The Angel of Death

Chapter - 2 (Dream Job)

I let out a deep sigh as I sank into my chair after yet another meeting. It's been a week since I received the news of my job acceptance, and the experience has been both exhilarating and exhausting. The moment I learned I got the position, I celebrated by taking my family out for dinner, and I can still picture the pride radiating from my dad's beaming face. 

A warm smile spreads across my face as I catch sight of a recent family photo on my desk, featuring my father, sister, and brother. However, my smile fades as I notice another frame holding a solo picture of my mother. She had been murdered before I graduated high school, returning from a work trip. I miss her.

Suddenly, a beep from my computer pulls me back to reality. I quickly blink away the tears and approach the screen to check an email from Emma, my new friend and colleague.

From: Emmaline@LCI.org
To: Aliana@LCI.org

Hey, Allie. Could you take a look at this list of cold cases by next week?

Thxx
Em.

As I scroll through the PDFs she attached, one title stands out—The Angel of Death. A wave of unease washes over me. That's the case file of the man who took my mother from me. Despite my instincts urging me to look away, I click on it and begin to read.

Case File - The Angel of Death 

Description (according to surviving witnesses) - Striking blonde hair, tall and slender build, pale skin, with a distinctive circular scar on the right shoulder.

Suspected Victims - 67 (50 women, 17 men)

Sexual Assaults - Reported in some instances (24 women, 12 men)

Attack Window - Between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Survivors - Savannah Williams, Bailey Roberts, James Anderson, Ava Lee, Jack Brown.

Total Victims - 72 (5 survived, 67 deceased)

Evidence Collected - Hair sample (missing), fingerprint sample (missing), a wallet, a watch with initials (missing), a jacket, and a partially used lighter.

Is that all? Fury surged within me. They misplaced three crucial pieces of evidence that could have spared countless lives, including my mother's. The case file stretches ten pages, yet only one page is dedicated to the perpetrator. No one is infallible; they always leave behind traces.

I glanced at the date of the last victim: February 3rd. Just a month ago. This means the killer is still active. I might have a shot at catching him. But reopening the case requires permission, which hinges on having evidence. Looks like we're going off the grid.

I hastily printed a copy of the case file, and just as I was reviewing it, a knock echoed at the door. I quickly tucked the papers into a drawer as Leviathan sauntered in, raising an eyebrow at my hurried movements.

"Did I interrupt something important, red?" he drawled, using the new nickname he had assigned to me.

"No," I replied, scowling at the moniker. I wasn't fond of it. "I was just organizing some documents."

"I see," he scrutinized me for a moment before continuing. "I wanted to check if your presentation is ready for this Monday."

"It is. I'll send it to you," I nodded. Couldn't he have just emailed or texted me?

"Great," he nodded, scanning the room for a moment. "I was curious if you were considering looking into any cold cases?"

Ah, so that was his purpose for being here.

"Not right now," the lie slipped off my tongue effortlessly, "Nothing I think I can help with."

"I see," he pondered, his gaze fixed on me. "If you come across any cases that pique your interest and uncover some evidence, don't hesitate to come to me directly."

No way, they'll never let me take on a case involving my family. If I even ask, it'll just draw unwanted attention to me.

"Absolutely, Leviathan," I fibbed once more. "I'll definitely keep you posted."

"Just call me Levi, that's what most people do," he replied with a nod before stepping out of my office and shutting the door behind him.

 A wave of relief washed over me as he departed. I stole a glance at my drawer, then shook my head. I'll tackle the file after hours; otherwise, I'll keep getting interrupted. Concealing things is a challenge in this place. Despite the polished exterior, everyone here is incredibly friendly and tends to burst in when they're excited.I stepped away from my computer and returned to my desk, settling in to complete the paperwork for our new cases.

A few hours later, Emma breezed into my office without so much as a knock, just as I was scrolling through a text from my best friend Charlotte, who was practically demanding a sleepover at her place in our group chat.

"We're all heading out for drinks," Emma beamed. "You in, Allie?"

