Murder Was the Case: A Whitney and Britney Mystery

By Susan Neely

Whitney Kingston's life changes when she and her family move to Lexington Falls, a suburb that is nothing short of being a utopia. Whitney learns that things aren't always what they seem when someone she loves turns up deadmurdered. Whitney enlists the help of Britney Beaumont, the most popular girl in school, to find the killer. Whitney and Britney soon realize that solving a murder mystery is harder than they anticipated when they encounter lack of suspects and more questions unanswered. When the girls discover something unimaginable, will they have the courage to step up and close the case?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491839782

Susan Neely

Susan L. Neely has always had a passion for creating stories from her own mind. Growing up on the streets of the south side of Chicago, she needed an outlet to get her through the rough times. She wants to reach out to others using her words in print and instill a love for reading into young adults around the world. Susan resides in Florida with her beautiful family.

Book preview

Chapter One

W hitney was sitting at her desk tapping her pencil idly. She looked around her and saw that her classmates were still working diligently, well, some of them. Nate Rogers, the tall and muscular light skinned star point guard of the school’s basketball team, was leaning back in his chair arrogantly flirting with a blonde girl who sat next to him, even though she was still busy with the assignment the girl was welcoming his advances giggling at whatever corny line he was feeding her. Whitney shook her head in disgust. Who does he think he is? She thought. He thinks just because he can shoot a jump shot he’s the king of the world. Why is everyone in this school sucked into his B.S.? Whitney took her attention off of Nate and looked down at her finished math worksheet. It appears that she had finished first she didn’t see the need to check it since it was easy and she was more than confident in her work. Whitney felt Mr. Alexander’s eyes glaring at her so she decided to pretend to look over her work. She didn’t understand why Mr. Alexander wanted to wait until the bell rang to collect papers she was finished so why hold on to her paper? Whitney ran her hand through her small afro and groaned softly when she remembered that her mother wanted to do her hair for her Uncle Terry’s celebration party tonight. Whitney and her mother have always been at odds over her appearance especially after Whitney decided to grow an afro about three years ago. For as long as she could remember Whitney’s mother has been a primped up Barbie doll and tried to bestow her style unto her daughter. Whitney never did care much for dressing up or wearing makeup and she saw that her mother was a bit disappointed about that. Whitney wanted her mother to accept that she would much rather wear jeans and a T-shirt than a dress and high heels. It just didn’t work for her. Whitney knew her mother hated her afro but she liked it. Whitney wasn’t looking forward to having synthetic hair being sewn into her head. That is going to suck. She said to herself. Whitney felt a tap on her shoulder. Terrance Malone, one of the cutest boys in school who also sat behind her was looking at her flashing a million dollar smile at her. Whitney’s heart started to beat a little faster and she shyly smiled back. Terrance was this year’s homecoming king and it wasn’t hard to see why; smooth brown skin, a haircut that would make Jamie Foxx jealous, and his clothes were always top of the line. All of that combined with that smile made Whitney melt right there in her seat. Whitney has had a crush on Terrance ever since she first came to Lexington Falls High School last month and now he was smiling at her flashing perfect white teeth. Whitney held her breath waiting for Terrance to say something. Hey, Whitney. You got the answer to number five? Saying that Whitney was disappointed would have been an understatement. All he wanted was her answers! Whitney quickly curled her mouth back into a smile. She looked over at her worksheet, turned back to Terrance and said Thirty four. Thanks Terrance replied and gave his attention back to his work like he