"Anthony did weightlifting competitively. He was also a boxer, and he occasionally did crossfit. His mother told me that he used to be a fanatical gymmer in his school days at Southbrook High, but that he hadn't gone to gym since college. Not that she knew of."
Again, May compared this with her list.
It seems two of the men used to gym regularly, but not all three. Two used to be competitive weightlifters, but not all three. With no obvious friends or clubs in common, it seemed that the major common factor they all shared had been the same high school.
"They all went to Southbrook," she said. "And they all would have been within a couple of years of each other there."
"That's the only real common thread," Owen agreed, sounding surprised.
May knew that in a small town, where people hadn't moved away or changed their lives much, what happened at school could sometimes have implications for future years. Someone who'd been enemies at school could have bided their time. All three could have bullied the same person. Or else, a triggering event could have occurred, causing someone they'd all had issues with to snap.
Who had been the troublemaker, who had been the bully, who had been a victim? And who had bided their time to take revenge?
If anyone would know, it would be the teachers at Southbrook High, May thought.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Southbrook High was a small local school, May saw, as she and Owen pulled up outside the gates. She hoped that its smaller size would make it easier to pinpoint any troublemakers.
It was a Friday morning, and there was a festive, end of the week atmosphere at the school. She could sense the expectation of the weekend ahead, and the lack of focus on schoolwork. It brought her school days right back, as she caught the eye of a bored young woman staring out of the window and twining a lock of her hair around her fingers.
May and Owen walked through the school foyer, past the rows of lockers and the notices, and headed towards the principal's office.
In the reception area, they showed their IDs to the receptionist and asked to speak to the principal.
"It's in connection with the recent crimes in the area," May explained. "There have been three murders, and all of them involve previous students of this school."
The receptionist paled. “I heard about one recent murder, but I had no idea there were three connected ones. I'll call Mrs. Edwards immediately," she said.
That name was familiar to May. She remembered the principal from the days when she’d participated in school sports, and played against Southbrook High, and felt glad she was still around, as hopefully, she'd be able to explain who had done what in terms of causing trouble.
The receptionist hurried through to the office beyond, and May looked around, taking in the school environment once more.
On the walls were photographs of past students who had achieved success, and trophies from various sporting competitions, as well as several official school notices.
May also noticed a poster advertising the school's upcoming drama production. It definitely brought back to her the memory of more innocent times. For a moment, May felt a sense of longing to be back in a world where the drama production was the most important issue.
But she'd chosen the hard road of policing and would always have to deal with serious crimes, knowing that by doing so, she had the opportunity to protect these small communities and preserve their innocence. That was what it was all about, really.
The receptionist returned and led May and Owen through to the principal's office.
The principal, Mrs. Edwards, was in her fifties, with graying hair and a kind face. May remembered her from ten years ago, when she'd officiated at one of the interschool sports days. Mrs. Edwards had looked just the same, apart from having less gray in her hair back then. She greeted them politely, but with a sense of wariness.
"Deputies Moore and Lovell," May said.
"Yes, yes, I remember your name, May," Mrs. Edwards said. "If I recall, you were in a few visiting sports teams?”
“That’s correct,” May agreed, impressed by this early proof of excellent memory.
“It's good to see you back again, and in the police, although I’m shocked at what’s brought you here."
They followed her into her office, which was smaller, and had a view over the school courtyard from one window and the playing field from another. From this vantage point, May guessed she could see a lot. In fact, she was sure not much escaped her gaze.
"What can I do to help you with this?"
May cleared her throat. "When we began investigating these recent murders in the area, we realized that all three of the victims were former students of this school. We were hoping you might be able to tell us whether they had any trouble with anyone while they were here?"
Mrs. Edwards' eyes widened. "All three victims were students here?"
