Uchay Writes

Crime and ‘The Weird’. A young man goes through diary entries to figure out the strange death of Thomas Jones.

It was Monday morning and Isaac was sitting in his father’s office, scanning the room. It wasn’t much; there weren’t any decorations except the big money plant by the door. The desk was huge though and stacked with lots of files and paper. Isaac was itching to look through them; he could only imagine what kind of cases could be among them. His father, Dt. Benjamin Johnson, was happy that his son was interested in his work field and only thought it right that he let him come at least once to see what he does. Isaac was elated that his father let him come with him to work. He always loved watching crime documentaries and detective shows. He had the knack of figuring out who the culprit was before it was revealed.

As Isaac was about to draw close to sifting through the papers, his father entered, “Isaac, I’m sorry, but something important has come up and won’t be able to show you around today.”

Isaac was of course disappointed and about to tell his father that it was okay and understood the urgency of his father’s work when his father cut in, “but there is something you may be interested in, follow me.” Before Isaac could ask any questions, his father left the room and Isaac rushed after him. They walked down the hallway past many rooms, saying good morning to whoever they bumped into. They then went through the double doors at the end and descended the flight of stairs to the basement, entering through the double doors, and into the first room on the right with the golden plaque which read “Cold Case Room”. Isaac felt excitement rise in him. The room had the typical layout of a library with high bookcases and multiple rows with stickers with code description, but instead of books there were boxes.

“This here is our cold case room, some cases haven’t been solved in up to 40 years some even more, you can look through them if you please and I’ll call you so we can go out for lunch.”

Isaac grinned and replied “Yeah sure, this is sick! Maybe I can even solve some.” His father laughed and left the room.

Isaac immediately began looking through boxes; each box had a number code and title, but what caught his eye was the box labelled “Gerald Pier mystery”. He recognised the pier which coincidently was a hot spot for him and his friends. Picking up the surprisingly light box, he ventured towards the sizeable desk in the corner of the room. He then sat on the swivel chair and opened the box: three sheets of paper and a diary. One piece of paper contained the deceased’s information:

Name: Thomas Jones

Age: 20

DOB: 12th June 1989

Time of death: Saturday morning 25th September 2009 05:00 – 07:15 (found by group of teenagers that afternoon)

Cause of death: Unknown

Next of kin: Mother: Sally Ford

Witness(es): None

Suspect(s): ‘Ria Seline’

The other two sheets were photographs, one of Thomas alive and the other of his corpse. It was truly bizarre, his skin was a faint grey, cheeks hollow and eyes were still open but had lost all form of life; the once hazel eyes in his portrait photo were black as night in the other, how could that have happened?

He then moved onto the diary, flipping through the pages, Thomas didn’t write much but there were four diary entries written throughout the summer up until the 23rd of September.

Monday 19th September 2009

Dear Diary,

I met the most beautiful woman today! There’s only 1 week until the summer holidays are over, the gods must have wanted to give me an extra treat. Can’t believe 3 months are almost up.  Because I didn’t want to think about the looming doom of university, Jamie, his girlfriend and I decided to go the park for a picnic. Third wheeling again. It’s ok, I’m used to it, but mum can’t seem to comprehend that it’s okay to be single at 23 and feel no shame being the only single one out of your friends. Actually, that may be a little bit of a lie. I’m comfortable the way I’m living now; I like my own company, you know? But whenever my friends are loved up around me I can’t help but think sometimes what it would be like to have a special someone of my own. Anyways, mum’s always like: “Why don’t you follow your friends’ example?”, “you really ought to start thinking about meeting a nice girl”, “you can’t keep following your friends around forever you know, they’ll want to have their own family and cut you out, what will you do then?” Honestly it grinds my gears sometimes, but I know she’s only looking out for me. Plus I know she’s always wanted a daughter but after dad cleared off she’s never had any other child after me; though I have no intention of getting married in the near future, you must be mad!

So the girl. Let me set the scene, I’ve replayed it a million times in my head already. The sun was at its highest point. Luckily, I brought my sunscreen, can’t forget that SPF 50! Little children were laughing, playing in the summer’s heat and the water from the sprinklers cooling them down as they ran through them. But on the bench in the corner of the park, a girl sat alone watching the scene, same as me. The trees hid her from being noticed too much, but not from me. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. The girl sat still, didn’t move a muscle, her milky brown skin glistened in the sunlight, braids framing her heart shaped face. Even from where I was sat I noticed how voluptuous and full her lips were, shiny probably from gloss.