and Whitney had never spoken. Whitney hung her head and sighed. Why did you play yourself like that? She thought to herself. Why would Terrance like you ? The class couldn’t get out of their chairs fast enough when the bell rang. It was the last class of the school day and it was time to go home. Everyone placed their papers onto Mr. Alexander’s desk. Whitney didn’t have to walk far to her locker. She quickly put in the combination to her lock and opened it. She put her math textbook inside and took out her English and Earth science books since she had homework on those subjects tonight. After she placed those books inside of her backpack she was ready to head home. Whitney and her family had moved to the town of Lexington Falls right after Whitney graduated the eighth grade and she is yet to warm up to it. The people here to her seemed snooty and spoiled, particularly her classmates. Whitney misses Chicago, at least there are more people there she can relate to. Whitney walked steadily towards the stairs leading downstairs passing by students playing around and teachers who were on their way home themselves. The faster she was away from these people, the better. Whitney had finally made it outside. The temperature had dropped since this morning and it made Whitney wish she had brought her jacket from home. It was the first week of October but Whitney’s uncle Terry told her that Lexington Falls usually stayed warm until November. Maybe Uncle Terry miscalculated this town’s weather this year, Whitney thought, wrapping her arms around herself as she began to make her walk home. Whitney! Whitney became alert at the sound of her name being called. She turned around and was pleasantly surprised. Her sweet and petite aunt Patricia had pulled up to the curb in a black car she did not recognize, Whitney saw that her aunt had on capris and a V-neck top instead of her CNA scrubs. Aunt Pat! Whitney jogged up to the car and got in the passenger side. Whitney greeted her aunt with a hug. What are you doing around here, Aunt Pat? I thought you’d be at work right now Aunt Patricia rolled her eyes. Girl, you know those people at my job like to change my hours like they change draws, so I figured since the nursing home decided to have me come in tomorrow instead of today I’ll just come scoop you and take you home. Whitney smiled. She always thought her aunt was one of the coolest adults she knew, second only to her uncle Terry, she was glad when her uncle finally married her four years ago. Maybe she’s the woman that can tame her wild uncle; Whitney’s parents certainly hope so. Is this a new car, Aunt Pat? You ballin’, huh? Whitney teased playfully. Naw, the company gave your uncle this car after they promoted him so that means Wifey gets to drive it, too. Patricia replied with a sly grin. They both shared a giggle and a high five. They had turned on Whitney’s block. Ya’ll still coming to the party tonight, right? Whitney nodded her head with little enthusiasm. Aunt Patricia gave her a concerned look You don’t want to come celebrate your uncle’s promotion with us? Whitney waved her hands No no! It’s not that, it’s just that my mom wants to do my hair for tonight. Whitney’s aunt nodded her head in understanding. Same ole story between you two, huh? Your mother means well, boo boo, she’s not trying to hurt your feelings. Whitney rolled her eyes Why can’t she accept me for the way I am? It’s not like I look like a bum. Whitney crossed her arms with attitude. Aunt Patricia chuckled, Well, the best thing to do is give it some time and maybe she’ll come around. Aunt Patricia slowed to a stop in front of Whitney’s house. Whitney sighed The only reason I agreed to let my mom do my hair is because I don’t want to hear her mouth later on tonight when I’m supposed to be congratulating Uncle Terry on his promotion Aunt Patricia smiled dreamily. I’m so proud of that man, and it’s about time Mr. Beaumont came to his senses and gave my man his due. Whitney nodded in agreement. Well, let me go and get this over with. Aunt Patricia laughed Girl, you sound like you about to get a root canal! Whitney opened the passenger side door. Nope, this is worse. Whitney still heard her aunt’s laughter even after she had made it to the front door.

