The Sleuth Project ✓

Chapter 7: A Quartet's Secret

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A Quartet's Secret

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THE CAMPUS ground was wet and damp the next day after a long night of rain. A soft breeze blew Ann's short hair as she sprinted through the puddled walkway that led to their building.

Sa halip na iritable ang dalaga dahil sa parusang inilatag sa kanila g dalawa ni Rein kagabi, ay mayroong kakaibang awra ito sa kaniyang mukha.

It was the look of being one step ahead from someone else.

"I am going to win against your deal, dad." Matigas na sabi ng dalaga sa sarili as she walked past by the newspaper stand of the Castillian Gazette found in the lobby.

Instead of grabbing a copy from the Gazette like she used to, she hastily snatched a copy from the stand next to the Gazette, the stand which contained copies of The Daily Ledger, another student paper — although this one was less known compared to the Castillian Gazette.

Rule number one. She said to herself, repeating the careful instructions that she and Rein had came up with last night. Never talk to one another about the Writers' Schism in public. Always communicate through cryptic codes instead.

The young lady then flipped the pages of The Daily Ledger copy in her hand. Isa sa mga means of communication na napagkasunduan ng dalawa ay ang pakikipag-usap gamit ang school newspaper na ito. Rein had told her last night that he would be emailing the Ledger immediately after their punishment, so she should expect a coded message this morning.

Halos wala kasing nagbabasa sa The Daily Ledger since most of the Castillians were more accustomed to reading The Castillian Gazette — lalo na ngayon na may confessions section na ito.

"The Daily Ledger is safer." were the words of Rein last night. "Just make sure that your messages are discreet. We never know who can betray us."

Instantly, nahagip ng dalaga ang "The Advice Column", which was a section in the Ledger that allowed students to send personal anonymous stories. In turn, other students would send anonymous advices to these senders.

May pagkakahawig ito sa "Confessions of a Castillian" section ng Gazette, except the writers of The Daily Ledger were stricter in screening every personal story that they publish, in order to ensure that there will be no issue amongst the students.

Ann saluted them for that.

"Let's see..." She murmured, a finger running down across the names of the anonymous senders in the column. Natigil lamang ito when she had caught sight of the name, "Elephant63".

Hello Castillians, I need your advice. On the way to the main building I saw this beautiful girl. With jet black hair and a white sweater. She's now all I think about. The thing is I'm not sure what class she's in. Her ID was hidden under her sweater so I didn't see. I'm hoping that if anyone knows a girl wearing a white sweater in their class last Tuesday, you'd drop her name here. She was also carrying a magenta tote bag. Finding her would be great. Other information would also be great. Really hoping this doesn't sound creepy though. Might also consider asking her soon on a date once I find who she is. Y'all wouldn't mind if you give dating advice too, right? Friday night. Ice cream dates. Roses. Sunset views. That's all the dating advice my friend told me but I don't think it's enough. Can't drive too so driving advice would be great. Oh and if you know any good perfume, recommend some. Definitely also need new cologne for a new girl. — Elephant63