The sun blazes down, casting shimmering reflections on the surface of the Chicago River. The air is thick with humidity, making the city feel alive and almost electric. The sounds of the bustling city blend with the gentle lapping of the water against the riverbank, creating a backdrop of urban energy.
Mia sits on a weathered wooden bench by the river, her brow furrowed in frustration. She cradles a steaming cup of coffee in her hands, the warmth contrasting with the heat radiating from the pavement. The rich aroma of the coffee mingles with the faint scent of the river, but it does little to soothe her agitation. This use to be her favorite place to visit with her lost friends Brian, and Emily doing early morning papers, or a quick review of the day essay. Its been 5 months since they found the remains of Brians corpse, in Science center. The only identify part of his body, was his DNA, his badge that was surgically put into place over his penis. The glass bottle inside his rectum, with Emily ring finger still inside that pointed to her headless corpse inside the mummies tub. The images still fresh in her mind as she took another sip of the coffee. The only piece still attached to Emily was a Queens chess piece. A clue to the game she still couldn't figure out. Why a queen piece? she thought, but what's worse the killer dubbed by the FBI as Nightshade. Just saying it made her cringe. Nightshade was a deadly plant that grew in the shade. With each body being found, in the shade or in darkness just seemed fitting, she supposed. Trying to think of what better name they could have called the serial killer. Staring off into the glimmer of the sun rising up, over the water. Mia's dark hair is pulled back in a tight bun, a few rebellious strands sticking to her forehead from the humidity. She glances at her watch, tapping her foot impatiently as she takes a sip of her coffee, the bitterness reflecting her mood. The city around her is alive with activity—joggers pass by, cyclists whiz past, and tourists snap photos of the iconic skyline—but she feels deep down isolated in her thoughts. She hasn't worked in the office since the finding of the bodies. Working at home gave her more time to dig deeper into the patterns. Taking her last sip of the coffee, she heard footsteps approaching her.
"Special Agent Torres?" the voice of a soft voice came from behind her. "I am." being cut off of by Mia.
"I know who you are Special Agent Kacie. The director called me this morning saying you are going be my new partner. Just know this, if you cant keep up in the puzzle pieces, ask for another case." Mia said without turning her back to see Kacie. "Said you were a transfer, in your file. Why did you want to transfer to this department?" Turning her to face Kacie. Looking at the younger woman standing before her. Dark hair shoulder length, brown eyes, very light make up, office attire. Smirking "Please tell me this not your first actual real case!"
"No, I am more of an analyst. I help crack codes, patterns, and miss the missing pieces that others over looked." Kacie glared back. She hated feeling looked down upon. That's why she transferred from the New York office. Hoping working with a female partner would be a breath of fresh air for once. She thought. But staring at Special Agent Mia, her darken eyes, hair pulled up, jeans and sweatshirt makes her feel other wise. " I am good at my job, and if you read anything in my file you see I helped caught Killer Clown in Queens." Crossing her arms on her chest, swinging to her left hip.
"I saw that." Mia smiled. "Look if your going help, first off you cant wear that. It is way to obvious your a government agent. "
"What's wrong with what I am wearing?" looking at herself.
"My last partner was all suit and tie, and look what happened. The killer got him. I have no reason knowing why Brian was a target. But it felt personal. Like I was getting to close, so he took Brian out of the equation." taking a deep sigh" So if your going work with me, don't wear that." As she stood up stretching. "My apartment is just around the corner, we can go there. I have a change of clothes that probably fit you. Leave your car." walking on the sidewalk back to her apartment.
"Mia, wait. I don't want to seem disrespectful. But I have clothes in the car. Ill just run and grab them. I'm just parked across, the street. " Turning her back to Mia and walking back to her car.
"Hurry up, grasshopper we don't have all day." Mia stood there. feeling the warmth from the sun on her skin. She use to love this time of the year. The picnics of the park grass, watching tourist take pictures. Brian, Emily and her always making up some stories for the tourist as they passed by. Smiling to herself. Looking down, "I will find him." she whisper.
Hearing Kacie footsteps running back up to her snapped her attention to the present. "Where are we going?" Kacie asked looking puzzled why she had to change.
"Better." Mia stared at Kacie in skinny jeans and a tshirt. "We are going to a lecture. Dr. Graves is hosting one today, about the murderous minds of men and women. I think hearing his lectures sometimes helps, with looking at the case from a different point of view. When we get there, I just need you to observe, and listen. Do not speak to him. He is a suspect in one of the case findings. "
"He is, how come you haven't told the director, yet." Kacie starring at her in disbelief. "I thought we had no suspects on the Nightshade, that's why I transferred to help." grasping onto Mia arm stopping her.
"He kind of sort of is, kind of sort of not. Last fall I went to his apartment asking about some help on a fake case I created. Inside the apartment is a picture of one the victims. He is holding the victim on the shoulder. But on his hand was a ring that looks to be a ring of another victim. He wasn't wearing the ring anymore to take a closer look. Nor do I have proof for a warrant to search his apartment. There is nothing that puts him at the crime scene of either victims. I searched every detail of the file. His alibi was cleared traveling to either a college trip, or a conference. But my gut tells me he is still part of it." looking down at Kacie hand that was still on her arm. "SO..." taking a deep breath," lets go" shrugging Kacie hand off her arm. " My car is just ahead."
YOU ARE READING
Shadow of the Mind
General FictionA FBI Agent, working a high Profile Serial Killer case, finds out that her own past is tied to the killers. Will she catch him in time, before he strikes again.
