Bury Me With You: 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑠 𝐿𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑧

The Mysterious Symbol

𝑩𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕 - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘺.

Professor Thorn's  words still echoed in her mind. "You're a detective, Camilla. You're trained to think outside the box. You're not just a student, you're a professional."

Camilla's gaze settled on the folder on the desk in front of her. It was a new case, one that had assigned to her and another student she had yet to find out. The case files were labeled "Kings Dominion" and Camilla's instincts were already racing.

"Welcome to the world of detective work, Camilla," Thorn said, her voice low and serious. "You're about to learn what it means to be a real detective."

Camilla's eyes met Thorn's, a challenge flickering in her chest. She had always been driven to prove herself, to show that she was more than just a student at The Investigative Institute.

"Oh, wow, I've always dreamt of being a real detective... Ms Thorn, this isn't my first mission and neither will it be my last. It would bring me much joy if you just got to the point." Camilla's unhinged sarcasm present in her voice even.

Professor Thorn slid a folder across the desk. "King's Dominion Atelier of the Deadly Arts is a secret institution of students who have been terrorizing the city of London.

They're taught by their Headmaster, Master Lin and they're Headmistress, Madam Gao, within the 'school' different instructors teach them the deadly arts of fighting. Leaving a trail of dead bodies in their wake."

Camilla's eyes narrowed as she scanned the files. "What makes you think they're connected?"

Thorn leaned back in her chair. "The MO is identical. Each victim has been found with a small, intricately carved symbol on their arms a skull with 2 snakes in it's eyes. "

Camilla's eyes locked onto Thorn's. "And what do you think this symbol means?"

Thorn smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "I think it's a calling card. A sign that the killer wants us to know they're still out there, and they're not going to stop until they've claimed their next victim."

Camilla's gut twisted with anticipation. She was ready to get started on this case. She was ready to prove herself.

"And who may I be doing this mission with?" Camilla asked carelessly as she picked at her nails.

Ms. Thorn stood, her expression stern. " I've been informed that you're going on a mission with Calihan Walker."

Camilla rolled her eyes. "Really? Why can't this just be a solo mission."

Ms. Thorn raised an eyebrow ignoring her question,"What do you think of Calihan's detective skills?"

Camilla shrugged. "Honestly, I think he's not very good. He's more popular because he's good-looking and charming than because he's actually good at his job."

Ms. Thorn frowned. " Calihan has a good reputation among his peers."

Camilla snorted. "Yeah, because they're all just as clueless as he is. But seriously, Ms. Thorn, have you seen him in action? He's like a one-man show, with no idea how to work with others or follow procedure."

Ms. Thorn sighed. "I understand your concerns, Camilla, but Calihan has been chosen for this mission by the school administration. You'll need to work with him to get the job done."

Camilla rolled her eyes in annoyment, "Great. Just what I always wanted: to be stuck with a self-absorbed, incompetent detective who thinks he's above the law. When he doesn't even know it."