A Murder

 When Caius arrived home, he found his father sitting at the kitchen table, a worried expression on his face. Trevor looked up as Caius entered, relief and concern mingling in his eyes.

"Caius, where have you been? I was worried sick," Trevor said, standing up.

"I went to find out more about what happened last night," Caius replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "I met Bonkin."

Trevor's expression darkened. "Bonkin? You shouldn't be getting involved with those people, Caius. It's too dangerous."

"I needed to know, Dad," Caius said, frustration creeping into his voice. "You won't tell me anything, and I'm tired of being kept in the dark. Bonkin told me about Grandma. About how you were the leader of the Panthers."

Trevor sat back down, rubbing his face with his hands. "There's so much you don't understand, Caius. I tried to leave that life behind for a reason."

"I get that, but it's not just your life anymore," Caius said. "It's mine too. And I deserve to know the truth."

Trevor sighed, looking weary beyond his years. "Alright, Caius. If you really want to know, I'll tell you everything. But know this: it's not an easy story. And once you start down this path, there's no turning back."

Caius nodded, his determination unwavering. "I want to know, Dad. I'm ready."

Trevor took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation that was to come. "Alright. But not now. I will get everything in order and then tell you. And no objections."

 Caius reluctantly agreed.

"Bianca! Come down right now!"

"What!" Bianca shouted as she went down the stairs.

"What do you think you are doing?!"

"What did I do again Mom?" Bianca asked.

"I just talked with the principal and he is saying you were talking to the new kid. A Pantian for god's sake!"

"And?"

"What do you mean and?!"

"He's my friend and honestly I couldn't care any less about his surname."

"That's It, young lady! To your room. You are forbidden to get out until I say so. You can only go to school and nothing else." Bianca's mom, Anna shouted.

"But mom-"

"No buts!"

"Dad say something."

"Your mom's right Bianca. We are working so hard for your future but you are being friends with South Siders. Do you want to ruin your future?"

 Bianca huffed as she went to her room, slamming the door.

"Do not slam your door at me!" Anna shouted.

"Hey Bi. What's up?"

"Hey Penie. Just argued with my parents... again."

"Oh, do you want to meet up?"

"Can't. Got grounded."

"Sometimes I feel happy my parents just neglect me and not control me like yours," Penelope said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Thanks Penie."

"I'm always here for you"

"I know."

"So what's up with you and Kai?" Penelope asked.

"There is nothing. He is just my close friend!" 

"Yeah could have fooled me Bi."

"Penelope!" a shout was heard at the phone call.

"Gotta go my mom's home. She bought some new clothes for me to wear at the dinner."

"Dinner?"

"Yeah her new boyfriends coming. I hope he is better than my dad's girlfriend"

"Hope so too Penie. See you at school?"

"See you at school"

"Penelope Parcy! Come here this instant"

"I'm coming, Mother. I was talking with my friend."

"Yeah, whatever, try these new clothes. Robert is coming at eight. Everything needs to be perfect before he comes."

Grayson decided to take advantage of the calm evening and go for a walk with his dog, Silas. Silas, a spirited golden retriever, wagged his tail excitedly as Grayson clipped on his leash. "Alright, buddy. Let's go," Grayson said, giving Max a gentle pat on the head.

They passed through the town square, where a few people were still out and about, chatting or enjoying the evening.

 He was stopped by a call from his dad.

"What's wrong dad?"

"There was a call from the school."

"I swear I didn't mean to!"

"What? No, It's about the principal. What did you do?"

"Nothing?"

"We are going to talk about this at home. But first, there is something more important to talk about. Your principal was found dead."

"What?!"

"Kial?"

"Yes, sis."

"Mom just received a call from school. Your principal was found dead at his house."

"Dead?"

"Yes. The police are suspecting a homicide"

 "What the-"