Crystal Hart, Consulting Detective

Hello, The names Crystal Hart. Teenage Consulting Detective. This blog is to inform everyone who decides to read this and like it, about some of my cases. This is my record of all my future cases. Link RSS

[hart-mystery]

Update

Sorry for my offline status for such a long time. I've been busy with cases and other boring work.

I've added more features to my blog. Including submissions and asks for cases and problems for me to solves. Thanks very much for understanding my tedious predicament.

Crystal Hart

[hart-mystery]

As Time Goes By

Timer

00:10

'Ten minutes left. I've got to hurry!' I thought as I rushed to the front door, tugging it open.

The entrance desolate and empty with only a mat and several pairs of shoes ranging from heels to converse. Red and black umbrellas along the wall in a cylindrical container.

I rushed passed the entrance and straight towards the wooden staircase. Men in suits wait with their backs turned. 'This is not going to be easy.' I thought just as the men turned to face me. "What the...?" The taller of the men exclaimed as I flew passed them. The shortest of the men grabbed for my arm from which I quickly escaped from. Little did she know that the men held arms. Silencers stretching out from the end of the barrel. Shots were aimed and fired at the girl. A single bullet ripped through her forearm.

Pain shot up her shoulder and into her neck. The pain was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Besides being stabbed. Through the pain, I continued my mission.

Timer

00:05

After the shooting incident. I reach a big door covered in what smelt like a mixture of sulfur and bleach.

The door opened with ease and upon its opening, it revealed row of chairs filled with people she had contacted over the years.

The Inspector sat in the farthest seat covered in fresh and dried blood. Jake resided next to him, beaten to a bloody pulp. My mother resided at the end of the chairs. She looked the least bit harmed out of all of them. Only a cut upper lip and a light scratch along her throat. It wasn't deep enough to make her bleed out, but it was sore if she spoke.

Their eyes widened when they saw my bloodied arm. "I'm fine." I reassured them before they could ask any questions as to what happened. But as soon as I spoke. A familiar deep voice poked through the air. "Nice of you to make it. A little late, but it'll do." My vision blurred and the room spun. The room turned black.

Several minutes passed before my eyes opened. Light burned and my eyes immediately shut. The feeling of rope twisting against my skin was evident. 'Rope...They tied me up...Just like the others.' I struggled against the binds but to no avail.

"You can open up your eyes now." An unfamiliar voice shined through the veil of silence and darkness. "Who are you?" I ask, finally able to open my eyes to the fullest. "My name is Astra." The voice responded, it sounded very familiar. A bit too familiar even for a stranger's voice. Upon glancing over at the figure, my eyes widened slightly. She looked identical to myself. Same shoulder length brown hair, same rose colored glasses, same body shape. It almost brought a chill down my spine.

[hart-mystery]

Shocking Developments

I glanced at the red phone in my shaking fingers with the message from Jake displayed on the screen. ’Why would he send this to me? Of all times, why now? So, Arthur is related to Queen Gemini and may have been the one killing all those people for her. One thing I don’t get is, why would he choose to not use the calling card with Queen Gemini sprawled on it. Why the symbol?’ The black Taurus pulled up to my home, but I still sat there lost in thought. “We are at your house Miss Hart.” The driver pulled me out of my thoughts. “Thank you.” I gathered my composure and let myself out of the car, closing the door behind me.

The white wooden door swung open ever so gently. The steps that followed were equally as gentle as they glided across the hardwood steps. Slender fingers danced delicately along the walls. Almost inaudible music pierced through the veil of silence. A serene voice catches the flow of air, drifting to god knows where. The footsteps draw nearer to the source of this velvety voice. Strong hands lean against the wooden door frame, waiting for the perfect chance to strike. The feminine figure spun gracefully along with the music. The perfect time to strike. Time stopped. Silence took control.

I walked up to the entrance to the house and dug for my key in the back pocket of my jeans. Once I found it, I placed it in the lock and turned it. My hand lingered above the door knob. ’Why am I hesitating? This is where I live. How could I be hesitating now? Fear?’ Gathering my confidence, I turned the knob and walked in, closing the door behind me for the umpteenth time today. Sliding my shoes off, I dropped my bag on the floor and stuffed my key in the back pocket of my bag. “Mom, you here?!” I shouted as I made my way up the hardwood stairs, practically stomping.

A slight pang of panic and worry hit me like a ton of bricks. Everything was in its place, but not really. Something. Something was missing! But I couldn't figure out what, for the life of me. It was my mother’s day off today. I didn't understand it at the time, nor did I have any clue that this would happen. The car was in the garage. She didn’t leave me a note, send me a text or even call. She wouldn’t forget to contact me if she went somewhere when I am working on a case outside of the house.

My legs carried me frantically around the house, searching every room for a clue to where my mother had gone.

I didn’t find any sign of a forced entry or even a slight struggle. By this time I was exhausted and breathing heavily, all scenarios playing in my mind’s eye. ’What do I do? What do I do?! My mom is missing and I can’t find anything! Even with all of the techniques repertoire. Think. Think!’ I walked to the closest wall and slid down it, curling into a ball with my arms folded on top of my knees. ’I knew something like this was going to happen. I knew it! Why couldn’t I have stopped it? Why? I took it too far, I didn’t play my cards right. I should’ve stopped before it got this far. Why didn’t I? Was I just too cocky or was it...my need, my desire to prove other people wrong. To prove that I’m smarter, more clever than everyone.’ A tear ran down my cheek. ’At least I admit my faults. I’ve got nothing to go on in order to find mom. The police have been off of their game since I started working the cases. Maybe...just maybe, Arthur knows something. I realise what Jake said about him, but there is a slight chance that he knows something.’ I wiped the tears off of my face with my right arm and stood up, standing tall. ’I will find her. I will get her back. No matter what.’

I grabbed my bag and ran out of the house, locking the door behind me. Hurrying off to The Station.

I reached the metal doors of The Station and flung them open with new determination. I ran down the empty and desolate hallways to my special room set aside from The Lab.

The room looked as it normally did. Huge glass table, clear of everything except for some lab equipment set aside on the left side. The metal file cabinet off by the back wall on the right. The desk where I have my computer setup is against the wall on the left side closest to the door.

I immediately went for the file cabinet. I shifted through all of the hundreds of files to retrieve my file on Queen Gemini. Suddenly a thought came to mind, ’Where is everyone?’ I found the file that I was searching for. ’Normally by now Jake would be getting on my case. ...Wait, what if they got kidnapped just like mom?’ I placed the file on the glass table, spreading out all of the pictures and documentation across the whole table as soon as the file was opened.

”I need to focus. I can’t afford to dilly dally now. Especially since I don’t have any clue on what they plan on doing with mom. They may killer her. But I can’t dwell on that. Not right now.”

With the file contents spewn over the table, my brown eyes searched and searched to find something that Queen Gemini or Arthur missed. I eventually tied my shoulder length black hair in a ponytail to prevent more hair from falling in front of my face.

After an hour of searching and fumbling through what little evidence there was left at the crime scenes, I finally remembered one of the biggest clues I have. Samantha Roddin. Oddly enough she was once my rival at school, but she has been on my side since our little fiasco the night of the choir concert. The first night that I suspected that something bigger was afoot.

To: Samantha Roddin

From: Crystal Hart

Message: Hey, Samantha. Come meet me at The Station. I want to talk.

~Crystal Hart~

I waited for a response that never came.

Out of concern, worry and whatever emotions that were going on. I ran over to Samantha’s house.

I knocked three times on the door before the tan door opened up to reveal a red and puffy eyed Samantha. “Are you alright, Samantha?” She made no effort to answer my question, but gestured for me to enter the house. “What’s going on Samantha?” I asked as I was entering her house. “My...my mom and dad...t-they w-were taken by the same people who influenced me to do what I did, way back when at school.” Samantha stuttered while her body shook almost violently. “Oh, come here.” I held out my arms as an invitation for comfort, which she took. “Don’t worry, Samantha. I’ll get them back. Trust me.” I softly patted the top of her head. “I am guessing that you didn’t get my text.” I felt her shake her head in my arms. “Look, Samantha. I need you to tell me all that you know about those people, okay? I’ll help me find your parents and my mother.” “O-okay.” She sniffled.