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If you keep squirming, Whitney, I’ll never get this done. Whitney’s mother scolded as she was putting the finishing touches to Whitney’s hair weave. Her mother had put her own reddish brown hair in an elegant up do and now she was fixing Whitney’s hair. Whitney groaned. Mom, you knew I didn’t want this horses hair in my head to begin with so I refuse to make this easy for you. Whitney grinned triumphantly. Mrs. Kingston gave her daughter a sharp thump on the back of her neck, Whitney yelped in pain That was for having a smart behind mouth. Whitney scowled and started to tug at her lavender strap dress her mother pulled out from the back of her closet earlier. Whitney had hoped that her mother would have forgotten about it but she should have known better. Her mother never forgets a good sale, especially on a cute dress. Oooh, Whitney! You are going to look so gorgeous when I’m done with you! Her mother gushed. Whitney stuck her finger in her mouth and pretended to gag. I saw that, baby girl. She heard her father say as he walked in her bedroom adjusting his tie. Mr. Kingston donned a black tuxedo with silver cuff links along with a fresh haircut. Whitney looked down sheepishly but her mother pulled her head up and continued to put in the last of the hair weave. Looking good, baby. She said in a flirtatious tone to her husband. Whitney’s dad smiled I try I try, but it looks like my two favorite ladies are going to be stealing the show tonight. Whitney heard her mother giggle, she knew her mother loved her new peach colored strapless knee length dress with matching pumps, the dress went well with her light skin tone and her makeup was on point as always. She offered to apply some blush and lip gloss on Whitney’s face but that was where Whitney drew the line. What does she need make up for? Chap Stick was good enough for her. Although, Whitney couldn’t help but blush at her dad’s remark. Whitney’s dad reached in his jacket pocket Oh before I forget you got a letter from Richard baby girl. He handed an envelope to Whitney. Whitney felt her spirits lift as she held it in her hands. She’s missed her brother so much since he went to prison and the weekly visits weren’t enough for her. That was another reason why Whitney didn’t really care for Lexington Falls, it was too far away from the prison and she wasn’t able to see him as much. Suddenly the atmosphere in the room got tense this was no surprise to Whitney, it always got this way when Richard is mentioned but it still annoyed her. Dad, can we go see Richard tomorrow? We haven’t seen him in two weeks and I know he misses us. Whitney saw that her dad had tried to suppress a tense expression on his face as he brushed his hair. Uhh, we’ll see, baby. Whitney smacked her lips You know, I can’t believe you guys are pretending that your own son doesn’t exist, you do still believe he’s innocent, right? All Whitney got was silence. She felt tears start to well up in the back of her eyelids but she refused to let them fall, tears aren’t going to help her brother. I can’t believe this, your own son. Whitney’s mother placed her hands on her shoulders It’s not that we stopped believing in Richard, sweetie, it’s just that it’s been so hard- Whitney raised her hand up sharply Save it! We need to support Richard regardless, he needs us! Whitney’s father was now standing over her Do not talk to your mother like that ever again. He commanded in a low stern tone. Yes sir. Whitney responded softly. Whitney’s mother tapped her shoulder You’re done, babe. She then handed her a mirror. Whitney slowly raised the mirror to her face. Whitney looked at the brown eyed girl with mahogany skin staring back at her and had to admit liked what she saw. The hair weave was a layered shoulder length style and it was a little lighter than her real hair’s color. Whitney liked how the side bang shaped her face. What did I tell you? You look so beautiful, Whitney! Whitney felt her face flush. Told you so, baby girl. You should have more confidence in yourself. Her father added. Whitney stood up but had difficulty keeping her balance. She was not used to heels. Well, ladies, we don’t want to be late. We’d better get a move on. Whitney’s dad had to help her down the stairs, Whitney regretted not practicing walking in her strappy heels like her mother suggested. She placed her brother’s letter on the coffee table in the living room and silently promised him she’d read it and write him back when she got back home. When Whitney got into the back seat of the family’s old Buick she suddenly had a strange feeling that something bad was going to happen at her uncle’s party. She quickly shrugged it off, what could possibly happen besides her uncle getting drunk and Aunt Patricia cursing him out? Maybe it’s the fear of tripping in her heels and humiliating herself is the reason for the bad feeling. Whitney told herself to chill out and she sat back. Whitney ignored the bad feeling while she rode in the back seat and decided not to do too much walking when she got to her uncle’s house.

