𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐍'𝐒 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄 | 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐞𝐰

5 | office

Back at the station, the police and detectives organized all the photos they took from the scene, comparing them to pictures of the previous crimes. Unlike the last scene, this one had no blood spill.

What was strange was that it was one against 6 kids. With no blood spill, something interesting had happened here. How could one man take down 6 teenagers with no gun or knife? Or was it just one person?

The department ran autopsies on all the bodies, concluding that all of them died from poison. They tried to investigate what exactly it was that was poisoned, but the food of choice was completely dissolved and passed through the stomach. Possibly some sort of starch.

The next step was to inform the parents of the children who were unfortunately very identifiable. This was always the toughest part of working this job.

Celia was exhausted, her eyes half closed as she stared at all the photos like they weren't all dead people. She tried her best to stay focused, but she kept checking out. One of the other detectives noticed, saying she was free to go get a coffee or something.

She did exactly that, and it made her feel a little better, but still not completely like herself. As she got back to the station, she was handed a sheet of paper written by the church. She knew it was one of Sister Megan's articles.

"I figured this was important to you."

Celia read the entire thing and to her surprise, she was very impressed. She was immediately hooked from the beginning and found herself indulged immediately in a case she knew more about. It was like the perfect true-crime story. No wonder the church's website had been on fire.

After her shift, she decided to go pay Sister Megan a visit to give praise directly.

She parked at the front and walked in. A service was being held, so she quietly walked to the middle where most of the seats were empty. At the front was Father Charlie preaching about some verse in the bible. Celia had no clue as to what he was talking about, but just watching him was interesting.

Quickly, she found herself tuning out, watching his lips as he spoke. Words were indeed coming out, but... what exactly did he say again?

After the end of the service, Celia walked to the front to speak to Father Charlie, but she had to wait in a line of old nuns and women. Most were just there to praise him, sometimes on his preaching skill, but also informing him that they had granddaughters who were in dire need.

When she caught his eye, he stopped the ladies, excusing himself politely before he walked over to her.

"Detective," He starts, "Didn't expect you to show up to a service, what brings you in?"

"Well I was looking for Sister Megan, but somehow I got caught up here."

He smiles, stepping closer. He lands beside her, placing a hand on the small of her back before he begins walking with her. Celia felt shivers down her back from the slight touch but she ignored it.

"It's always lovely to see your face around here, Mrs. Collins. I would ask you if you enjoyed the service, but... I know you did."

Celia chuckles softly, "Is that right Father?"

He turns his head, looking down at her with a smile, "Am I wrong?"

She looks away quickly, her stomach turning from his gaze, "No. You're not."

He nods his head, taking them into an office in the back. He took a seat behind his desk, while Celia took the seat in front. He clasps his hands together, staring at her as if he was waiting for her to speak first.

"Well I was originally here to see Sister Megan, but I suppose you can relay a message?"

He nods his head, "Of course I can."

"Well, I just wanted to give her praise on her recent article. It impressed me and it was incredibly written. You should give her a lot of credit for getting the viewership you guys are getting. Hell, it even brought me into church."

He smiles, "I'm sure she'd be delighted to hear that you have said that about her work. She's a smart one, very creative."

Celia nods her head, "I've learned."

The room goes silent, and their gaze stays locked to each other. Celia's eyes flicked over his face, studying his perfect skin and strong jawline. He was too gorgeous to be a priest.

Celia finally snaps out of it, sitting up straight and clearing her throat, "Well I should probably go."

He stands up quickly, "I'll walk you out."

Celia nods her head as he walks around the desk. He follows her to the door, his body closed. Her hand touches the doorknob as he places his hands on her shoulders. She immediately stops, her breath shaking.

"Detective..." He starts.

"Charlie... Not the time."

His hands fall off her, and she turns around, her back toward the door.

His face was close, his eyes scanning her body before they made eye contact again. His mouth had a frown, his face disappointed.

He steps back, allowing Celia to open the door and slip out. He stayed in the office.

She walked out of the church hot and bothered. She felt like God's eyes were on her as she walked down the long aisle of benches. There were people in the seats too, their eyes on her, judging.

She quickened her pace.

─┉┈◈†◈┈┉

𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲:

Should the death penalty be legal? Why or why not?