I was so nervous on the way home that I don’t even know how I managed to get there, but when I came to my senses, I was parked in front of the house. The ringing phone jolted me—it was my mother, whom I had forgotten to call. I took a deep breath and answered, trying to sound as calm as possible to keep her from worrying. I told her I hadn’t called because I was at a welcome party with some colleagues, but that I was fine, and we said our goodbyes at the end of the call. Right after, I received a text from Jennie asking if I wanted to go out for drinks with the girls. I texted back a yes.
She sent another message saying Saturday at eight at Club Night "The Black Angel." I confirmed and said goodbye before getting out of the car with my box in hand and setting the car alarm. I collapsed on the couch in my apartment after double-checking the door was locked. I took a shower to relax and calm my racing heart and mind.
I started making coffee while I closed the windows and drew the curtains. Overcome by curiosity, I began to open the box. Inside were files on missing girls—some from a neighboring town, others local. I organized all the information I had and jotted down what I found noteworthy.
Reviewing the files intensely, I learned about three victims: one was a 15-year-old whose body had been discovered in the woods, bearing clear signs of torture, rape, multiple bruises, methamphetamine in her system, and bite and restraint marks on her wrists. Despite my report submission, there were no advances in the case.
The second victim: a 15-year-old girl. Cause of death: overdose with traces of high-dose methamphetamine, her body riddled with scars, bites, and bruises. Vaginal tearing: a victim of rape.
Found on the outskirts of town, the report was handed to the authorities, but with no progress. I was shocked upon reading this; was there a serial killer in this town? Searching for a mug, I poured myself coffee while inspecting an envelope filled with pictures of bruises and bite marks found on the bodies.
Trying to process everything, I used my phone to take photos of all the evidence, meticulously storing them in a secure folder on my device.
Continuing, I read the coroner's notes:
"I feel like I'm being watched; they want me to hide details in the autopsy reports, but I can't, and if I refuse, my life could be in danger. But the pressure is coming from high up."
What does this mean? I wondered, intrigued.
I continued to read until shock overtook me—my hands trembled, my mind went blank upon reading.
Third victim:
Female, Age: 26
Apparent cause of death: Suicide
The woman was found in her garden with signs of suicide, but closer examination revealed defensive wounds on her arms and traces of Diazepam in her scalp. It suggested that she was not in her full faculties to commit suicide; thus, it was a murder made to look like a suicide. Additionally, bite marks were found on her body, estimated to have been inflicted about three days prior to the discovery of her body.
My investigation led me to find a connection between the three victims; they were all associated as students and teachers. I was in shock, crying in frustration, not knowing what to do or who I was dealing with. If my sister had started investigating what happened to her students and uncovered the truth, that might've been why they covered up her death—what was worse, I didn’t know who was behind it all. Time passed without realizing how long I had been sitting there until I fell asleep, the alarm waking me as I lay on top of the papers. I got up quickly, stored everything away securely, and pondered what to do with this information.
I showered, dressed, and left without time for breakfast as I would be late otherwise.
The day dragged on; there were no autopsies, just routine patient care. Two days went by until it was Saturday, and Jennie texted me a reminder about our night out. I confirmed and the day proceeded normally. I returned home, showered, and got ready, wanting to look my best.
Distracting myself a little wouldn't hurt, and it might even provide me with some kind of information. I decided to leave my car and call a taxi because I planned to drink and wanted to avoid driving drunk.
Upon arrival, the club was as posh as any in the city. It was bustling, with loud music and colorful lights. I eventually spotted the girls lounging on a sofa—Rose, Tara, and Jennie, all friends of my sister. We greeted each other and set in for a chat as they brought us a tray filled with rainbow-hued cocktails. We each grabbed one and toasted to my sister. As the drinks and dancing continued, I learned my sister had been secretly dating someone. It made me wonder how many secrets she had. Everything seemed perfect, yet I noticed Jennie's demeanor change; she looked unnerved. Despite trying to hide it, she downed her drinks hastily and headed off into the dancing crowd.
After a while, I decided to follow—heading in the direction she had gone—but the music, lights, and drinks started to affect me; everything was spinning and I was bumped when, suddenly, strong arms caught me. Their warmth and breath on my skin sent shivers through me as I noticed his muscular frame in a black shirt and his handsome face. He smiled and our lips met in a passionate, intense kiss as our tongues intertwined. His breath tasted of beer before I finally pushed myself away, breaking free from the intense moment.
I headed to the bathroom with my cheeks burning and a warmth spreading through me. I forced myself to vomit to sober up, washed my face, and couldn't shake the image of that guy kissing me, his lips lingering in my mind. What was happening to me?
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