Belle Stone

Part 41

"What happened?"
The policemen arrived at the crime scene. The tall guy steps forward to the forensics team.
"Oh, You are here. See...  I don't know how to describe it. The image says it all."
The chunks of bodies laid down on the ground drowning in blood.  "Again?"
A slight surprise was stuck on his words.
"Yes. The cool-off time is getting shorter."
"Any witnesses?"
"None."
"In the middle of the day? In the city center? I highly doubt that."
The guy places his hands on his hips as he suspiciously stares at the person crouching next to the pile of meat.
"Everyone in the near vicinity is dead."
The person looks up at the policeman. His eyes portray the fear that he tried to hide deep within. It was the truth. The fear was too real for it to be a lie.
"So except these 10 over here, there are others?"
A silent gulp escapes the tall man.
"Yes. You didn't see them? You have driven past a lot of them."
The partners follow the path they came from with their eyes. A lot of dead bodies lay down along it.
"So a good mass murder?"
"Looks like it."
"Can we see the other victims?" "Yes. Follow me."

They walk along the path of death. The body count increased with each step. As they were getting further away from the original place the bodies became less damaged. Slowly but surely they reach the end.
"Here is the end."
A pile of whole bodies lay in front of them with just their heads missing. It is been a lot of time since they had gotten one of these.
"These ones are less damaged." "Yeah. It seems like the murder weapon's range is good but the strength of it gets weaker the further it goes. That actually helps us figure out the exact place of the murder."
"This ghost has really gotten pissed."
The tall guy whispers under his breath. Oblivious to it. His eyes are glued to the gruesome scene.

Sam heard him. His head whips in the direction of his partner. His eyes darken.
"You are a cop. Start acting like that. There are no such things as ghosts."
"How do you explain this then? What kind of weapon does this?"
The tall policeman stares back at the intense look his partner is giving him. His fear was pouring out of his eyes. He was unable to control it anymore.
"I don't know. It can't be ghosts that is for sure. It is something bigger than that."
Sam looks away from his partner. He feels bad for being harsh on him. Especially after seeing the terror in his eyes. Sam observes the crime scene. Just another piece of his impossible puzzle.
"Yeah, whatever. I still think it is ghosts."
"Well... You see this is why I am ashamed to say I ever called you a genius."
Sam teases the guy. A small smirk spreads across his face as he starts to walk away.
"Hey! Why?"
The tall guy runs after him.

A yell disrupts the knocks that were pounced on Belle's door.
"Belle! Are you ready? We have to go!"
Belle reluctantly opens the door and a tired Mark, in wrinkled clothes, messy hair, and sweaty armpits, appears.
"I am here, dad. No need to yell. And the door was open. You could've just come in."
Mark just rolls his eyes and motions Belle to follow him.
"Wait! Aren't you going to change?"
"No. Why? This is nice."
"Yeah, but you were in it all day it probably smells."
"Hey! I didn't wear this all day. Are you saying I stink?"
Belle nods slightly with an apologetic smile on her face.
"How dare you?"

Mark lifts his arm up. He digs his nose in his armpit. The pungent smile hit him hard.
"Fine, I will have a shower."
Belle watches after him as he passes her by.
"Aren't we going to be late?"
"Nah... It is too early anyway."
Belle smiles widely. Mark is actually making an effort for Maya. She walks back to the couch and then she grabs her book. At least she can read a little bit more.

After a couple of minutes, Mark comes out. Belle prepared some clothes for him. They were neatly displayed on his bed. He put them on and came out of his room to showcase them to Belle. Like a nervous tick, he straightened them.
"How do I look?"
A small chuckle escapes Belle. She can't contain her happiness.
"Very handsome. Just as always."
"Why are you laughing then?"
A stern look stares upon her.
"Nothing..."
"Belle..."
"Nothing, dad. It is just so cute how thoughtful you are about your date."
Mark rolls his eyes and storms past Belle. She follows shortly after him with a goofy grin plastered on her face.