The Killer Boss

Chapter 8

Chapter Eight:

The Hunt for Calvin Ferrer.

—

THE VERY LAST person seen with Scarlet was nowhere to be found.

As soon as Claire mentioned the name, both detectives were quick to end the interrogation with the two women—said their ‘thank yous’ for cooperating, and then strode towards where Calvin's class would be held.

On the other hand, Claire and Alyssa were satisfied with all of the information that they shared with the detectives. Most especially knowing that it would help them move forward in terms of truly knowing what happened to their friend—Scarlet Monroe.

In their eyes, Scarlet didn’t deserve to die a horrible death even though she was selling drugs. They both know that Scarlet only did it because she badly wanted to leave Creek City and start a new life away from her parents. With the information they relayed to the sleuths, Claire and Alyssa knew that they only did the right thing. That being said, telling the detectives that Calvin is the last person seen with Scarlet is only needed.

Edward didn’t even knock on the door of Calvin’s supposed class for today as he barged inside, causing shock and confusion on everyone's faces. Even Suarez was kind of embarrassed that his friend isn’t being modest about this whole ordeal.

The professor cleared her throat upon the sight of the two men that interrupted her class. “What seemed to be the problem… gentlemen?” She questioned, eyeing both of them suspiciously as she didn’t even expect any visitor for her class.

Having no time to waste, Edward didn’t even beat around the bush as he scanned the room looking at everyone. “Is a student named Calvin Ferrer here? Where is he? I’ve been informed that he is taking this class,” he stated, waiting for a particular guy to raise his hand and inform them that he’s the one that they are looking for.

Although, the students were softly murmuring to one another and others stayed silent as they just watched Edward. No one dared to speak up and that was when the professor answered his question. “Calvin Ferrer? My student hasn’t been attending my class for three straight days already,” she informed him, a confused and annoyed expression laced on her face. There were times wherein Calvin wouldn’t attend her lectures but this was the first time that he didn’t attend for such a long period of time. She was never fond of students who are tardy and seemed as though doesn’t have any interest in her class. Having the professor as a title—she does take her job seriously.

The two detectives mimicked the expression plastered on the professor’s face—a confused look because of what they just heard. Calvin hasn’t been attending his classes for three days already? It’s the same number of days when Scarlet had perished.

What does it mean? Could he be connected to Scarlet’s horrible demise? If he was, could Calvin be a suspect? If not, then why is he suddenly not attending his classes?

“Do you know the reason why, ma’am?” Suarez initiated to ask first upon noticing that Edward is lost in his own thoughts but then suddenly ripped away from it the second that he had heard Suarez’s voice.

So Edward added, “Where did he go?” There was eagerness evident in his voice, leaning forward to the professor as he awaits for an answer.

The woman’s brows were knitted together by their sudden inquiries while she didn’t even have any idea why these two men suddenly barged inside her class then decided to ask numerous questions about her student. Growing aware of the fact that her student's murmurs were getting louder, she pointed towards the exit door. “We should talk about this outside. You’re interrupting my class and my students are getting scared,” she told them, pivoting her heels and didn’t even bother waiting for the two men to reply—she’s just expecting that they were already following her towards the exit.

Both Edward and Suarez nodded at one another after staring at the woman’s retreating back, knowing that the professor might have something important to say to them.

The woman let out a deep breath the moment they left the room. “Calvin didn’t give me a heads up as to why he will be absent for a longer period of time. Even his other professors didn’t have an idea what happened to him,” she told them directly, informing them the truth. “Not even an update of why he suddenly left or where he could have possibly gone to. We lost contact with him the moment he stopped attending his classes,” she added, relating all information that she knew before the detectives could even introduce themselves or could even ask her questions. There was an inkling inside her that these two men in front of him had some authority just the way they carry themselves.

Before the two detectives could even mutter a reply, the woman continued, “But a day before he didn’t attend my class, it appeared to be that he was anxious most of the time. I tried talking to him about it but he only said that there was nothing to be worried about.” Before she’s a professor, she was a mother of two guys. That being said, she knew whenever they are distressed or worried about something.

It was Edward and Suarez’s cue to look at one another—that piece of information is already important to them and now they need to know why Calvin Ferrer was anxious that day. After talking to Calvin’s professor, they tried looking for other clues. But even his locker didn’t provide any clues where he might be, all that’s left in it were books and that was it.

