes. Whilst nervously pushing the hair behind her ear, she shook her head and attempted a gentle smile. "No, not lost. My name is Alexis Darwin, I work at the The Weekly Chronicles." Instinctively, she placed her foot in the doorway. She'd been working long enough to know that most people considered her "kind" pests and a door in the face was only to be expected from this young woman. "Before you dismiss me I'd just like to ask some questions, I know this must be a hard time for you but I just want to know some things about you sis-" Alexis broke off and peeked around the woman. The older man standing behind her was incredibly familiar, she'd seen his face in the paper before...

"Detective Rogers? You're the man who just solved the case of that reporter right? I did a story on that!" It hadn't been anything big, just a small column that Rudy had given her for practice. Biting her lips, Alexis raised an eyebrow. Two birds, one stone. Perhaps she'd be able to get a statement out of him too. Resisting the urge to interrogate the detective, Alexis turned back to Miss. Williams. "I wasn't expecting anyone else to be here." Grabbing the satchel that rested on her side, Alexis pulled her notepad out and flipped to the page where she had scribbled several questions. "Anyways, like I was saying I just have a couple questions if you wouldn't mind, it'll only take a couple of minutes." With a pen tucked behind her ear, she looked up at the young woman, Elise, Alexis reminded herself, through thick eyelashes. Her clothes ruffled slightly in the growing wind and she felt a slight shiver move up her spine.

With pursed lips she studied the girl. "If you wouldn't mind," she motioned towards the inside with a universal symbol of 'let me in'. "It's a bit cold out here."

Elise had already left, but Edwin was already smiling somewhat. He found the right chord to strike with Elise which was treat her as an adult and be honest, but more important the "Joe Friday" routine wasn't going to fly with her either. Bottom line just be real and know that she has a right to get angry.

He came down the stairs and heard a name and then the words "ask some questions." Edwin didn't hear anything else he knew what was going on and what was about to happen, and that was enough to make Edwin roll his eyes before he was in sight of the reporter. Edwin stopped and looked at Lyn and said, "I'm sorry for the trouble and pain I caused you. Know this though I will do everything I can to help you and your sister. I promise."

As Edwin approached the door Alexis recognized him from a case he had just finished solving, and that already put him at a disadvantage. She knew him and Edwin didn't know a thing about her except the fact that she was a reporter who was trying to get into the house. Edwin was worried about a lot of things at the moment. One this upsetting Lyn even more than she already was. Two he says the wrong thing this destroys the very fragile trust he was forming with Elise. Three Edwin was not in the mood to deal with the press. The one time he dealt with someone directly in the press was right after the Twilight case, and it ended with the Department P-R Division writing out an apology for Edwin to read and a settlement after he decked a reporter on live TV.

Edwin nodded and replied, "I read it nicely done. All that being said it's safe to say that this is not a good time to talk with Miss Williams. She is still dealing with what has happened, and I am in the midst of an on-going investigation. If you want to know anything else you should talk to the Public Relations department at City Hall. As for me all I will say at this time is 'no comment'. Feel free to quote me on that. Now I have a strong suspicion that if you do not leave very quickly Miss Williams will become most distressed, and that will lead to a scene that none of us want to have. If there is anything to report on I will make sure that the Public Relations department is contacted."

Edwin's demeanor shifted from "police PR 101" voice to his "real" voice as he said, "You would be well advised to leave the premises at this time. Otherwise Miss Williams will be well within her rights to have cited for Trespassing, and I will support her all the way." He looked at Elise and gave her a nod of assurance.

Edwin tapped his handcuffs and said to Alexis, "It's your call Miss Dawson."

"Darwin." Alexis corrected unconsciously, annoyance leaking into her voice as her eyes narrowed towards the detective. "My name is Alexis Darwin." Haughtily, and with a bit of vacuous defiance, she crossed her arms over her chest. She didn't take well to be told what to do. It was sort of a "been there, done that" situation for her and she didn't care much for following orders. Even though Edwin was pretty menacing, standing there with his cuffs in hand, Alexis swallowed her fear and stood her ground. "I understand that you have a job to do, I can wait out here until you're finished," Her eyes flickered towards the young woman still standing in the doorway. "Really? It's cold outside? I didn't know that, see, it's nice and warm in here." Alexis felt a rush of guilt flood her body, giving her cheeks a pinkish tint as she ignored the young woman's comment. The tone in the girl's voice dripped with animosity and Alexis knew that her being here was not a pleasant thing for this family. You gotta do, what you gotta do... "I would just ask you to supply me the same courtesy." Still holding Elise's gaze, Alexis offered a benevolent smile that made her features melt to show her compassion, and of course pity, for the girl.

She knew how hard it was, how these types of situations could affect a person. She had lived a nightmare for years and to this day she still looked over her shoulder on a barren sidewalk or shuddered whenever her phone rang. Looking up at the young woman again and suppressed a capitulated sigh. Alexis could give up now, leave these people in peace and just go about her business and write some dumb ass, boring story that people would overlook in a second. It would be easy to do and if she did just walk away now no one would get hurt. Regrettably, Alexis didn't give up. She fought hard and she fought dirty; she wasn't going to let anyone stand in her way of reaching the career that had been taken from her years ago. This story could be her salvation, it could be her ticket to the big leagues. She wasn't going to throw away a perfectly good opportunity just because she didn't want to get a little messy.

"I in no way want to put you or your family in any sort of discomfort," eloquently she inveigled Elise, whilst keeping a close eye on the detective who stood grievously behind her. Alexis made sure to be aware of his every movements, she had no intentions of winding up in handcuffs. "Sadly, someone has to get the facts and I don't want a story composed from some nonsense or falsehoods. Wouldn't you rather the public know you're real sister instead of some bull shit I come up with off the top of my head?" Uncrossing her arms, Alexis held the notepad against her leg, tapping it in much the same manner Detective Rogers had with the handcuffs. "I have a feeling that you'd prefer that not to happen." Her voice was poignant and with inquiring eyebrows raised, Alexis smiled pompously.

"Now, what do you say, Miss Williams?"