Chapter Five

An hour later Travis was waiting in the corridor with the tape. As Annie and Julian were walking out of the classroom Travis walked up to Annie. He then said, "Hallie, here is that tape you requested."

"Thanks."

"Hallie, what tape is that?" asked Julian.

"It's the last football game that Michael Bowman played in," said Travis. "Hallie wanted to see it."

"Hallie, you should have a vivid memory of that day," said Julian.

"Why should I?" asked Annie.

"I just thought you would have. Michael had you very upset for not passing the ball to Scott."

"Actually, no one could figure out why Michael wasn't passing the ball to Scott," said Travis.

"Well, I'm going to take this tape to my dorm and watch it," said Annie.

"Do you mind if I watch also?" asked Julian.

"I don't mind at all. Travis, you are also welcome to come."

"Okay, sure," said Travis.

Minutes later Annie was introducing Kristina to Julian and Travis. All of them then sat down and watched the game.

As they watched the game Annie noticed that Michael would draw back to throw, but delayed in throwing. Annie then made the comment, "In a lot of these plays Michael has plenty of time to throw the ball, but didn't."

"He almost seemed to have been allowing himself to get sacked in some of those plays," said Kristina.

"I want to look at something," said Annie. She then fast-forward to the final play.

In the final play Scott was behind Michael when the ball was knocked from his hands. Scott recovered the fumble to run it in for a touch down. After seeing the play Annie rewound it to the beginning of the play. Annie then paused the tape that showed Michael's expression when he realized what was happening.

"Hallie, what are you doing?" asked Julian.

"I'm a good poker player," said Annie. "I can tell you how good a hand a person has by the expression on that person's face. That expression says that he is not happy of what he is seeing."

"But why wouldn't he be happy?" asked Julian. "Scott made the winning touch down on that play."

"Unless he didn't want to win," said Kristina.

Annie got goose bumps as she realized what happened. She then said, "Oh my God, I just found the motive."

"Motive for what?" asked Julian.

"There is a chance that Scott's death wasn't an accident. It could have been murder."

"Hallie, what are you talking about?" asked Julian.

"I believe Michael was paid off to throw the game. When his team won whoever paid him off, broke his legs and arms."

"You think someone killed Scott for winning the game?" asked Julian.

"Actually, I'm thinking Michael killed Scott. Travis, according to what you said earlier Michael had a grudge against Scott."

"Hallie, even if that is true, all you have is suspicion," said Julian.

"Julian, can you take me to the airport?"

"I can, but you will have to show me the way."

"Julian, I don't remember the way."

"Hallie, if I didn't know better I would swear you're not the same person from last year," said Julian.

"You do seem like a different person," said Travis.

Kristina looked at Annie in a curious manner.

"Scott was killed or possibly murdered a few months ago. It is only natural to repress certain memories."

"It seem as though you repress the wrong memories," said Julian.

"I can't help that. I will get the direction to the airport from the internet. I will be back in a minute." Annie then went into her room.

"Julian; Travis, I just remembered there is something I need to do," said Kristina. Kristina then left the dorm.

After logging onto the internet Annie clicked on the email that Hallie had sent her. Annie slightly chuckled and said just above a whisper, "Thanks for the hint, Hal." Annie then searched for the directions to the airport. A few minutes later she left her room with the directions. "Okay, I'm set."

"Hallie, when is your next class?" asked Julian.

Annie looked at her watch and said, "I have an hour and half hours before my next class."

"Hallie, the airport is more than an hour away in one direction," said Julian. "So should we wait until after your class?"

"You might have a point. Travis, who is the quarterback this year?"

"Lloyd Taylor has been the quarterback since Michael's injuries," said Travis.

"Where would he be right now?"

"I don't know right now, but in a half hour we are supposed to be at the practice field."

"What do you want with Lloyd?" asked Julian.

"I'm thinking whoever paid off Michael to throw the game wouldn't stop at Michael," said Annie.

"Lloyd won't admit to it even if someone is paying him off," said Julian.

"Then we will trick him into telling us," said Annie.

"How will we do that?" asked Travis.

"Julian and I are poker players. We will just bluff."

"You do know that doesn't always work," said Travis.

"If it doesn't work then it doesn't work," said Annie. "We should go to the practice field. Maybe we will get lucky and he will be there early."

