CHAPTER FOUR

Theresa's newly refurbished office, once a library, turned out even better than she had hoped, filled with cool, fresh paintings.

The addition of modern equipment gave the room a grand feel.

Sitting elegantly in a well-arranged rocking chair, Theresa found the space extremely relaxing, perfect for long conversations with students.

As she heard a knock, she checked her watch—it was already 10:06 am.

Quickly composing herself, she cleared her throat and invited the visitor in, revealing a well-dressed, spectacled eighteen-year-old boy.

With every male student of Saint High under suspicion, she wondered if this boy could be the serial killer.

Despite his handsome appearance, his confident smirk hinted at his privileged background.

At Saint High, wealth meant special treatment, a tradition upheld for generations.

Though young, the boy's mature features suggested he was on the verge of adulthood.

Without waiting for an invitation, he sat down and greeted her formally, "Good morning, ma'am."

"Good morning, dear. I was told the class captain would be interviewed first," she said.

He grimaced, biting his fingernail absentmindedly. "I am the class captain. Stephen Robin. The son of the famous actor, Jack Robin."

The revelation surprised her—Jack Robin's son was attending Saint High and was the class captain, which made her wonder about his academic abilities.

She eyed the spoiled brat and leaned forward. "I didn't ask who your father was. I just asked if you were the class captain. Was a simple 'Yes' or 'No' too much?" She rolled her eyes.

"My father is one of Saint High's notable sponsors. Just imagine if he withdrew his support because you're rude to me," he scoffed, flashing his original Rolex wristwatch.

She leaned in, studying him closely. "Do you think I'm right to suspect everyone in your class regarding the murder of your three classmates?"

"Definitely. Only students in our class have spare keys to all the buildings since we are the seniors."

She sighed. "As the class captain, why do you think anyone would want to do this?"

"Our class is full of bitter people—rivalry, malice, toxicity. Most of us started together in junior class, but we can never be happy together. That's why I distance myself from everyone except Alex, my assistant. At least he doesn't gossip."

"Do you think there's any particular reason the killer targeted only girls?"

"Girls are easier to kill because they lack strength. It's possible the killer used the same strategy for all three. Most serial killers target young teenage girls because they're very vulnerable."

She noted his intelligence for a class captain. "Do you suspect anyone in particular, and why?"

"I suspect everyone. Every single person in that stupid, good-for-nothing class."

She gasped. "How do you hate your class so much yet still manage it so well?"

"Alex and I take our positions seriously."

Theresa was content with the information. "Call the next person after you," she instructed.

The next student, a fifteen-year-old girl, entered the room.

Was it wrong to suspect female students?

Could this girl be an accomplice to the real killer?

It was possible.

The girl, tall and plump with bulging cheeks and untidy hair, bowed respectfully and greeted, "Good morning, ma'am."

Theresa waved her to sit, and the girl gratefully complied. "Thank you, ma'am. My name is Anita Brian," she introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you, Anita. I'd like to ask you a few questions. Are you mentally stable enough to provide accurate answers?"

The girl sighed and affirmed, "Yes, ma'am."

"Is there any suspicious-looking student in your class that you can likely relate to this murder case at hand?"

"Yes, ma'am. Jake, Ray, Tom, and Matty. Those four loud boys are obviously in a cult. They threaten everyone and don't even pay attention during class."

Theresa shook her head disapprovingly. "Serial killers aren't usually attention seekers. They're often the kindest ones. Don't be deceived, girl. Now, tell me your schedule as boarding students."

"From Monday to Friday, we go for morning classes, then return to the hostels at noon to bathe and eat. After that, we go back to class for night lessons. After night lessons, we head back to our hostels for dinner, then go to the reading class, which lasts two hours before bedtime. On Saturdays, we have compulsory sanitation before breakfast. After breakfast, we go for 'Last Junior Exercise.' After exercise, we return to the hostels for compulsory siesta. After siesta, we have lunch and read time. After read time, we—"

"I know the rest since I'm an alumna of Saint High," Theresa interrupted.

The girl gasped. "You attended Saint High? How long ago, ma'am?"

"About twelve years ago, I guess.""You must have been here before Madame Theresa's mother took over, ma'am."

Theresa observed her closely. "The last girl who died—how well did you know her?"

Anita bit her lower lip. "Justina Marie was in our group. We were four in our group. After watching a popular Korean series, we named our group F4 Girls. We were the talk of Saint High because we had money and influence. Justina was the leader because she was the richest. The night she died, we had just finished night classes, and she was distracted by her phone, not contributing to our conversation as we headed back to the hostel. Before we reached the hostel door, we realized Justina was no longer behind us. I called her, and she answered, saying she was fine."

"Did Justina have a boyfriend in class?"

"Justina liked someone in class, but I don't think they were officially dating. On her WhatsApp status, she always claimed she was single."

"Did the three of you have any intense fights before she died?"

"Not at all, ma'am. Not a single fight."

Theresa, satisfied with the information, nodded. "Thank you very much for the information, Anita."

"You're welcome, ma'am."

"Please tell the next person after you to come back in thirty minutes."

Theresa paused to sip her coffee. It was only a matter of time before she found the person responsible for killing those girls.