Chapter Six

An hour later, Annie, Julian and Sarah were telling the police what they suspected. After giving their statements the sergeant went into the back room to run a background check on Hallie, Julian, Scott and Michael. The background check took a few minutes to complete. After getting the results the sergeant and the captain walked back out to where Annie, Julian, Sarah and Tobias were sitting.

"Miss Hallie Parker, I am Capt. Wallace."

"Capt. Wallace, you can call me Hallie."

"Well Hallie, you do realize these are serious accusation you are making?"

"Yes, Capt. Wallace, I do. If I wasn't sure I wouldn't have made them."

"Sergeant Owens had run a background check on you, Julian and the others involved. You or your friend don't make a habit of going around accusing people of crimes, so with that fact in mind and the evidence you brought in, I'm going to investigate this allege crime; however, if my officers don't find anything to support your accusation within a reasonable amount of time this matter will be drop."

"Thank you, Capt. Wallace."

"Before you thank me you should know that this investigation will be attached to a permanent file in your name. So if we learn that you falsified any information you presented here you can be charge for falsifying a police report. With that said do you wish to correct or change anything?"

Annie looked at Julian in a concern manner. She then asked, "Capt. Wallace, can I ask you a hypothetical question?"

"Of course."

"What would happen if the person placing a police-report… a true police-report I want to add, turns out to be someone else from who she… or he is supposed to be?"

"That person can be in serious trouble. With that said, is your name Hallie Parker?"

"Hallie Parker is in London attending Oxford University which is where I'm supposed to be." Julian, Sarah and Tobias looked at Annie in a surprised manner. "I'm Annie James, Hallie's twin sister. We switched places."

In a skeptical tone Julian asked, "What?"

"Hallie was very depressed over Scott's death, so I thought by switching universities for one semester would cheer her up."

"So you are supposed to be in Oxford University while Hallie, your twin sister, is supposed to be in Harvard?" asked Capt. Wallace.

"Yes, Captain. We are taking the same courses, so we won't hurt one another's grade. Capt. Wallace, are you required to report this to the University? We were going to switch back after the semester ended."

"Was your identity the only thing you weren't exactly truthful about?"

"The rest of the information I gave is accurate."

"Well… Annie, since the facts are you and your sister are doing this willingly and since you and your sister don't seem to be hurting anyone and the fact that you were upfront with me, I will turned a blind eye to your switch," said Capt. Wallace. Capt. Wallace then noticed that Julian looked agitated.

"Thank you."

"However, I don't think your friend will," said Capt. Wallace.

"Capt. Wallace, is there anything else you need?"

"I believe I have everything I need. Everyone is free to leave."

As everyone was standing up Annie said, "Thanks again."

Seconds later Annie, Julian, Sarah and Tobias were leaving the police station.

As they were stepping onto the parking lot Sarah said, "Annie, I found the events here interesting to say the least." Annie just grinned. "I hope things work out for you and Hallie."

"Thanks."

"Well, bye," said Sarah.

"Bye," said Annie. "Bye Tobias."

"Bye," said Tobias.

As Sarah and Tobias were walking away, Annie faced Julian. Julian had a very serious expression on his face. Annie then said, "You look angry."

"You bet I'm angry. In fact, I don't know what I'm angrier about; the fact that you withheld the truth of who you are or the fact that you flat lied to me and everyone at the coffee shop."

"I never lied to you at the coffee shop."

"Let me refresh your memory… Annie. You told us at the table that your… let's see, you're Annie, so it was your mom who married Hallie's dad about seven years ago."

"And that is true. Our parents were separated and divorced for eleven years. Hallie and I didn't know the other existed until we went to the same summer camp. We switched places after camp was over and when our parents met for the first time in eleven years… well that's actually a long story in itself, but in the end our parents got remarried."

"Okay, for argument sake let's say I believe you. Why did you hide that you and Hallie were twins."

"Hallie hid the fact from everyone because she liked Scott."

"I understand her reasons, but your reasons are what I want to hear."

"Well, once I found out that Scott had something against dating a twin I felt that I was stuck keeping the secret. I just didn't know how Cindy would react to the news."

"You lied to Cindy though about not knowing what happen between Scott and Hallie the last two days."

"I didn't lie actually. Hallie refused to say what happened, so at the time I didn't know. I got her to tell me after I knew enough to confront her about it."

"So what really happen between Hallie and Scott?"

"Hallie confessed to Scott that she was an identical twin. After she confessed Scott took off by himself to think. Hallie found out the morning of the plane crash as to where Scott was. I believe you know the rest."

"So Hallie took Scott's death very hard because she blames herself."

"Exactly."

"Annie, if we are done here we've better get back to Harvard."

Annie just made a gesture as if she agreed. They then walked towards the vehicle.

"Julian, I know you have no reason to keep my secret, but I would be grateful if you did."

"Annie, I will keep your secret because Hallie is a friend, but I would like for you to come clean with Cindy."

As they were approaching the Jeep Annie said, "I believe we have enough evidence against Michael to tell Cindy everything."

