Crime of the century

I walk to the library

where Rachel is sitting outside.

‘I’ve solved the crime of the century,’ I say.

Rachel pats me on the back.

‘Well done.

Let’s hope the cops aren’t as smart as you,’ she says.

I lean forward and whisper,

‘The thing I don’t understand

is why Patrick told the cops

it was Manx,’ I say,

‘and only Manx.’

Rachel bites her lip.

‘Because Patrick’s smart enough to know

Manx would never involve,’

she sighs, ‘the other person.’

I can’t help but smile.

‘The other person could tell the cops

she was with Manx,

miles away from the scene of the crime,’ I say.

Rachel shakes her head.

‘I suggested that

but Manx wouldn’t agree.’

She looks across the schoolyard and says,

‘It’s not just about Patrick.

It’s his dad, too.’

The bell rings.

Rachel stands.

‘Manx told me to trust him.’

She tries to smile.

‘And I do.’