Killer Unknown

Chapter 12: Media Coverage

A few hours later, Jules decided to turn on the television set. The silence in the hospital room was starting to drive her crazy. There was breaking news about several people being shot at the bottom of the screen. The news anchor came on and said, "Good evening, I'm Kerry Walsh! This is breaking news; local authorities are on the hunt for a mass murderer. They say that the murderer killed three people in the city, and then moved to the country where he or she killed several more. Then the killer traveled to Hawaii, where authorities there are reporting that he or she continued the mass killing. Local Hawaiian police officer said that the last shooting was done at a concert and the other was against a group of gang members. Witnesses speak about hearing a buzzing sound, but not seeing anything and the police have no leads. Several law enforcement departments are asking the public to stay inside if they don't have to be out until this issue is resolved or those responsible are caught." The traffic and weather report came up, but then two women returned to debate the breaking news. All in Penelope's hospital room watched the breaking news in shock without uttering a sound.

"Welcome back, I'm Kerry Walsh and this is Maria Calloway. This is the first time our country has seen anything like this, right? I mean, what are your thoughts?" Ms. Walsh said to her co-anchor.

"Your right Kerry, it is certainly the first time that we have experienced this type of mass tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and victims of these senseless crimes. This is the time when we really rely on the public; if you see something, say something," Ms. Calloway replied.

"Yes, what do you make of the buzzing sound some people are talking about hearing before the shootings? Could it be that people are hearing things?" Ms. Walsh asked.

"Well, I wasn't there so this is total speculation. I wonder if they are hearing a device of some sort making the buzzing sound. I mean it's definitely not bees going around shooting people. What if the buzzing is just used to describe what it sounds like and there are devices with shooting capabilities going around?" Ms. Calloway questioned.

"I think your right, I mean if we think about it how else is the killer able to flee the scene without being seen by a witness, right? If it's flying in the air, no one is looking up for the killer. You are smart; you need to become a cop and not a news anchor," Ms. Walsh suggested.

"Well, I don't know about that, again people this is just a speculation," Ms. Calloway added.

"Speculation or not, it sure sounds like it fits. What do we make of law enforcement telling us to stay inside like it's a Corona pandemic? I mean bullets can go through windows, I'm not sure if we are safe anywhere, really," Ms. Walsh stated.

"Look, all it means is, until they get a handle on this or figure out exactly what is going on don't make yourself an easy target. I think that this is the right thing to do given the circumstances and number of unknowns. The fact of the matter is that the killer is unknown and we don't have a clue as to where to start. The best thing that the public can do is to stay inside," Ms. Calloway explained.

"I couldn't agree with you more, go out at your own risk people! Next, we hear from one victim who tells us what she remembers about her ordeal right after a quick break."

A commercial came on advertising a gun shop and all its ammunition. Beverly pointed at the screen saying, "That's the problem right there! Do you know that the average Chinese citizen does not own a gun? America needs to take a hint." She folded her arms pleased with her statement. 

"Well Ms. Vote for me, you will not be able to take away any of our weapons we fought so hard to have. I too stand my ground; the problem is with the killer and not America," Jules said, unfolding Beverly's arms. The conversation would've continued, but Jules said "shhh!" to Beverly once the news anchor began speaking again.