Behind The Lies

by Mark R Beckner

  When Wendy gets up to leave, she finds her scarf missing. “Where did my scarf go?”

  “I’m not sure, did you have it when you came in here?” asks Katy.

  “I thought for sure I did. Maybe someone took it.”

  “I didn’t see anyone take your scarf. Maybe you left it in class or dropped it in the hall somewhere?” suggests Katy.

  “I don’t know, I thought for sure I carried it here with me. I hope no one took it, that is my favorite scarf!” exclaims Wendy. “Do you think Brad took it?”

  “Why would he do that?” asks Katy. “I didn’t see him take it.”

  That afternoon Brad meets Aaron in the courtyard behind the school for some additional texting to Wendy. Aaron has come to enjoy the texting sessions as much as Brad. He knows he never could have developed this secret relationship with Wendy without his help. However, he does worry about what will happen once his identity becomes known and Brad is no longer at his side. Will he be able to converse with Wendy? Will she still be attracted to him once she finds out who he is? Will he be humiliated? Is this some major prank? Yet, Aaron’s desire to have a girlfriend, especially one as nice and beautiful as Wendy keeps him from backing out.

  “I have something for you, here,” Brad states, as he hands Aaron Wendy’s yellow scarf.

  “What’s this?” inquires Aaron.

  “It’s the scarf you found outside the cafeteria today. It belongs to Wendy”

  “Huh?” Aaron looks bewildered.

  “I think tomorrow it will be time to see if she will meet up with you. This scarf is some insurance that she will say yes when you tell her you found it and want to return it.”

  “How do you know it’s hers?” asks Aaron.

  “Because I took it numb nuts.”

  “You stole her scarf?” Aaron asks in astonishment.

  “Noooooo……I borrowed it so that you would be able to return it to her.”

  “I don’t know about this,” protests Aaron.

  “Hey,” responds Brad, “you just need to trust me, this is going to work out well. Now let’s send a couple more texts.”

  Brad then dictates a couple of texts to Wendy to initiate the idea of a meetup on Thursday after school; I’m interested in talking with you in person. Would you be willing to meet with me after school on Thursday?

  Wendy quickly responds, yes, but only if I know who you are.

  Brad has Aaron text; I’ll let you know soon and then you can decide.

  OK, responds Wendy.

  After school lets out for the day, Wendy has not yet heard back from her secret admirer. She is full of anticipation as she anxiously awaits receiving another text. Who could it be? She keeps coming up with different possibilities, but doesn’t know enough about this secret admirer to have any idea. Will she like him? Is he cute? Katy Anderson is just about as excited as Wendy is.

  “So, today is the big day!” exclaims Katy as they walk home from school. “I’m anxious to know who he is.”

  “Not nearly as anxious as I am,” Wendy responds. “I keep thinking about this secret guy and had trouble sleeping last night. It’s scary, yet exciting at the same time. I just hope he is not some type of creep or this is a big joke.”

  “I don’t think so,” assures Katy. “He knows too much about you and seems interested in the things you like. Hopefully, we know soon enough.”

  About 5 minutes later, Wendy receives the text she has been waiting for. Hi Wendy, this is Aaron Livingston, your secret admirer. Sorry I didn’t tell you who I was earlier, but as I told you, I am shy around girls and this was a way I could approach you to talk. If you don’t want anything else to do with me, I understand.

  “Aaron Livingston,” Wendy murmurs to herself. She knows who he is from a couple of previous classes and of course from seeing him often in the corner of the cafeteria with his friends playing video games. Well, he IS a nice guy, Wendy believes. At least as much as I know about him, and he cares about his studies as I do. He’s also kind of cute in his shy way.

  Wendy quickly allows Katy to read the latest text. “What do you think?” Wendy asks.

  “I think this is real,” says Katy. “He is not the type of guy to pull a prank like this. I think he likes you and this was his way of getting to know you. He’s a bit nerdy in a cute sort of way; and has always been nice from what I’ve seen.”

  “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing,” Wendy adds. “We do have some things in common and he certainly doesn’t present any danger. I’m going to agree to meet with him and see how it goes.”

  As they are talking, Wendy receives another text from Aaron. By the way, I found a yellow scarf outside the cafeteria today. I think it might be yours.

  “He found my scarf!” exclaims Wendy. “Yesterday outside the cafeteria.”

  “That’s weird,” responds Katy, “we looked all over for it.”

  “Well, I don’t think he stole it. He’s not the type to do that sort of thing,” says Wendy. “Even if it doesn’t work out, I can at least get my scarf back.”

  “Do you want me to go with you?” asks Katy.

  “No, I think we need some time to talk alone,” Wendy says. “I don’t want to embarrass him.”

  Wendy texts Aaron, Thank you Aaron. I would like to meetup and talk. And yes, I believe you have my scarf. When and where?

  “Okay,” Brad instructs Aaron. “Tell her to meet you tomorrow after school out back near the creek. You will walk her home.”

  “Why back there?” asks Aaron with a puzzled look.

  “Because it will be private, won’t be many, if any, people around so you won’t have to worry about being embarrassed around others if it doesn’t work out.”

  Makes sense to Aaron. He follows Brad’s advice and asks Wendy to meet him after school tomorrow back by the creek and he will walk her home. She responds that she has orchestra practice after school, but can meet afterward at around 5:30. Aaron agrees, but he is still apprehensive about meeting her face to face.

  “I’m not sure what to say to her Brad.”

  Don’t worry,” Brad assures Aaron, “I will go with you to introduce the two of you and if it goes bad, we can leave. But it won’t; she likes you or she wouldn’t be meeting with you. Pick me up at Johnson’s Café at five-fifteen tomorrow. We’ll drive over together. And don’t forget to bring the scarf.”