I shot her an apologetic glance as I tucked my phone away. "I can't, I've got plans."

"Oh, come on! It'll only be for an hour," Emma sighed dramatically. "And Levi would be *so* let down."

"Please, I really can't go," I replied, rolling my eyes in annoyance. "Don't start that again."

She flashed a mischievous grin. "Why not? He clearly likes you. He can't help but stare whenever he gets the chance and always finds a reason to pop into your office."

I frowned. "Maybe because he's my boss? Besides, I just don't get a good vibe from him."

"You're wrong about him, Allie," Emma insisted, shaking her head. "He's a fantastic guy. You just don't know him well enough. He's solved so many cases and is always friendly and supportive—like the perfect detective and boss."

That sounded a bit too good to be true, but I kept that thought to myself.

"Sure, that must be it," I shrugged. "You go have fun. I'll catch you on Monday!"

Emma gave me a playful salute and a bright smile before she sauntered off.I stood up, organized my desk, and slipped the Angel of Death case file into my bag. After slinging it over my shoulder and grabbing my blazer, I left my office, ensuring everything was turned off and the door was securely closed.

As I stepped into the elevator, just before the doors could shut completely, a hand shot out to stop them. Levi stepped inside, his eyes briefly scanning me. Just my luck—exactly the person I wanted to avoid was right in front of me.

"Red," he drawled. "I take it you're not joining us for drinks?"

"Unfortunately, no. I have plans," I replied, shaking my head.

He looked a bit let down as he nodded. "I see, well—"

Before he could finish, the elevator dinged, and we stepped out. We exchanged goodbyes, but I could feel his gaze lingering on me as I walked out of the building and headed toward my car.

I had to admit, Emma might have been onto something about Levi having feelings for me. I quickly dismissed the thought as I slid into my car and headed home. I needed to grab a bag and rush over to Charlotte's place before she hatched any plans for my downfall.

In just thirty-five minutes, I found myself parked outside Charlotte's impressive mansion. She had taken the reins of her mother's company and recently stepped into the role of CEO at Bennet Textile Industries. I felt a swell of pride for my best friend, especially since she had implemented significant eco-friendly changes.

Retrieving the key she had entrusted to me from my purse, I let myself in. The living room was already buzzing with Xavier, Leo, Henry, Charlotte, and Amelia.

"Look who finally decided to show up, our favourite girl, always fashionably late," Leo teased, while Charlotte shot me a mock glare.

"Where have you been? You took ages!" Amelia chimed in, her tone playful yet accusatory.

"I work in an office with set hours, Ams," I replied, rolling my eyes as I settled next to her. "Your office is just a table in your house." Amelia, a software engineer and an illegal hacker, often joked that I'd have to bail her out of jail, a nod to my past as a police officer.

"Still counts as an office," she retorted, sticking her tongue out at me as Charlotte handed me a drink. I definitely needed it.

We fell into a relaxed conversation, catching up on everything. Leo and Amelia were at it again, bickering like an old married couple, while Charlotte played the peacemaker. Xavier watched the chaos unfold with a smirk until he noticed my unusual quietness.

"Everything alright, Al?" he asked, prompting everyone to turn their attention to me. Oh no.

"Yeah, all good," I attempted to reassure them, but their skeptical expressions made me relent. "I found the case file on my mom's murder—well, the file on the man accused of killing her."

A heavy silence fell before they all enveloped me in a tight hug. I needed that comfort more than I needed another drink.I shared the details from the file, the scant evidence, and the list of victims, carefully excluding my plans to investigate further. They loved me, but I knew they would try to dissuade me from pursuing it.

Amelia scrunched her face in disgust. "That's just awful! How could they possibly misplace evidence?"

We delved into the topic for an hour, but eventually, I steered the conversation toward more cheerful subjects. I craved a break from the weight of that case, eager to enjoy the company of my friends—my chosen family. I refused to let that monster cast a shadow over our evening.

But I will track him down.

Soon.