No clues and no leads.

Creek City may be a small town but it is considerably big enough to hide someone who doesn’t want to be found, this is according to Detective Edward. He speculated that Calvin was hiding somewhere and is still inside the city, assuming that Calvin might know something… or maybe he was the one behind all of this.

If he would tie the pieces together, he could simply formulate a theory about the case. It was actually easy with the information given by the professor. Because why would someone that was last seen with a dead person go missing all of a sudden?

An innocent person never has to hide if they didn’t do anything wrong.

There were no twisting words to it. If Calvin is truly innocent, why isn’t he attending his classes? It would only mean that he is hiding and that he’s covering something up. However, Edward is wondering as to why Calvin wouldn’t be attending his classes and hiding all of a sudden? Is Calvin really involved in this mess or is there another reason?

Now, Edward just needs to find Calvin to confirm whether his speculation was right.

“Are you sure that you need to see his files?” The Dean of Paradise View Academy, Richard Johnson, uttered while the files were in his hands, but he was clearly contemplating handing them with such private information—even though they were basically detectives and already showed their badges as identification.

While Edward heaved out an irritated sigh, he reached for the search warrant that was in his folder and handed it towards the dean. “We already showed this to you earlier. And if you’re second guessing this investigation, it will only slow us down.” Aggravated, he presented the piece of paper to his direction.

Richard scratched the back of his head as he saw the warrant. Although, he didn’t bother reading the context in it since his mind was all over the place. Everything was very sudden for him since not just one student is gone but seemingly like another student disappeared. At the back of his mind, he knew that he didn’t sign up for something like this. Even though he wanted to comply with the detective’s favor, there was contemplation in him since what he’s about to do might put the academy in a disadvantage.

And as the dean of the establishment; he didn’t want that to happen.

He cleared his throat, his group on the folder in his hands tightened, seemingly like he didn’t want to let go. “We prioritize our student’s privacy here in Paradise View Academy. It is only right for us to keep such information to ourselves—we promised the students and their family about that. It’s part of the academy’s strict rules and I do hope both of you understand.” Richard said, hiding the file on his back to keep it secure. Not waiting for an answer, he pivoted his heel then was about to place the file back on the cabinet but stopped short in his tracks upon hearing bang.

Edward was furious about what he had heard. He had slammed the search warrant onto the wooden table that had omitted a loud thud, causing Rishard to flinch in his tracks. Shooting daggers onto the dean in front of him, their eyes met. “A student has died, Mr. Johnson! One of your students in this very academy!” he exclaimed, very much angered now. “I don’t think that you still have to decide whether or not you can prioritize your student’s privacy if their lives are at stake!” Edward yelled, enraged by how this man was acting in front of police detectives. In which his case was never new. Hence, he knew exactly how to handle such a person.

“I told you detectives, we honor our student privacy. We couldn’t just give their files to you.” Richard replied with a calm tone as he tried to assess the situation.

Edward snickered, “As I’ve said, Mr. Johnson—you don’t have to get a say about this. We need that file and that could help us find out where Calvin Ferrer might’ve gone to. We told you that he’s not in his apartment and no one knows where he might be as of now. If you don’t cooperate, it won’t be good for you.”

Richard looked over the folder in his hands then at the two men in front of him. Edward clearly asserted much dominance unlike Suarez who stood behind the lead detective. Richard met Suarez’s gaze as if he’s asking for help but the detective remained silent. Richard’s eyes were shaking as his hands were trembling, not because he was afraid of the detectives in front of him. They are probably the last people that he would be afraid of right at this very moment. Sure, he’s the dean of the academy but he isn’t entirely the higher ranking person in the school.

Although, there isn’t much he could do.

If he refused to give what the detectives wanted, he might only put his name on the line. In which, he didn’t want to. It took him years of hardship to get to where he is now. He’s not ready to risk something so big just for a file. That being said, Richard averted his gaze towards both detectives, then noticed how furious Detective Edward was just by looking at him.

Richard hesitated for a bit but he eventually gave in and handed the folder to Edward with much doubt lingering settling inside of him.

Edward didn’t even mutter a ‘thank you’ as he only nodded towards the dean’s direction and exited the room with a loud bang of the door along with Suarez beside him.

