LAYLA

ONE MURDER AND ONE SUICIDE

One of the most difficult careers on this island is the work of the police. And the fact that all of the male officers, except the chief of police, were placed on compulsory night duties every week, may be part of the setback that made few of the dwellers embrace the dangerous job. 

Even though this is a peaceful island with few records of burglars and petty thieves, the sleeplessness attached to the job is enough to scare a chicken-hearted man. And this and many more were the outcomes of why there were few police officers in the service of protecting over a million citizens of Cumberland. 

To keep boredom away, officer Acharya left home earlier, and picked up a novel at the local library. And then head to the headquarters for his night duty.

"Hey... What did you have in your hand?"

"A novel. I rented it from the library as I was coming to work."

"How many times did I have to remind you to always come with a novel for me as well?"

"Apology, I keep forgetting... I'm a fast reader and will be done with this one by tomorrow morning. Don't worry, I will give it to you after."

"And what did you expect me to be doing till then? Give this to me or let's read it together."

Since both pairs will be spending seven hours together at the counter, Acharya sees no reason why they can't read it together at a time, except if one among them is faster than the other man.

"Let me read it out. As I said earlier, am a fast reader."

"Splendid," the delighted man answered with a grin, jerked his chair closer and gawked at the picture of the black-eyed girl.

"This is a horror story, I hope it won't scare your heart out of your chest."

"Sorry to disappoint you. Am a lover of horror stories and movies, and I bet this won't make the hair on my body stand -. What is the title?"

"Layla. The book of death."

"Very spooky title. Read it out and let's see what is all about."

'WARNING. THIS BOOK CONTAIN KNOWLEDGE THAT WILL MAKE DEATH TO BE DESIRABLE. DO NOT TURN THE PAGE!'

"Now am curious. Please turn the page and let's see what is all about."

'DID YOU AGREE TO LOSE YOUR SOUL IN EXCHANGE FOR THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WILL SAVE YOU FROM SEVERAL MISERABLE REINCARNATIONS?'

"What are you waiting for?... Yes of course."

"Don't you think this is very weird?"

The tall man peeked at Acharya and a twinkle appeared on his face. "Thought you claimed I will be the first to get scared... Hahaha. Why are you shivering?"

"Am not. Should I go ahead?"

"Of course, turn the next page."

'BOTH OF YOU NEED TO AGREE BEFORE THIS KNOWLEDGE BECAME VISIBLE!'

"Very strange. Is this coincidence or the book is talking to us?"

"I have no idea. Say you agree and turn the next page."

Acharya closed the book in his hand and peeked at the black-eyed girl on the cover for the tenth time, shakes his head and was about to drop it when the taunt on Arnold's face made him put on false bravery and a weak smile.

"Will you give it to me and let me do the reading by myself?"

Acharya thought for a while, shakes his head and hand the book over to the eager man in his front.  "I think you should continue from here."

"You are nothing but a wimp, give it to me."

'DID YOU BOTH AGREE TO LOSE YOUR SOUL IN EXCHANGE FOR THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WILL LIBERATE YOU FROM MORE MISERABLE REINCARNATION?'

"Yes."

"Yea."

"Turn to the next page, please."

"YOU ONCE KILLED AN INNOCENT MAN IN YOUR FORMAL LIFE AND MUST BE KILLED TO EVADE REBIRTH!'

Arnold's eyeballs became completely dark and he stood up from his seat, wobbled like a man under the influence of alcohol, and looked dumb with his foolish grin.

'YOU WERE KILLED IN TWO LIVES AGO AND THIS MADE YOU KILL THE WRONG MAN IN YOUR LAST LIFE. THIS IS YOUR KILLER. AVENGE YOUR DEATH AND SAVE HIM FROM MISERABLE REINCARNATION. AND THEN KILL YOURSELF TO BE FREE.'

"Please help me," a voice that sounded bizarre and childlike sounded from the formally hypnotised man. And was seen removing all the uniform on his body, walking towards the glass on the window frame, and breaking it with a punch.

"I will... I need to be free as well."

He walked towards the second man who had now removed his uniform as well, stretched his bloody hand and handed the broken glass in his palm to the hypnotised man.

"Kill me with this glass and set my soul free."

"With all pleasure."

Arnold lay with his back on the ground and stretched his two arms as he await his fate.

"I will be free at last."

"Yes. And I will, as well."

"Make my death quick. I can't wait to leave this bondage."

"Aye. A moment, please."

His smile became large when Archaya crouched closer and began to cut his throat with the broken glass. 

Through the suffering, Arnold's face was filled with contentment that can only be witnessed in Nirvana, and his killer found more pleasure when he removed his comrade's head and placed it at his feet, then dipped the blood-soiled weapon in his hand into his bowel, and cut himself until he can no longer lift his fingers. 

The police headquarters was filled to the brim with reporters when Zuma drove into the blue and white painted wall, and several policemen and women glared at him when he parked and alighted from the police car.

Without being told, he knew death had visited the police department in his, absence, and the awaiting terror made him freeze his breath in anticipation.

"Welcome, boss. I have other bad news for you."

"Did you sleep at all? You look horrible!"

"A pot calling a kettle black. There is a red patch on your eyeballs and you look as pale as a ghost,-if truly they exist."

Zuma ignored those calling for his attention as he stepped into the long corridor, turn back and asked, " why the sudden call?"

"Two policemen were found dead on the counter."

"By suicide, I guessed?"

"No. One murder, and one suicide."

"Please lead the way."

"After you."

"No. Lady's first."

Isabella shrugged, stepped in the front and was followed by the expressionless man.

Unaware of the police officers who gawked as they bowed at him, the chief of police stepped to the counter and froze in his stride.