Chapter 17: The Mark of the Poisoner's Pearl:
Nancy's POV:
Shaun and I were visiting our Dad in jail.
"Dad, how did this happen," I asked.
"I don't know," he says, "the police apparently found evidence that I killed Lucy!"
"Did you even know her," asks Shaun.
Dad then pauses. "No."
That was suspicious. "Well, I'll figure out what's really going on."
"Nancy, I think you've put yourself in danger enough times," says Dad.
. . .
I ignored him. I wonder if this is connected to whoever forced the leprechaun to kill Laura's Mom. Maybe if I knew more about the poison he used. Too bad he's back on Maltus. Maybe the Police might know something.
Carson's POV:
I'm now in this group therapy session.
"Alright, let's talk about your problems," says Dr. M. Butler, the head psychiatrist.
"They're all going to deny the fact that they're crazy," says Nathan Gomber, "so, let me talk for them. He's suffering from guilt, so he made up the legend of a giant bug, she thinks she's a witch and she can't handle rejection well, he's an eco-freak, he thought he could get power from drinking the blood of those who defeated my master, he thinks he's Batman, and he's a ringmaster who frames people by making it look like they frame him." In that group was Ramon Ramirez, the inventor of the Mothman legend, Xandra Cabot, the girl who killed a guy for rejecting her, Clyde Didit, the Trash Bag Killer, Ted Tambourine, the Gargoyle King, Mike McKeever, the Black Hood, and Kroon. "Oh right, me, the man who kidnaps people so I can sacrifice them for my master! But there's one more, Carson Drew, let's give him a hand, Folkes! He's the Cold Case Guy! The man who killed Lucy Sables!"
"That's enough, Mr. Gomber," says Dr. Butler.
"This is ridiculous," says McKeever, "the fact that we're all here for this conversation is proof that the Police are idiots! If they actually solved the crime problem, I wouldn't have become the Black Hood in the first place!"
"I don't even belong here," says Didit, "I was just trying to keep Mother Earth safe!"
"I do belong here," says Ramon, "I did something terrible!"
"Look around," says Gomber, "we're not in here for stealing jewels or money. We're all killers!"
Ramon's the only one I feel sorry for. He didn't mean to hurt anyone. But the rest of them... I can't believe I have to sit here with them.
Nancy's POV:
I talked to the forensic scientist.
"And the DNA matches your father's," he says.
"There has to be something else," I said.
"I'm sorry."
"Well, what about the poison that got to Tiffany?"
"Very strange... where did you get the information from again?"
"You wouldn't believe it if I told you," I said.
Carson's POV:
I got a surprise visit from Ryan Hudson.
"So, I hear you killed Lucy," says Ryan.
"I had nothing to do with it," I said.
"Relax, I believe you," says Ryan, "in fact, I think the real killer set you up."
"Any ideas on who?"
"Well, I'm no detective, but... it's interesting that your girlfriend doesn't have your back."
"You think Karen, did it? That's impossible."
"This town is full of illogical maniacs," says Ryan, "I just don't trust her."
"Funny, she doesn't trust you either," I said, "and you know why."
Nancy's POV:
I was with my friends.
"Maybe one of the people you beat framed your dad to get back at you," says Ned.
"I don't think so," I said.
"Well, what did you get from that forensic guy," asks George.
"I took some of the slide that has the poison he was studying," I said, "later, I'm going to see what I can figure out."
. . .
Later, at home, I was studying the poison, but then I felt strange. I was starting to feel sick. I then fell to the ground.
. . .
I woke up, but I was in a strange place.
"You don't look so good," it was Jason Blossom.
"Oh my God," I said, "am I..."
"Maybe," says Jason, "maybe not." He then disappears.
I then took a look at where I am and decided to walk around.
. . .
I was walking until I saw my Mom.
"Nancy, there is something we should have told you," she said, but then she disappeared.
"This is getting weird." I kept walking.
. . .
I continued, but then I ran into Brenda Carlton. "Look who's here," says Brenda.
"Great, it's like I'm in a bad episode of Galavant," I said.
"Are there good ones," asks Brenda.
"It has its moments," I said, "but right now, I'm trying to get out of... whatever this is."
"Unless you die and you join us," says Brenda.
"What is this," I asked.
"You're nearing death," says Brenda.
"Great," I said, "I have to go."
"You can try," says Brenda.
. . .
I continued, but then I saw Dead Lucy. She was looking at me. I then realized we were in the forensics lab.
. . .
I then woke up and saw Sabrina healing me.
"Did you guys break into my house," I asked.
"Yes," says Salem.
"You're welcome," says Sabrina.
"Right, thanks," I said, "and I think I have an idea."
. . .
I confronted the forensic scientist.
"You created the poison," I said.
"I don't know what you're talking about," says the scientist.
"Then I guess that slide over there is safe," I said, "why don't you touch it?"
The scientist hesitated. "Very well. I used a rare pearl called the Jewel of death from a rare species of oyster. It's a pearl that's covered in a poisonous substance."
"Why did you do it," I asked.
"Because he paid me to keep you out of his way!"
"Who?"
"I'm not going to tell you."
"Fine, but the police heard your attempt to kill me," I said.
The police take the forensic scientist away. I just realized I never got his name. I then took a look and saw his name is Victor Lossett.
. . .
I may have figured out who made the poison, but I still need to figure out who killed Lucy and get my Dad out of jail. I'll get to the bottom of this.
In the next chapter, Nancy looks for answers on a ship called the Bonny Scot.