ONE LAST TIME

Unveiling Secrets

Upon arriving at the gruesome crime scene, Atlas met me with a concerned expression etched across his face. His eyes silently questioned my ability to confront the grisly sight that awaited us, and I responded with a solemn nod.

Taking measured steps forward, I was confronted by a chilling tableau of horror. The victim's body bore the horrible aftermath of relentless scratching, mirroring the brutality of the previous crime scene. Deep, savage cuts marred the body's form. It was as if the killer's intent had been to drain every drop of life's essence from their unfortunate prey.

As I surveyed the murder before me, I realized that there was hope. Although the approach to the crime was similar to my past, the way the bodies were killed was starkly different. It was a different killing style- a different killer, precisely a copycat killer. 

"No clues have revealed themselves at the scene," Atlas remarked, his voice tinged with frustration. "You won't uncover any," I replied, a sense of foreboding settling over me. I pressed on, determined to uncover the truth. "This wasn't the actual site of the murder."

"I'm aware," Atlas acknowledged, his gaze fixed on the grotesque tableau. Then, after a momentary pause, he continued, "No clues were discovered at the previous murder scene either."

My brow furrowed in concern. "Not even a hair sample?" I questioned, searching for any glimmer of evidence. "Nothing," he responded with a grim shake of his head.

The killer was evidently astute, leaving no trace behind to connect the crimes. It was as if they had meticulously studied the art of disappearance, becoming an elusive ghost in the shadows. 

"I'll send the victim's body for a forensic test," Atlas announced, determination gleaming in his eyes. "We'll see if the victim's blood matches that found at the previous scene." I nodded in agreement. 

Atlas focused on his work, and I began searching for any evidence the criminal might have left behind. Unfortunately, my efforts proved fruitless. As evening approached, Atlas suggested we leave and kindly offered me a ride, which I accepted to avoid any further trouble.

(In the car)

I retrieved my phone and began to text Hannah, recounting the events that had unfolded. She inquired whether I had taken the medications prescribed by the doctor to prevent any more blackouts. With a reassuring tone, I responded that I had indeed managed to take them before arriving at the scene. Her concern brought a smile to my face.

"Ms. Emma, do you happen to have a boyfriend?" Atlas suddenly asked, his curiosity piqued.

I chuckled at his unexpected question and playfully countered, "Why do you ask?"

His response was equally expected, "I noticed you were smiling so widely, and I haven't seen you smile like that since we met."

I grinned as I explained, "Oh, no, I was just texting Hannah, my best friend."

His demeanor shifted with a simple "Oh," and a silence settled between us. As I gazed out the window, savoring the scenery, a thought struck me, and I felt compelled to share it.

"Atlas, you do realize that the murders must have taken place in different timelines, right?" I ventured.

He furrowed his brow in contemplation and admitted, "Now that you've mentioned it..."

I spoke, my voice thoughtful, "The timing is crucial. It's highly improbable for both murders to have occurred simultaneously. Even if the killer managed it, they must have made some or the other mistake."  "If the blood sample matches, the first victim must have been murdered way before the second one."

Atlas considered my words before offering another possibility, his gaze locked onto mine. "Or what if we're dealing with more than one killer?"