Suarez was always the calm one between the two of them. He learned to be more patient in regards to handling cases than Edward. Believing that when they’re both together while investigating a case, if one of them is always carried away by their emotions—which in most cases was Edward—it’s only right for him to be the patient one. Being in that category, Suarez would always be the one who would calm down his partner whenever his things might go out of hand.

Reaching a hand onto Edward’s back, he softly tapped the area, signifying a sign of comfort. “I think you need a breather, Ed,” he offered a soft smile towards his friend. He could still feel his rage even after they had strode towards the car. “This whole case is getting a hold of you. You should calm down. We’re still unsure whether Scarlet was really murdered or—”

That was basically Edward’s cue to cut him off as he scowled at his colleagues’ words. “Detective Manuel, I think that the words coming out of your mouth are nothing but misinformation.” Even though Edward was already fuming, the tone of his voice was different. It was calm, almost serene as he had tried his best to manage his outrage. However, him talking to Suarez using his first name was a sign of warning. The other knew that well enough. “As a detective, we have to see outside the box. We have to conclude even the worst of all speculations,” he continued, voicing out his opinions, his tone oil slicked.

Suarez almost flinched at his tone. He was well aware that his friend was still mad despite the change in his tone but he just can’t seem to disagree with him, “Yes, we are detectives, Ed. I also think that you had long forgotten that our emotions shouldn’t meddle with the cases that we investigate. We should think clearly and shouldn’t act rashly.” Suarez implied as he reached over the car keys inside his pants and entered the car leaving Edward on the other side, waiting for him to do the same.

Edward took a deep breath before crouching over and entered the shotgun seat then slammed the door so forcefully that it banged on both of their ears. Suarez noticed how Edward's actions were different from how he wanted to portray his part. He understood his frustration regarding the case but he just couldn’t stand there idly letting Edward do whatever he wanted.

Suarez turned on the car’s engine but wasn’t showing any signs that he’ll be driving anytime soon. Before they leave the place, he just needs to hear it from Edward—he just wants him to act rational.

“I’m only doing my job, Suarez.” Edward’s voice was low and raspy. Evidently enough, this investigation is taking a toll on his emotions. “It’s only right for me to do what I need to do.”

With how fast the situation escalated, Suarez found himself unable to do anything in terms of what the lead detective did earlier. So instead of stopping Edward, he just stood there at the back, his eyes stuck at the scene unfolding before him. Even though he wanted so badly to interject, no words slipped out of his lips. But now, he wanted to voice it out and somehow reprimand Edward for what he did.

Suarez c****d his head, shifting his eyes to meet Edward’s gaze. “You know that what you did was indeed wrong. We can’t just ask for something like that without the approval of the chief and the court. The warrant was only to investigate inside the school premises—invading the student’s privacy was clearly not part of it. We need to be professional here!” he roared looking directly at Edward—who was now looking at the pavement, avoiding his eyes.

Without meeting Suarez’s eyes, he answered. “I’m the Lead Detective of this case, Detective Suarez. My position is enough for me to decide what I want with this ongoing investigation.”

Edward is a very stubborn man, something that had always been profound ever since Manuel Suarez joined the team. There’s absolutely nothing that could stop him from doing what he wanted to do—one of his traits that would either help him or only damage the case.

“I’m your boss here,” he uttered. “You will listen and follow my instructions. Are we clear here, Detective Suarez?” Edward now met his colleague’s eyes. The worry that had settled inside of Suarez only intensified with how Edward was acting. The way that he let his emotions take control over him was the very reason why all of this reached to this point.

Not only that, he was clearly abusing his power.

Although Edward is his friend, he’s still his work mate, and he witnessed that most of Edward’s hunch turned out to be right. Most of the time, his speculations were true as if he knew exactly what had happened. Edward is a very calculative person. Even though his emotions get a hold of him most times, he makes sure that he only does things that are very much related to the case that could help them move forward and solve them.

He was the best detective for the past years, it had been proven and tested.

Suarez needed to keep in mind that he doesn’t have to worry, he just needs to believe in Edward, his superior, his colleague, and most importantly, his friend.

“Alright, I trust you.” Suarez could only nod and sigh, casted his eyes towards the wheel then maneuvered the car, leaving the premises of the academy.

“That’s all I needed,” he responded, giving Suarez a curt nod.

Silence befall inside the confinement of the car. The two detectives didn’t have a knack of listening to radio music whenever they’re on the road as they both prefer silence. It didn’t really bother them not to talk to each other all the time while they’re in the car since it’d been a routine for them anyway. Both of them would only talk nonstop if they’re reviewing cases while they’re on the road.