Chapter Two

W hen Whitney and her parents arrived at her Uncle Terry’s house the party was already in full gear with music playing on the stereo and plenty of alcohol to go around. Terry greeted them at the door wearing a dark blue silk shirt and black slacks holding a bottle of beer, Terry and Whitney’s dad shared the same mahogany skin that she inherited and were both tall and handsome, Whitney guessed from her uncle’s demeanor that that wasn’t his first beer. Whaddup, fam! Whitney’s dad and uncle gave each other a one armed hug and Terry kissed Whitney’s mother on the cheek. Before Whitney knew it, her uncle had scooped her up in his arms, she squealed in delight. Uncle Terry! I’m happy to see you, too! Terry then gently put her down. My little brother, head foreman at Beaumont Construction Whitney’s father said proudly. Terry smiled widely, Man, ya’ll don’t know, after the bull crap that’s happened to me lately, this promotion is the blessing I needed. I’m so happy for you and Pat. Gushed Whitney’s mother, Terry gave her a quick hug Thanks, Anita. Whitney gave her uncle a hug before they walked into the party.

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It didn’t take long for Whitney to get bored since it was apparent that this was an adult party. Whitney made herself stationary next to the refreshments and watched her uncle’s friends and colleagues drinking and dancing, if you want to call men and women grinding against each other dancing. It made Whitney blush, it was almost vertical sex. Her parents were on the dance floor also; her dad was holding her mother tight and staring into her eyes as if trying to look into her soul. It made Whitney happy to see her parents love shine through like that and it made her wonder if someone will ever feel that kind of love for her… . Whitney had spoken to her aunt Patricia a little after she arrived but not for long since Patricia had to do some work in the kitchen. Whitney thought she looked great in her black dress and micro braids. Whitney spotted her uncle and then wished that her aunt was out in the living room. Whitney was appalled; Terry was in the middle of the room dancing with two women who looked like they belonged in a rap video. Whitney shook her head. Whitney knew that her uncle’s behavior should not surprise her since he’s had multiple women for as long as she can remember. Her parents had hoped that Patricia’s love could somehow turn Terry around but it hasn’t happened yet. Whitney knew that her uncle loved her aunt Pat but she didn’t want him to continue to do what he’s doing. Everyone knew about Terry’s other women except sweet Aunt Pat. Whitney finally moved from the refreshment table because she could not watch that display any longer. She decided to go into the kitchen to talk to her Aunt Patricia again. Whitney had to be careful when she walked since she was still not used to her shoes and she still felt odd in her dress even when everyone told her she looked beautiful. Whitney was disappointed when she could not find her aunt in the kitchen so she decided to return to the living room. Whitney was on her way back to the refreshment table when Uncle Terry grabbed her arm and led her to the middle of the living room Dance with me, pretty lady He asked in a mock suave voice. Whitney was not a dancer but she smiled at her uncle as he twirled her around gracefully. Where’s Aunt Pat, Uncle Terry? She asked him. Whitney’s uncle suddenly looked guilty. Did you check the kitchen? Whitney shook her head She wasn’t in there Whitney’s uncle gave her another twirl She’s here somewhere probably talking to one of her friends. Whitney turned her head and saw that her parents had sat down on the couch and were snuggling. Get a room! Whitney thought with embarrassment. Mr. Terry Kingston, my man! A tall lean man with brunette hair and tanned skin greeted Whitney’s uncle with a friendly clasp on his shoulder. Brent! What’s going on, man?! I didn’t know you were here. The two men greeted each other with a firm handshake. For some unknown reason Brent rubbed Whitney the wrong way. Whitney didn’t understand this since she had only seen Brent for a few moments. Hey, Brent, this lovely young lady right here is my niece, Whitney Kingston. Terry introduced formally. Brent extended his hand to Whitney It’s a pleasure, Miss Whitney. Whitney took his hand and shook it briefly before letting go, almost too quickly. There was something about Brent that she didn’t like but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Whitney, did your pops tell you that me and Brent were both up for the promotion? To be real with you, me and this guy right here were the only two at the company who deserved it. This my boy right here! Terry clasped Brent on the back. Whitney could tell that Brent’s smile was forced. Your uncle is a stand-up guy, Whitney. Ilrf anyone else deserved the promotion besides me of course it was him. Brent had a regal demeanor and he seemed like a man who always held himself up with dignity. Whitney didn’t know much about fashion but even she could tell that Brent’s suit did not come from Wal-Mart. Whitney turned to Brent Mr. Brent, you showed a lot of class by coming to my uncle’s celebration party even though you were up against him for the promotion. Brent rubbed the back of his neck bashfully a little embarrassed by Whitney’s kind words Uhh, thank you Miss Whitney. Whitney didn’t compliment Brent because she meant it, she wanted to gauge his reaction. That was real cool of you