Bloody Riddle (REVISED)

Waiting You

That night there was silence. The voice of crickets accompany the midnight, creating harmony. Fera curled up first on the bed in the corner, while he looked blankly at the wall. Lately a lot has happened, making James think more than usual. He mused to the point of exhaustion, deciding to wrap herself in the blanket. Slowly entered the world of dreams.

'James...'

James looked away. Eyes tightly closed.

'James...'

James groaned.

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'Help me!'

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Both eyes opened wide. James sat down, holding a shirt soaked in sweat. The dim light he glanced at Fera, still curled up on her bed in the room's corner. He looked at the clock, it's past ten. Truly outstanding. He woke up late.

Sighing tiredly as he rubbed his face, James lowered his feet to the floor. His steps were very slow so as not to wake princess Fera.

"I need a shower." James picked up the towels and rushed to the bathroom. Enjoying his time, James came out of the bathroom, greeted by Fera, waiting sweetly near the door. James smiled.

"Give me time to get dressed." He whispers, stroking the fur.

A few minutes later, James came out of his room, a towel hanging around his neck. His hair was half wet, wearing only white shirt and black pants.Very simple for the late morning.

James opened the fridge and took the eggs and bacon, fried it together. Fera approached and looked at his master, who was busy preparing his breakfast. Fera's nose touch his, turned attention from stove."Hold on a sec." He holds Fera's cheek and squeezed it.

After pouring the breakfast onto the plate, he handed Fera the bowl filled with food, ate it slowly. James brought his breakfast and walked to the sofa, ate breakfast in silence.

**

The room turned dark after they turned on the projector. The Homicide department holds a meeting on a sunny afternoon. Louis, the lieutenant, listened intently, staring at the screen through his glasses.

"... The last one is a hand that has been found by the witness, James Floyd." Karin turned off the screen. The lights came back on.

The people went out for lunch. All that was left in the room was Louis, and also the three people closest to him, Detective Karin Williams, Philip Martinez, and Hugo Becker.

"Shit." Philip growled, holding a sheet of paper. Looked at the blank white screen.

"What do you think we should do?" Louis asked three of his colleagues.

"James Floyd, why don't we ask him. Isn't he the one working on this case with Hugo?" Karin looked at Hugo.

Hugo shook his head. "I wish it could be that easy. Didn't you see his reaction yesterday? He's not the type to be pleasant to work with."

"We can't possibly let the victim keep falling, right?" Philip stared at the ceiling. "Then how about the autopsy?"

"Katherine says she's still running some tests." Louis confirmed the position of the glasses. They nodded as soon as Louis made a statement. Hugo and Philip had lunch together. Karin stayed behind at the office. There are important things she wants to check.

Louis noticed when Karin didn't leave the room. "You didn't eat lunch?"

Karin shook her head. "I made lunch." a blue box appeared from inside the shelf. Louis smiled. "Maybe you can make me a lunch, someday."

Karin tilted her head and smiled. "If you want it, sir."

Louis left Karin back to his room. He closed the door, sighed as he walked back towards the table. There was something he had been thinking, and it was bothering him. Louis opened the left drawer, lifted some files, picked up a small book.

The surface of the book worn, but still legible. Small writing with the initials I.M was clearly visible in the upper right corner of the book. Louis thought for a moment at someone. Seeing Karin past the glass wall of his office reminds Louis of her. Maybe it's time to give Karin the book.

**

That afternoon James took Fera to the animal care. His clothes were a little tidy, even though it was only a black shirt. The animal nursery itself is not so far from his house. He only needed to get on the bus once and then walk a little. Fera wagged her tail, told James to move faster.

"Hello, handsome, mysterious man." a woman leaning over the counter saw James coming in through the front door. Her smile broke seeing Fera barking happily. "Hi to you, Fera." She approached the woman, licking her face. James was impressed that his dog got along very well with other people.

"Mary, I left her with you. I'm going out for a moment."

"Of course, where do you want to go? Does it have anything to do with the flowers you brought?"

Mary asked, looking at the bunch of flowers that James was holding. The beautiful white lilies. Suddenly a sly smile appeared on his face. "A Girlfriend?"

"None of your business." James answered quickly. "Look, you're always like that, coming and going and being rude too." Mary pursed her lips. James glared in response to her comment.

"This is a personal matter." Mary grinned at him a little, still both teasing and curious. But James still had an annoyed face. "Well, I can't ask any further, you can do whatever you like, Jimbo." said Mary, who started taking Fera inside. James's angry muscles twitched.

"Don't call me that." He complained, but Mary ignored him and disappeared in the hall. James put Fera's leash on the table and a few dollars for her.

James continued on his way. The place is a bit far, but he didn't mind walking. Atlanta Public Cemetery. James's footstep led him to the weathered tombstone. But the name is still legible. James pulled the grass and cleaned the tombstone with a handkerchief. A bouquet of lilies in place in front of the tombstone. James squatted, staring at the name. A memory that he had long forgotten.

The story of someone he loves.

"Sorry, I just visited you right now. You must be mad, right?" James looked at his sister's name, Julia. "I'm sorry I just stopped by. There are some things I want to finish first. And finally I found a new clue." He smiled. "I hope you don't mind that."

James stood looking at the old tombstone. Before leaving, he stroked the stone, as if leaving behind his last memories.

James left the cemetery.

 Someone walked to the same grave after James left. Make sure that he won't glance back at the tomb. That man was sure that he was alone and that no one was following. In his hand there is also a bouquet of lilies. He paused in silence for a moment, looking at the new fresh bouquet near the tombstone.

He smiled.

The game starts again.