Behind The Lies by Mark Beckner (the chimp paradox .txt) 📗

wants to wait until 5:30 tomorrow night when they can be alone.

Friday, November 13th

At 6:30 pm, Chief Carson walks into the office to get the latest update. She has just returned after an interview for the 6:00 news and realizes there is a frenzy in the community over Wendy’s death. Rumors are spreading throughout the community. The most common rumor is that Wendy Spire has been raped and beaten to death behind the school. The police have not officially released Wendy’s name, but it has gotten out from school and family friends.

“Where are we at?” asks Chief Carson.

“We have a good suspect, Aaron Livingston,” says Detective Walker. “We know the death was from strangulation, but no sexual assault. We’ve found text messages on the victim’s phone from a secret admirer who eventually identified himself as Aaron Livingston. They had developed a texting relationship of some sort. He claimed to have a scarf belonging to her, but nothing like that was found at the scene. He may still have possession of it. Based on the text and statements from a couple of witnesses, Livingston and the victim agreed to meet last night after school. We also found a ring near the scene with the initials A.L., and a vehicle matching one owned by Mrs. Livingston was observed parked in the area around the time of the planned meeting. We have an officer watching the house. Lights are on, but no activity has been reported. We are currently working on a search warrant for the car. If we see him attempt to leave, or return home, our officer will stop him.”

“Okay, it sounds like things are progressing well,” Chief Carson responds with a pleased tone. “That’s good, as the rumors are flying out there and the press is all over this. I’m sure this Livingston kid is well aware of what is going on. When will we be contacting this kid?”

“Probably tomorrow morning,” chimes in Baker. “Unless we see him outside the house before then. We need to finish up this search warrant and get it before a judge sometime tonight. In the meantime, Patrol has been told not to let anyone in the car. We will get some rest tonight, then contact him and his mom first thing in the morning.”

“And forensics?” asks the Chief.

“We have asked the lab to put a rush on testing what we’ve collected. They know this is a big deal for us here,” says Walker. “Probably Monday at the earliest.”

The Chief nods her approval as she starts to leave. “We need to make an arrest on this soon.”

At 7:00 pm, Sgt. Thomas returns to the office with additional witness statements. He and his officers have been working all day talking with students and school teachers. Thomas describes for detectives the personality and demeanor of Aaron Livingston as a shy, introverted personality, and known as a good student who has never been in trouble. Two of Aaron’s friends, Timmy Goodman and Harold Best confirmed that Aaron had been texting Wendy for several days with the help of Brad McGivens and that Aaron was going to finally meet Wendy on Thursday evening after school. He was nervous about being embarrassed or humiliated, but was excited about meeting her.

“Brad McGivens, is that the football player?” asks Walker.

“That’s him,” says Thomas.

“Did we talk to him yet?”

“No, by the time his name came up, he was nowhere around. After the school grounds were closed, football practice was moved to Whalen High School. The team has a big game tomorrow.”

“No problem,” says Walker. “We can contact him later. He probably has no idea he was helping set that girl up to be killed.”

By 10:30 pm, the affidavit for the search warrant is completed. The on-call judge agrees to meet the detectives first thing Saturday morning to review the paperwork and issue the warrant. Walker and Baker agree to be back in the office by 7:00 am Saturday.

“It’s been one hell of a Friday the thirteenth, that’s for sure,” states Walker as they walk out of the building.

Friday, November 13th

8:05 am

Aaron Livingston does not know school has been canceled because he does not get up for school. After what happened last night, there is no way he can go. He tossed and turned all night long worrying about what happened. How could he have been so stupid? When asked about going to school, Aaron tells his mother he is feeling ill and cannot go. Aaron does not want to talk to anyone, so he shuts off his phone. He just wants to be left alone. During the remainder of the morning, Aaron falls into and out of sleep several times.

12:10 pm

Shortly after noon, Aaron’s mother, Megan Livingston, comes rushing into Aaron’s bedroom. “Aaron! Get up! Do you know what happened last night at the school?” she shouts.

“Huh?” says Aaron. How could she know? he thinks.

“A girl was found dead behind the school! It’s all over the news.”

Aaron quickly sits up in bed, “WHAT!?” he exclaims.

“Yes, a girl has been found dead, apparently killed by someone. The school has been closed and police have cordoned everything off.”

Oh my god, thinks Aaron.

“They aren’t saying who it is right now,” says his mom.

Aaron is stunned and does not know what to say. He can feel his body start to shake and it feels like his face is burning up.

“I’m going to keep watching the news and will let you know what they say.”

Aaron just stares at his mom as wild thoughts start to swirl through his head.

“How are you feeling Aaron?”

“Not well, mom.”

“Well, you keep resting and I’ll get you something to eat. I’ll also keep you updated on the news.”

Aaron isn’t very hungry, but he needs something to drink, as his mouth is very dry. Aaron’s mom brings him some chicken noodle soup and hot tea. Aaron eats what he can, which isn’t much.

Meanwhile, Brad McGivens is preparing for an afternoon practice at Whalen High School. The team is in final preparations for the league