Music Box 2

Chapter 12

I wake up on a soft mattress. Seeing the rusty ceiling and the familiar walls, I know I'm back into the building. I sigh in frustration.

I walk through the halls only to find no one. No Aston, no Monica or Hener or Jace. No one. Oh, wait... I forgot. Ulises is back to...

I decided to go to work instead. As I walk on the streets, I see yellow crime tape hanging over the cafe. "What..." I quicken my pace and walk to Jean. He is also a waiter from the cafe, only we don't have much contact. "What is this?"I ask softly and confused. "Bria... she's dead, " replies Jean. "Bria?"I ask, confused. "She is murdered in the back of the cafe."
A sudden flashback comes back to me. Seeing Six that day and I saw Bria walking up to Nathaniel to apologize for my behavior.

Damned... six.

"[Name], are you okay?"Jeans voice interups my thoughts. His eyes meet mine. "Yeah... I'm fine." I leave without a second time thought.

I sit by the park. I'm sitting with my back against the same willow tree. The last I was here, Jaimy was here. Comforting me, or at least, I think it was him. It's his music box after all...
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I sit next to Lucas' bed. He sleeps peacefully. He could go home in a week. "I'm sorry, lucas," I say, even though he can't hear me. I continue talking. "I asked one thing of you, and here you are. Suffering for it..." I grab his hand and squeeze it. The warmth of his hand fills mine. Another tear rolls on my cheek. "I lost so many people, I almost lost you too."

I didn't notice Ulises, looking at us. He leans on the door opening. Suddenly, there is a hand on my shoulder, which startles me. I look up and meet Ulises eyes. "I know how you feel,"  he says. I don't reply immediately. "Then what's your story?"I ask. Ulises takes a seat by the window and sighs. But he doesn't say anything at all.

After a while, I look away, not expecting anything from him. I hear the monitor of Lucas, his heart beeping. "Seven has gone too far, don't you think?"I ask Ulises, hoping at least the slightest of comfort. The only thing is I'm not sure he gives it to me. Slowly, every serial killer is popping up. But I doubt all for the same reason.
"What makes you think it's seven?"asks Ulises. Surprise takes me as at his question.
"You don't mean..."I stop not wanting to continue. That's right... six killed a colleague. Who says he didn't do the others to.

"This is a mess," I whisper silently, yet it sounds loud in the quiet room. "I know," says Ulises. "All because you needed the money." I turn to Ulises, confused. "What money?"
"At least that's what you said, every time when Six asked why you worked in the building. Your answer never changed: 'I need the money', "replies Ulises.
"I see..." I couldn't possibly remember it. That scientist let me forget everything, but sometimes I wonder. Maybe I can save myself if I knew the necessary information. But I don't.

I sigh loudly. "Six and Seven. They are so different from each other. Six is so creepy, Seven is so... more human like. But still evil." Ulises doesn't reply and looks out of the window.
"Brody misses you," he chuckles. "Is he still obsessed?"I ask. "Love doesn't die easily, [name]. That counts even for a serial killer."
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The next day, I'm walking through the market. Meeting Seven, again..
This time, no plan, no idea. I never told anyone I would come here. Not Monica or Aston and none of the serial killers. My eyes wander around, seeing stables anywhere. Mostly clothes and food, the delicious smell filling my nose. But I can't help but be nervous. I see many people walking around, women buying groceries, and dragging their children along. I also see some men doing the same. There is a lot of laughter and talking, yet I can't understand any conversation, but I'm not trying to. I put my scarf furthur over my face, carrying a small brown basket. I buy some fruit and carefully put some in my basket, making sure it doesn't get smashed.

Suddenly, I get a shiver down my spine. I feel his eyes on me. The hair in my neck stands up. I look around, but I don't see anyone looking at me. Then I noticed a middle-aged man, looking at me. He has a long brown jacket and wears a head on his head. His grey eyes pierce holes into my back. I ignore him. He is just ordinary, after all. That isn't seven or six.

I continue my walk, and then I see a small stable. A stable with small stuff. I put my basket down for a minute, looking around. "Hello dear," says and elderly lady. She smiles kindly at me. She is small, wears round glasses, and has short white curly hair on top of her head. "Feel free to look around. Is there anything particular you're looking for?"
"Not really, something I can use, probably." "Use for what exactly, dear?" The rimples on her face move slightly but still had a kind smile."
"Anything, really. I'll just have a look around." I continue to walk furthur till I come with a shelve of emeralds. Bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry hangs there. My eyes fall on one particular necklace. I take it, examining it. It has a small locker. You can easily put a picture in it, or even a small letter. Then the bell rings, signing someone has come in, too. I automatically look who it is, and to my suprise, it's the same man who stared at me earlier. He walks up, directly at me. Not even sparing a single glance at the stuff, he walks up to me. "Ms. [Last name]?" He asks. "Can I help you?"I ask. The aura around him feels uncomfortable, and my heart beats in my throat. "My name is Dr. Grey." He shows a small pass card where his picture is visible together with some small I formation of his job.

My eyes fall on it and read. "I used to work in the building that you own. I was your mentor."

My eyes grow wide. He was a scientist who worked with the serial killers back when they were imprisoned?!