"Okay, follow me," said Travis.

Annie, Julian and Travis hung around the practice field for ten minutes. Travis then looked at his watch and said, "Hallie, I have to suit up."

"Sure, go ahead," said Annie. "Julian and I will be right here."

Fifteen minutes later Julian saw Lloyd and three others approaching. They were wearing their football uniform and carrying their helmets. Annie's back was turned towards them.

Julian gestured towards the group and said, "Hallie, Lloyd is approaching."

Annie turned to face him. A second later the four were walking up.

As Annie looked at each of the men Annie said, "Lloyd Taylor, we need to talk,"

Lloyd and the others stopped walking. Lloyd then asked, "What about?"

Annie looked at Lloyd and as she pointed to a secluded area she asked, "Can we go over there?"

Lloyd looked at his friends and said, "Hey guys, I will catch up in a second." He then gestured for Annie to walk. Julian remained where he was as Annie and Lloyd walked a short distance from him. "So Hallie, what's up?"

"I just got an interesting call earlier from Michael Bowman," said Annie. "He is now in a mental facility for the criminally insane."

"Okay and why would I want to know this?"

"Bear with me. He called me in the facility after he was sent there after confessing in murdering my boyfriend Scott."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"Michael murdered Scott because Scott won a game that Michael was supposed to have lost." Lloyd had a concerned expression on his face. "Michael was being paid off to throw the game and when Scott won Michael's legs and arms were broken. Since his football career was over he had nothing to lose, so he killed the person that inadvertently ended his career."

"Again what does that have to do with me?"

"Lloyd, you need to go to the authorities and report the person that is bribing you to throw games." Lloyd looked at Annie as if he was scared to say anything. Annie looked at Lloyd in a way as if to say, "Hey I know everything."

"Hallie, he will kill me if I go to the cops."

"Scott is dead, so do you really think I care about your fears? You have two choices. Either you go to the authorities or I will. If I go to the authorities any football career you were hoping to get will be over for being an accomplice."

Lloyd looked in Julian's direction and said, "There is a third choice." Annie looked at Lloyd in a curious manner. "I can kill you and Julian."

Annie said with a confident expression on her face, "That might work if it was just me and him that know about your little deal, and of course our deaths would raise suspicions. Do you really want to take that chance?"

"It seems that you're not giving me a choice."

"No, I'm not."

Without saying another word Lloyd turned and walked back towards the locker room. As Julian walked up to Annie, Annie exhaled a breath of relief.

"Hallie, what happen?" asked Julian.

"I believe he is on his way to the authorities."

"So he confessed?"

"Yeah he did."

"So all we need now is to find evidence on Michael for murder."

Annie looked at her watch and said, "If you don't have any objection I would like to go to the airport right after my last class."

"Hallie, my class begins when your ends."

"We can wait after yours ends."

"Hallie, should we tell Cindy about our suspicion?"

"I'm thinking we should get proof first. Now I'm going to get lunch."

As Annie and Julian were walking off the field Julian said, "I'll join you. Hallie, I'm beginning to understand why I can't beat you at poker. You are able to bluff too well."

Annie grinned. She then said, "Oh Julian, I need a picture of Michael."

"I will get it for you."

"Thanks."

In London Hallie and Spencer were leaving the theater. Chessy and Martin were also leaving the theater. As Hallie and Spencer were walking up to the car Chessy and Martin saw them.

"Hey there's Annie and Colby. Let's go say hi," said Chessy. She and Martin then walked towards them.

"I don't think that is Colby," said Martin.

Hallie unlocked Spencer's door first. Just before Hallie was able to walk to her side Spencer made a gesture to kiss her. Hallie backed away from Spencer and slowly shook her head. Chessy and Martin stopped walking towards them and watched.

"Spencer, I can't," said Hallie. "I'm sorry."

"Hey, that's okay. So I guess you should take me to my car."

As Hallie was getting in the car Chessy and Martin walked away.

After starting the car Hallie delayed in backing up. She then said, "Spencer, I loved Scott and I just can't move on this quick."

"Hallie, I understand and I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong." Hallie then put the car into reverse.

As Hallie was backing out of the parking spot Spencer looked at his watch and asked, "So are you in a hurry to go home?"

