The 404 Murder
01: Error 404
[Group Chat: The Honors Council]
Ava
Is anyone still in the West Wing? The lights just flickered and I think I’m locked in.
Chloe
Jax, don't be mean. Ava, why are you still there?
Ava
I left my laptop in Room 404. I came back to get it, but the door was already open.
Ava
Guys… I think someone was in here.
Toby
it’s a school, Ava. people are usually in classrooms. 🤓
Ava
No. The desks are flipped over. And there’s something on the floor.
Ava
It’s too dark to tell. But it smells like iron.
Jax
okay now you’re creeping me out. just leave it and get out.
Ava
I can’t. I found a phone on the ground. It’s Leo’s. The screen is shattered.
[System: Leo has joined the chat.]
Jax
See? Leo is right there. He probably just dropped his phone and made a mess.
Ava
Leo? Where are you? I’m in 404 right now and you aren't here.
Leo
He didn't like the way I looked at him.
Chloe
Who? Leo, you’re talking weird.
Leo
He dragged me. It hurt.
Leo
Error 404: Life Not Found.
Ava
Stop it. This isn't funny, Leo.
Leo
Leo is gone. I’m just using his fingers.
[System: Leo has left the chat.]
Ava
Guys… I just opened the closet.
Jax
AVA GET OUT OF THERE NOW!!!
Ava
He’s not here. But there’s a note pinned to the wall with a knife.
Ava
It has all our names on it. Leo’s name is crossed out in red.
02: The Protector
[Private Chat: Jax to Ava]
Jax
Ava, hey. Are you okay? I’m headed to the West Wing right now. 🏃♂️
Ava
Jax, don't! The killer might still be here. The police just arrived.
Jax
I don't care. I’m not letting you stay in that building alone.
Ava
I’m with Officer Reed now. He’s looking at the note in the closet.
Jax
Good. But stay on the phone with me. I’m coming to walk you to your car. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise.
Ava
Thanks, Jax. Honestly... I don't know what I'd do without you. 🙈
Jax
Don't mention it. We’re in this together.
[Group Chat: The Honors Council]
Chloe
Has anyone heard from Toby? He stopped responding after Leo's account went dark.
Toby
[System: Toby is typing...]
Toby
i’m here. just trying to trace that login.
Toby
whoever is using Leo’s account isn’t using a VPN. The signal is coming from inside the school.
Officer Reed
(Joining via Ava’s phone) This is Officer Reed. Everyone stay where you are. We are locking down the campus.
Officer Reed
Ava, stay behind me.
Ava
Officer? Why are you stopping?
Officer Reed
The trail... it doesn't end at the closet.
Officer Reed
Look at the ceiling tiles. They're dripping.
Jax
(In the group chat) Officer? What's happening? I'm almost at Room 404.
[System: Leo has joined the chat.]
Leo
He likes to watch from above.
Leo
It’s cramped up here, Jax. Should I tell them who's sitting next to me?
03: The Cover-Up
[Group Chat: The Honors Council]
Ava
I’m out. I’m finally out of the building.
Jax
Thank god. I see you. Stay by the patrol car, I’m running over now.
Chloe
Ava, what did the Officer find? You stopped texting when you looked at the ceiling.
Ava
There was blood dripping from the tiles. Right onto my desk.
Toby
that’s impossible. the crawl space above 404 is sealed.
[System: Principal Vance has joined the chat.]
Principal Vance
Students, please settle down. I have been briefed by the police.
Principal Vance
There is no "blood." It was a rusted pipe in the HVAC system that burst due to the cold. The "note" was a cruel senior prank.
Ava
A prank? Leo is MISSING. His phone was smashed!
Principal Vance
Leo has been struggling with his grades. We believe he ran away to avoid the midterms. Please delete these messages and go home.
Jax
See, Ava? It’s just the school being old. Principal Vance wouldn't lie about something this serious.
Jax
I’m right behind you. Turn around.
Ava
You’re right. I’m just being paranoid. 🙈
[System: ??? has joined the chat.]
???
She believes him. How cute.
???
Too bad the "rust" in the ceiling is starting to smell like him.
???
Tick-tock, Toby. You’re #2. 🩸
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