We sat down on her couch which resided in the living room. A tissue box was seated on the table located infront of Samantha. “When, how, and where did they contact you?” I asked placing my hand on top of Samantha’s shaky hand. “About a month before it was put into action. I got a strange phone call from someone on the landline. I answered it since I was home alone, it was on Labor day if I remember correctly. So, we had the day off. Both of my parents were working that day, at around the same time as well.” “Thanks Samantha. Now...did they request a location or a meetup place to talk more indepth rather than over the phone, which they knew that it could be tracked down to their location.” She sniffled and blew her nose with a tissue before answering. “Yeah... Baker’s Park, if I remember correctly.” I nodded, showing that I was listening and taking in everything that she was telling me. “Who came to talk with you?” “Some guy, around our age and a group of what seemed like bodyguards.” “What did he look like?” “He had blonde hair, with blue eyes.” “Okay. What did his voice sound like?” “Um...why ask me that?” “Please...can you just answer my question.” She nodded, but she still had a curious look on her face. “I-it was...low. It surprised me the first time I heard it.” ’Arthur, definitely Arthur. He put on a disguise. Clever, clever. A smart move. He thought that he could trip me up if and when I asked Samantha.’ “Did he give you his name?” “Um...I think...he said...Artemis.” I chuckled at her answer. “Sorry, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be laughing! It’s just that it is an odd name.” There was a pause. “It’s just that I have reason to believe that the person who you met up with was wearing a disguise and used an alias. His real name is Arthur. More commonly known as the guy who you pushed away who trapped me in the hallway.” Samantha blinked a few times in thought. “That guy?!” “Yes,” I answered firmly. “Last question, was he already there when you met at Baker’s Park or did you see him walking?” “Um, I don’t remember. Sorry!” Samantha nervously blurted out. “That’s fine, Samantha. I’ll find him. Do you think that you can contact him and set up a time to meet up today?” “I-I don’t know. But we can try.” “Thanks Samantha. Really, this is helping a TON.” “As long as it get my parents home safely.” She looked from the box of tissues to her hands, folded neatly in her lap. “This will definitely get them back.”

We tried the number but to no avail. All we got was this number has been disconnected speal.

”I’m sorry.” Samantha apologized as she set the landline phone back on its stand which resided on the desk in her parent’s shared office. “It’s fine, Samantha. At least we tried. That’s all that counts.” I grabbed my things and was about to head out the door, “I’ll be back in a little bit, okay? I’m just going to head over to Baker’s Park to see if I can pick up anything. See you in a bit.” I left before she could get in a word edgewise.

I pulled my coat closer to my chest because of the chilling wind. I had been asking around to see if anyone had heard of an Arthur or Artemis living around in this area for hours and it was getting cold. “It’s getting late. I should go check up on Samantha.”

I reached her house for the second time today. I knocked on her door and yelled, “Samantha, I’m here! Open up the door! It’s freezing out here!” I shivered and glanced at the time on my phone.

9:30 P.M.

”Come on, Samantha.” I quickly placed the phone in my coat pocket. ’Maybe I should take a look inside.’ I gripped my lock picking kit with cold shivering, leather gloved hands. “Let’s see what damage I can do.” I was going to use my lock picking kit, but then I contemplated about verifying that the door was indeed locked or not. My cold fingers laced around the brass doorknob, it opened easily. “Samantha! Where are you?” I asked as I look around the whole house, with the same result as I had with my mother. “Gah! Again?” I exclaimed in pure frustration. I decided to take a seat on her couch to calm down a little, if I don’t none of this will end out well.

I closed my eyes and was somehow able to calm down enough. I opened them again to see a note on the table, right next to the box of tissues.

~If you want any of friends or family back. Come to this address: 852 Eden Gdns See you then.~

”Just great. This day just keeps getting better and better.” I sarcastically said as I rose from the couch, absent mindedly flipping the note showing a picture of Samantha tied to a chair with a cut on her cheek and blood trickling down. “Oh god.” I inspected the picture closer, just barely being able to make out some piano wire tied around her neck and a timer taped on the top right of her chair post.

Timer

10:00

[hart-mystery]

New Threats

To: Crystal Hart

From: Unavailable

Message: You certainly got spunk. I can tell you that. Contacting my son to gather information about his own mother. You really must have a liking for my son. (^_^)-* He certainly has a liking for you.

~Queen Gemini~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stared at the text for a long time, holding the red Motorola with shaky fingers. "Everything alright?" Jake asked placing a hand on my arm. I flipped the phone shut and glanced up at Jake, "Yeah...uh...everything is just fine. The Inspector wishes to see us. There has been another murder, at Sharlet St." Jake gave me a concerned look before replying, "Alright. We better head off then." Jake's hand fell from my arm and walked down the mahogany hardwood stairs. 'I feel horrible for lying to Jake like that, but it was the only thing that came out.' I silently contemplated what to tell Jake when we arrived at Sharlet St when no one is there, the Police or another victim. I silently walked down the stairs and Jake waited at the end of the stairs. "Are you sure that nothing is wrong? The look on your face is telling me that something is wrong, seriously wrong." I muttered under my breath, "You know exactly what is wrong." "Sorry...? I didn't hear that. Could you repeat?" My black hair fell over my eyes and a smirk crawling its way onto my lips. "I don't think I will." I said teasingly as I grabbed my red converse, putting them on. I barely heard Arthur's retort, "Glad you're feeling better." I rose up from tying up my shoelaces and gave Jake a huge smile. "Let's go!" The door closed softly behind me, leaving Jake stunned. "Wow." Jake said before he followed me out of the door.

My phone rang just as I grasped it out of my pocket. I opened up the phone and spoke, "Hello. To whom do I owe the delight of speaking with?" A low and old, yet familiar voice emerged out of the other end of the phone, "Crystal... It's me. There has been another murder, on Sharlet St. Sorry to disrupt you, but you need to hurry. There's something different about this one. Come right away." Beep...beep...beep... The line went dead. I shut the red Motorola and shoved it into my pocket. I spoke to myself, "Nice talking to you too." I chuckled softly. 'I must be psychic or something. That is spooky." "Who was that?" Jake asked. "Oh, just the Inspector confirming the location." I smiled innocently. "...Okay then..." I caught up with Jake and climbed into the black Taurus that The Inspector assigned to picked us up. Jake followed soon after.

The ride there was horribly and awkwardly silent. The majority of the time Jake stared intently out of the window. The scenery wasn't half bad. The trees were well kept, green, and honestly kind of appeared like a robot aligned them in all of the yards. The people outside looked at me like they had a bone to pick with me. My stomach dropped when a man was holding a chainsaw, cutting down a tree with the name Crystal carved into it. Then through a kitchen window, a woman was tenderizing a piece of meat, or so it seemed. Juices and meat remains were flying and splattering everywhere. The images and actions only got worse and more morbid as time went by.

As soon as we had arrived at the house in Sharlet St, my phone went off.Ding...ding...ding. "Jeez! That scared me." I frantically. Jake turned to face me and placed his hand on my cheek. "You look a bit pale. Are you feeling alright?" I simply nodded and checked my unread message.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Crystal Hart

From: Arthur

Message: Hey. ;) Did ya like what I did? This way you didn't have to lie to your little boyfriend.

~Arthur~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Arthur

From: Crystal

Message: What?! You did this?!

~Crystal~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Crystal

From: Arthur

Message: That's right. ;) It's all for you. Consider it a get out of jail free card from Queen Gemini. See ya inside. ;)

~Arthur~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ya coming?" Jake's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Um...yeah." I hesitantly got out of the car, and wouldn't you know it, I tripped over my own feet getting out. "Ow. That hurt." I felt a strong tug on my arm, pulling me up. "Thanks." I said, dusting myself off without looking up to see who helped me up. The familiar low voice of Arthur burst into my ears. "You certainly are welcome." This time, I looked up. There stood Arthur wearing a black and white striped long sleeve shirt and dark blue jeans with black converse. "I thought you said that you would be inside, waiting for me." I said with a confuzzled look. "Well....I knew how graceful you would be after being in this neighborhood." Arthur said coolly as he lead me to the house.

The inside of the house consisted of a kitchen and three bedrooms, along with a master bathroom and a standard bathroom. It was a pretty standard 'white picket fence' house. Except for the crime scene. It was covered in blood, spread across all of the bathrooms. The mutilated body was in the disembodied into the kitchen and bedrooms. The organs were placed into wooden boxes and the lid was kept open along with the names of the organs carved into it. The stench of it all was like it was dumped into toxic waste filled with dirty baby diapers.

"Ew! This is disgusting." Jake proclaimed once the stench hit his nose. I mindlessly walked in without a second thought. The stench didn't effect me like most people, much less the sight of this horrid messed up crime scene. "What do you make of this?" The Inspector asked. I examined the organ filled boxes as I responded, "Someone has a sick and twisted mind." I read the label of the box.

Heart

I opened the box, cringing at the heart still beating. "What is it?" After Jake got over the scent of the house, walked over to me and looked into the box. "Flah! What the...? Is that still beatin?" I set the box down on the marble table and closed it. "That was interesting. It definitely took a lot of time to plan and execute all of this." There was a silence that dusted over the room. "What?" I interrupted. No response. "Just take me through all of the relivent data and I'll see what I can do."

As The Inspector, Jake, Arthur, and myself walked through the gruesome crime scene, I was told the necessary information for me to start solving the case.