I felt this urge to go talk to her; I turned to my friends to give an excuse so I could leave them, not wanting to tell them the real reason, but fortunately both were napping, basking in the sun. I felt bad because they had pretty bad sunburn when I returned. I put on my flip flops which were on the edge of the blanket and made my way over. I’ve never had much luck with women – it was always one-night stands, or maximum of 2 dates before me and her would never speak again. But this time something felt right, a connection which I couldn’t and still can’t explain. When I made my way up to the bench, the woman looked up, smiled and said how it was a beautiful day and summer was her favourite season. I didn’t know what I expected her to sound like but it was low, sultry and soothing to listen to.  I agreed that summer was amazing and that I was soaking it all in before it ends. Surprisingly she asked if we could take a walk because she was tired of sitting and watching, I said yes of course, almost too quickly, I really don’t know what came over me. She stood up gracefully; her slender legs were accentuated by her short summer dress and cleavage more noticeable with her purple gem which hung on a silver chain around her neck. The purple gem sparkled brightly in the sunlight, causing me to squint slightly. She followed my gaze and smiled wide enough that her dimples showed. She lifted her hand to the necklace and held the gem in the palm of her hand, explaining that it was an Amethyst gemstone which was passed down through her family as it protects her soul and provides strength. “It’s basically like a dream catcher or good luck charm” I said and she replied “sort of” with a smile on her face.

After that we walked off into the field, talking, laughing, and getting to know each other, found out her name is Ria, Ria Seline. I bet I looked so scruffy in my cargo shorts and white tee but she didn’t seem to mind. I also found out she also has a mum, and like me always has to listen to the complaints of being single. She was a year younger than me but the way she spoke was well beyond her years. I hung on every word, like I was in a trance. Our time was cut short when her phone rung. It was already 5pm, but it was still bright as day. Her mum wanted her home for something. I really wished our conversation hadn’t finished. I then remembered that my own friends must have wondered where I went. We hugged and when we pulled back we stared into each other’s eyes; it seemed like ages, I was entranced by her deep brown eyes. Then we both leaned in and softly touched lips. It was then something came over me and the natural movement of our lips became more passionate, almost aggressive, her hand caressing my hair and my hand cupping her face.

Ria pulled away first and as I looked into her eyes, I thought I saw a flash of purple form them but it went away when I blinked, I think it must have been the trick of the sun or reflection of the Amethyst.

We managed to swap numbers and agreed to meet up the next day at the park again, I honestly can’t wait. It’s only 10pm but I feel so drained, I must have been out in the sun for too long because after the kiss I felt a little woozy. Anyways I’ll be back in 2 days to write about our…date? I guess you could call it that.

Ok signing off.

T

Isaac thought this was just a normal situation of a guy taking a liking to a girl, though it was a bit strange that they kissed upon first meeting.  Maybe that’s how she lured him in, Isaac thought. He turned to the next diary entry, interested in how the park date went:

Wednesday 21st September 2009

Dear Diary,

The date was amazing! I felt a little groggy beforehand but seeing Ria really lifted my spirits. I was so exhausted yesterday, mum says I was dehydrated, and that I don’t drink enough water which I must admit is sort of true because I prefer a cold beer than a glass of water. I was in bed all day with a wet flannel to my forehead, I wasn’t sure whether I could even make it to the date today but this morning I could move around much better, I seemed to have lost a bit of weight too because I wasn’t able to really digest anything; really doesn’t help because I’m already a slim lad.

 Anyway, we decided to have a little picnic date, it felt so magical, I thought it a bit soppy me bringing candles, especially when at 6pm it wasn’t too dark and was quite warm, but she seemed happy all the same. I bought her a bunch of red roses too, I watched her as she smelt them and then gently touched my thigh as she thanked me. Her touch makes me so tingly. I found out more about her family today, it was quite depressing, she said it was the 5th year anniversary of her father’s death from a heart attack. I guess I was her shoulder to lean on?

I think she must like me the same as I like her or she wouldn’t have come on a date with me. Me! Out of all people. We ate sushi and chocolate covered strawberries, washed down with a bottle of red wine. I’m still a bit tipsy now actually. I must have drunk more than her; I hope I didn’t say anything too stupid. It was around 8pm when we packed up decided to say our goodbyes. She leant in for a kiss, but I was scared to kiss her because of the amount on wine I drank. Ria didn’t care though, she reached out and pulled me against her; she was surprisingly quite strong. The same feeling as the other day came back and passion overcame me. I really don’t know what happened but the next thing I remembered was waking up in my bed. Mum said I stumbled through the door; I had had too much to drink. I texted Ria to make sure she was alright and if I did anything dumb, to which she texted back that I had passed out and she had called me a cab to take me home. I apologised for my insolence. I felt like such a fool, but she said it was fine and that I looked cute when I was asleep, sending me a picture of me sprawled on the grass in the park. I laughed at myself, I’m so stupid. But the picture looked a bit off, my cheeks looked sunken and my under eyes looked a little dark, maybe it was the poor condition I was in yesterday, maybe I do need to look after myself more carefully. Better sort it or mum will get worried.

 I just checked the time, it’s 2am now and I’m absolutely knackered.

