Night's Warmth

Chapter 14 - Clues

As we arrive at the police station, we see Chief Porter at the entrance and he also sees us.

"Alex, Gabriel, I'm glad you both could make it," Chief Porter says, greeting us with a nod.

"Chief Porter, what's this about?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

The chief gestures for us to follow him inside the station. "Let's discuss it inside," he says cryptically.

We enter the station and follow Chief Porter to the interrogation where he gestures for us to take a seat. Once we're all settled, Chief Porter begins to speak.

"Alright, let's get straight to the point. Alex, I've received some new information regarding your encounter with the suspect at the Mars Drugstore."

I gulp nervously. "What did you find out?"

Chief Porter brings out a folder and gives it to me. I open it and see photos of CCTV footage showing me in the drugstore, along with the suspect and Nora. There are also photos where I'm not there.

"At around late 11 AM, the suspect walked into the drugstore and just wandered around. Then at around 12 PM, that was when you entered the drugstore and bought your items. Just like your testimony from yesterday, the suspect then stood motionless at one of the drug sections. 30 seconds after you left, the suspect turned to the victim before walking away too."

I can feel goosebumps around my body. "I-I never knew I was near a killer.."

Chief Porter gives me a soft smile. "I assure you, the suspect doesn't intend to target you. In fact, a handful of other witnesses also testified seeing the suspect around the mall, so don't worry about it." He pauses for a moment before continuing. "But still, you should stay safe and vigilant. You'd never know if the suspect changes their motives."

I sigh in relief. "O-Okay.. T-Thanks, chief.."

Something bothers me about the killer. "By the way, has the police station identified the killer?"

Chief Porter crosses his arms. "As of right now there are three main suspects: A female fox, a female wolf and a male fox."

"I see.. Were they all victims of bullying."

He nods solemnly. "Yes. We've received reports of suicide attempts and attempted murders related to the Winter Lavender Private University before. Apparently, the university only gave the bullies a slap on the wrist, with the most serious punishment only being deductions of grades and suspensions. From what I've read in your documents, you're also a student from that university, am I correct?"

I nod. "Yes."

"The university faced public criticism and was forced to issue new policies regarding bullying. Since Nora has a history of bullying other students in the university, her victims became the prime suspects. The three people I mentioned earlier were also her victims."

Chief Porter's words weigh heavily on me as I process the information. It's chilling to think that the killer could be someone who was once a victim themselves. The cycle of violence and pain is tragic, and it makes me wonder if there could have been a way to prevent this outcome. Even so, getting bullied doesn't justify taking someone's life.

"What about Nora's family?" I ask, my mind racing with questions.

Chief Porter sighs. "Her family is devastated, of course. They're cooperating with the investigation, but so far, they haven't provided any substantial leads."

Gab shifts uncomfortably beside me, his expression troubled. "Do you think the killer will be caught soon?"

The chief's expression darkens. "I wish I could say yes, but the truth is, this case is complex. The killer is smart, calculated, and seems to always be one step ahead of us. But we won't give up until we bring them to justice."