"So...Forensics wasn't able to get any DNA, fingerprint, or any evidence whatsoever to lead us to a killer." I said in slight annoyance. 'Forensics needs to get it together.' "That is correct." The Inspector said, crossing his arms as he lead against the doorframe of the master bedroom. "Are you getting anything?" "A little." I said as I crouched down by the victims body. I lifted up the arm by the sleeve, revealing a calling card that was made out to me.

_____________________________________________________________

Crystal Hart,

Hello sweetie!

Nice to finally show you what I'm capable of.

I've been waiting for this moment ever since Queen Gemini has caught your scent.

Smell you later.

_____________________________________________________________

"This is interesting. Very interesting." A smirk formed on my face. "What is interesting?" The Inspector asked, walking over to me. "This symbol," I flashed the card to The Inspector. "It is an ancient symbol of chaos. Someone wants to raise their own hell with me." The smirk grew. "Crystal...are you alright?" His question was ignored as I made my way out of the house and into the Black Taurus. "Take me home." My phone went off one last time...Ding...ding...ding

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Crystal Hart

From: Jake

Message: Remember that break in the case that I told you about, the Queen Gemini case. Forensics matched the fingerprints on your neck, the day that you encountered Queen Gemini and were knocked out, they lead straight to Arthur. He is a killer, a murderer. You need to stop this, back off from the case while you still can. We will take care of it.

~Jake~

[hart-mystery]

Results

Ding…Ding…Ding. My head lifted off of the small wooden desk in my bedroom. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and checked the clock. It read: 1:30 A.M. “Is it really a half an hour after one in the morning?” I sleepily picked up my red Motorola phone and checked my inbox. One unread message. I selected the unread message.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Crystal Hart

From: Arthur

Message: Hey sweetheart. (^_^)-* Do you really think that I would tell you any information. I am not on your side. I am not on anyone’s side. My own side. But I will tell you this, you have been warned and you are playing with fire, you will get burned. Meet me at The Park. 7 o’clock. See ya then. (^_^)-*

~Arthur~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Arthur

From: Crystal Hart

Message: Meet ya there. (^_^) But why meet up with me?

~Crystal Hart

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Crystal Hart

From: Arthur

Message: You want a reason. I’ll give you a reason. I want to mix things up. Things are much too boring. See you at 7 o’clock.

~Arthur~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I slammed the phone shut and closed the open laptop on my desk. ‘I should get some rest before I go meet up with him. I’ve got a few hours.’ I stood from the small desk chair and flopped down on the bed, closed my eyes. Sleep slithered its way into my body.

Ding…Ding…Ding‘My phone sure has a habit of waking me up.’I lifted myself from my bed and walked over to my desk. I grabbed my phone and made the screen light up. The time displayed as 6:59 ‘Dang it! I’m going to be late.’ I tossed the red Motorola phone on my queen sized bed and scrambled to change into clean clothes. ‘What do I need? What do I need?’ I grabbed phone and stuffed it into my jeans pocket. I rushed out of the house and to The Park.

The Park has many full grown green trees and a jungle gym for little children to play on. There is a sidewalk that leads to the other side of town and there is a walking trail that follows along a stream. At the end of the stream is a canopy with three tables and chairs attached to the tables. Kind of like picnic tables.

I found Arthur swinging on the tallest swing at the jungle gym. His dark hair was covering his eyes, His slender legs still fully touching the ground despite the fact that the swing which he sat upon is the tallest one there.

“Hey.” I greeted as I pulled myself on the swing next to Arthur’s. “You are late. Catch a few z’s You didn’t bother to stay awake to devise a plan to retrieve your information out of me.” He replied in is usual deep voice and smugly smirked. “Let’s go take a walk, Shall we.” Arthur sat up from the swing and walked towards the walking trail without me. I stared at him while sitting in the swing. His short black hair blowing in the weak wind, his white button-up shirt loose fitting, his dark blue jeans not quite reaching where the seam in the back of his black converse met his white socks.

His voice easily broke my train of thought. “You coming or not?” “Um…yeah.” I jumped off of the swing and ran to catch up with Arthur.

We strolled slowly on the trail, silent. I broke the silence. “Okay. Talk.” I commanded as I crossed my arms in front of my body. Arthur simply nodded and ran his long fingers through his black hair. “You want answers.” his voice broke through the soft blowing wind. “Um…yeah!” I replied sarcastically as I stepped in front of him. “That is why you set up this thing to meet with me, isn’t it?” He casually shrugged his shoulders and smirked afterwords. “Maybe…I just wanted to see your pretty face.” He teasingly said as he ran his fingers through my shoulder length black hair. I slapped his arm away. “What the hell are you doing? I want information and you better give it to me. Or at the very least tell me the real reason why you wanted to meet up with me.” Arthur held his hands up in defense. “Alright. Alright. I’ll tell you what you want to know. But.” “But what?!” “I’ve got a condition of sorts.” Arthur lowered his hands to his sides. “And what in the world would that be?” I annoyingly asked throwing my arms into the air. “Patience is a virtue. Let’s just walk for a little bit and we will get down to business.” Arthur’s tall figure walked on ahead of me. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I muttered to myself and followed closely behind.

We walked and walked until we made our way to the canopy at the end of the walking trail. “And here we are.” Arthur muttered to himself, but I could barely make it out. “You wanted to talk…at the canopy. Really?” I annoyingly exclaimed. “Yes, really. Follow me.” Arthur grabbed my hand and ushered me to one of the three tables under the wooden canopy roof. “Sit.” Arthur commanded. I did as he said and sat down. He sat across from me. “Time to get down to business Arthur.” “Yes, I suppose that it is time. But first. The conditions of our deal.” I intertwined my fingers together and placed them on top of the table. “Tell me what your conditions are. I want information and you are the one person who can give it to me.” “Patience is a virtue.” Arthur placed his black motorola razor on the table. “Yes, you’ve said that before. Just give the information and I’ll leave you on your merry way.” I said getting more and more annoyed by the second. “Alright then. I suppose I shouldn’t postpone this much longer or else you will have my head on a pedestal near your bed.” I scoffed. “Got that right.” “The condition is simple. I give you the information and you quit the case. Simple as that.” I thought for a moment. ‘So…he gives me the information and I stop working on the case. This case. The Queen Gemini serial murder case. Although…If I quit this case and say another one comes up involving Queen Gemini, Gemini Knights, or Arthur. I can jump on that case with the necessary information and stop these murders. It is worth the risk, acquiring the information that I need.’ “Alright. It is a deal.” I tried my hardest to hide the smirk that was creeping its way to my lips.

“Let’s shake on it. Shall we.” Arthur more commanded then suggested. “Lets.” Arthur extended his hand out to me and I took it and we shook on it. “Now, the information that you want to know. First of all, I know nearly nothing about the CEO of Gemini Knights, but I can get more information. If you give me time.” I shot him a glare. ‘This guy is ridiculous. He brought me out here to tell me that he knows nothing about the CEO of Gemini Knights and then tells me that he can get that information.’ “Tell me what you do know then. Not what you can find out.” I commanded as I crossed my arms. “I know that the CEO’s name is Estela Darke and that she has a secret life of her own that no one knows about except me, of course.” “Answer me this, what is your last name? I only know your first name. It would be nice to know.” “I don’t think that is an appropriate question to give an answer to.” Arthur leaned back in his seat and grabbed his black phone, getting up to leave. “I’ve got to run.” “No you don’t. Your phone didn’t even ring. Sit. We did make a deal after all. I stay off the case and you give me the information that I wish to know. And I wish to know your last name.” I smugly said and motioned for him to take his seat. “…Fine. But do you think that it is really relevant?” “Oh, it is very relevant. So go on. Tell me. It really isn’t a hard question to answer.” I finally smirked and Arthur seemed to hesitate for a moment. “I don”t have a last name.” I shot him a ‘Are you serious’ look. “I’m not lying. Hook me up to a polygraph if you so please. It will tell you that I am telling you the truth.” “Well…I would do that, but I really shouldn’t trust most of what you have told me.” My smirk disappeared when Arthur’s lips grew into a smirk. “Then why ask me? You could’ve easily have turned to the police, The Inspector, or even Jake. Jake does seem to have quite the liking to you.” “I already know that he’s got a liking for me.” I said unamused. “Let me ask some questions of you. Since you are so insistent on gather information.” Arthur retorted back at me with venom lacing the word insistent. “Fine. Why I asked you is beyond me. I really don’t have a clue why I even asked you.” I shrugged my shoulders when I said the last part. “How long will it take for you to get back to me with more information?” “Shouldn’t take me more than a few days.” “Alright, one last question. Why work for Queen Gemini in the first place?” Arthur glance down at his phone and it rang. “Ha. Now I’ve got to dash. I’ll text you more details once i gather all of the necessary data.” He picked up his phone and walked off into the distance until I could no longer see him. “Well then.” I proclaimed out loud dumbfounded. I rose from the wooden seat of the table and walked all the way home on the cement trail.

