Baptism Of Fire

CLUES AND ALLIANCE

DAVIEN'S POINT OF VIEW

I stretch my arms to relax my muscles after typing a long report on my computer. The past days had been quite stressing for me. I have several cases on my plate, but what's bothering me the most is the consecutive deaths of students from Ridley University, specifically on that section.

I recalled my conversation with Lauren and Luther. Though I already have a hunch base from what Luther narrated, I still need to be keen and heedful. Their lives are in my hands now.

"But what if I get caught in this mess? What if before I could even untangled every conundrum, it's all too late?"

These questions bring fear in me. No matter how I convinced myself that I can steal a march on those killers, there's still uncertainty and aversion.

My thoughts were cut with the sudden ring of the telephone beside me. I answered the call.

"This is Atkinson Police Department, how can we help you?"

I heard a rustle from the other line that made my forehead creased. "My husband and I found a dead body in Rodeo Drive, please come here immediately."

My heart starts to beat erratically. I've been encountering these scenarios for ages now because of my job, but the nervousness that I'm feeling every time I hear the word 'death' does not change a bit.

I close my eyes and heave a deep sigh. "We'll be coming in a few minutes, Ma'am."

When we arrived at the said place, we ensured that the scene poses no danger and immediately cordoned off the crime scene by surrounding the place with barricade tape. The patrol car was parked far away from us to prevent impacting possible evidences.

I squinted my eyes on the body lying on the cold pavement. My forehead creased, his face looks so familiar. Base from his features, he looks like a high school student. Could it be? Is he an another victim of the Ridley University's consecutive serial killing?

Elena, one of my co worker, approaches me. "These are the information that I got from them, detective," she said and handed me a clipboard.

I nod my head at her. "Thanks, Elena."

We perform an immediate area inspection to gather evidences that could point at the perpetrator.

I turn around when I heard a loud siren. Finally, the ambulance came after a few moments. The paramedics immediately assess the victim's body. I sighed in frustration. Aside from five hollow-point type of bullets, we haven't found anything yet, and this piece of evidence will give us a hard time solving this case considering the number of people who own guns with the same type of bullet.

I look over the darkness looming around us. The coldness of the night gives a subtle shiver down my spine

LAUREN'S POINT OF VIEW

"How's your school?"

My forehead creased upon hearing my mother's question. I look at her, but her gaze was focused on the food she's eating.

Is she sick? Perhaps her head is not in its sane state?

I cleared my throat. "I'm doing good in school," I answered nonchalantly.

I was really surprised that she asked about my day. You can't blame me though, it's once in a blue moon.

"I've heard about the consecutive deaths of your classmates."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat when she mentioned it. Lost for words, I did not bother answering her.

"Have they caught the criminal already?" she continued.