Hallie looked at her watch and said, "I've better. Spencer, I did enjoy tonight."

"Me too."

Minutes later Hallie was parking her car next to Spencer's car. Hallie and Spencer talked for several minutes before Spencer opened the door to get out. After closing the door Spencer waved bye.

An hour later Hallie was parking her car at the house. Chessy and Martin were the only ones home. They were in the kitchen drinking tea.

As Hallie was walking in Chessy stuck her head out from the kitchen and asked, "Annie, can I see you for a second?"

"Sure," said Hallie. While carrying her book bag Hallie walked into the Kitchen. "What is going on?"

"Your mom and dad left for Napa," said Chessy. "They should be back tomorrow night."

"Is there anything wrong?"

"There was a fire at the vineyard. Nothing serious though. Just part of the crops was destroyed. Your father just wanted to go and assess the damages."

"Thanks, Chessy, for telling me."

"So Annie, how are things between you and Colby?"

"Things are good."

"There is nothing going on between you two?"

"Like what?"

"You're not having a fight or anything like that?"

"Chessy, we are fine. Why are you asking me this?"

"Martin and I were at the theater tonight. We saw you with a guy that wasn't Colby."

"Spencer, the guy you saw me with, is my study partner. We have four classes together. Colby had something going on tonight, so I went to the theater with Spencer."

"So there is nothing going on between you and Spencer?"

"No, but if it was, wouldn't that be my concern?"

"Annie, I just don't want to see you do anything you will regret later."

"Chessy, thanks for your concern, but I'm not doing anything to regret later; honest."

"Okay."

"Well, I had better start my homework." Hallie then walked out of the kitchen.

At a small airport in Massachusetts Julian parked his Jeep Liberty at the airport. A few buildings set just off the runway. An office building set adjacent to the parking lot. A flying lesson sign also faced the parking lot. After leaving the vehicle Annie and Julian walked into the flight school. A man was writing in a schedule book on the employee side of the counter. After they walked up to the counter Annie read the man's nametag.

As Annie was getting the picture of Michael out of her purse she said, "Excuse me, Rich."

Rich said as he continued to write, "I will be with you in a second, young lady." A second later he put his pencil down. "So young lady, what can I do for you?"

"Rich, were you working here a few months ago?"

"Yes," said Rich. "Hey you were the one I had to practically tackle when you were running towards a plane that crashed off the runway."

"Actually, that is the reason I'm here. I would like to ask a few questions about that day or even a few days before."

"What kind of questions?"

Annie handed Rich the picture of Michael and asked, "Have you ever seen this person?"

"I could have, but I don't know for certain. People come and go around here. If it wasn't for the accident I doubt I would recognize you." Rich handed the picture back to Annie.

Julian added, "He might have been using a cane or walking with a limp."

"Again, I can't help," said Rich.

"What happened to the wreckage of the plane?" asked Annie.

"The FAA took it and had it analyzed to determine what caused the crash," said Rich. "In this particular crash it was pilot error."

"If someone would want a plane to crash like that plane did how would the person go about it?" asked Annie.

"Young lady, I'm not sure how I should respond to such question," said Rich.

"Scott, the person who was killed in the crash, was a very, very good pilot," said Annie. "For the crash to be the result of pilot error is something I can't accept without exploring other possibilities."

"I think I understand, but I'm unable to help you," said Rich.

"Is there anyone that can?" asked Annie.

"You can send an enquiry to the FAA, but more than likely all they will do is send you the results of the investigation," said Rich. "Do you want the information you need to send the enquiry?"

"That would be good," said Annie. Rich took the time to get the information for Annie. He then handed Annie the information. "Thank you." Rich just nodded his head. Annie and Julian walked a few feet from the counter when Annie stopped and faced Rich again. "Oh Rich, was all of the debris from the crash cleaned up."

"As far as I know it was," said Rich.

"Thanks again," said Annie.

Annie and Julian walked out of the building.

"What now, Hallie?" asked Julian.

Annie was looking up at the roof of each building. She then said, "I don't know."

"What are you looking for?"

"I'm trying to see if there are any surveillance cameras,—" Annie saw a camera on one of the buildings. "—and there is one on that building over there. Julian let's go and see if they have tapes dating back to the crash. Perhaps we can get lucky."

