Today was Friday and the day of the class trip so we only had classes in the morning. When we were lining up for roll call, I looked around for my roommates out of habit. Fay had gone to the bathroom, Mackenzie was still in her room deciding what accessories to pack, and Hades was next to me. I jumped as a phone rang near me. Turning around revealed Hades listening to his phone with a grim expression. ”Everything ok?” I asked once he hung up.

“Uh, family emergency,” he mumbled. “See you later!” Then he ran off.

*That’s not unusual, they’re always bugging him about one thing or another, usually his fashion preferences.* I thought, but I didn’t have much time to dwell on it because we were finally ready to board the buses.

It was evening when we returned. Hades had caught up to us before we had left, but I never saw Mackenzie join us. She was probably with her minions. Fay had run off to the dorm with her best friend Lauren, Hades and I trailed a few feet behind them. Fay’s sudden, high-pitched shriek had us running after her. Mackenzie lay face down outside of our building, her lime green outfit soaked in blood.

The police arrived shortly after. Hades, Lauren, and Fay seemed to be in shock, but I was too fascinated to be scared. I had only read about murder mysteries and watched crime shows. This was my first time seeing a real live, er... dead, body. Since the police were a little short on officers, I volunteered to carry out the investigation. Before anyone could agree, Lauren interjected.

“Why should we trust you?” she popped her signature pink bubblegum. “You could be using this opportunity to frame one of us for your murder.”

“She has a point,” Fay agreed with her friend. “Shouldn’t you prove your alibi before we tell you ours?” The officers nodded in agreement.

“Alright, I sat behind Mr. Rio and Mr. Solstice on the bus. Hades sat next to me once he got on. The four of us stayed together the entire trip.”

“We’ll have to check your alibi first, but if it checks out you’re free to do as you like. We need all the extra hands we can get. The four of you need to stay here until we come back.” One of the officers walked off to find Mr. Rio and Mr. Solstice while the other stayed with us in the dorm’s community room.

Half an hour later the first officer returned. He explained that I was officially in charge of the case and gave us the speech about not panicking or making any rash decisions. I smiled brightly as they left, before turning to the others.

“Alright! I’m going to examine the crime scene to determine if it’s murder or suicide. I want you guys to stay here until I’m done so I don’t need to track you down if I want to question you later!” I flew out the door before they could protest.