chapter 4 the honest gift (ryan)

We arrived at the crime scene-a big house tucked in the quiet part of town. The nearest house was approximately 2 km away. Members of the  forensics team were already present.

One of them briefed us

" The name of the deceased is Daven Miller. No signs of forced entry.He worked at a finance company.The one who called us is a friend and colleague. He came to check on him after daven didn't appered at work for over a week. He  knocked  didn't hear anything then called daven's phone. when he heard the ringtone from inside he got suspicious and called the cops ".

We walked towards the crime scene aka victims room . The stench hit us hard, making us gag. We both quickly put on our masks.

" Fuck" Was the only word that left my mouth when I saw the victim.

He was suspended up in the air wrists bound with the chains tied to the ceiling fan. He was naked except for boxers. His chest, arms and legs had skin peeled off. His teeth had been pulled out,  tounge and joints nailed . His throat was slit open with dried blood pooled  on the floor . From the look of it this was the original crime scene. The corpse was half decayed.

" God this is a sick way to kill someone. How twisted a person can be to kill someone like this" Said Dr Nate.

" Hmm, you are right " I replied.

" I think it's a revenge killing. Look at the message written on wall" Said Sarah.

" RETURN GIFT FROM HONESTY "

The words were written in blood.

" It's definitely blood" Nate said stepping closer. "And judging by the brushstrokes I'd say the killer used the painting brush."

" But did the berou assigned this case to us not the local police" Sarah asked " We only called in for serial crimes."

" This is the second case" Nate replied. "There was a Similar case last month in other town. Same M. O. So I guess we are dealing with a serial killer ".

Nate continued collecting evidence while sarah and I interviewed the colleague with standard questions.  Nothing  seemed off Or suspicious about the victim's recent activities or relationship.

Back at the bureau I called the  station for previous case files. Then  Sarah and I made our way to  forensics lab.

"so what do the results say" Sarah Asked Nate.

She adjusted her gloves and said " So according to the results the body is about a week old. Victim tortured while still alive. Cause of death- severe blood loss. No drugs found in his system. Also no sign of struggle or any drag marks which means he wasn't moved and might have been willingly lured or  overpowered by someone he trusted. The victim is heavy built so overpowering him would require alot of strength. We also found shoe prints -10 inches soles, consistent in depth and pressure so not wearing oversized boots. Whoever did this likely weigh more then 180 pounds."

" What about the blood message " I asked

" All the blood on the wall was victim's. But there is more. We found  white Camilla flower's pollen mixed in the blood on the floor"

" White Camilla " Sarah asked

"Yeah it indicates a union between couple in chainese culture and mourning in Japanese culture. So either our killer is poetic or this is revenge act for a lost partner or loved one" Nate explained.

"Well that's romantic" I said dryly.

We are waiting for the previous case files to compare the similarities and confirm if we are dealing with the same killer .

" I was going to ask you out on date" I turned to sarah" But I think this romantic killer just blocked my move".

She rolled her eyes" Then I'd like to thank him for saving me"

" Oh I know you want to go " I teased smirking.

She gave me a look and I winked back.

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