Unsolved Cases

Christmas Surprise: chapter 1.

On December 2nd, 2023, I strolled down the bustling street, engrossed in my phone screen as I savored my beloved coffee. The chilly wind brushed against my face at regular intervals, a reminder of the impending winter. The streets teemed with activity, alive with the anticipation of the approaching Christmas festivities. Despite the festive atmosphere, I had never been one to revel in such events, harboring a disdain for the inevitable aftermath of cleanup once the celebrations concluded. As I strolled through the familiar streets, my thoughts centered on the simple pleasures awaiting me at home, the comfort of my beloved apartment, the allure of curling up in bed beneath a cozy blanket, and the anticipation of losing myself in a good book while savoring a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Just as I was about to put down my phone, a shrill ring pierced the air, drawing my gaze to my phone. It was Chief Ramirez, and his unexpected call stirred a sense of unease within me he wouldn't reach out unless the situation demanded immediate attention. I answered the call, my voice tinged with concern.

Aurora: Hey Chief, what's wrong? You don't usually call unless it's urgent...

Chief: Aurora, listen carefully. I know you just finished your shift, but we need you at the station immediately. It's serious.

His tone sent a shiver down my spine I could hear the strain in his voice, a sign that trouble loomed large. Without hesitation, I responded.

Aurora: Of course, I'll be there in 15 minutes.

As the call ended, I turned on my heel, my mind racing with a flurry of questions. With determined steps, I made my way to the police station, bracing myself for whatever awaited me there. I hastened to the station, pushing through the glass door with urgency. My eyes scanned the familiar surroundings, seeking any sign of disruption, but everything appeared unsettlingly normal. Pressing on through the police hallway, I finally reached the Chief's office. Knocking twice yielded no response.

Aurora: Chief, it's Aurora. You wanted to see me?

Silence hung in the air, unsettling and thick. With growing unease, I sought answers from a passing officer.

Aurora: Excuse me, do you know where Chief is? He called for me, but he's not in his office.

Policeman: Oh, Chief? He's in the meeting room.

Aurora: Thank you.

Turning on my heel, I made my way to the meeting room. Peering through the glass door, I caught sight of Chief and several other officers gathered around a table littered with crime scene photos. In that moment, a chill crept down my spine as the grim reality sank in our town had been touched by murder. As I pushed open the door, the weight of several pairs of eyes bore into me, and I stood there, awaiting Chief's acknowledgment.

Chief: Aurora, you're finally here. Excellent. That means we have everyone. Please, take a seat.

I nodded in silent acquiescence, making my way to an unoccupied chair. As I settled in, I couldn't help but notice the gravity etched into Chief's features a blend of concern and severity. My gaze shifted to the photos strewn across the table, revealing a lifeless figure, riddled with bullet holes. I furrowed my brow, scrutinizing the documents nearby, which identified the victim as "Gabriel Thompson." I listened intently to Chief's every word regarding the murder, acutely aware that such grim occurrences were rare in our small town. Typically, our community dealt with petty thefts, not homicides.

Chief: As you may have heard, there's been a murder in our midst. The victim, Gabriel Thompson, was the son of one of our town's affluent residents, Mr. Benjamin Clarke. His body was discovered earlier today in the forest. According to the autopsy report, the body had been there for quite a while, indicating that the murder occurred some time ago.

As I listened intently, a chill crept down my spine at the revelation that the murder had occurred long ago. It hinted at a meticulously planned crime, executed with cunning precision. Despite the unsettling realization, I remained focused for more details, eager to piece together the puzzle of this heinous act.

Chief: Sadly, we don't have much to go on. The murder seems to have covered their tracks completely. We've scoured the surveillance footage, but it's as if the incident never occurred, despite the presence of the victim's body.

A hushed silence descended upon the room, each of us lost in our own thoughts. Finally, I broke the quietude.

Aurora: If Gabriel was the son of a wealthy man, wouldn't he have been accompanied by bodyguards? Surely, they must have noticed something unusual or suspicious.

Chief: We questioned them thoroughly. All they could tell us was that Gabriel had slipped away from their watch, a departure from his usual routine of venturing out alone.

Chief's words resonated with the frustration of exhaustive efforts yielding little insight. I sighed inwardly, realizing that uncovering the truth in this case would prove far more arduous than anticipated. Turning my attention to the files spread out before me, I scrutinized each detail for any potential leads. Suddenly, a realization struck me.

Aurora: The photos... They clearly show that Gabriel was shot in the chest-

Chief: Yes. The autopsy revealed that the bullets were Lead Round Nose (LRN), indicating that a revolver was used in the murder.

I absorbed Chief's words when he cut me in my sentence already answering my question before I even asked it, understanding the significance of this revelation. However, it dawned on me that this information alone wouldn't provide us with a breakthrough. In a small town where gun ownership was common, the murderer could be anyone with a valid gun permit. The daunting task ahead weighed heavily on my mind. As the meeting progressed, a sense of frustration settled over the room, with no breakthroughs or leads emerging to propel our murder investigation forward. After an hour of fruitless discussion, Chief reluctantly acknowledged the lack of progress and dismissed everyone.

However, I remained behind, determined to pursue an alternative avenue of investigation. Approaching Chief, I voiced my proposal.

Aurora: Chief, perhaps I could visit Mr. Benjamin Clarke's house. There might be information we overlooked.

Chief: My officers thoroughly searched his residence. Trust me, they found nothing. You won't either.

Aurora: Chief, you haven't given me a chance. I'm not bound by police protocol as a detective, I may uncover something overlooked.

A heavy silence settled in the room as Chief took a deep breath, sinking into his oversized chair, contemplating my proposition.

Chief: Fine, you can go, but not today. It's already late, and I doubt they'll let you in. Start tomorrow morning.

Aurora: Thank you...I promise I'll find something.

Leaving the police station, I understood the weight of the task awaiting me the next day. With a long day behind me, I craved nothing more than a good night's rest. Walking to my apartment, I yawned, the falling snow adding to my weariness. The meeting and the demands of my work had left me drained. All I desired was to slip into my comfortable bed and surrender to sleep.
Upon stepping into my apartment, I swiftly shed my coat and kicked off my shoes, ensuring the door was securely locked behind me. With a contented sigh, I stretched my weary muscles, the tension of the day gradually dissipating. Making my way to the closet, I retrieved my soft pajamas, anticipating the comfort they promised. A warm shower beckoned, a sanctuary to wash away the residue of the day's challenges. As steam filled the bathroom, I surrendered to the soothing cascade, allowing it to cleanse both body and mind of accumulated stress and weariness.