As students, teachers and parents started to head home, Headmaster De Jesus approached Mimi, Dan, Kate, Jon, May, Martin, Nikki and Ashley who are huddled in a corner planning something.
"I know that even though we already advised everyone to go home, your group won't unless we have a lead on Libby. So, here's what I suggest. Head home first, change your clothes because it will be difficult to do anything with gowns and suits, then let's meet at Libby's house."
"Okay Headmaster," Martin said. He then turned to the group. "Mimi I'll take you home. I can change my clothes here, I have a spare at my dad's office. Just wait for me here. Ashley, we can also take you home."
"Okay," Mimi and Ashley replied. Martin walks towards the school buildings.
"I'll bring Kate home first. Then we'll head to Libby's," said Dan.
"I also have a change of clothing in my mom's office. Wait for me here. My mom will probably go with the other security officers at Libby's," said May.
"I'll take May home. We'll meet you at Libby's," Jon said.
"Be careful guys," said Mimi while Dan, Kate, Jon and May walked towards their cars in the parking lot. May went to the school buildings where her mom's office is located. She looked at Ashley.
"Let's sit over there Ashley," said Mimi pointing to a bench nearby.
"I hope Libby is okay," Ashley said sadly.
"Yeah, me too," said Mimi.
They watched the other students walking towards the parking area to their cars or to wait for their parents. Students wearing magnificent and beautiful ball gowns and wonderful suits, just to go home. Mimi sighed. This person who took Libby does not only affected Libby or her circle of friends, but all the Grade 9 and 10 students.
They saw Martin and Nikki running towards them. They already changed their clothes.
"C'mon, my driver is nearby. My parents will drop by later at Libby's. They just need to meet with the board members," said Martin.
"My mom will also go there later. They just need to meet with the security team," said Nikki.
"Okay, let's go to Ashley's house first so she can change her clothes. Then to my house," Mimi said while they were walking.
The four rode up Martin's car. As planned, they went to Ashley's first, then Mimi's, then Libby's house. When they arrived, they can feel the tension. They saw that Dan and Kate were already there talking to Libby's dad. Headmaster De Jesus is with Libby's mom. After a while, Martin's parents, Nikki's mom and the other security officers, Jon, May also arrived. The detectives gather everyone in the living room where it's the most spacious room in the house and the briefing started. Detective Zapanta went in front.
"So here's what we know so far. Around 10 o'clock in the morning, Miss Liberty Belle Morales was last seen at the school entrance talking to someone. By six o'clock in the evening she was reported missing. We immediately send out men to check on our first suspect's house - Coach Bradley. Upon checking, we confirmed that there's no one in the house and according to neighbors the house was vacant for a week already. His parents wasn't able to contact him also. But we asked for possible locations where Coach Bradley might hide for situations like this and we're still waiting for reports as of now." She opened a projector and played Libby's CCTV footage at the school. "This is Miss Morales' last footage at the school. Her friends," Detective Zapanta pointed to Mimi, Dan and their friends. "pointed out upon seeing this footage that Miss Morales is talking to a woman. And with that info, we called upon an expert to study this footage who played and watched it scene by scene, part by part, and came to the conclusion that this is indeed a woman." She stopped for a moment then distribute folders to everyone containing information of possible suspects. " Inside the folder, you can find the information of Coach Bradley, Miss Jimenez, Wilson the student teacher, and Nick Molina who pretended to be a private investigator previously. Headmaster De Jesus can you fill us in?" Detective Zapanta called the Headmaster.
"This information was submitted to us when Coach Bradley, Miss Jimenez and Wilson applied for a teaching position at our school. Before we hire someone, you see, we conduct a thorough background check - from your current and previous address, parents or relative's address and information, assets like house, car, building or farm either owned or rented, bank accounts and contact persons. All of this info is in this folders. As per Mr. Nick Molina, those info came from Miss Libby Morales and her mystery club when they were investigating the cheating scheme at our school." After his explanation, he went back to his seat.
