Scream!

"We've got a serial killer on our hands"

We're back at the police station. It's late at night still following on from the previous chapter.

Laura and Ellie are still at the police staton, the chief officer comes into the room.

Officer Harry Cartwright has been in the force for several years, and over the last few months, he was promoted into the role of chief of police in the town. He lets people call him Harry, in an effort to seemingly humble himself.

Officer Harry: "Guys i'm sorry but you'll both need to stay here tonight..."

Ellie: "Um, why?"

Officer Harry: "There's been another murder."

Laura: "Oh my god... who?"

Office Harry: "I shouldn't really say but, you're involved so It's only right, her name is Amy. Her boyfriend rang and says her ex boyfriend, James, killed her."

Laura: "James Turner? I was with him earlier?"

Officer Harry: "Jesus... Did he say anything suggestive to you at all?"

Laura: "No he didn't really say much, we were in a group outside the station talking... I was, talking to my ex partner, he was checking up on me"

Ellie: "Which one was he? James i mean."

Laura: "Dark hair, bit of a beard..."

Ellie: "Can't say i remember"

Officer Harry: "We're sending a squad to his address to bring him in for questioning. We've got 5 dead now, this is officially a serial killer we're dealing with. We have a lead and we're sure as hell going to follow it."

Ellie: "Fuck... Anything you can tell us about Ben?"

Officer Harry: "We let him go that night, it was a scuffle and nothing more. If that reporter wants to press charges then we'll facilitate that. But he's out and free"

Ellie: "That's the first we've heard?"

Ellie and Laura look at eachother, concerned.

Ellie: "Wasn't he charged with a double homicide?"

Officer Harry: "What?"

Ellie: "Oh his work computer..."

Officer Harry: "Unless that punch took two lives, the only thing he's been charged with is doing what most of us want to do when a reporter is in our face"

Ellie looks at him, not sure whether she should be offended by the subtle reference to her parents, or concerned at what she's hearing.

Laura: "*To Ellie* Why hasn't he contacted us?"

Ellie shrugs, she seems uneasy.

Ellie: "I... Don't suppose you could get in contact with him?"

Officer Harry: "Why? Can't you?"

Ellie: "I guess i Can but..."

Harry has clear stress on his face now. As he tries to piece together everything in his mind.

Office Harry: "Are you scared of this guy?"

Ellie: "No... it's just, I don't know who i can trust..."

Laura: "*places hand on her shoulder* Look, we know him. This wouldn't be in his character, OK?"

Officer Harry: "If you guys want us to go around to his place and check, on the grounds it could further our investigation. We can do that."

Ellie: "Yes. I think that would be a good move."

Laura: "Yeah, seems reasonable, we need to talk to him. And we need to know what's going on."

Officer Harry: "Alright, well you two should go get some rest, we've got crisis rooms here so you girls can make yourself at home for the night, it's not ideal, but if you guys are potential targets then we need to make sure you're where we can see you."

Ellie: "Okay..."

Laura nods slowly. Tapping the table.

Officer Harry: "I'll see you two in a bit, OK?"

Laura: "Yeah, thank you."

He leaves the room. The door closes behind him.

We cut to Rory's house.

He's in bed, texting Sarah.

*Text conversation*

Rory: "Do you fancy grabbing a bite tomorrow?"

Sarah: "Can do. Where at?"

Rory "Can grab a chicken and chips box from our usual place"

Sarah: "Usual place?"

Rory: "I meant my usual place 🤦‍♂️"

Sarah: "It's okay, i know what you meant 😂"

Rory: "Ah i see, you're just taking the piss!😂"

Sarah: "Can Maisie join us?"

Rory: "I'd rather just have it be me and you."

Sarah: "Okay"

Rory: "Is that okay with you?"

Sarah: "Sure."

Rory: "You don't fill me with much confidence"

Sarah: "No it's okay i just didn't know how to respond"

Rory: "Oh, sorry"

Sarah: "It's fine"

Rory: "Honestly speaking here. you know how i feel about you by now right?"

Sarah: "I have an idea yes"

Rory: "What do you think?"

Sarah: "You'll have to wait and see"

Rory: "How long will that take?"

He waits, and doesn't get a reply.

Rory: "*spoken* Don't fall asleep on me Sarah"

*Back to text*

Rory: "You dead?"

He doesn't receive a reply. So sends a follow up message.

Rory: "Goodnight, see you later"

He smiles and puts his phone down. He lets out a sigh. And nods off to sleep.

End of chapter 9.