Once I was home, I took off my red converse and hung it on the hook rack near the entrance. “I’m home.” I said to myself sarcastically since I knew no one would holler back. “Great!” I jumped a little when the voice hit my ears. “Don’t do that!” I bolted up the stairs to see Jake from Forensics. “Sorry.” He bashfully rubbed the back of his brown hair and neck. “Whatever. Why are you here?” “Oh! Yes! Two things. We’ve got a break in the case.” “And what is the other thing?” I curiously asked as I walked into the kitchen, opened up the fridge and grabbed a cola for Jake. I walked back into the living room and sat down on the maroon leather couch. “Have a seat and a side.” I tossed Jake the pop can as he sat down next to me, he caught it with ease. “Um…thank you.” “Not a problem. Now continue.” He opened up the can and took a few swigs of it. “Ah! Yes!” ‘He sure seems more nervous around me than usual.’ “We found out more of our ‘friend’ Arthur. The stuff that we know. Don’t trust that guy Crystal. He is bad news. Very bad news.” Jake bowed his head down. “It is fine Jake. I’ve been staying away from him. I already knew that he is bad news.” I lied. “Hm…I’ve been working in this business long enough to know that you are lying.” Jake put his surprisingly soft hands on mine. I quickly pulled my hands away. “What is your relationship with Arthur?” Jake asked in a soft and caring tone. “I don’t want you to get hurt. Because…because….” He trailed off. “He is just a tool for me to use to gather more information on Queen Gemini. I made a deal with him. He will tell me what I want to know and I promised to stay off of this case. That is it.” “Why and how in the world were you even able to make a deal like that?!” Jake shouted as he stood up from the couch flailing his arms in the air. “It is fine! There is bound to be another case that is somewhat related to this case that I will be able to solve and catch Queen Gemini, plus I’ve already have somewhat of a lead! All I have to do is wait and see what information that Arthur has for me!” I shouted back at Jake. “You know, for as smart and clever you are! You sure can be an idiot!” Jake shouted, but calmed down when he drank another sip of cola and sat down. I was about to give Jake a piece of my mind when…Ding…Ding…Ding. “What now?” I furiously pulled the red Motorola phone out of my pocket and flung it open to look at the screen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Crystal Hart

From: Unavailable

Message: You certainly got spunk. I can tell you that. Contacting my son to gather information about his own mother. You really must have a liking for my son. (^_^)-* He certainly has a liking for you.

~Queen Gemini~

[hart-mystery]

Research

Beep. Beep. Beep. “Ugh. Stupid alarm.” Beep. Beep. Beep. “I’m coming. Just wait a second.” I pulled the covers off of myself and rolled out of bed to turn the alarm off. Beep. Beep. Be-. “That’s better.” I sighed. Another day. Another chance to come up with a plan to get closer to Queen Gemini without getting caught by Arthur or anyone else who works for her. I quickly got changed into my usual clothes. Jeans, red shirt, red converse, and lab coat. I strolled into the bathroom and took a look into the mirror. “What else? I feel like I am missing something.” I rummaged through the drawers and found my magnifying glass hairpin. Obviously it isn’t a real magnifying glass. I placed the hairpin into my hair to secure my bangs from falling in front of my face. I grinned in the mirror. “Much better.” I walked out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. I tapped my fingers against the counter top. Tap. Tap. Tap. “What to make. What to make.” I searched through the cabinets and found absolutely nothing. I closed the door to the cabinet and my eyes wondered to the basket of fruit on the dining room table. I delicately grabbed an apple and tossed it into the air and easily swiped it from the air. I took a bite of the apple and sat down on the couch. I pressed and held unto the power button of my phone to turn it on. Once my phone turned on my text tone went off. “Huh?” I check my inbox and saw this message.

To: Crystal Hart

From: Unavailable

Hey. Are you ready to give me back my black book yet?

~XOXO Arthur~

I slammed my phone shut and tossed it on a bright red pillow on the couch. “Ugh! That guy is really getting on my nerves.” “What guy?” I turned my head to see my mother drying her hair off with a towel. “Just this guy who I met yesterday. He is really annoying.” ‘There is no way that I will tell her what happened yesterday. She will seriously freak.’ “What did he do that he makes him so annoying?” I looked at my mother’s face and smiled weakly. “He keeps on sending me texts and stuff.” She gave me a caring yet worried look. “What is going on sweetie? There is more to this then you are letting on. And don’t try to trick me. I am your mother after all.” She smiled triumphantly at the last part. I sighed heavily. “I’ve got to get to school. I’ll text you if anything comes up.” I got up from the couch and grabbed my all black messenger bag from the bench. “See you later sweetie.” My mother called out. “See you later Mom.” I yelled back. “Love you.” Me saying that put a smile on my mother’s face. “I love you too sweetie.” She called out. I left the house.

One of The Inspector’s drivers cars was waiting outside of my house. “Crystal Hart. Need a ride.” I recognized that voice. That voice belonged to Arthur. “No. I don’t. Thanks anyways.” I sarcastically said and continued to walk without looking at the car. It was slowly following next to me. “What do you want anyways?” I said in an annoyed tone, I didn’t even look at the car. Almost immediately I got an answer in the usual low tone. “You know what I want.” Arthur smirked as he took a glance over at me before returning to the book that he was reading. “Your book back. Here. Take it.” I grabbed the book from my bag and tossed it into the open window of the car. “Thanks.” Arthur said in an uninterested tone. I smirked. “Now that you have your book. What do you really want?” Arthur completely ignored my question. “Give me all of the copies too. Don’t try to trick me. I know about the copies that you made.” I scoffed. “I don’t know what you are talking about. Why would I make copies of your little book anyways? The book doesn’t do me any good.” “Stop the car driver.” Arthur ordered and the driver blindly obeyed his orders. The car stopped and that familiar threatening figure got out of the car. He swiftly made his way towards me. “You really should listen to me and give me your copies.” I felt Arthur’s hand slither its way into my messenger bag and out came his hand with my little leather bag with the flash drives in it. “Those aren’t the real deal anyways. So those are useless to you.” I exclaimed as I grabbed the bag from Arthur’s hands and placed it back into my messenger bag. “You sure about that. I’ve got men ready to search your whole house and they won’t hesitate to kill.” The words were heavily laced with venom. I stared into his pale blue eyes and said without any hesitation. “Here.” I grabbed one of the flash drives from the leather bag inside of my messenger bag. I held the flash drive out in the air. “Take it. It just has the book scans on it.” Arthur grasped the flash drive in my hand and inspected it. “Alright.” He seemed to buy my story. “Give me the rest.” He held his hand out to me. “If you don’t mind, I’ve got to get to school. I am already late as it is.” I walked passed him and made my way into school.

‘I am so glad that he didn’t follow me. But he may try to contact me during school. I’ll just keep my phone on silent.’ I grabbed my phone from the small pocket on the outside of my messenger bag, turned it on silent and shut the phone. As I was putting my phone away, I noticed that my screen lit up. ‘What now?’ I opened my phone once again and opened up my inbox. I found an unread message and the sender was unavailable.

To: Crystal Hart

From: Unavailable

Message: If you don’t back off of this case. I will destroy you. Every last bit of you. I know one sure fire way to get you off of my trail. If you don’t stop meddling. I will kill your mother personally. Consider it as a special warning. It would be a treat to kill your mother myself. Because of what she did a long time ago. You don’t know about your father do you. You never heard a word from him. You never knew him. Pity.

~Queen Gemini~

My hands were shaking violently and my phone crashed onto the floor. I heard a soft voice from in front of me. “Are you alright?” I hesitantly retrieved my phone from the ground and shakily replied. “I’m fine. Thanks for your concern.” I weakly smiled and rushed passed her to my first class.

I heard the stern voice of my first class teacher, Mrs. Rivers. “Where were you Miss Hart? You are late. Is it because on of your cases or did you just sleep on like many of your class mates have done before?” “I’m sorry that I am late Mrs. Rivers. I…uh…I was on a case.” Mrs. Rivers saw the distressed look in my face and her tone softened. “Alright, I get it. Just sit down and we will start class.” “Yes ma’am.” I sat down in my desk near the back of the class in the corner. My messenger bag dropped quietly onto the carpeted floor. I was lost in thought as the class began again. All that was going on in class was just background noise. None of it reached or even got understood by my ears. ‘How does Queen Gemini know of my mother and father?! Especially my father! I haven’t heard from him. In fact, Queen Gemini is right. I never knew my father.’ I sighed heavily for what it seemed like the billionth time this morning. I twirled my pencil in my slender fingers. ‘There has to be something that I can do to beat Queen Gemini and Arthur without being caught!’ I screamed loudly in my head. ‘Come on! You are smart. You can beat her and Arthur. Think! They have to have some sort of weakness. I mean everyone does. Even me. I don’t like the thought of Queen Gemini and Arthur knowing of my weak spot. The soft spot for my mom.’ The bell indicating the end of the class rung loudly. Snapping me out of my thoughts. I got up from my desk, picked up my bag and slung it over my shoulder. I walked to the door, but then I felt a hand just above my elbow, stopping me from walking out of the door. “What is going on? You don’t normally act like this. You can tell me.” Mrs. Rivers said in a soft and reassuring tone. I replied blatantly, “It is nothing to worry about Mrs. Winters. I’ve got it covered.” I tugged Mrs. Winters hand off of my arm and headed to my next class.

