Beaut

“...her body was found in the school’s auditorium early this morning…” the car radio plays from the speaker. Jeff turns it off mumbling “God damnit…”. Jeff Marquette is a gym teacher at Windcreek High School. Jeff’s 1996 Volkswagen Jetta turns into the long driveway of his co-workers house.

A larger man walks out of the house shortly after Jeff arrives. The man is well over 6 feet, out of shape, hair unkempt and looks as if he just woke up. As he tucks in his too-tight shirt he approaches the car. He swings the car door open and sinks into the car.

“Jesus, Oliver… you look terrible.” Jeff says concerned.

“...long night, couldn’t sleep” The man replies.

Oliver Goode is the science teacher, recently divorced. His aroma quickly fills the car, it’s a strong smell of last nights alcohol.

“You can’t keep coming to work like this, man.” Jeff says concerned.

Oliver sits in silence, eventually turning on the radio.

“..econd murder this month.” Jeff quickly turns it off.

“God damnit.” Oliver says quietly

Squad cars and News crews litter the school parking lot. As the teachers approach the school they are stopped by an Officer.

“Faculty badge?”

Jeff and Oliver extend their WCHS lanyards.

“Please report to the gymnasium.”

Loud chatter fills the small gym. There are three men in uniform in the middle of the gym. One man stands out among the rest. He’s recognizable due to his last visit to Windcreek. His name is James Weatherford, the Lieutenant of the WCPD.

“Teacher’s and staff, thank you for your time today. As we all know, another murder happened on school grounds. Unfortunately, we have to do the same drill as last time. We have More officers here today to speed up the questioning process. Please see an officer, after that you are free to go about your day. Thanks again for your time.”

The staff stands up out of the bleachers and creates lines in front of the officers.

“Jeff what did you do last night?” Oliver’s query comes quickly yet quietly.

“It was Sunday night, dinner and bowling with my brother. You know that.” Jeff says sharply

“Tell them I was there.” Oliver demands, wiping the sweat off of his brow.

“What? Oliver, tell me what the fuck is going on.”

“Jeff, calm down man, I didn’t kill anyone. I’ll tell you about it after this. Just please…” Oliver quickly retorts.

After a long thought, Jeff nods.

“Fine.”

Jeff arrives to the car first. Quickly taking out his phone, he pulls up his contacts and sends a text to Cindy.

[Hey I’ll be over soon, I have to take this idiot home quick.]

                                                                  [ Ok! Can’t wait to see you ;) xoxo]

As Jeff sees Oliver walking out of the school, he deletes the texts. Opening the door, Oliver exhales heavily entering the car.

“D-did you mention that I was with you?” Oliver is clearly stressed out.

“Yeah dude, just tell me what the fuck is going on.” Jeff demands.

“I can’t really tell you, I just have to show you. It’s something I’ve been working on since the divorce. Last night I was somewhere acquiring parts if you know what I mean.” Oliver has a smile on his face.

“Oh fuck, you just stole something? Damn dude you had me fucking scared.” Jeff laughs

The teachers arrive at Oliver’s house and exit the car, talking about the recent Packer game while laughing.

“Alright man, I’ll be honest, I’m excited to see what made you steal.” Jeff chuckles.

The guys both walk into Oliver’s house. The living room is filthy, bags of fast-food are stuffed full of garbage, scattered about the floor. The kitchen is worse. Oliver has resorted to paper plates, instead of washing any of his. Jeff doesn’t mind, understanding that Oliver has had a rough time since the divorce.

“Alright, it’s all set up downstairs. She’s a beaut.” Oliver excitedly proclaims.

The basement is unfinished, cement floors and walls. Dimly lit, with a smell of dank mildew. A large box of some sort is being covered by a tarp. “Go on, pull it off” Oliver says to Jeff.

Jeff pulls off the tarp, revealing a cage. A woman is naked, laying on the floor of the cage, hands and feet bound by rope. It’s Cindy, Oliver’s ex wife. Her mouth is taped shut, though there is no way of her making noise anymore.

Oliver throws her cell phone towards Jeff’s feet.

“Ain’t she a beaut?”