Detective Laura Belle

Detective Laura Belle

                                            Anjana ganesh 

On 27.2.2020, Sean Smith, an 8-year-old boy went to play tennis with his friends. Usually, he would return home in at least two to four hours, but that day he never returned. While on the other hand, Kristine, a 10-year-old girl went to buy some provisions for her mother, but she never returned home either.

***

“So, what do you say, sir?” enquired Mr. Adam Reynold. Adam was a policeman who had experienced many cases like this one. He also knew some lab works as his wife was an analyst there. “Did you ask the local helpers, what did they say? Call them immediately!” shouted Mr. Phillipe Andrews. Mr. Phillipe was one of the best lawyers known in the United States of America. He had successfully overseen 89 cases in the U.S. He was always known as the best lawyer because he would do anything to show that he was the best.

“Both of them seem to be cousins. That’s what we have found, sir. There is no evidence yet. But we have found Kristine’s shopping bag and the kidnapper has left a butter paper which says ‘no matter what, the kid who’s gone, will never ever return home,’” the police crew declared. “Give me that evidence,” asked Mr. Phillipe and then said, “this is really going to be a head-aching case for all of us. So, I will appoint a new detective who can fix this case. I know it sounds crazy but let them learn. I will also appoint the new detective with an assistant for him or her.” “But sir…” everyone started. “Shhhh. Do not even start. I know what to do,” and Mr. Phillipe waved a big goodbye and took his car.

***

“Mom have you seen my bag, my books, my car keys, my lunch, and my ID card? Please answer me right now,” Laura shouted as she was late for her college. “Here you go Laura, I have made you cheese toast, and a pineapple smoothie with some chopped and garnished walnuts and almonds. Don’t forget to eat it,” her mom said in a gentle-aggressive tone. After receiving them, she took her car and headed to her college. There she saw her class students standing in a queue waiting for an interview. “Hey Mandy, what are you doing here, why are you waiting in this boring queue? Come let’s go to class; we are already late,” Laura said. “We are not late, come stand with us. You know what, Mr. Phillipe is here to choose a detective for his case!” Mandy exclaimed. “Today is our day,” both shouted in happiness.

At last, it was Laura’s turn. “It is so great of you to spend your time for me, Mr. Phillipe. I’m Laura Belle, age 20, and I’m about to write my criminology examination on 23.9.2020,” Laura introduced and felt proud of herself. “Actually, we came here to test students’ ability and their interest. So, are you interested? You must write a small test and if you score among the top 10 students, I will choose you, and also you will get an assistant. I will give you one week’s time to prepare,” Mr. Phillipe declared.

***

Laura worked so hard day and night, only focusing on the test. After those days she spent her days by studying for her exam. When Mr. Phillipe’s test scores were out, she had scored well and was among those chosen 10.

“Bravo, Laura. Bravo!” Mr. Phillipe clapped aloud. “Really good my child. And I have chosen an assistant for you and she is….” Mr. Phillipe continued after a short pause, “She is Mandy Brown. Hooray! Congrats Mandy. She has scored just below you,” encouraged Mr. Phillipe. Mandy grinned when she heard Mr. Phillipe’s encouragement. “Here it goes, why me god?!” Laura sniffed and talked to herself. “Great job Mandy and Laura. I’m really proud to say that you are my students,” Professor Heather Davis entered and congratulated them. “Thank you, Professor,” said Mandy and Laura. Professor Heather Davis, a 42-year-old woman, was known as ‘the best criminology faculty’ in town. She had experienced more cases than Mr. Phillipe; she only gave first preference to herself and for her personal life.

***

After seven days, they were ready. “Dude I feel like a detective,” Mandy was excited. “I feel proud,” Laura spoke in a genuine way. “So, this must be your first day at work. All the very best and I must get some clues within seven days,” Mr. Phillipe declared. “We will do our very best,” Laura and Mandy smiled at each other and at Mr. Phillipe, and they started their work.

Mandy went to Sean’s house seeking some evidence, while Laura went to Kristine’s house for the same. “Hello there, I’m Laura Belle and a criminologist. Mr. Phillipe Andrews, one of the most popular lawyers in the U.S. sent me and so, I’m here to investigate about your daughter. So, at what time did she leave the house? Please answer me, ma’am. We are here to help you,” said Laura in a kind way. Suddenly, Kristine’s mom replied, “My name is Andrea Sanders, my age is 30, and I had sent my daughter to buy five eggs, flour, butter paper, and some chocolate for her birthday. It is not that far. When I went down there, in order to search for my girl, I found one more thing in her shopping bag. It was a wooden bracelet with some ink on it. Please find her,” said Mrs. Andrea, crying in pain. “Please don’t cry ma’am, we will find her,” Laura convinced Mrs. Andrea and took all the evidence from her.

To be continued…

Written by , 

ANJANA GANESH.