Understanding A Killer

Going back

The victim of the latest case, Beth LeBeau, was brutally murdered in her own room. Someone had snuck in at night, cutting her face in a 'smile' which made her drown in her own blood.

Will's collegues left him alone with the victim to reimagine the event, so he walked down through the killer's mind. Only, this time it felt way more intense. He could see the dark room and the killer who hid underneath the bed. He could hear Beth's screams as her face was cut up. When he returned to reality, he was covered in blood, as if he was the one who actually killed her. It was just too real.

Did I actually do this?

He looked at his bloody hands in horror and ran out with a scream. The FBI team stood there in wide-eyed, shocked that Will was so unstable he actually contaminated the crime scene.

Right. I came here to investigate. I didn't kill her. Why would I do that?

It took Will a few moments and deep breaths to realize he did not, in fact, kill Beth LeBeau. As he looked around at the startled agents full of judgement, he couldn't help but look for Eliana. She would surely understand. She wouldn't look at him like he was an insane man who completely lost it. But she was nowhere to be found, once again.

"What's going on, Will?! You just contaminated the crime scene!" - Jack's voice was angry, but also worried.

"I'm s-sorry. I think..." - He cleared his throat, "The killer tried to take off a mask. They... Can't see faces."

"Are you sure you can keep it together? You've never done something like this before." - Jack's tone turned fully concerned.

"I don't think you have anyone who can do the job better stable... Then me unstable."

Will pretended to be much better then he actually was, and left to clean himself up. As he looked at his face in the mirror, it was becoming clear he couldn't run from this sickness anymore. Could it be something neurological? He sure hoped it was a physical problem, and not a mental one. And where the hell was Eliana, again? He couldn't keep this behavior sliding.

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A big wave at the beach making him drown as he looked at the 'human totem pole'. A killer hiding in a dark room, waiting for his moment to attack. A giant stag breaking into his house.

Will's mind could be very creative with nightmares, and most of the time it used its full potential. Once again, he woke up covered in sweat. At least he thought he woke up, but he couldn't be fully sure.

He realized it wasn't the nightmare that shook him awake, but the sound of the doorbell. If it was real, at least.

It was only 21:15, so he hadn't been asleep for long. The doorbell rang one more time, and he was convinced it was real this time. He dragged himself downstairs, breathing heavily as a fever raged through his body.

It was none other than his absent student, Eliana Holt.

"Hi." - She greeted him with an awkward smile, instantly noticing his grey shirt that was covered in sweat. "Were you sleeping?"

"I'm... Not even sure I'm awake now." - He rubbed his eyes.

"I heard what happened today." - She frowned, "I was... Worried."

Will showed her inside and closed the door before speaking. "And where exactly were you?" - His voice betrayed disappointment.

"I was late... I'm sorry." - She looked at the floor.

"You can't just keep apologizing. This is too serious." - He pulled out a chair and sat down.

"I'm sor-" - Eliana stopped mid sentence, "I'll be on time next time."