Bound By Sin

Investigations.

The dimly lit room smelled faintly of disinfectant, its sterile nature doing little to mask the tension that filled the air. A single bulb swung lightly from the ceiling, casting erratic shadows on the walls. Detective Blackwood and Detective Caldwell sat at a long metal table, waiting for the group of friends to be escorted in, one by one.

The door creaked open as Genevieve was led in first, her face pale and hands trembling. She had been called in for questioning so many times now, the routine of it felt like a punishment. She sat down without a word, folding her arms protectively around herself.

Detective Blackwood, his voice low and gravelly, broke the silence. "Gen, this is the fifth time we've called you in this week. Another murder took place yesterday morning. We need to know if you've remembered anything. Anything at all."

Genevieve shook her head, her voice trembling. "I—I told you before, I don't know anything. None of us do. Why do you keep dragging us back here? It's terrifying enough knowing there's some... psychopath out there. I can't sleep, I can't think straight anymore. Please... I don't know anything."

Detective Caldwell, softer in tone, leaned forward. "We're not trying to upset you, Genevieve. We just need to be thorough. The pattern of these murders... they seem connected to your group, whether you realize it or not."

Genevieve's eyes widened, her voice rising. "Connected to us? How? We're just trying to live our lives, and now every time there's a body, we're dragged in here like we're suspects. It's not fair. I didn't ask for any of this, none of us did."

Blackwood exhaled deeply. "We understand you're scared, but we need you to stay strong. If something comes to mind, anything out of the ordinary, you need to tell us."

Genevieve stared at them for a moment, her face contorted with frustration and fear. "I told you everything already. I don't know what else you want from me. This whole thing... it's traumatizing. I don't want to live in fear anymore."

The detectives exchanged glances before Blackwood nodded. "Alright, Gen. You're free to go for now. But if anything changes—"

"I'll let you know," Genevieve said quickly, standing up and rushing out the door.

****************************

Next came Nicholas, who entered the room with a stern expression. He sat down slowly, eyes fixed on the detectives. His voice was controlled, but there was an underlying edge to it.

"This is getting ridiculous," Nicholas said before either detective could speak. "I've told you a thousand times, I don't know anything about these murders."

"We understand you're frustrated, Nicholas, but there's something we're missing. Something someone is either hiding or doesn't realize they know," Caldwell replied, trying to keep the situation calm.

Nicholas scoffed, shaking his head. "You think one of us is hiding something? You're seriously out of your minds. Look, I don't know who's behind these murders, but it's starting to mess with all of us. I'm waking up every night thinking I'm next. Isabella's been having panic attacks. Theodore barely leaves his house now. This isn't some game."

Blackwood's jaw tightened. "We know it's not a game, Nicholas. That's exactly why we're pressing you all. Whoever this killer is, they seem to know more about your group than we do. It's crucial we get ahead of it."

Nicholas leaned back in his chair, frustrated. "I don't have anything else to tell you. I wish I did. I really do. I hate that we keep coming back here, like we're somehow responsible for this... nightmare."