ACID ACID ACID

Chapter 6

November, 25th. After months of being involved in this case. I woke up in the middle of the night with a terrible headache. I got off my bed and tried my best to walk towards the toilet. Turned on the lights, I walked in, and washed my face. I looked into the mirror cabinet and realized my eyes were bloodshot red. This is probably due to my lack of sleep. My mind is telling me I need to solve this case, but my body is too tired to even stand still. I light up a cigarette. Hoping it could calm me down. Few seconds later my head starts aching again. "Fucking hell", I opened the cabinet to get some aspirin. But once I close the cabinet, I could see perfectly at the cabinet's mirror. It was him. Acid. Walking gently towards my bed. In that moment of shock and disbelief, I turned and ran outside my toilet. I was stunned. Acid was slicing up a woman. Despite her screams for help, I could not move. The worst part is that, I stood there. Watched him raping the corpse of that woman. And that's when I lost it. I have to fight this.. this.. monster. I ran towards the bed and I attacked him. I choked him and pull him away from the bed. He then got lose by striking my stomach with his elbow and kicked me down. I looked at him. And he was starring at me. "You think you are brave? Come find me then!" he said with a very distorted voice. He then proceeds to jump towards me and swallow me with a loud chuckle. That is when I woke up. For real. This stresses me out. Who is this weirdo. I know it is not nice for me to wish for something bad but, if he does not kill anyone any time soon, I can't solve this. I need more clues. So far, we only know the first 2 victims. And they have nothing in common! Sally Isabelle Friend and Martha Rain. We need to have more victims to understand what is he trying to prove. I could not sleep that night. I end up finishing my pack of cigarette, and a bottle of liquor.

9.30 a.m. My phone started ringing. It was Hank. "Hello?". Hank quickly said "Another body has been found. We're sure it was him. I'll send you the location so you can get over here as soon as possible.". I smiled and hang up. I was beyond excited. Acid has given me another clue. I took a 10 minutes shower and rushed over there. When I arrived, cops were surrounding the area with their yellow tapes and holding back the journalists. I got of the cab, and walked straight to the apartment. Hank was already waiting for me at the main entrance. My first question was "Female?". Hank replied "Yes. Her name was Eunice Mabelle Lee. 24 year old accounting student, supposed to graduate by the end of the year. She was found dead by her roommate who went out drinking the night it happened.". I went in to check the crime scene, and yet again there were no signs of a force entry or even an exit. Windows were locked from the inside and her roommate claimed that the door was locked when she got there. There were no other ways to come in besides the windows and the main door. So how did this maniac got in and out. I looked at the bedroom wall to read the message that was left by him. As expected it was written in blood saying "I live without existing -Acid". What does that even mean? Is this lunatic suggesting that he is some supernatural being that.. no, of course he's not. There must be a reason for him to say that. After analyzing all the details of the crime, it is confirmed to be another work of this monster who names himself Acid. I went back to my apartment, to try and connect the dots. Let's start with Sally Friend. The first victim. 22 year old American who was a jazz musician at some pub. Spends most of her time with her sister as she does not have many friends to being with. The next victim, Martha Rain. 35 year old widow who was working as a waitress at an old 24 hour diner. Her late husband died 4 years ago due to complications of cancer. She has many acquaintances but not many close friends. Hank told me he has spoken to the manager of the diner, and he described Martha as someone who is cheerful and happy despite the death of her beloved husband. Martha was kind to the customers even on days that she works overtime. And the latest victim, Eunice Lee. 24 year old accounting student who the roommate describe as socially awkward. She does not go out drinking or partying. She only spend her days in class or the library. Walks home at 11 p.m. Wait. Now it hits me. Sally works as a musician at a pub. Martha works at an old diner. And Eunice studies at the library till night. So I'm guessing these ladies were walking home at night, and so happens that Acid finds them. But if this is the case, that means Acid is just some psychotic serial killer who kills just for fun. But on top of that his targets seem to not have many friends. Probably because people who are socially active tend to have friends coming over to their place and that could risk him getting caught. The only way for Acid to find this out is by stalking his victims. Well he is without doubt a mad man.

That afternoon, I called Hank telling him to make a public statement requesting people to go home in groups. And try their best to not be alone anywhere. Patrolling police officers have to be doubled and must be on look out every night. This is for the safety of everyone. Hank agrees and hangs up. I lean back on my chair and started giggling. I pictured me standing in an empty room with a chessboard in front of me, and my opponent is none other than Acid. I made my move. Now it's your turn Acid, make your move!