"Thank you Headmaster," said Detective Zapanta. "As you all know, we've already sent operatives to this locations," He said while holding the folder up. He also pulled a big white board in front with a map. He circled the possible locations of all four suspects. "Upon checking," He pointed at Mr. Nick Molina's possible locations "Mr. Molina was found at his parent's house. He said that Coach Bradley tried to contact him last week but he didn't answer his calls and didn't replied to his messages. He was actually sulking because he was fired from his job due to the favor he gave Coach Bradley last time. He even gave the numbers that Coach Bradley used in contacting him. Even so, I still put two officers to monitor his every move." He crossed Mr. Molina's location at the map. "As for Wilson's, detectives were dispatched to his and his girlfriend's house and he is there. Same to Mr. Molina's statement, Coach Bradley also tried to contact him but he also did not entertain him." He crossed out Wilson's locations on the map also. "For Miss Jimenez, it's a different story." He showed Libby's CCTV footage again focusing on the last part where Libby is talking to someone. He paused the video then point on that someone. "According to analysis, this person talking to Miss Morales is Miss Jimenez." Whispers were heard all around the room. "Like the previous locations, we sent out operatives to Miss Jimenez' locations. But what we've learned there bothered and confused us. Maybe you can help us Headmaster De Jesus," Detective Zapanta turned to the Headmaster.
"Sure Detective," answered Headmaster De Jesus. "What did you learn there?"
"My people had talked to Miss Jimenez' mother, who is bedridden by the way. She said that after Miss Jimenez was fired at the school, she tried applying to other schools but when they learned of Miss Jimenez' involvement in the cheating scheme at St Paula no one wants to hire her. Last week Coach Bradley visited in their house and convinced Miss Jimenez to do something. The mother said that she heard Coach Bradley and Miss Jimenez argued. Because Miss Jimenez blamed Coach Bradley for everything and that she did not want to be involved with him. The mother also said that before Coach Bradley go he threatened Miss Jimenez."
"So, if Miss Jimenez didn't connived with Coach Bradley what is she doing at the school this morning?" asked Dan.
"Actually that's the confusing part at first," answered Detective Zapanta. "But the mother explained it to us. She said that Miss Jimenez told her everything. And also said that she needs to do something to warn the school and Miss Libby Morales regarding Coach Bradley's plan."
"So assuming that she was at the school to warn Libby? Why so late? If Coach Bradley went to her last week, why is she sending warning just today?" asked Mimi.
"That's the second confusing part," said Detective Zapanta. "But the mother said that Miss Jimenez has been sending email and snail mail to the school addressed to Headmaster De Jesus and the security officers. Did you receive any letter Headmaster?"
"No detective, I haven't," answered Headmaster De Jesus. "All my letters went through the security office first. And as for email, maybe it returned to her, we blocked any incoming emails from Miss Jimenez, Coach Bradley and Wilson."
"How about you Sir?" Detective Zapanta turned to the security officers.
Nikki's mom and her boss - the head of security looked at each other. The head of security went in front to face Detective Zapanta and to hand over something. "This came in today," he said while handing over an envelope. "We only saw it after the announcement tonight. Everyone was so busy. It's unmarked and unsigned so we didn't looked into at it first. When we saw what's inside, we immediately held a meeting and rushed here."
Detective Zapanta opened the envelope and pulled out a letter.
"Hi, this is from Miss Carol Jimenez. I didn't put my name outside the envelope because it might be rejected. Anyway, I am writing this letter to warn everyone especially Miss Liberty Morales. Coach Bradley approached me last week. He has a plan to sabotage the prom and hurt everyone particularly Miss Morales. He's angry. Very angry that no matter what I say to him, he made up his mind regarding his revenge. And he wants me to help him. He also said that he is contacting Wilson and Mr. Molina. I already told him that I'm not interested for a revenge and that I already accepted the school's punishment. But he won't hear me and continued telling me all of his plans. In case you opened this letter too late - meaning whatever Coach Bradley planned is already executed, go to this address: Km 31 National Hi way Brgy Dolores, San Pedro. There's an abandoned warehouse there owned by Coach Bradley's cousin. I hope it's not too late and this letter helps you."
