The Black Bag (Part 1 of 2)

Interruption ~ 14

Mid-2007

When they had finally ended their discussion, it was already past lunch time. They lacked clues and ideas from many angles in this case, much to their dismay. Carlisle had reported that while it was clear that the bedroom (in which the blood pool was found) was a double, there was no evident way to prove the relationship status of the victim. If he had a wife or any partner of such, there were no photographs or other mementos that could help identify them. As for the blood pool, there was no telling how contaminated it is nor if it is still suitable to go to for a sample. The shoe prints that they did find there were so smudged that they are also beyond identification.... nor were they all that important in this case anyhow. 

If there was anything Carlisle was immensely frustrated about right now, it was due to trying to understand why and when the hell have killers become so meticulous and difficult to comprehend.

Morgan, on the other hand, was still as composed as ever. Then again, that was how the coroner operated. If something like this falls into his hands, he switched gears immediately and didn't drop the case until he chokes the answer out of it. And he looks very determined to do just that. He handed the head back to Sophie, who snatched it with a huff before inspecting the spot on the throat from which he'd cut out pieces of dead flesh for further analysis.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm not going to take anything else from him. The most I would do is pay a visit to the grimy place later on. Besides, anything we can find at this point is of utmost importance, so please bear with me." That was what he'd said, but it didn't satiate her fury... which in turn didn't faze him one bit.

"Thanks a lot, Morgan. I say I really owe you one for this." 

"No need for that, Carl, old friend. It's not everyday I'd get to be involved in something like this."

"Are you implying that you're actually enjoying this madness, Morgan? Because I can't really agree myself."

"Matter of perspective. But they don't call me 'Death's Gatekeeper' for nothing." 

"You're still on about that? The guys called you that for a laugh." 

"Well, they chose the wrong title to laugh about. Even I can't deny that it sounds good."

Morgan walked them over to the elevator, exchanged goodbyes and watched as the doors closed before him. He went back inside, rubbing his palms together. He might as well clean up now, since it was about time for him to take leave as well.

But first...

He stretched his arms and splayed his fingers, his knuckles crackling. He remained calm as he paced for a while: a known habit of his when he could tell that something doesn't feel right. The veins at his temples were pulsing by the time he stopped: he'd realized what it was.

"Why didn't you come out?" he said to ...seemingly nobody in the room. "Do you disagree with what we have discussed?"

There was no answer. No visible answer anyway.

"You are not whom the little one is looking for... But you do know how to find him, don't you?"

Nothing. "Since you do, why not go to her? Why not tell her instead of sending her on this wild goose chase? Or is this really what he wants?"

... "And you can put that down. Judging by how long you've been hiding here, I'm sure you know by now that it takes more than that to intimidate me."

A sharp yet light clatter resounded behind him: the familiar sound of a scalpel having dropped onto the floor. The air was a little less heavy now.

"I doubt I'd be able to stop you from whatever you are planning. But I do hope you know what you're doing. Otherwise, I'm sure I won't be the only one angry about this. And I think you know very well whom I mean."

Author's Note: This chapter is for HarukaYuki-, who has just made me a new cover for this story. It's different from the previous one, so some character descriptions are given minor changes (ex. hair and eye color, etc.). :P Speaking of which, if anybody wants book covers made, go to Haru-chan's place! His stuff is awesome and I know you'll love the stuff he's made. I know I do! XD

Also, even though Wattpad doesn't allow me to do more than just one dedication, I also want to thank 0Wiegenlied0 for supporting this story and being the judge for it. I had wanted to change my writing style since my older works were too long, but she helped me and gave advice on how to do it. Thanks a lot, sweetie!! XD Be sure to check out her story, 'Dark Matter'. It's crazy bonkers creepy, but the writing - exquisite!!

<3 <3 <3