I was walking to my next class when I was suddenly shoved into the lockers. “Ow!” I exclaimed loudly. “What is your problem?!” A low voice gently spoke into my ear. “You know I can’t wait forever.” I struggled under a familiar grip. “Arthur! You better let go of me!” I yelled at him still struggling to break free. A huge crowd of students began to circle around Arthur and myself. “Look at you. Causing a scene at school. This isn’t like you at all.” Arthur said slightly amused and excited at the same time. “Shut up and let go of me. You are making a habit of making me late.” Anger laced my words. “Kiss. Kiss.” Chanted the crowd of students. “NO WAY IN HELL!” I shouted passed Arthur, to the crowd. Samantha Roddin emerged from the crowd, my rival at school. “Come on now. Let the poor girl go. Can’t you see that she has been through enough already?” Samantha said as she shoved Arthur away from me and pulled me behind herself. “Now. You better stay away from her or else you will get a beating so hard that it will knock you into the middle of next week! Ya hear me?!” Samantha defended. Arthur retorted cooly and held his arms up lazily in front of himself, “I got it.” He walked passed me and smoothly walked out of the school. “Everyone scram!” Samantha commanded. The crowd of students dispersed into the halls of the school.

“Are you alright?” Samantha calmly asked. “I am fine.” I walked passed her, but stopped when I heard her say, “You can trust me. I may be your rival, but I do care. We don’t always have to be rivals. We can be friends. I can help.” I turned towards her and tears began to roll down my face. She ran towards me and embraced me. “It will be alright. Don’t worry. Just tell me what is going on and I will help the best I can.” She tightened her embrace. “I’m sorry. I can’t tell you. It is something…confidential.” I wiggled out of her grip, stepped back and wiped off the tears from my brown eyes. This time I ran passed her and into the Library in the school.

‘Okay. Time to straighten up and take the bull by the horns. I need to figure this out and quick. Before someone gets hurt.’I searched through my bag, pulled out my flash drive leather bag, and took out the red flash drive. (I have a ton of flash drives and all of them are different colors. Deal with it.) I turned the computer on and logged into the school computer with my login information. As soon as the computer warmed up, I plugged the flash drive into the USB port and clicked on the folder named ‘Diary’ and put in the password to unencrypt the files. I dragged the mouse arrow to the document named ‘Kuro libro’ and clicked on it. The document was encrypted again and I entered the password in and decoded the document. This particular document had all of the scans that I took of Arthur’s little black book. My eyes searched and searched for anything that was out of the ordinary. Which was practically like finding a needle in a needle stack.

I finally decided to open up the web browser after about twenty minutes of searching my scans. I went to Queen Gemini’s website and skimmed through the page and all of the links that were available to look at. I accidentally clicked on a link and it opened up in a new window. My eyes widened as I glanced furiously over the web page.

I see that you haven’t given up yet. It is useless to find me anyways, no one has found me before and your result will be no different. Just remember my little threat that my messenger, Arthur, has given you.

~Queen Gemini~

I hovered the mouse over the close button on the web browser and I began to shake violently. ‘How…how does she keep on figuring out that I refuse to get off of her trail?! How?!’ I shakily closed out of the web browser and shut down the computer. I gathered all of my things and rushed out of The Library.

‘I feel so disoriented in all of this. Am I in the middle or am I just an obstacle in Queen Gemini’s path?’ I was still shaking due to the threats and the dangers that this case has presented. ‘I need to catch her and Arthur. There is no way that I am going to let them keep on killing. I need to catch them.’ I leaned up against the cold bricks on the outside of the school. I panted heavily and took my red messenger bag off and placed it on the grass next to my shaking form. ‘I need to calm down here and think objectively. Could there be a link between Arthur and Queen Gemini? Like a personal connection, like Arthur could be Queen Gemini’s son. What other reason would she trust someone like Arthur to be a messenger in the first place.’ I ruffled my shoulder length black hair with my pale shaking fingers. ‘I don’t know! I wish I knew of a better way to deal with this!’ I took a deep breath, grabbed my bag and walked home on the concrete path.

I slammed the door to the house and ran up the wooden stairs. “Is everything alright?” my mother asked. “Everything is fine. I’ll be in my room for a couple of hours. I need some peace and quiet until I am done thinking.” I replied as I opened my wooden bedroom door and walked in, closing it when I walked in. I glanced out of the window through the blinds and saw the neighborhood. All of the houses looking nearly identical, some of the houses had greener grass then others. Some had planted small trees in their yards. I gently tossed my brown messenger bag onto my bed. The bed has a red and black bed spread. The black covered over the red almost completely. The scarlet red were blossomed roses that nearly got consumed by the darkness of the black. I fell back onto my bed and laid on my back, looking up at the ceiling, taking in all of the thoughts of this case and figuring out a way around all of this.

‘Why does all of this have to happen to me now? I’ve never gotten threatened when I was on a case. This is different then normal. So…that means that I need a new approach to this. I need to do something differently then I have been doing before. Sneak under everyone’s radar.’ I sighed heavily for what it seemed like the billionth time. I retrieved my laptop out of my bad and set it on my small wooden desk, plugging it into the charger. I took my seat in my small purple desk chair and turned on my laptop. I typed in my password and opened up the web browser. “There has to be something that I can use on Queen Gemini’s Website to be able to find out more about her.

After blindlessly searching Queen Gemini’s Website for an hour I decided to search up that company that I had seen on the jackets of those mysterious guys’ shirts at Lindsey Storrick’s house. I typed in Gemini Knights into the search engine. I found the website and clicked on it. I searched the website for anything having to do with Queen Gemini or Arthur. I found something, a number with the CEO/Leader name attached. ‘What if the CEO of Gemini Knights is Queen Gemini? That would defiantly possibility since they share the whole Gemini name thing.’ I grabbed my red Motorola Razor flip phone and punched in the phone number. The other line was picked up within the first ring. “Hello, How may we help you?” A cheery perky voice emerged from the phone. “Um…Hi. I was wondering if you or anyone could tell me more about your CEO and her background.” There was a four minute pause. “Hello? Anyone there?” I asked. Beep. Beep. Beep. “What? They hung up on me.” I slammed my phone shut and set it down next to my open laptop. “Something is up with Gemini Knights and Queen Gemini. I should send a text to her little messenger Arthur.” I grabbed my phone off of the desk, opened it up and selected next text message.

To: Arthur

From: Crystal Hart

Message: Hey! How’s it going? I’ve got a few questions for you. Do you know anything about the CEO of Gemini Knights? No one at reception told me anything. So, I was wondering if you knew anything. Get back to me as soon as you can. (^_^)-* Catch ya later.

-Crystal Hart

[hart-mystery]

The Little Black Book

I woke up with my head pounding. “Ugh. My head.” I looked around the room that I was in and saw The Inspector and Jake. “Huh?” I blinked a few times. “Why are you guys here? Where am I?” The Inspector rose from his chair that was across the room. The Inspector didn’t say a word. “Come on Inspector. Tell me.” The Inspector cleared his throat and spoke in a hurt tone. “You got knocked out by who we assume was Queen Gemini or someone who works for her.” I sat up in the bed. “Well, did you catch whoever it was?” The Inspector shook his head. “We were so close to finding out who Queen Gemini is! How could you guys have not caught whoever it was that knocked me out?!” I screamed frantically at the two males in the room. “I’m sorry. But it couldn’t be helped. Whoever did this, got away from us.”

I jolted from the bed and ran towards the door, but fell over a pile of books of the floor. I closed my eyes suspecting that I would hit the floor, but when that didn’t happen. I opened my eyes to see a male who was unknown to me.

He had pale blue eyes with dark hair. He stood about 5’6 and wore a blue button-up shirt with jeans.

“Uh…sorry.” I said pushing away from the male. I looked around to see what I tripped on. “I tripped…on a pile of books. How lame.” I retorted. The male hadn’t let go of me fully until I could stand firmly on my own legs. “Thanks.” “Not a problem.” He said in a surprisingly low voice.

“Who are you anyways?” I asked without any real emotion. “My name is…” He thought for a moment. “Arthur.” I looked at him suspiciously for a moment. ‘Now why would he pause to remember his name. It is an alias.’ “So…what do you do?” I asked Arthur with my curious eyes searching him for any sign of…well anything. His low voice resonated throughout the room. “I am surprised that you don’t know. I work at the Lab. I could’ve sworn that I’ve seen you a few times.” I stepped back a little. “I haven’t seen you at The Lab. Trust me, I would’ve remembered seeing you. I am not so easy to trick.” The last part came out a little too smugly.