Seconds later Annie and Julian were walking into the building. There were four people in the building.

Mack, the supervisor, saw Annie and Julian entering the building. He walked up to them and said, "Hey you two; authorized personnel only in the building."

Annie held up the picture of Michael and said, "We don't mean to trespass, but we are asking everyone we can if he or she saw this person."

"Let me see the picture," said Mack. Annie handed him the picture. "I've never seen this guy before." Mack handed the picture back to Annie.

"Sir, I noticed that there is a surveillance camera outside," said Annie. "How long do you keep the tapes for?"

"Not very long; maybe a few weeks at a time, if even that," said Mack.

"Thanks for your time," said Annie.

"Young lady, what is this all about?" asked Mack.

"My boyfriend was the pilot who crashed the plane off the runway a few months ago." She then held up the picture again. "This may sound absurd and I might be looking for something that is not there, but I have my reasons to suspect that this man had tampered with my boyfriend's plane sometime before the crash."

"Wait one second, young lady," said Mack.

"I told you it may sound absurd," said Annie.

"No-no-no, it's not that," said Mack. "There is someone who might have the answer you are looking for. Can you stick around for about twenty minutes?"

"Of course."

"Good. You and your friend can come with me to my office."

Annie and Julian followed Mack to his office. Just after entering the room Mack picked up the phone and dialed it. There was a short silence. He then said, "Sarah hi, I need you to bring Tobias to the airport." There was another short silence. "Okay, bye."

As Mack was hanging up the phone Annie asked, "Who is Tobias?"

"Tobias is my ten-year-old son."

"Is he who you want me to talk to?"

"Yes. A week, possibly even two weeks, before the accident I was working almost till midnight. Tobias was here at the airport that night with me."

Annie held up the picture and asked, "So Tobias might have seen this man?"

"He swears he saw someone that night. I didn't think too much about because he has a habit of making up wild stories."

"Sir, I appreciate you taking the time to help me."

"No problem; by the way you can call me Mack."

"I'm Hallie,—" Annie gestured to Julian. "—and this is a friend of mine, Julian."

Mack and Julian shook hands. Mack then asked, "So can I offer you two a soda while you wait?"

"Sure," said Annie. "Pepsi if you have it."

"I will take the same," said Julian.

"Two Pepsi's coming up." Mack then walked away.

Twenty-five minutes later Sarah and Tobias were walking in.

When Mack saw them he said, "Tobias, good you are here."

"Dad, what is going on? Mom said you wanted to see me."

"Tobias, I would like for you to meet Hallie and Julian. Hallie; Julian this is my son and of course my wife Sarah."

Annie just waved at Sarah.

"Hi," said Sarah.

"Tobias, I would like for you to think back to the night I was working real late and you were with me. I want you to tell me what you saw."

"Dad, you told me to stop talking nonsense."

"Tobias, I made a mistake that time. Of course that is what happens when you tell stories. When something does happen, no one will believe you."

Annie asked, "Tobias, can you tell us what you saw that night?"

"Well I heard noises as if someone was working on an airplane. I was wondering who would be working on an airplane during the night, so I went to look. The guy was finishing up when I got there. I was only able to watch for a short time before he picked up his tools and limped away."

"What do you mean he limp away?" asked Annie.

"The guy acted as if his legs were hurting him. He rubbed his arms a lot too."

"Tobias, did you see the guy's face by any chance?" asked Annie.

"I only saw part of his face."

Annie handed Tobias the picture of Michael and asked, "Tobias, have you seen this man before?"

"I'm not certain, but I believe this is the guy I saw."

"Tobias, do you remember which plane the guy was working on?" asked Julian.

"I think it was the one that crashed before summer break."

Annie looked at Mack and said, "Mack, we need to take what we know to the police."

"Mack, what is going on?" asked Sarah.

Mack walked up to Sarah and whispered to where Tobias couldn't hear, "There is a possibility that the guy who was killed three or four months ago was murdered."

"Oh lord," said Sarah.

"Mom, what's going on?" asked Tobias.

"Your father just told me some news that's all."

"Mack, where is the police station?" asked Annie.

"Hallie, you and your friend can follow me," said Sarah.

"That would be great," said Annie. "Mack, thanks for your help."

"You're welcome."