ECHOES OF US | 18+ ✔️

CHAPTER 6

DANTÉ

The field of criminology has really piqued my interest, and it's not because Ava is my professor. The exploration of how crime intertwines with society and the various responses it elicits has genuinely fascinated me. My familial ties to a criminal background provide me with a unique perspective, allowing me to delve even deeper into certain aspects and responses.

Surprisingly, my focus on this module has diverted my attention completely away from the sexual tension I've been experiencing during lectures. Now, today's session holds the promise of being exceptionally engaging. We are fortunate to have a detective from downtown as our guest, and I am eagerly looking forward to it.

Upon entering the lecture hall, I notice a middle-aged man in uniform, of average height, engrossed in conversation with Ava, presumably our guest. As the room fills up and everyone settles into their seats, she takes the floor.

"Good day, class," she greets, a warm smile gracing her face, before gesturing to the man beside her. "Let's extend a warm welcome to Detective Sergeant Daniel Reagan from the New York Police Department, who will be joining us today."

The class brims with excitement as a thunderous applause fills the hall. After it quiets down, Ava continues, "He's a member of the Robbery-Homicide Division at the 107th precinct, and as a seasoned law enforcement officer, he'll share fascinating insights with you. So... without delay, the floor is yours, detective."

"Thank you, Professor Harlow," he responds gratefully, flashing a brief smile before turning his attention to the students. With both hands firmly planted on the podium, he scans the audience before speaking.

"Hey everyone," he addresses, his voice commanding attention. "As your professor mentioned, I have the honor of serving in the Robbery-Homicide unit for the NYPD. With two decades of experience, I can't help but feel the weight of my age," he jests, giving a playful pat to his abdomen, eliciting laughter from the entire class.

"I've spent eight years in uniform and twelve as a detective. Our department's investigations focus on arsons, cases involving multiple victims, and tracking down serial killers."

Amidst the murmurs among the students, none muster the courage to speak up, prompting the detective to proceed.

"First, I'll conduct a case study. Afterwards, we'll open the floor to a Q&A session for any questions you may have. Please dim the lights, professor."

As Ava fulfills the request, the detective diligently operates his laptop, resulting in the whiteboard at the front of the hall displaying a blank screen.

"The case I'm about to present is drawn from a real incident, but the names have been changed to safeguard their families' privacy."

The screen flickers to life, revealing images of a middle-aged couple in their fifties. Soon after, two young women in their early twenties, bearing a striking resemblance to each other, appear on the screen. Notably, both sport blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.

The detective's voice breaks the silence. "All four victims were murdered in and around Lower Manhattan. They all bore wounds on their foreheads and had their throats slit. Curiously, a photograph and a chair from a dining room set were missing from each scene."

A tense hush descends upon the lecture hall, punctuated only by the uneasy shifting of some students in their seats.

Then Detective Reagan reassures the class, "We've captured the perpetrator responsible and they're now serving two life sentences." As he hands a stack of papers to one student to distribute, he adds, "You've got ten minutes to figure out the possible motive behind these murders using the facts sheet."