Arthur pinned me to the wall with only one of his hands trapping both of mine. He held my hands above my head. “WHAT THE HELL?!” I screamed. Arthur leaned in closer to me, his mouth was at my ear. “No one is in the room. So if you try to struggle. No one will come and save you this time.” My eyes widened. ‘Wha….it is the guy from earlier.’ I struggled against his strong grip. “What the hell do you want with me?” I asked in the calmest of tones that I could muster in this kind of situation. “I want you to stay away from investigating Queen Gemini. She won’t hesitate to destroy you.” Arthur smirked and gave me a peck on the cheek. He let go of me and swiftly left the room without producing a sound. My knees gave out on me and I fell to the ground, leaning against the wall. ‘What am I supposed to do?! Should I keep investigating and risk my life? Or should I stop now?’ My eyes darted across the room. ‘Wait. Wait just a second. Now why would I stop investigating when I know that I could be saving a lot of people’s lives and arrest a serial murderer.’ I lifted myself off of the ground and headed outside with a new determination to beat and catch this new threat.

I immediately locked eyes with Arthur and spotted something that I hadn’t seen before. A little black book in his breast pocket of his shirt. ‘That could be on some use. I’ve got to find a way to retrieve it.’ I gave Arthur a challenging look and turned to The Inspector.

“So, what do we got?” I asked The Inspector. “Same as before. No sign of a struggle and the calling card.” “Interesting. Same MO as before. With the first victim. A calling card is left behind and no sign of a struggle.” I said in a calm tone. I walked around in a circle around the body. ’ Why would they want to kill someone like him? Could these possible be requests from people. To have Queen Gemini kill these people for their own gain. They meaning the people who request these people to be killed.’

“I’ve got some research to do Inspector. I’ll text you if I find anything. Later.” I glared at Arthur and left.

I looked at the beautiful green scenery out of the car window. ‘This whole thing. This whole Queen Gemini thing. Is really intriguing to me. Yet I think that I may be in danger. ’ I sighed and took out the black book that belonged to Arthur. I smirked as I flipped through the pages. I heard a voice from the front of the car. “We are here.” “Thank you.” I put the book back into my bag and got out of the car.

I walked into the Lab and straight towards my station. I placed my messenger bag down on the floor near the table. I ruffled through everything in my bag and took out the little black book that belongs to Arthur. “Time to see what kind of contact Arthur has with Queen Gemini.” I skimmed through the pages and found a website URL. ‘What is this? A url.’ I frantically took out my laptop and typed in the url. “She has a website! Ask Queen Gemini. So, people ask Queen Gemini to get rid of someone’s.” My eyes glanced over all of the posts. ‘All of these people died within the same time range. So…It’s a group.’

I heard the door open and turned around to see who it was. “I see that you took my black book.” It was Arthur. He walked closer to me, to the point where he was right behind me. He whispered lowly into my ear, “I would like it back.” His hand reached out to grab the book. I took it and placed it into my bag. “I don’t think so. This is evidence.” I said cooly. Arthur scoffed, “No it isn’t.” I turned to look at him. Our faces were inches apart. Both of us didn’t waver. “You better leave this case. Or else everyone you know will die. The Inspector, Jake, Samantha, and your precious mother.” Arthur said with venom lacing every word. I still didn’t waver. But on the inside I was terrified.

You could cut the tension in the room with a knife. The two of us were just staring at each other, trying to figure each other out. “Get out.” I threatened. “Alright. Have it your way. But I will be back.” Arthur backed away from me and headed out of The Lab.

I watched his back leaving the room. ‘I just hope all of that was just an empty threat. Cause I don’t think that I could handle it if it were real.’ I sighed heavily and stood from my chair. ‘I need some fresh air.’

I walked out of The Lab into the chilled air. I breathed in the fall air. ‘I need a way to get closer to Queen Gemini and Arthur. But do I really want to continue working his case if it means risking my mother’s life. The thing is that I would continue working this case if I was risking just my own life.’ I breathed in heavily and walked back into The Lab.

‘Why am I getting so upset? This us just another case.’

My text alert rang throughout the room. I grabbed my phone out of my bag and checked it.

Are you alright? You’ve been acting strange lately. More strange than usual. -The Inspector

I’m fine. -Crystal Hart

I turned my phone on silent and slammed it shut.

I took out the little black book once more along with my laptop and scanner. I scanned all of the pages including the covers. I saved all of the page scans onto all of my flash drives. ‘This should work for now. I can give the book back and hopefully I can get more information on Queen Gemini and her group.’

[hart-mystery]

Happy Birthday Sherlock Holmes! (^_^)

You are an inspiration to all!

[hart-mystery]

Crystal Hart, Teenage Consulting Detective

Check out my blog to read my cases.

[hart-mystery]

Full unaired pilot episode of Sherlock

[hart-mystery]

The Serial Murder Calling Card

My cell phone rung in the middle of the night. "Hello?" I groggily said. "Hey, It is me." The Inspector said. "Sorry to wake you up in the middle of the night. but we've got a pretty interesting case for you. The car will come pick you up right away." "Got it. Let me get dressed and I'll be waiting outside." I hung up the phone. 

I got up sluggishly from my bed and changed into my 'Working on a case' clothes. Which is a white button up shirt, black jeans, and white lab coat (Which doubles as a jacket) After I got changed, I wrote my mom a note saying,

'I'm going on a case. I'll be home in a bit. I don't know when I will be back. I'll keep you updated. Crystal.'

I also left her a text, saying the same thing as on the note. Just to make sure that she sees it and doesn't worry too much about me. 

I walked out of the house undetected and seated myself in the car that The Inspector had called out just for me. It was about a two hour drive to get to the crime scene. I was rather restless in the car for those two hours of sitting in silence. The drivers never talked to me, even if I was the first to speak. I normally sat and deduced all about the drivers. They were different every time. So I always had fresh meat to pick on.

Once we got to the house. Actually it wasn't really a house. More like a mansion, but not quite. It is difficult to explain. 

I scanned the whole vicinity and spotted The Inspector and....Jake. Real surprise there. (NOT)

I didn't see anything wrong or misplaced. It was odd. Normally I would be able to spot something. But this time...nothing. And It bugged me.

"Hey Crystal. How is it hanging?" Jake flirted. I glared at him and snapped, "Not in the mood."

I walked away from Jake and into the 'house/mansion' "Where are we?" I asked The Inspector. "Upstairs. First room to your right as you turn the corner." "Got it."

I made my way as swiftly and as quickly as I could to the room in question. 

When I opened the door, I saw the body and a calling card.

The calling card read,

~Queen Gemini~

I picked up the calling card. "Queen Gemini? This is a new one. What could it mean?" I repeated 'Queen Gemini' multiple times to test it out. 

The Inspector waltzed into the room. "You got anything?" "No, not really." I held up the calling card. "Just this. I haven't surveyed and taken my usual steps yet."

I took a picture of the calling card on my phone and placed my phone back in its pocket. 

I looked around the whole house and found absolutely squat.

The killer just left a calling card. Almost like a business card. I didn't get it. The whole thing was just a puzzle to me. Nothing made sense. There was absolutely no sign of the killer even being there and all there was left was the calling card. 

'Wait! The calling card. Ooh! I need to head to the lab and test this out. I can find out where the paper was manufactured and possibly find out who wrote this. And that would be our killer! Genius! Brilliant!' 

The Inspector found me in the hall dancing. "Why are you so happy?" "Isn't it obvious. We can use the calling card to possibly find out who are killer is! I need to go to the Lab."

I rushed out of the place and headed straight for the Lab.

Once I arrived at the Lab, I efficiently made my way to the area that I was allowed to set up my own lab.

I did a series of tests on the calling card and only made a few discoveries. It was made in the Czech Republic. So Bohemian stationary. This calling card was handwritten, with a calligraphy pen. The writing on the card was from a female. But that is all I could make out from the calling card.

This case is so unusual from my regular cases. There was always evidence to be collected and it lead me straight to the killer. This time was different. This could be the bigger thing that I was feeling with my last case at my school.

My phone rang loudly in the obscenely quiet room. I picked up my phone and answered the call. "Hello? How is this?" "Who do you think it is?" "Hey Inspector. Why did you call?" "You practically rushed out of the crime scene. That's why." The Inspector said in a surprisingly concerning tone. "Sorry about that. I needed to get to the Lab. But all I ended up finding out was that the calling card is from the Czech Republic and a female wrote it." I stuck the calling card under the microscope. "Wait! I might have found something! I'll call you back!" I hung up the phone. 

I saw tiny little impressions on the top right corner of the calling card. I took out a pencil and ran it over the paper to reveal an address. 