  This plan somewhat eases Aaron’s fear. Brad has gotten him this far; he can’t quit now. “Okay, I’ll see you then,” says Aaron.

  Aaron will be sure to avoid running into Wendy at school tomorrow. He will skip going to the cafeteria to meet his friends. Now that Wendy knows who he is, he does not want to face her in school. He 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. Lig
hts 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 championship game on Saturday. No decision has yet been made on whether to play the game, given the circumstances, but the team has to prepare until they hear otherwise. McGivens isn’t very much in the mood to practice, as he cannot get the death of Wendy Spire out of his mind. He keeps going over what happened in his mind and cannot help but think, what went so wrong? How could this have happened?

  4:05 pm

  By now, the news has identified the dead girl as Wendy Spire, a 16-year-old junior at Lincoln High School. The cause of death has not yet been reported. Aaron’s mom, who has been following the news all day, rushes into Aaron’s bedroom to tell him the latest news.

  “Aaron, that girl who was killed was a Wendy Spire. Do you know her?”

  Suddenly Aaron starts hyper-ventilating and can’t find a way to respond.

  “Aaron, are you okay? Aaron, what’s wrong?”

  Finally, Aaron is able to catch his breath. “I know that girl,” says Aaron in a subdued voice.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry Aaron, was she a good friend?” says his mom in a sympathetic voice.

  Aaron’s shoulders start to tremble as he sobs, “in a way, yes.”

  Megan Livingston continues to console her only son as she holds him in her arms. “We’ll get through this together Aaron.”

  4:25 pm

  Timmy Goodman and Harold Best have been trying to phone Aaron most of the day to no avail. Neither has heard from Aaron since school let out on Thursday, and neither has any idea what happened during the meetup with Wendy. After they hear Wendy has been killed, they become genuinely concerned. They can’t believe Aaron killed Wendy, but since they haven’t heard from him, they are both worried. Finally, Timmy decides to call Mrs. Livingston.

  “Hello,” answers Mrs. Livingston. “Oh, hi Timmy, how are you doing?”

  “Fine,” says Timmy. “But we are worried about Aaron. Is he okay?”

  “He will be, but he is pretty upset right now. The girl who got killed last night was a friend and it has greatly bothered him. That, and he woke up not feeling well this morning.”

  “Yeah, we kind of knew her as well. It’s really sad,” responds Timmy. “Can I talk to Aaron?”

  “He’s upset right now and is resting. Why don’t you call back later.”

  “Alright, did Aaron say anything more about her?”

  “No, not really, just that she was a friend.”

  Timmy isn’t comfortable telling Mrs. Livingston about Aaron’s texting relationship with Wendy, as he doesn’t know what Aaron wants to keep from his mom.

  “Okay,” says Timmy, “just tell him we are thinking about him and if he needs anything to give us a call.”

  “Yeah, I will Timmy. Thank you for calling.”

  Timmy turns to Harold and says, “It doesn’t sound like Aaron’s mom knows anything about all the texting or the meetup with Wendy.”

  “This doesn’t sound good,” Harold sighs.

  “No, it doesn’t,” agrees Timmy.

  Saturday, November 14th

  Both detectives arrive at the office around 7:00 am to ramp up the second day of the investigation. Detective Baker checks with the night shift officers assigned to watch the Livingston home and it’s reported that no one attempted to leave the residence. The house went dark at 10:42 pm Friday. Detective Baker grabs the search warrant affidavit and leaves to meet with the on-call judge.

  “I will call when I have the
warrant and will meet you at the Livingston home,” says Baker.

  “Sounds good,” Walker shouts back, “I’ll get the recorder and paperwork ready.”

  At 7:35 am, Baker calls Walker with the news that the judge has approved the warrant to search the suspect's vehicle and cell phone. Both detectives arrive at the West Emory Street address at about 7:50 am. It now appears as though several lights are on in the home.

  At 7:52 am, the detectives are knocking on the front door. A woman’s voice asks, “who is it?” through a Ring doorbell. “Detectives Baker and Walker with the Rockville Police Department,” announces Walker. A woman in her mid-40’s with light brown short hair, wearing an oversized gray Michigan State t-shirt and mint green pajama pants answers the door. “What is the problem?” she asks.

  “Are you Mrs. Livingston?” Walker asks.

  “Yes.”

  “And do you have a son living here by the name of Aaron?”

  “Why, yes I do.”

  “Ma’am, we’re here investigating a homicide and would like to talk to you and your son,” Walker advises.

  “Oh my!” exclaims Mrs. Livingston, “Is this about Wendy Spire?”

  “Yes Ma’am.”

  Mrs. Livingston invites them in and summons Aaron from his bedroom. Aaron comes into the living room looking disheveled in blue pajama pants and a wrinkled black t-shirt. His eyes are bloodshot, and it appears as though he has not had much sleep. Detective Baker explains the reason for being there and tells Aaron they know about the meeting with Wendy Thursday night. Mrs. Livingston is shocked to hear this news.

  “Aaron, were you with that girl last night!” she asks.

  “Kind of,” Aaron says.

  “Mrs. Livingston, please let us ask the questions,” advises Walker. “What do you mean by “kind of?”

  “I didn’t kill her!” exclaims Aaron, “really, I didn’t”

  “Please answer the question, Aaron.”

  “I went there, but it was Brad who met her. I didn’t see anything. He set a meetup with her and he went while I waited in the car. He came back and said she didn’t want to see me, and then we left.”