Misery Looms

Chapter 7 - Visit to the Library

The early morning surprise followed as Roy walked into the office. Edward left a note on the kitchen table asking for books from the library about the disease. The office this morning was quiet, Hawkeye and Fury were the only ones in. The sound of pages flipping and ruffling took over the silence. Both of them stopped to saluted and Roy nodded. Roy reached the door to the private office and turned around. 

"Lieutenant, call Hughes and tell him we need to talk."

Hawkeye nodded and sat down. She continued working through the pile of papers.

"Sir, how's Edward?" Fury asked quietly.  

"Adjusting,"

Roy walked in and over to the desk. Fingers brushed papers and folders on oak wood. They were running out of ideas. Roy thought when flipping opened a folder that held information on the latest victim, a girl who didn't return home after going out drinking with friends. Roy sat down while reading the information.

Both of the victims' friends are alive. All we were able to get out of them was that the night was hazy as they've been drinking. The victim, Mia was someone who likes to take risks, according to the friends. They vaguely remember trying to talk her out of walking home alone, but Mia wouldn't listen. An officer is still with them until we feel it's safe to leave.

Roy closed the file and leaned back in the chair. No leads, no witness. Roy hoped Ed's memory would return soon because he was the closest thing to a lead they ever had, but it was just out of reach.

"Yo!" Hughes said while opening the door without knocking. "Why did you call me in, wait, let me guess, you wanted to see the adorable pictures of my darling Elicia." Hughes sounded like a teenage girl who was asked out on a first date.

"No," Roy said, annoyed and Hughes looked a little disappointed when sitting on the couch.

"I called because I haven't told you something, Fullmetal lost all memories after entering that building."

Both of them sat in silence until Hughes jumped off the couch. "Roy that's huge, you can't just keep that from everyone. I was starting to wonder why you haven't told me or anyone what Edward said, now I know why."

Roy motioned for Hughes to sit down, which he did. "I know, but this wasn't a normal amnesia case. As I said before Fullmetal doesn't remember anything after entering that building. It's strange only those memories have been affected not others."

"I see your point, but all it could be is a symptom of shock from being shot and losing a lot of blood. It is strange though only those memories were the ones affected and not others."

"Do you think, Fullmetal's lost memories and the murderer are connected?" Roy asked throwing ideas into the air.

"You mean the Grim Reaper according to the public," Hughes said.

"I don't like addressing the murderer with such name because it's like we're encouraging them."

"I know, but it gives the public a false sense of security and right now that's a step in the right direction. If there were fear and panic on the streets it gives the murderer an edge. Right now the public gave a name to the shadows, a face, someone they can hate. I don't know if this was the murderer's doing or they just got lucky." Hughes said trying to answer Roy's question. "Is that all?"

Roy nodded. Hughes got off the couch and walked over to the door, but stopped and turned around.

"I know you want answers everyone here does, but you can't go around trying to get answers from the air. This murderer is smart, remember that." Hughes said and then left.