After the trial and my nightmare were totally over, and with the courtroom already empty, Gregory told us what had happened. According to the autopsy, Debbie's killer was right handed. That was what both he and the prosecutor told the Judge when they saw which hand had I put over the Bible. I didn't know what to think, or what to say...It would have been enough with someone reading carefully that damned autopsy for saving me those six months at the Juvie. But it didn't matter anymore...the harm was already done. All I wanted was to rest, try to forget all that and go back to my normal life. Still, I couldn't help being worried because of the real killer being free.

It was great being home again, and resting and sleeping as a toddler would do, and like I hadn't done for the last six months. The following morning, as soon as I finished my breakfast, I went to Jan's place. I wanted to be with her, just the two of us, as a way to make up for the time stolen to us.

-We were all so worried about you, all this time...

-It doesn't really seem that, Jan. I mean, why were only you, Sonny and Marty at the courtroom? What about the others?

-It's a long story...

-We have plenty of time...what happened, Jan?

She looked at me, maybe doubting if it was a good idea telling me about her argument with Rizzo, and the way she, Kenickie and Zukko had kinda given her the cold shoulder. It hurt...after all, I had met the guys maybe six or seven years ago, it was time enough to know each other.

-I see...well, at least there's something good out of all this, it showed me who can I really count on. Still, I'd like to know why did they do so.

-I wouldn't...just don't notice them if we see them somewhere. If someone has to apologize, it's them, not you.

-Yeah, guess you're right...still, I don't know how will I react when I see them. Or how will they.

I was going to have the chance to find it out much sooner than expected. We were at Frosty 's, Sonny and Marty, and Jan and me. At first, I didn't feel like going there, but, as Sonny had said, it wasn't me the one who should keep out of sight. We were at out table, the one that all of us had occupied before all this started, and Marty warned us about two unexpected customers.

-Hey, look who's coming...

We looked at the door, and it was Zukko and Sandy. They clearly hadn't seen us, and went to the table we had taken. It was a really akward moment. He didn't know what to say, and she just blushed. Jan held my hand, and I managed to control all the rage I felt.

-Great to see you again, buddy...

Then I saw it. Two days before my arrest, I had bought a small clasp for Jan, and intended to give it to her that Saturday. I had kept it in one of the pockets of my jacket. And now, it was Sandy who was wearing it. I didn't want to accept what that meant... Deep inside, I was furious and sad, but it wasn't the moment to show it. There would be time for it...

-Nice clasp that one you're wearing, Sandy...Can I see it? It reminds me of one I had seen.

She looked uncertain of what to say, but knowing her, it wasn't likely she knew the truth...

-Oh, thanks...it was a present from Danny, sometime ago...- She stopped there. What if she knew it all?

-Yeah, six months ago, wasn't it ? Zukko has always taken care of small details, haven't you?

-Sandy, look, there's a table over there...

-And there's plenty of place here too...besides, this was our table, right? Or is there any other reason for you not wanting to be with us?

-No, but...well, today is Sandy's birthday, and...-he was looking desperately for a way to get out of there.

-Oh ok...go then, and lucky you that you can celebrate your girl's birthday. This year I couldn't do it, and neither mine. Go have fun, we don't wanna be a nuisance.

Jan, Sonny and Marty were looking at me, and they clearly didn't understand a word I was saying.

-What was that about?

-That clasp, the one Sandy had... Damn, I can't believe this...I was going to give it to you, Jan, on the Saturday I was arrested. I had it on my jeans jacket, the one that...

-The one the killer took...no, it can't be. It has to be a coincidence...

-I'd like to think so, but think of the way he behaved. He didn't expect seeing me here... And Jan, you said he and Kenickie were kinda avoiding you, right? F***, I just can't believe he has done this to me.

We stayed at Frosty's for a bit longer, though I was willing to go somewhere else. After a while, I saw Zukko going to the toilet and I got up. There were a lot of things I wanted him to explain me... He clearly didn't expect me, given his surprised reaction. I went right to the point.

-It was you, right? You took my jacket, knowing my pocket knife would be there, and you used it to kill Debbie...

-Oh, c'mon, don't be so...

-So what, Zukkol? So stupid as to be unfairly locked for six months? You knew exactly they would blame me for Debbie's murder and you didn't mind it at all... I guess you thought this would never happen, that the first time we saw each other, Lily would have the clasp I had bought for Halllie. Just tell me one thing...why? After so many years. Why, huh?

-You have no way to prove anything, so you'd better not say a word about this. And one advice...watch your back and your girl's. You never know what can happen...

-Don't you dare to threaten her, you hear me? Keep away from Jan!

-It all depends on you, I do or not...

That was too much. I couldn't stand more and punched him. He fell to the ground, obviously surprised, and I went out of the toilet . When I went back to the table, Sandy was talking to Jan and the others. I didn't even look at her as I approached to the table.

-Hon, we should be going...

She had never seen me so angry, but didn't ask what had happened...probably thought that was not the moment nor the place.

-Wait, we 're going too.

Sonny and Marty came with us, and when we were out of Frosty's, I told them of the fight..but I didn´t say a Word about the threat. I wish I had..

Jan

As soon as she saw Putz going to the toilet, Sandy came to our table. I didn't feel like talking to her, to be true. Maybe she didn't know a thing, but all the same I was way too angry...

-I...I think this is yours-and she left the clasp over the table. I looked at her despisely.

-Do you really think I'm gonna take it? God, you two must think Putz and me are a pair of fools, right? Keep the damned clasp and just leave us alone, ok? Both of you, just leave us alone! You've already hurt us enough!

Two days later

After seeing Zukko and Sandy at Frosty 's, he kept out of sight. At first, we didn't want to believe what Putz had told us, but the more we thought about it, the more sense it had. And yet, we all wondered how and why had he, or they, done such a thing. Seven years of friendship, down the drain...and we didn't know either if Kenickie, or Rizzo knew something about that. Worst of all, was that we had no way to denounce him to the police. What evidences did we have? The clasp meant nothing at all...If Zukko said he'd just bought it, it was his word against Putz's

. I remembered my argument with Rizzo, during the sleepover...she had played her cards so well! God, there had to be a way to prove the truth...

I was walking home, at night, when I heard a car stopping by my side...

-Fancy a ride, Jan?

-Sonny, I need you to do something for me, it's important. Give me twenty minutes and then call the cops and tell them to go to Jan's house...I think she may be in danger...