221 Benedict Way

"I need to check this place out." I grabbed the calling card and all of my things and headed straight to 221 Benedict Way. I called the Inspector to tell him where I was headed.

Upon my arrival at 221 Benedict Way, I saw a mysterious black car in the drive way. Along with a few people with what it seemed to look like some microphones, but more like ear pieces for a receiver.

I got out of the car and the crowd of people left. I managed to see something on one of the people's jackets.

Gemini Knights

'What is Gemini Knights? I'll have to check it out later. Now, my first priority is to figure out who Queen Gemini is.' I thought to myself and made a mental note of Gemini Knights. 

I walked up to the door and knocked. When the door opened I immediately introduced myself. "Hello, I'm Jane Foster. I am working on an article for a blog. May I come in?" (Obviously not my real name. Deal with it)

The woman at the door nodded and lead me into the living room. "Please take a seat. I'll go make some coffee." "Thank you." I smiled at the tall light haired woman. 

As soon as she left the room I began snooping around the living room. In hopes of finding at least something to reveal some sort of connection to her and this 'Queen Gemini.' I found an black leather bound address book in one of the drawers. 'Ooh. Look at what we've got here.' I skimmed through the book and found nothing of real importance. So, I place the book back into its proper place and sat down.

The woman came back with two cups of coffee on a serving tray. She distributed the coffee and sat down across from me in her chair. 

"I...uh...never caught your name." I nervously asked, acting of course. "Oh...my name is Lindsey Storrick." I smiled gingerly at her. "Why are you here again?" She asked me as she sipped on her coffee. "Oh! I am here to write an article for a newly released blog. It isn't very popular yet, so you probably haven't heard of it." "Why would you need to interview me for a blog?" Lindsey Storrick asked suspiciously. My eyes swiftly glanced around the room and saw a painting that had her signature on it. "Well....my employer is a huge fan of your work. My boss was wondering if I was able to get an interview of you and help you advertise your work on our blog. Kind of like free advertising." I smiled at her. 

Lindsey Storrick gave me a hesitant and suspicious look. "Okay..." she said hesitantly. I took out my pocket notebook and a pen from my bag. "Alright, are you ready then?" I looked up to see her nod. 

"One question before we start. I saw some people at your house as I came up to your house. Who were they?" "Oh! They are just some contractors that I hired to do some remodeling." 'She is defending them. Why?' "What was the company that the contractors work for?" "Um...let me see if I can remember. I am horrid at remembering business names. I believe the name of the facility that they work for is Knight contractors." I muttered to myself. "Interesting."

Now why would she be defending or protecting those people outside. The jackets clearly said Gemini Knights. NOT Knight contractors. 

My phone rang. It was my mother. "Excuse me, It is my boss calling." I rose from my chair and went into the other room.

"Hello sweetie. So why are you off on another case at this hour?" "The Inspector called me. I am kind of doing a thing right now. I'll call you back in a little bit." "I love you and be safe." "I love you too Mom. I'll be safe, don't worry." I annoyingly said. 'I hate it why she is like this. Ugh.'

I walked back into the other room where Lindsey Storrick was sipping at her coffee. "Sorry, I've got to dash. My boss needs me in right away. Shall I come back another time?" I told her in a sweet of tone that I could muster. "Sure, why not. How about tomorrow at about noon?" "That sounds fantastic." I picked up my things and headed out the door.

Just if by magic, my phone went off, again. :( 'Why is everyone so insistent on contacting me today?' I thought to myself. I picked up the phone. "Hello Inspector. What do you need?" "There has been another one. At Lauristine Avenue. Just a few blocks away from Benedict Way. I've got a few cars at that location." "Alright Inspector. I'll be right there. No need to bring a car around for me. Since I am at Benedict Way already." "Alright then. I'll see you there in a bit." The Inspector hung up the phone.

"Another one, huh? Let us hope that there are some clues this time to go on." I walked to Lauristine Avenue and into the house where all of the police cars were parked. 

"Hi Jake." I said as sweetly as I could to get him to let me in right away. "Hello, Crystal. How is it hanging?" Jake said in a flirty tone. "I am doing fine. Why don't you be a sweet heart and let me in. 'Kay?" "Will do." Jake stepped aside and I made my way into the rustic house.

"This place is kind of nasty looking." I looked around and thought. 'Someone is still here. The killer most likely. Ooh, this is getting rather fun!' I walked deeper into the house and into the room where our victim was killed. I felt a rather uncomfortable stare and looked up. I found our killer. Who was male?! That didn't make sense.

The killer released himself from the ceiling and pulled out a rag, reeking with chloroform. I tried to run away, but it was no good. He got to me and knocked me out. 

The Inspector and Jake found me passed out on the floor with the killer already gone from the house. 

"Are you alright? Answer me Crystal." The Inspector said with concern dripping from his voice. I held no response.

[tumult-in-the-clouds]

“A man should keep his little brain attic stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library where he can get it if he wants.” - The Five Orange Pips by Arthur Conan Doyle

[hart-mystery]

Yes. Simply yes. (^_^)

[hart-mystery]

Need help

I am so bored right now. The Inspector said that there hasn't been any new cases. Any tips on how to purge my boredom? Or perhaps a new case?

[hart-mystery]