There's like a silence for a second then chaos. Detective Zapanta commanded his people. He and a team of ten detectives will go to the location indicated in the letter. A call is being made to the local police station assigned to San Pedro for coordination and stake out. They prepared their things. Headmaster De Jesus approached them.
"Detective, can some of us go with you? Maybe some of us can help. We can talk to Coach Bradley if needed."
Detective Zapanta think for a moment before answering.
"All right. But no kids," and he pointed to Libby's friends whom heard what the detective and Headmaster De Jesus' conversation.
Libby's dad joined them.
"Detective, I would like to accompany you. I want to know and check for myself if my daughter is okay," he said.
Detective Zapanta nodded.
It was agreed that Libby's dad, Headmaster De Jesus, the school's head of security and Coach Bradley's dad (who came suddenly and said that he wants to help them) will go with the team of Detective Zapanta.
They assembled outside and with a final meeting headed to San Pedro where the local police is waiting. The police reported that they already sent people at Coach Bradley's location and confirmed that Coach Bradley was indeed spotted. They already canvassed the surroundings and will await the team of Detective Zapanta for the next move.
When the team went away, the ones left gathered at the living room. Still present are the school owners (Martin's parents), Libby's mom and sister Grace, Dan and his parents, Kate, Nikki and her mom with the other security officers, Mimi, Martin, May, Jon and Ashley and a couple of detectives that was assigned to the house. All are still worried. Of course, no question, they all want to go but Detective Zapanta forbid them, saying they might hinder the rescue. Headmaster De Jesus and Libby's dad assured them that they will keep them posted every thirty minutes to update them of Libby's situation.
Grace, Dan's mom approached Libby's mom. "Melinda, is it okay if I use the kitchen? I'll prepare some food for all of us," Grace asked.
Libby's mom nodded. "I'll help you," she answered and stood up.
Martin's mom Stephanie also stood up. "I'll help too. We brought donuts and coffee also." The three moms then headed to the kitchen.
Mimi stood up. "Let's help out. We can't just be sitting here."
Dan also stood up. "I'll clean the dining room. Kate will you help me?" He turned to his girlfriend.
"Sure babe," Kate answered smiling.
"We'll organize here at the living room," Nikki said and signalled to Jon and Ashley.
At the dining room, Jon started to clean quietly, he picked up dirty plates and glasses from the table and put them on the sink where Kate was already starting to wash the dishes. Jon looked at Kate. She's still wearing a bit of make up from last night's event, her hair still was in curls. They only managed to change clothes last night and headed here at Libby's. He sighed. Kate looked at him.
"Babe, I know you're worried, we all are. Let's just hope that nothing worse will happen," she told Jon. "You know, Detective Zapanta is great. I heard from my uncle that he's one of their best," she added. Kate's uncle is a general.
"If I only come forward earlier then maybe Libby and the gang doesn't need to investigate Coach Bradley," said Jon.
"Don't blame yourself Dan," Melinda, Libby's mom said. They heard Dan talked when they entered the dining room. "We know that whatever you did then, it is to protect your friends. Libby will be okay. She's a strong girl."
"Yeah baby," Grace, Dan's mom added. "It is Coach Bradley's fault." She walked unto Dan and gave him a hug.
"Uh, what's happening? Did we miss something?" Dan's and Martin's dads appeared.
"Nothing dear," Grace said while walking towards the dining table to help set up snacks for everyone. In a short time, they were able to make sandwiches and tuna pasta. With the donuts and coffee that Martin's parents brought earlier, they now have decent food to share. "Kate, be a darling and call everyone in. Let's eat first."
