The Missing Link

012. A Study in Crimson

12
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THE FOLLOWING DAYS at No. 221B, Luna Residences, Liberty Street, passed quietly. There were no further killings reported, no trace of the elusive murderer, just the usual minor crimes like robberies and occasional accidents.

The Nurse’s case remained ongoing, with the police’s primary focus still on the supposed aswang or modern Jack the Ripper killer prowling the city. Several sightings were reported, though most turned out to be mere publicity stunts, as people sought to capitalize on the ‘Nueva Aurora killer’ trend to gain attention.

Meanwhile, Zane and Raine settled into a smooth rhythm, finding a certain harmony in sharing an apartment. Sometimes, she’d announce she was heading to her cousin’s hospital. When Zane inquired, she’d casually mention conducting an experiment in the lab. On occasion, she’d play the piano in their study, either late at night or in the early hours, claiming it helped her think. There were also moments when she’d simply sit on her favourite red square sofa facing the kitchen, staring into space as though absorbed in some profound contemplation.

Her boundless energy intrigued him. He observed, however, that she had no vices--not even a fondness for alcohol. Her only apparent ‘addiction,’ if it could be called that, seemed to be an insatiable appetite for work itself.

For Raine, Zane was the quintessential everyday man--lazy and a bit impulsive. His day starts with a blaring alarm, and his cooking skills left much to be desired. More often than not, it was Raine who took over in the kitchen, or else Zane would settle for takeaway from the corner shop to avoid another mishap with their meals. Much like her, he’d occasionally drift into a blank stare, humming or singing to himself in a trance. His fascination with romance and mythology comics was something she found both curious and amusing.

At the university, she’d often catch him muttering to himself, lost in some private train of thought. He was prone to the odd expletive now and then, and it didn’t escape Raine’s attention that he seemed to be fostering a budding infatuation with Andrea Mercado, the History teacher.

As the days slipped by, the quiet curiosity between them only deepened. Zane found himself drawn to Raine’s impressive time management--how she balanced her cases with teaching and research so effortlessly, as though she’d mastered some arcane art. Every now and then, he’d spot her engrossed in writing chapters for a novel, her focus unwavering even amidst her packed schedule.

For Raine, Zane himself was a puzzle. He had an air of mystery about him, one that made her want to delve deeper, as if he were a case waiting to be solved. She learned that he kept a personal journal, a chronicle of his life living alone, which he claimed helped bolster his confidence. Though she respected his privacy, Zane freely shared snippets with her, mentioning that this was his third year since starting his master’s journey and hinting at the struggles of his first two years.

“It’s been 21 days since the fourth victim’s death--fifth, if that failed attempt had succeeded--and still, not a single new lead on that blasted killer!” Raine huffed, pacing back and forth across the living room. The red walls were a makeshift crime board, plastered with photographs, sketches, newspaper clippings, and the map of Nueva Aurora pinned with notes.

“Why are you so worked up over it?” Zane teased, comfortably settled on his favourite square sofa, facing her with the mythology book he’d yet to return to the café.

Raine’s gaze flickered over to the book. “Is that-“ She paused, then waved it off. “Never mind. Look, I’m just one of the few genuinely concerned citizens here. And besides, my current research is focused on understanding what drives people to their actions, whether for good or ill. This killer is practically a case study in twisted motivation!”