Annie and Julian were quiet for a few minutes after getting in the vehicle. A mile from the police station Julian broke the silence by asking, "Annie, how about telling me that long story you mention about your parents?"

"I would be happy to, but that story actually begins at the summer camp where Hallie and I met." Annie then told her story in detail.

An hour later Julian was parking his vehicle in the Harvard's parking lot. As Annie and Julian were walking from the parking lot Kristina walked up to Annie.

"Hallie, can we talk for a minute?" asked Kristina.

"Of course," said Annie.

"Hallie, I will see you later," said Julian.

"Okay. Bye," said Annie. Julian walked away "So Kristina, what's going on?"

"Your sister's hair was never dyed. She was wearing a wig."

"How do you know?"

"I found two hair strands on my car seat and I took them to the science lab to have then analyzed."

"That's good news. My sister isn't over dyeing her hair."

"Have your sister ever dyed her hair?"

"You think I would lie about her dyeing her hair?"

"If you and your sister had plans to change places I believe you would."

Annie said in an amused manner, "You think I'm Annie."

"You and your sister are identical twins. Both Julian and Travis had mentioned that you seem like a different person than who you were last year. Do I need to dig up further proof?"

"Kristina, I understand why you suspect me as being my sister, but you are reaching."

"I don't believe I am… Annie."

"And by a small chance that you are right and I am Annie, what would you do?"

"I don't want to report you if that is what you think."

"Then why would you worry if I'm Annie or Hallie?"

"I would like to form a friendship with you, but I don't know who I would be forming a friendship with. Plus I believe I can help you with the possible murder investigation. In fact forensic science is my area of study."

"I will deny this if it gets to the dean; however, your suspicion of me being Annie is greatly more than a small chance."

"I knew it."

"Kristina, Scott's death was a major blow to Hallie. She fell in a serious depression. I changed places with her to help her to recover from her depression. So please don't say anything to anyone."

"Annie, I am new to Harvard with very few friends, so I would be a fool if I start alienating people. Plus for the past few hours I've been hearing on how popular the black-eight-group was last year. I would be too unpopular if I rat on one of its members."

"According to Hallie only Samantha Mitchell and her sister Amanda call the group the black-eight-group."

"Those two might be the only two that openly refers to the group as the black-eight-group, but from what I hear everyone knows that group."

"Ah, well for whatever reason you're keeping my secret, thank you."

"So Annie, do you play poker as much as Hallie?"

"I do. In fact there's a game tonight. Would you like to join us?"

"I heard the group just doesn't let anyone play."

"Well, they think I'm Hallie, so perhaps I can get you in."

"Thanks, Annie."

Minutes later Cindy knocked on Hallie's dorm door. Annie was in the bedroom as Kristina was opening the door.

"Hi, this is Hallie's dorm room isn't?" asked Cindy.

"Yeah, Hallie is in the bedroom. I'm Hallie's roommate, Kristina. Please come in."

As Cindy was entering Cindy said, "Hi, I'm Cindy. I was Hallie's roommate last year." Cindy saw Annie as she was walking out of the bedroom. Kristina turned to look. "Hallie, are you ready to go?"

"Cindy, would it be a problem if Kristina comes too?"

"Hallie, have you forgotten that the group has to vote before allowing someone in?" asked Cindy.

"Cindy, everything isn't like it was last year. I just thought we could make an exception."

"Hallie, I would prefer if we vote on it like we did last year," said Cindy.

"Hallie, thanks anyway, but I don't want to upset things," said Kristina.

"Kristina, I will bring this up for a vote," said Annie.

"Even if I don't get voted in, thanks," said Kristina.

"No problem," said Annie.

"So Hallie, are you ready?" asked Cindy.

"I'm ready," said Annie.

A short time later Annie and Cindy were walking into the house. Becky, Susan, Todd, Julian and Craig were there already.

"So you two decided to join us," said Todd.

Annie looked at her watch and said, "We're not late."

"I never said you were late, but everyone else has been here for thirty minutes."

"Hallie, I made my famous chili that you like so well," said Craig. "It's setting on the stove."

"Thanks. I will get some later."

"This is a first," said Craig. Annie looked at Craig in a curious manner. "Hallie, you normally go straight to my chili."

Annie showed a nervous grin.

"So who's ready to play some poker?" asked Becky.

"Before we do, there's something I want to say to everyone," said Annie.

"Hallie wants to take a vote, so she can bring her roommate next time," said Cindy.

"That's not what I want to tell everyone."

"Then what is it?" asked Cindy.

"This morning I was not exactly sincere to everyone at the coffee shop."

"What are you talking about, Hallie?" asked Susan.

Annie looked at Julian and said, "That just it, I'm not Hallie." Julian just stood back and remained quiet. Annie then turned to face Cindy.

"What do you mean you're not Hallie?" asked Craig.

"I'm Hallie's twin sister, Annie."

"Hallie, that is not a funny joke," said Cindy.

"Cindy, I'm not joking. Hallie confessed to Scott of being a twin two nights before Scott was killed."

Cindy asked in an agitated voice, "So you knew all along of what happened between Hallie and Scott?"