"Adults at the table, kids get your food and eat at the living room. You can open the television there and watch something okay?" said Melinda, Libby's mom.
They are all quietly eating when a phone rang. It's Libby's mom phone, Libby's dad is calling. Everyone stood up and gathered around Libby's mom, anxious and all.
"Hello?" Melinda answered the call.
"Hello doll," Libby's dad started. He was on speaker and on video as well so everyone can hear and see what's happening. "We just arrived and the police and detectives are already taking their position."
"Be careful honey," said Melinda. You can see that she's really worried.
"They gave us bullet proof vest and instructed us to stay low and to hide behind them. Headmaster De Jesus is with a team of detectives on the other side. We'll cover all sides so Coach Bradley can't escape."
"Okay, but still, please be extra careful" Melinda said. "I can see that so many police officers showed up. It's good."
"Yes. I think I heard Detective Zapanta said that at least twenty police officers will be here plus our group - ten detectives, five security officers from the school, the Headmaster, Coach Bradley's dad and me. Plans were already laid out to everyone. We're just waiting for a signal from the other teams then will go inside the warehouse."
"Gerry, I heard from Mr. Almendrala (the school's head of security) that SWAT members are also on stand by," Mr. Tuazon (the school owner and Martin's dad) said.
"Yeah," answered Libby's dad. "Some of their tactical team are with us. Some positioned around the location."
Bang! Bang! They heard gunshots.
"Honey, what is that?" Libby's mom asked worriedly. Everybody is worried. Gerry did not answer them. But you can see in the video call that he is running towards the warehouse.
"Oh my God, what is happening?" Mimi is crying.
"Gerry, can you hear us?" asked Mr. Tuazon.
They're seeing cops and detectives. Mr. Tuazon got his phone and dialled Mr. Almendrala's number but no answer. After the commotion they saw that Coach Bradley is in handcuffs, two police is leading him to walk towards a waiting police car.
"Doll?" Libby's dad finally is on the screen. "Someone's been shot. Coach Bradley sensed the police approaching and started firing his guns. When he thought that he's already cornered, he aimed the gun at Libby and Miss Jimenez.."
"What are you saying Dear?" Melinda asked crying.
"Well.. doll.. you know our daughter.. She's so brave. She covered Miss Jimenez when Coach Bradley fired shots at them.."
"Libby's shot at?" Dan asked.
"Miss Jimenez was able to pushed her aside." Libby's dad answered. "Libby got shot only at her shoulder. But Miss Jimenez is in critical condition. They are bringing both at the nearest hospital. We - Headmaster and me are going with them. Detective Zapanta and the security officers will proceed at the station to give their statements. Coach Smith (Coach Bradley's dad) will also go with them. I'll update you once I know the name of the hospital doll. We're going now."
"Okay dear," Melinda waved. Then the video call ended.
"We'll go with you at the hospital Melinda," Mr. Tuazon said.
Melinda nodded. "Let me just prep some things for Libby." She looked at Joana. "Baby, get dressed. Bring a jacket. It might be cold outside. We're going to your sister."
"We'll go with you too," Grace said. "I know this kids won't rest until they know that Libby's fine." She meant Libby's friends.
"Okay, but kids, call your parents first." Everyone stood up and started dialling. Melinda and Joana heads upstairs. After a while everyone gathered in the living room ready to go.
" We'll take this two vans," Mr. Tuazon gestured. He called his house earlier and talked to their drivers and told them of the situation. "Melinda, give me your house keys. This is Mila, our trusted house help," He ushered Libby's mom towards Mila. "She will takes care of your house while we're away."
"You don't have to do that Michael," Melinda is touched by the gesture.
"We want to," Stephanie, Martin's mom, said smiling.
"Thank you," Melinda told them both.
"Okay, adults in the white van. Kids, on the black van, except Joana, you're riding with us," Mr. Tuazon commanded.
And the group left.