Cases Uncovered

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪34 | Memories of Yesteryear

"I need a distraction, an escape from this mind-numbing reality"

- Project Loki

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Chapter 34:
Memories of Yesteryear

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ZANE

"I just can't understand why she wouldn't just work as—," I explained to Detective Cruz as we stood outside the hospital, leaning against Ron's car.

There was no one else around, just the occasional passing cars making noise in the vicinity.

"Let me stop you right there, Nuñez," she replied, maintaining her strict demeanor. "You are aware that Lorraine de Verra is just seventeen years old, right?"

"Seventeen? I thought we were the same age," I said. "So she's actually older than me — by a year."

"But you. Would you like to go part-time in CSI so you don't turn into someone who's not going to just suddenly pop up?" she asked.

As for me? I'm not sure about that! Raine was the one who dragged me here.

"Before you answer, I can tell you're not as good at that as she is, but you're good at describing things, based on your answers on the interview," she continued.

"If you say that Raine is good, will you ask her the same question once she turns out to be her legal age?"

She paused briefly, then glanced toward the front of the car where a faint light caught her attention.

There, we noticed Ron's laptop. Detective Cruz moved to open the car door, only to realize it was locked.

"Hello? Hello, are you the one I was talking to earlier?"

That voice! It sounded like it came from Raine's phone.

He was so calm earlier. I started to think maybe he was the kidnapper.

"I'm here! Who's speaking?"

"I felt the guard leave briefly, so I'm here not to waste time," the voice of the man said.

"Just stay calm. If he finds out, he might—"

"Miss Lorraine, they've locked us in a dark room and given us a choice on how we want to die," said the man.

"Sir, please calm down. It's dangerous— Don't say anything about that person!" Raine pleaded.

I want to go to Raine, but part of me wants to know every detail as they both speak.

"I know what's going to happen to me because I chose to be shot in the heart later!" he said. "There were two in the room earlier—the person and their sniper left behind to keep watch."

"The kidnapper..." he added.

"Sir?" Raine spoke, seeming to be confused by the situation.

"... the voice was so... so gentle and—"

And that's where the call ended.

Anxiety gripped my chest. Pull yourself together, Zane! Be strong and be a man!

As soon as I refocused, I noticed the officers hurrying towards the entrance of St. Luke Hospital. Driven by my need to uncover the truth, I followed their dashing footsteps. We wound through corridors until we arrived at a section with four rooms enclosed by mirrored walls.