Edward was looking over the unopened file on his lap. He can’t seem to ponder and think about the dean’s actions earlier. There was something so mysterious about the way he had acted in front of the police detectives. It seemed as though he was hiding something.

What could he be hiding from the police detectives?

Edward was certain that Richard Johnson knew something, or else why was he so anxious about handling a certain file to the detectives? Is there something inside the file that Richard Johnson didn’t want the detectives to find about?

Before opening the file, he glanced over to Suarez who was busy driving towards the exit of the academy’s premises. Edward became guilty of what he had done—raising his voice and using his authority on his mere friend wasn’t entirely his intention. But Suarez needed to learn to be a more firm and authoritative detective. He needed to be strong and this is the only way Edward could think of to let him learn.

Suarez always had a soft spot for other people, something that could clearly hinder doing his work. And Edward had always secretly hated that very trait of him. It’s obviously not a bad thing to sympathize with other people that they investigate with but it has always interfered with the investigation.

Edward knew that Suarez is a great detective and not an amateur one with his capabilities while doing their jobs—he just needs to be tougher.

“Do you really thought that this wasn’t a murder case?” Edward suddenly pondered out loud, earning a once-over from Suarez before returning his full focus on the road. His mind can’t seem to shrug off the idea that someone in his team is opposed to what he was doing–that somewhat his colleagues were thinking that this was just an easy case. “Do you think we’re just wasting our time?” he added, trying to understand Suarez’s perspective.

The mere statement caught Suarez’s attention, he quickly peered over at his colleague. “At first I thought it was just accidental,” he released a deep sigh as he continued his focus on the road and then resumed with his thoughts. “But as we got to interview other witnesses, I think it was indeed odd. I’m also curious about what has happened,” he casted his eyes back to Edward and muttered, “I think Scarlet’s death was homicide.”

It was true that Suarez thought that Scarlet might’ve killed herself but as they got to interview her parents and her friends, there’s clearly some underlying events that they’re still not aware of that might’ve been the real reason why Scarlet perished. With all the loose ends in their part and information that they’ve gathered, it was safe to say that Scarlet’s didn’t kill herself but someone might be behind all of these.

Hearing that statement had caused an igniting feeling in Edward’s system, to the point that it sent shivers down his spine. All of a sudden, a boost of confidence traveled through his veins. It's always given him comfort whenever other people would agree about his theory—giving him a sense of indication that others were thinking the same way that he was.

In line with his work, when two or more people would come to the same conclusion, there’s a high possibility that the deduction may be accurate.

Edward’s lips had plastered a smile, “I think so too, Suarez.” And with that, he had opened the file in his grasp. Scanning the document, there was no information that had stood out to him.

Calvin Ferrer is just any other student, his grades were flanking, that he had noticed. Almost five subjects he failed and the other subjects he just barely passed. However he had violated a lot of regulations inside the school, including violence, cheating, and… drug possession. He’d been admitted to detention and community service numerous times already. Aside from that, there were some extracurricular activities he engaged with that supported him not to be expelled from school.

The lead detective continued reading through the files, gathering as much information that he could. Calvin is a part of their basketball team, one that has earned countless championships and trophies for the school. Paradise View Academy has always been the defending champion when it comes to tournaments and play-offs between different schools.

He was also hailed as the most valuable player in each competition.

A very reason alone that they couldn’t have the guts to expel him. The school was gaining something from him in return despite his reputation with his characteristics, grades, and violations. Is this the reason why Dean Richard does not want to hand him the file? Because they were clearly hiding the fact that Calvin was doing something illegal, but the academy didn’t do anything about it aside from making him attend detention and community service? As if that’s enough punishment for the guy? Or that they only sanctioned him since the academy is benefitting with his athletic achievements?

Edward shook his head, disbelieving what he just read. There is one thing that had caught his eyes though—the only thing that he thinks that could give them any leads.

“Suarez, stop the car,” he abruptly spoke. In which Suarez stepped on the brake too hastily due to the shock and glanced over to Edward with confusion etched over his face.

“Why? What happened?” he asked, heart hammering inside his ribcage, his eyebrow furrowed together as he was gripping tightly on the steering wheel as he asked the question. However, his friend didn't answer right away.

In a short breath, Edward answered, “Turn the car around.”