𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐦

CH12

Carlo's POV

It was confirmed that the body was William, and further testing was made for any fingerprints. But, nothing was found.

The body was abused severely, cuts were made on his hand that seemed like glass caused it. One of his fingers were cut. And his chest had a hole in it.

Extra security surrounded the building since the killer was aware of where we were, and could break in.

When we were with the AFD and doctors, they pulled out a rose from his chest. "So, it seems like we're dealing with the same killer from 2 and a half years ago," Will said.

"Seems like it, he's still active," I added. "Sedrik Martinez..." Will said while closing and opening the cap of his pen repeatedly. "We have to catch this guy, ASAP."

"Let's start back from 2 and a half years ago," He rummaged through his documents and got a paper. 'CASE OF NOLAN ANDERSON'.

"My guess here is that Nolan was his first victim, he's one of the closest people to him making him the easiest target," I said "His 'symbol' is by placing a rose into his victim's chest."

"And who knows how many he's killed." I finished. "He could've just been in the dark for a while and started killing a few days ago." Will started. "His last occupation was a therapist and a therapist helps people from their past trauma or troubles," Will said, "He could possibly detect whether one is lying, sad, mad, or any emotion because of his past job occupation."

"And therapists...make people open up to them. Spill their secrets, everything. Make people trust them, kind of like manipulation." Will said. "So...this killer is using his past occupation as an advantage to finding victims?" I asked. "Yes, probably," Will answered.

"He sent me a package, meaning he wants me to know that he's 'back'" I said, "Could be, he can't just accidentally wrap a body, put it in a box, and send it to the AFD."

"Right, but, what type of killer would do that? Why the hell does he want us to know? Isn't he supposed to kill in secret? Try to hide the bodies?"

"Carlo, package for ya." I looked at him immediately. "Wait...are you sure that isn't a body?" I asked, looking at Will. "Nah, look at it. It's so small, like a box you'd put earrings in." The guy said.

He placed it on my desk and left. "This time, let's open it." Will said, "Fine." I opened it and there were 3 hair strands inside. And something was written on the lid.

'Hope this helps.' It read, "What the hell?" Will said. "Wait, I know what this could mean." I closed the box slowly and placed it on my desk. Then took out my car keys. "Hey! wait, tell me first." Will sat me down.

"Do I really have to explain? It's obvious that Sedrik sent this and these hair strands belong to the victims!" I explained, "Oh, so he does want us to know."

The hair strands and box were put into testing, and the blonde hair strand's result came through. It belonged to a woman in her mid 20's, her name was Jessica Jhonson. She divorced her husband months ago and lived with her 7-month-old newborn.

She was last seen at a daycare, picking up her baby because she finished her shift. Workers at the daycare refused to give her the baby as she was extremely drunk.

"Drunk? Who in their right mind would want to drink right before picking up their newborn?" Will questioned, "Maybe the killer forced her?" I added, also puzzled.

The 2nd hair strand belonged to another woman, her name was Becka Woods. She was a 19-year-old college student and lived with her two cousins. She was last seen walking out of campus with her friend.

Lastly, the third hair strand belonged to, "Sedrik? Why would he give us his hair strand? Does he really think we don't know who caused all this?" Will scoffed. "No, wait. This actually helps us. The hair strand that belongs to him is brown, meaning he is a brunette."

"We already know that," Will said, "Yes but, this technically confirms he didn't dye or shave his hair," I added. "Who knows that that's from his hair, maybe he just plucked his eyebrow to trick us," Will argued. "Stop overthinking things, I don't think an eyebrow hair could be this long."