T

Isaac laughed at the entry, he knew too well the effects of a drunken night out, but unlike Thomas the places he had woken up in were quite questionable. So far, he couldn’t see what faults Ria had. There were only two entries left:

Thursday 22nd September 2009

Dear Diary,

I had the strangest dream. I don’t know where I was, but it smelt of the sea, so I assume I much have been at the beach. I couldn’t move, it was like I was pinned to the ground, sand to be more specific. It was very dark and the moon was the only source of light. I tried to call out for help but whenever I tried to scream, it came out muffled. I was so scared, tears streamed down the sides of my face. No one was there. No one was there to help me. The next thing I knew I was breathing very heavy, like there was a lack of oxygen. I was taking deep breaths whilst my chest was burning. I thought I was going to die. But then I heard the crunch of someone’s footsteps, they weren’t loud, but I knew they were coming towards me. A sudden fear came over me – who was it? What did they want? The footsteps became louder and louder until they stopped. They were standing above me. It was too dark for me to make out who it was, but I could tell it was a woman. The only thing I could see was her eyes, which were a bright purple, glowing brightly in the dark. There was something shining on her chest, but I couldn’t really tell what it was because it was hidden underneath her top. Strangely, I wasn’t afraid; I felt some kind of comfort from her presence. She then straddled me and she bent down, I could feel her warm breath on my face. I totally forgot about how I couldn’t move or that no one else was around. Before I could react, her lips were on mine, our lips were moving in sync. But then this is where it gets even more confusing. The longer I kissed her, the more tired and weaker I became. I opened my eyes to see if I could make out anything and saw her eyes were wide open staring at me. Her eyes were no longer purple but bright gold. She then pulled away, but as she pulled away, I also felt as if something was also being pulled away from me, my breathing had become slower, I tried to speak but I didn’t have the strength to open my mouth. The woman got off me and walked away, her footsteps crunched in the sand until I could hear no more, leaving me for dead. I woke up sweating like mad this morning. I could barely stand. It was a beautiful nightmare?

When I went into the bathroom this morning, I noticed that my face looked quite pale, plus my cheekbones were even worse than in that picture. I’ve been in bed all day doing nothing. Think I might just have to book an appointment to see the doctors tomorrow…

 I wonder what Ria is doing now. I really want to see her before I leave for university, but in the condition I’m in now I’m scared I won’t.

–

Isaac was rattled by Thomas’ dream. What could it have meant? He was also worried about Thomas’ health, even though it didn’t really matter now, but he wished that Thomas did pay more careful attention to himself instead of chasing after this Ria woman.

Isaac checked the last diary entry which was the shortest out of the four and was quite hard to read since the writing was a little sloppy and very light as if someone was too weak to write, but this is what it said:

Friday 23rd September 2009

Dear Diary,

Ria just called me, she sounded upset. She didn’t really say what happened, but she said I had a beautiful soul, that she’s lucky she met me and I made her week worthwhile. She said I helped her survive. I think I love her. It’s now 9pm and she’s asked me to meet her at the pier, it’s something important. I agreed but I’m not feeling so good, I could barely hold the phone up while speaking to her but I have to be strong for her. I have to.

T

There was nothing else in the diary. Isaac frantically went over the pages ages, reading through the entries to make sure he didn’t miss anything, but that was all. She was the last one to see him, who else could it be? She must have done something to him at the pier, there was no other explanation. Just as he was racking his brain for anymore solutions his father called him, saying he’s on his break now.

“Dad, could you come down here a sec?”

When Dt. Johnson came down and listened to Isaac’s issue he sighed deeply. “This was such an odd case, poor Thomas; no one knows exactly what happened to him.”

“But Dad it was obviously Ria, why wasn’t she arrested?”

“Ria Selina if I remember correctly. She does not exist,” his father replied.

Isaac was taken aback, “What do you mean?”

“As in we asked everyone if they knew her, we checked the database, we checked everywhere and it really didn’t help that there were no cameras in the park or surrounding the pier. The name didn’t come up; we had no leads, no nothing so the case went cold. But there is one thing which bothers me.”

“What?” Isaac asked.

“Nineteen years ago, a man was also found on a pier dead. All the life was drained out of him. His eyes looked as dead as Thomas’ and his body was very thin, almost corpse-like”

“What’s strange about that? There are murders which have similar circumstance all the time-“Isaac challenged.

“-But”, his father interjected, “the friends of the man nineteen years ago also had a diary in which he was seeing a woman, her name was never mentioned, but she also had a similar description and gemstone necklace. Said that it was to nourish her soul.”

“What are you implying?” Isaac asked. His father shrugged.

“Nothing, let’s go for lunch okay, can’t waste my break.”

–

You could say that the story ends here, but the truth is a story never ends. For lunch they went to the café across the street from the office. As they entered the couple who were sitting by the door had got up. Perfect timing. One of the workers rushed over and cleaned the surface with a damp cloth. The two men sat in their seats and decided what was best to satisfy their hunger. As his father was still looking at the menu, Isaac scanned the café: an old woman chewing on some toast, a man and his daughter who has ketchup smeared on her cheek and then he saw her. A young woman at the very back in the corner, prodding the tomatoes in her salad but not actually eating. Her face looked forlorn. Isaac furrowed his eyebrows, what was wrong? While his father ordered their food, he plucked up the courage to go speak to her.

“Are you okay?” She smiled at his concern.

They exchanged a few words and to express her gratitude she gave him a peck on the cheek. Her purple charms on her bracelet rattled as she wrote her number on a napkin. Isaac watched her as she got up and left. He was smitten.