Case 2: Choir Concert Curse

Okay....This one was defiantly a tricky one. Because it just happened to be at the school that I go to. Joyous! :( I know right, kinda overkill if you ask me. Anyways...I'll start with this. I never thought that this would happen. Although you never do.

~~~~~+++++~~~~~

I was bored out of my mind during choir one day. Then I got a text from my rival, Samantha, She is always wanting to get in my way. The text read:

Hello, my friend. I've got a little puzzle for you. Lets see if you can get this one. (^_-)-* -Samantha Roddin 

Oh god. When will she just give up! I always solve her puzzles. (They are always so very easy for me to solve, they are never really any challenge) I texted her back.

Hello Samantha Roddin. I always solve your puzzles. This time is no different. So why don't you run off to your stupid jock boyfriend and keep away from me. Oh! Did you have a fun time in the boys bathroom during the lunch break? I bet you scrubbed the floors going by the state of your knees. Hehe ^^ -Crystal Hart

What the hell are you implying? -Samantha Roddin

I'm not implying anything. *smirks* So you did shag? -Crystal Hart

Shut up! -Samantha Roddin

Never. *smirks* I assume that I will be hearing from you later. Laterz! -Crystal Hart

And that was our text conversation during choir class. I didn't get caught by the teacher. Since all of my teacher's know that a case could pop up at any moment, they let me use my cell phone during class. Everyone hates me for that and then I get all clever on them, they always shut up after that.

The bell soon rang after my conversation with my rival ended. But to my dismay, Samantha was waiting for me in the hallway. "Hello Samantha Rachel Roddin. It's nice to know that you have a healthy sex life." I walked away from her and headed off to my class. "Wait! I never did give you my clue." "You know, you really should shut up. I know your whole life story. Just by looking at you." Samantha smirked. "You should allow me to give you at least a hint. If your oh so giant brain can handle it." I turned around to face her. "I don't need a hint, and maybe you should take one. You shag way to much with your boyfriend." "Oh look at you, making clever jokes. At least I can get a boyfriend. I don't think your brain could handle having a boyfriend." I scoffed. "I don't need a boyfriend. Because I don't want to turn into a b*tch like you." I smiled cleverly and continued to retort. "Yes, that is a perfect word to describe you." The bell ran to begin class. "Pity." Samantha lowered her head and smirked. "I'll be off to class now. See ya." Samantha ran off with her boyfriend off to their class, which they were late for and got in trouble for. And I could easily use my 'I was on a case' excuse. 

I quickly made my way to my class and used by excuse. I texted the Inspector to make sure that my excuse would be ensured to work. I sigh and thought about what Samantha had said. I know I shouldn't let it get to me and it doesn't. I just hate her for being such an annoyance. 

Soon concert night as upon us. Mainly the choir. I knew all the songs within the first 10 minutes when we had received the music for this concert. I found it weird that most of the student's were sick, almost everyone was hit with this sort of illness. But I shook it off for the moment. I still found it quite interesting that Samantha would mention a puzzle and then have almost everyone in choir end up sick. 'This could be the puzzle that Samantha gave me.' I thought in my head. Then my phone went off with my text alert. 'A text? Wait... I know this tone. Ugh! Samantha.' 

Did you find it out yet? The puzzle I mean. Cause if you haven't. You aren't as smart as everyone says. -Samantha Roddin

Of course I have figured it out. It wasn't that hard to find out. You are getting more and more simpler by the day. But then again. You were always predictable from day one. -Crystal Hart

Then what is the puzzle? -Samantha Roddin

Like I told you. Simple. The majority of the choir students are sick and it is cause by one of your little contraptions that you rigged up. -Crystal Hart

Not quite, I'm afraid. *smirks* -Samantha Roddin

*rolls eyes* What is it then? Please do tell. I would be delighted to hear what you have to say. -Crystal Hart

You have got to tell me how. Simple for you right. By the way: I will get you for calling me a b*tch. -Samantha Roddin

I will tell you how you did it. -Crystal Hart

I blocked her number from my cell phone for the time being. That way she couldn't distract me from my work.

I looked around the whole rehearsal room and found nothing. This was getting annoying fast. I kept on asking myself 'How?' I needed to find out how she was doing this and fast. Before more people would become sick. The concert was about to start in 30 minutes and I still had nothing. 'What could she have done? Ugh!'

-30 minutes later, on stage-

I was practically the only one on the stage. This was very annoying. I didn't understand what she did. I normally could figure her out, but this time was different. She had help. I don't know who she got help from. But this will become apparent once I can find a way to stop this concert. "Excuse me, Mr. Talburn. I think the concert should be cancelled. Practically I'm the only person on stage. Plus I've got a sinking feeling that Samantha Roddin is behind everyone being sick. It is one of her puzzles for me." "I don't think that is necessary." I facepalmed. "Really Mr. Talburn?" Mr. Talburn smiled nonchalantly. 'He is Samantha's accomplice.' I took out my phone and stared at it for a moment. 'I can do this myself. I don't need the Inspector's help to stop this concert.' I looked around at the students who managed to not be too sick, all of them looked very sickly pale in color. I stepped off of the stage and grabbed a microphone, I immediately spotted Samantha Roddin in the crowd. "Alright people. I defiantly know for sure that no one wants to hear a group of sick people sing. I know I don't. This concert is officially cancelled for the time being." During the whole time that I was talking into the microphone, Mr. Talburn was trying to take the mic away from me. 

The crowd followed my orders and everyone left, except; Samantha, her boyfriend, and Mr. Talburn. 

"Let us see what you have gathered from this puzzle of mine." Samantha snottily said. "I have gathered that you basically food poisoned all or shall I say almost all of the food of the students in choir. And that Mr. Talburn helped you accomplish this. Also that you had put some aerosol dispersal solution in the vents that would set off the food poison in its most lethal form. To have all the students be almost dead, basically. How did I do?" "You did quite well, actually. Almost spot on. You missed one thing. That I am planning on killing you. To make sure that you don't meddle anymore." Samantha said in the most fowl way possible. "You know. That you've got witnesses and weaknesses." I smirked. "So you can't kill me." "You may think so." This time it was for Samantha to smirk. 

Now what could she possibly do now. I've solved her puzzle. 

"Okay. How are you going to do it?" I asked casually, like my life didn't matter to me. "You will see." Samantha's smirk grew larger. "I've set up that aerosol dispersal solution to react with a certain chemical. And that reaction turns the innocent food poison trigger into an actual poison that can be very deadly." She emphasized the word deadly. "You think that I'll let you kill me? I know exactly where you have set your rig. And I can disable it in half of the time that it took for you to build it." "Will you know?" At that moment, Mr. Talburn and Samantha's boyfriend restrained all of my limbs from being able to move.

"You know, I have contacts to get you arrested. Isn't this whole situation an attempted murder charge, just waiting to happen." I said as I struggled in the grip of the two men. "This wouldn't be attempted murder. It will be murder." Samantha face came closer to mine as she said those words. "What makes you so sure?" I retorted back and spat in her face. "You will pay for that!" She slapped me as hard as she could. "You are the real b*tch here!" I didn't flinch. (I had been in plenty of situation where my life has been in danger. so this hadn't phased me) "No. No, I'm not. Like I said before, You are." I smirked. Samantha's boyfriend, Troy, loosened his grip on me and threatened to slap me if I said anything bad to Samantha again. I took this opportunity to get of the grip that Mr. Talburn had on me. I ran out of the rehearsal hall and straight to where Samantha had laid her rig. "Found you." I smiled. I heard a voice from the end of the hall. "Get her!" Samantha yelled to command Mr. Talburn and Troy. I swiftly disabled the rig and ran straight at Samantha with her own rig. I held the rig to her mouth and set it off. She passed out and I booked it to some other place in the school.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two little kids running around. They had run away from their parents who attended the concert and who had some family performing in the concert. I sighed heavily. 'This is going to be a long night. I hope the Inspector and his crew get here soon.' I raised myself from my spot and took a look around once more before I decided to move my hiding spot to the locker room. (I know, cliche to the horror movie stuff. Shut up! It was all I could think of at the time! Get off my back!) I grabbed a few of my disguises that I stuffed into my locker and put one of them on. 'She won't recognize me now. In fact, no one will. This should hold for a while. I can't believe that she would want to actually kill me. This case may be extremely more deeper than I first thought. Someone must be behind Samantha's actions and not just Mr. Talburn. Someone far more cunning.' I finished dressing myself up and mixed into the crowd of people who were gathered just outside of the Rehearsal Hall. Which was quite easily done, if you ask me. 

-20 minutes later-

I saw the Inspector and his men step into the school building. I slithered my way through the crowd and straight to the Inspector. And before you knew it, Samantha and her group had found me. This time, Mr. Talburn was holding a knife, Troy was holding a gun, and Samantha was holding her rig. Which now became a very blunt instrument. I wouldn't want to be hit with it.

She quickly spotted me and ran straight towards me, with her rig in hand. She attacked me and I dodged it. (It wasn't very graceful either. Hehe. Just keep laughing and get it out.) I fell to the ground in my attempt to dodge her attack. Then Troy made his way to me and held me down, straddling my hips, and pointed his gun right at my forehead. "Go ahead and try to dodge a bullet." Troy said with a smirk. "Okay, I will dodge your bullet." I said a tad bit over confidently. This caused Troy to press the gun against my forehead with more force. Troy may have had me pinned down at the waist, but I had full use of my hands and arms. He really is an idiot. I swiftly grabbed his gun away from him and threw it to the Inspector and his team. I headbutted him and he quickly recoiled, getting off of me.

"That is one of you idiots down. Who is next?" I said in a super cock fashion. Mr. Talburn ran at me, got behind, and put the knife to my throat. "Really, this is so cliche. A teacher pulling a knife on a student. Do you really have the guts to do it. Mr. Talburn." The last part came out in a teasing, calm, and confident tone. "I can do it! I really can! I've wanted to take you out ever since you gloated about you working for the police. The whole fact that I don't like any student using their phone in class." Mr. Talburn said in an almost complete hysteria trance. 'There has to be a way out of this.' I thought for a moment, of a way to get myself out of this. 'oh. Oh. OH! I've got it! This may get me cut, but it is all I've got.' I smirked big enough so that Mr. Talburn could see it. "What are you smirking about? You really aren't that smart." The knife slowly started cutting into the skin on my neck. Scratching the jugular. "I'm smirking because there is a way out of this." I grabbed the knife with my mouth, I did this by lowering myself just enough. Mr. Talburn had  a very surprised expression, this caused him to let go of his grip on the knife. I took this perfect opportunity to get out of his grip and point the knife towards him. "Don't you ever underestimate me." I gave the Inspector the knife. The Inspector signaled his men to restrain Mr. Talburn, Troy, and Samantha. 

"You know what Inspector. Let Samantha and Troy go." I said after seeing her pained expression. "Why would I do that? She almost killed you." The Inspector asked with his eyebrow raised. "She made an attempt. She never actually did anything. Someone else is behind this. And it is much bigger than I first thought." The Inspector did as I told him and uncuffed Samantha and Troy. "Who is behind this? Tell me." I said/asked in a commanding tone that she had never fully heard its wrath. "I-I don't kn-know. All I heard was whispers and text messages sent. I never got a name." Samantha managed to stammer after she got over the initial shock of my commanding tone. "Thank you." She mouthed. "Not a problem." I smiled. "Just don't try and kill me again, 'Kay? I rather like my life." "Okay, but can I still do the puzzles and stuff?" "Sure, why not, I need a distraction when I'm in school every once in a while." We shook hands. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See, very interesting case. Defiantly not what I expected. Laterz!

[hart-mystery]

Question to people who follow

Do you guys actual read my cases? And do you guys actually like them?

[hart-mystery]

Links

I forgot to add the links of The Inspectors' blog and Jake's blog.

Jake's blog: link

Inspectors' blog: link

[hart-mystery]

This is a chat that I had with Jake, He was hitting on me again. :(

Jake: You doing anything later?

Me: Now I am.

Jake: Come on, give me a chance.

Me: There is no chance of that happening. I'm not interested. Can't you take a hint? Of course you can't, you are an idiot.

Jake: That wasn't a nice thing to say.

Me; Precisely.

Jake: One date. It's all I ask.

Me: And I'm denying it. Now will you just leave.

Jake: No.

Me: Idiot.

Jake: Am not!

Me: Yes, you are. *leaves the area* That should keep him from me, at least for a little while. *sighs*