Cracked to Death

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brow. “Why would you think that? He’s a new student, right? We just met him for the first time yesterday. It isn’t that unusual for a student to miss a class.”
    â€œI’m not sure why, but when he didn’t show up yesterday, it made me nervous.”
    â€œBut we’ve had students drop out of class before. I don’t get it.”
    â€œI don’t know. I think my mother’s health condition has me all out of sorts. It’s nothing to be worried about.”
    Savannah rubbed Amanda’s arms. “I’m sorry. He seemed like such a nice young man. Anyway, I’ll be working with Detective Parker as a consultant to help identify any leads that may be connected to the bottles. By the way, they’re at the studio now. I needed them for comparison.”
    Amanda’s head drooped. “I can’t get it in my mind that Martin’s gone.”
    Savannah patted her on the back. “Amanda, are you going to be all right? You need to get ready for class. Everyone will be here in—”
    Just then the bell jangled as the front door opened, announcing the noisy entrance of the Rosenberg twins.
    At the sight of the twins, Savannah let out a chuckle, which she lamely tried to hide with a cough. After composing herself, she greeted the twins. “Good morning, ladies.” They were dressed in matching orange today. The cartoon image of a huge pumpkin turning into Cinderella’s coach caused Savannah to hold her breath until the urge to laugh went away.
    â€œDid you see the morning paper?” said Rachel. “They have identified the body—”
    â€œOf that diver who washed up on the beach,” Faith said, finishing for her.
    â€œNot on the beach. It was in the Intracoastal, down by Park Street,” Rachel said, correcting Faith.
    Faith nodded her head. “Oh yes, pardon me. Right near all the fancy houses. Did you all see it in the paper?”
    Rachel handed two papers to Savannah. “I thought you might like to have these. I know you’re an online reader—”
    â€œBut it’s nice to have a real paper sometimes.” Faith patted Savannah on the forearm.
    â€œWhy two papers? You live in the same house,” Savannah said.
    Faith looked pointedly at Rachel. “Some things just can’t—”
    â€œBe shared.” Rachel returned the hard stare.
    Amanda, who had made a sudden appearance, was just staring at the twins.
    Addressing the twins, Savannah said, “I didn’t see the paper, but yes, the diver was our student Martin Lane. I’ll tell the class when everyone arrives. I would appreciate it if you could keep this to yourselves until we’ve made the announcement.”
    Amanda turned without speaking and quickly ducked into the classroom.
    She must be extremely upset. I’ve never seen her speechless.
    â€œI must say, there always seems to be a crime connected with each of your classes.” Rachel’s tone was church-lady stern as she looked over the top of her glasses. “I’m beginning to have grave concerns about your associations, young lady.”
    â€œI know.” Faith clapped her hands in joy. “Your classes have been full of the most excitement we’ve seen in years. You must surely admit that Savannah’s murder investigations have livened up our evening conversations. You have to admit that, Rachel.”
    Rachel lifted her head up and walked toward the classroom. “We don’t have to seek out notoriety, Faith. It’s not Christian.”
    Faith’s eyes flashed her satisfaction. “She’s embarrassed by her curiosity.” She looked at Savannah. “I think it does us both a world of good.” She followed Rachel into the classroom.
    As soon as the rest of the students had arrived and settled nicely, Savannah motioned for Amanda to stand next to her at the front of the classroom.
    â€œExcuse me. I have a sad announcement.

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