Chapter 1: "The Challenge Letter"

"Hey, are you listening?!"
Kevin banged my head in irritation.
Kevin's my childhood friend since gradeschool and currently my classmate. We're on our way to school and as usual he's blabbering about something again. Let's just say that he's a little active when it comes to telling stories.

"Uhh..y-yeah. You're talking about that computer game right?"I answered.

It's not that I don't like his stories, it's just that i stayed up late last night reading a mystery novel. That's why I'm too sleepy to listen.

"Yes! As I was saying blah blah blah blah blah."
He continued talking until we arrived at the locker room.

Upon opening my locker, a small piece of envelope fell. I picked it up and decided to examine it.It was a cream colored envelope with a red seal. At the back of the envelope, there's a neatly written letter "R" in black ink.
Inside is a hard white paper containing a message:

"To the highschool detective, Ace Brandell,

Four Kings of the Four have been called to hell.I retrieved the soul of the first king under the light of the moon last night.Three more kings' and the charades is over.
Every time the hands of the clock will struck midnight, a kingdom will weep as their King approach his end.
Solve the mystery and stop me if you dare.

I'll be waiting for you at the end. 
-Reaper"

A scrap of paper reading,
"Earth King, done. Fire King next. Goodluck.", was attached inside the envelope.

"Damn, another lunatic showed up. Have to go and investigate." 
I was about to run outside when Abby Springsworth, our class president, showed up.

"Hey! Where do you think you're going idiot?"

"Well, uhh.. I have something really urgent to do. It's-"

"Do you think I'll still fall for your damn reasons?"
She grabbed my arm and pulled me to the classrom.
I saw Kevin and tried to ask for help but he just looked at me as if asking "Are you crazy?!"

Damn. So unfortunate.

After reaching our classroom, I sat on my chair and brought my phone out. I can't help it then. I'll just searched the net whether someone fitting the description of a king, died last night. 

I scrolled through numerous reports about robbery, drug scandals and a couple of missing reports until I saw a headline.

(News Article)
"Arthur Lanchaster, owner of Billionaires' Corp., discoverd dead"

Last night, the known economic giant, Arthur Lanchaster was found dead in a narrow street near his office. According to the police, he was shot in the forehead by a handgun causing immediate death. Mysteriously, a note was found above the body. The meaning of the mysterious message is still unknown but the police are still investigating for further details."
(End of News Article)

I gasped at the realization of what I've just read.This is it. I can't be wrong! I have to investigate now but first, I have to get out of here.
During lunch time, I sneaked out and went home. I made sure that Abby will not catch me. Seriously, she's worse than our teachers in terms of disciplining me. That girl sure hates me. 

I immediately turned the computer on and looked over the net if I can get some more information.

First, I need to find what is written in that note.I spent hours and I can't still find a thing. The police made sure that the information is well-hidden.

S**t.

I stopped for a while, closed my eyes and think.

Moments passed...

Of course! Why didn't I think of it earlier?

I dialed the phone and waited till the person on the other line picked up.

"Hey Ace! What's up? Need something?" The deep voiced person in the other line said.

"Hi Carl. See, I need some information in a case I'm currently working on. I'm thinking if you can run a few things for me?"

"Of course! So, what am I looking for?"

"Have you heard of the death of Arthur Lanchaster?"

"Yes. That dude's loaded. His death made the economic world tilt. Big news. Police are still dumb-founded with who's his killer. What about it?"

"I need to know what the note found above his body contains. As well as some confidential information about the case, if you know what I mean. So... you think you can do it?"

"Piece of cake! Give me an hour and I'll call you with the information you need. Is that all?"

"Yes dude. Thank you!"

"No problemo mi amigo. Bye then. Got some hacking to do."

Friendly Reminder: When you need information so confidential, from the name of the mistress of the president to the color of the underwear of the pizza guy, call Carl Donnie.

I put the phone down and faced the computer once more.Since Carl is backing me up with that note, I need to move and visit the crime scene to get some raw info.

Author's Note

Thank you for reading chapter 1!:)
what do you think?
Please please add a review and suggestions about the story. I'm new in this genre and your thoughts will help a lot.
See you in the next chapter.^^