to say shorty. Terry told her as he put his arm around her shoulders. Man, with the bad luck I’ve had lately this promotion was just what I needed. Whitney nodded her head in agreement Yeah Uncle Terry with you nearly getting ran over AND the food poisoning scare your promotion was definitely a come up. Both Terry and Brent laughed at Whitney’s statement. Brent then turned to Terry Hey um Terry, I almost forgot can I see you about something, privately? Terry waved his hand casually at Brent No problem bro, let’s go up to the balcony since everybody is down here. Whitney raised an eyebrow at Brent, what was he up to? Whitney’s uncle rubbed her head playfully Aight Whit I’mma holla at Brent for a little bit, tell your folks where I’m at in case they looking for me Whitney gave her uncle a quick hug It was nice meeting you miss Whitney. Brent said and reached for a handshake again, Whitney took his hand and shook it again but this time couldn’t help but notice that Brent’s hand was a little shaky unlike the first time she shook his hand. Whitney let go quickly again, she was getting a bad feeling suddenly but could it really be from Brent whom she just met not even thirty minutes ago? Later shorty She heard her uncle say before leaving with Brent. Whitney watched the two men squeeze past guests and she tsk tsked when she saw her uncle discreetly tap a woman on the butt. Whitney realized that her feet were killing her and she decided to find the sofa to sit down praying that it wasn’t fully occupied. On her way to the sofa she waved to her parents who were now by the refreshment table. Whitney’s mother gave her a smug look as if saying I told you so Whitney then realized that her mother must have noticed that her feet were hurting. Her dad seemed more sympathetic as he motioned for Whitney to hurry up and find a seat. Whitney spotted the sofa and mouthed thank you to God that only one person was sitting there. Whitney maneuvered herself around dancing people and started singing along to an R&B song older than her that had begun to play on the stereo. Whitney removed some confetti and a couple of balloons from the seat before sitting down. Whitney leaned over to take off her shoes for a moment and rubbed them. She sat back up without putting her shoes back on to give her feet a longer break. She looked over to the person she was sharing the sofa with and she immediately stood out to Whitney. Whitney concluded from the woman’s skin complexion and exotic features that she was either Hispanic or Puerto Rican. Whitney also noticed that the woman was very beautiful. The woman had long jet black hair that was bone straight and she wore a red halter dress that came down to mid-thigh showing off the woman’s toned gorgeous legs. Whitney really liked her red open toed pumps that matched the dress perfectly and she thought the necklace she wore was very elegant. Whitney’s mother wore very little jewelry besides her wedding ring, she always told Whitney that she shined all by herself. She never did like her mother’s occasional conceitedness. Whitney looked away quickly fearing that the woman may notice her staring. Whitney silently counted to five and looked over at the woman again. Men one by one walked over to the woman and asked her to dance but she graciously turned them down. Whitney wondered if she had a boyfriend or a husband and if so why isn’t he here with her? Whitney then noticed that the woman seemed nervous. The woman shifted in her seat and that’s when Whitney saw that she was nursing a drink in her hand. The woman kept looking around as if expecting someone or waiting for something to happen. Whitney also noticed that the woman was large up front. She has to be hot AND have a nice rack too! Whitney thought incredulously. Whitney’s dad had walked over to her Baby girl, we’re about to head out in a few minutes your mother is getting tired. Whitney was glad she can finally get out of this dress and wear sneakers again. Alright dad, oh by the way Uncle Terry went up to the balcony with a guy called Brent. Whitney’s dad’s eyes widened with recognition Ohh Brent Price, he works with your uncle, I met him once, nice guy. He then kissed Whitney on the forehead and headed back over to Whitney’s mother. Whitney looked back over to the woman and to her surprise she was gone. Whitney scratched her head. Where did she go so fast? Whitney shrugged and sunk into the sofa. Oddly, she couldn’t stop thinking about the beautiful woman who had shared the sofa with her briefly, But why? It wasn’t a sexual attraction she knew that, it was something about her that told Whitney that the woman was significant in some way. Whitney was puzzled by this development. She must have seen countless strangers in her life and she felt nothing for them but with this woman it was different, she didn’t get it. Certainly she stood out because of her looks and if Whitney was a guy she would have concluded that her hormones were doing all the thinking. Whitney realized that her mind was wondering and she blinked rapidly to bring herself back to reality. The atmosphere in the room had become even more vibrant than before, the stereo had begun to play a very popular stepping song and everyone was dancing to it. Whitney is from Chicago so she could appreciate a good stepping song and even though she was always too shy to dance in front of people she couldn’t resist getting up and joining in. Whitney was having fun dancing barefoot and forgot her fear of public dancing. Her parents were