Shadow of the Mind

Chapter 14: Under Fire

           Mia sat amidst a sea of case files in her cluttered living room, the space feeling more like a makeshift command center than a cozy retreat. The coffee table, once a place for casual gatherings, was now buried beneath stacks of manila folders, legal pads covered in scribbled notes, and hastily drawn diagrams. A warm, inviting couch peeked out from the mess, its cushions dented and rumpled, evidence of countless hours spent poring over evidence while chasing elusive leads. Its been a year since the discovery of Emily and Brian bodies. No new bodies have been found since theirs. Thinking to herself why? Did something happen to the killer?  or has he had a new victim this whole time, torturing them in ways of unspeakable. Closing her eyes to shake off the feeling of dread and doubt. Than again, the killing did stop when Dr. Graves went to Europe. No, he was still helping her piece the puzzle pieces, why would he be part of any of this. Thinking to herself, shaking off the thought that the man she once loved was the man she hunted.  Twirling in her chair, hands behind her head, "there is something we are missing!" On the far wall, a sprawling display depicted the complexity of the case. Red yarn crisscrossed between photographs and documents, creating intricate connections that told a story only she understood. Each pinned item was a testament to late nights and racing thoughts, culminating in a chaotic but visually compelling tapestry of clues. An array of notes detailing witness statements glared out at her in various colors; each was marked with highlighters and sticky notes, indicating urgency and importance. "there is something here, I can feel it." as her cat Jinx jumps on her lap, purring. "you know what it is don't you?" as she scratched the cats ears. "Why don't you share?" pushing the cat back to the floor. The air smelled faintly of brewed coffee, chaos mingling with comfort. Just then,  the door opened slowly. Kacie walked in, balancing a fresh cup in her hand, and the file in other. She paused at the threshold, taking in the sight before her with a smile and a shake of her head. "You know, Mia, if anyone could find a body in this mess, it would be you. I'm going to hire us, a maid. I swear once we crack this case."

           Mia looked up from a particularly dense file, a trace of fatigue in her eyes, but her expression brightened at the sight of her partner, now roommate. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Kacie," she replied, taking the steaming cup from Kacie and inhaling the aroma. "I could definitely use this." Your mom stopped by, I told her you were out grabbing the coffee, told you not to miss your dads birthday party next week."

"Thanks. Did she look creeped out, with all these files and pictures on the wall?" Kacie laughing back at the sight of the wall. 

"No more than usual. I get she thinks I'm crazy and work to much on this case, but I know this man killed my mother, and now two of my friends. I will catch him. One way or another!"

"I wouldn't say crazy, I would say obsessives." Kacie taunted her, as she walked into the living room. "Besides isn't Dr. Graves going to send you over the reports of what the killer mind set could be, later tonight?" nudging Mia arm. 

Mia, blushing at the thought, "No I cancelled on him. I still cant get the feeling that he is part of all this." pointing at the wall, of missing bodies still unsolved names. "I know we cleared him, because the guard at museum told the press, but it still doesn't change the fact, how I feel."

"Oh, that feeling that your madly in love with him still!" Kacie one more taunting her, giving her kissy face, a Pellow hits her upside the head.

"NO, you know that is my past." Mia breathing heavy. "There just things missing about him, that are not normal, even when we were dating he cancel on me sometimes, or a blood spot on a shirt, he claim was shaving. Its those small details, and fact he was one of the last few people that saw Emily alive, makes me still believe he is tied to this. I don't know how exactly." scratching her head, taking another sip of the coffee. "MM butterscotch. You know me to well."