"That is not true. Hallie would never confide in me of what happened. I got her to tell me earlier today after I found out that Scott had a problem with dating a twin. In fact you gave me the information I needed to confront her about it."

"And you still hid the fact from us after you found out," said Cindy.

"I felt that I had no choice, but to keep the secret."

"You and Hallie fooled all of us, so why are you confessing now?" asked Cindy.

"Certain facts were brought to the surface concerning Scott's death that makes it practically impossible for me to keep my secret with this group."

"What facts?" asked Cindy.

"I have good reason to believe that Scott's plane was tampered with a week or two weeks before the crash. I think Scott was murdered."

"You are just trying to get the blame off of Hallie," said Cindy.

"For that I would have simply kept the secret going."

"Who would want to kill Scott?" asked Becky.

"Michael Bowman had a serious grudge against Scott," said Annie.

"I heard that rumor too, but it is just a rumor," said Todd.

"It more than a rumor," said Annie. "I know why Scott was killed. I'm just lacking efficient evidence to prove it."

"Why was Scott killed?" asked Craig.

"Michael was paid off to lose the last game he was in; however, Scott was in the right place at the right time to win the game," said Annie. "Michael killed Scott for winning."

"How do you know this?" asked Todd.

"Earlier today I watched the tape of Michael's last game. Michael was not happy at all when Scott recovered the football and took it for the touchdown."

"Wait a minute," said Craig. "Michael was in an accident that same night that ruined his football career."

"Michael's football career was ended that night, but it wasn't an accident," said Annie. "Whoever paid Michael off to lose the game took retribution for them winning."

"Michael had planned to go pro, so I can see why he would want to seek revenge," said Todd.

"Annie, how do you know that Michael was paid off?" asked Becky.

"If Michael was being paid off to lose games, I thought Lloyd Taylor would be also, so I bluffed him into confessing that he was being paid off. I think I convinced him to go to the authorities."

"You were able to bluff him?" asked Todd.

"Yes," said Annie. Susan looked in Julian's direction. "I was able to convince Lloyd that Michael confessed to everything when he didn't."

"Julian, you are very quiet," said Susan.

"I'm quiet because I knew about everything for the past two hours. I was also there when Annie discovered the motive for Scott's murder."

"And you didn't tell us?" asked Cindy.

"Annie wanted to be the one to tell everyone and I supported her decision."

"So what do we do now?" asked Cindy.

"About what?" asked Julian.

"About collecting evidence against Michael," said Cindy.

"I'm not sure if there is anything we can do," said Annie. "I did take the evidence I was able to collect to the cops though."

"Annie, you bluffed Lloyd into confessing," said Cindy. "So how likely can you bluff Michael into confessing?"

"I thought of that, but I don't even know how to get a message to him," said Annie.

"Annie, if I can come up with how to reach him do you think you can bluff him?" asked Todd.

"It is certainly worth a shot."

"Annie, if you can get Michael into confessing or at least get him to reveal what he did then you would definitely redeem yourself with me," said Cindy.

"Cindy, no offence, but I won't be doing this to redeem myself with you. I will be doing this for Hallie."

"Regardless of the reason, thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I don't think we can do anything about this tonight," said Craig. "So should we play poker?"

"I'm up for it," said Susan.

"Everyone is willing to allow me to play?" asked Annie. "I'm mean, I'm not exactly part of the group; Hallie is."

"I supposed that's true; however, we will over look that fact," said Becky.

"I agree," said Todd. "Does anyone disagree?" No one spoke up. "Annie, you are in. If you're as good as Hallie I just hope you take it easy on us."

"Hallie and I play just alike," said Annie.

"Should we give you our money now or should we let you earn it?" asked Susan.

"It would take the fun away if I don't earn it," said Annie.

As everyone was walking towards the poker table Craig said, "You sound more like Hallie now than you did earlier."

As everyone, except for Cindy, was taking his or her seats Annie said, "What can I say, we both love the thrill of the game."

Craig picked up the cards and shuffled them.

"I'll sit out the first hand," said Cindy. "Annie, I'm going to get a bowl of chili; do you want me to bring you back some?"

"I'm good for now. Thanks anyway."

"I hope you like chili," said Craig. Cindy walked towards the kitchen. "I made plenty."

"I do like chili, but not as much as Hallie."

"I guess we found the secret of telling you two apart," said Todd.

Annie grinned.

As Craig started to deal the cards he said, "Okay, five card draw; jacks or better to open and nothing wild."

"Annie, Cindy had mentioned earlier that you wanted to bring your roommate the next time we played poker?" asked Susan.

"Since I'm not Hallie I was going to drop it."

"I was thinking after I do a background check on her I thought we can vote on it," said Susan.

"You do background checks on the people who would like to join the game?"

"We can go to jail for playing poker if aren't careful," said Becky.

"Especially how often we play," said Todd.

"And yet everyone in Harvard refer to us as the black-eight-group," said Annie.

"Most of them just suspect as to what we do, but they have no proof," said Craig.

Seconds later they started the hand.