Murder Case #201

CHAPTER 9- KILLER'S CODE

My attention fixates on the faintest sounds that reach my ears. After a few moments, they gradually become clearer. Those sounds emanate from a recording device in operation, capturing moments with subtle clicks of a camera, imperceptible to an ordinary ear.

I wake up suddenly, the realization of the man's connection, now deceased, burning in my mind, while the police rush around. Lesia is also present, called by Detective Ace, and her presence adds to the intense atmosphere.

"The victim's lifeless body lies next to a camera, a chilling witness to the terrible act that took Kira's life. We quickly sent it to Detective Marie and Kenneth for urgent analysis," Lesia explains, sighing heavily.

How many people truly witnessed the horrifying 201 murder case? Jhasmine, the mysterious owner of the eerie footsteps I heard, and the man who owned the camera are now dead. Who else? I need to know their identities to save them from imminent danger.

"What about Doc. Jhasmine?" I ask, filled with concern.

"We hired an undercover detective to protect the doctor. But as long as the killers are still alive, she remains in grave danger."

Killers... Two evil individuals we relentlessly pursue, connected in darkness, bound by an unholy alliance.

"Let's go to the station, there's something urgent we need to do before the day ends," Detective Ace declares firmly. "Come with us, we need your official statement, an important piece in this frightening puzzle," he adds, looking directly at me.

I turn to Lesia, who meets my gaze with a reassuring smile, gently touching my shoulder to comfort me. "It's okay, everything will be fine, I promise."

I yearn for this dreadful ordeal to end quickly. Fear tightens its grip on me, taunting my vulnerability. If only I hadn't listened to Kira's haunting voice, I wouldn't be in this dangerous situation now.

But if I had ignored the call, my guilty conscience would haunt me endlessly. The 201 murder case holds me captive, its relentless pursuit of justice consuming my thoughts.

Whether I stand amidst the chaos or fade into obscurity, the burden of misery will continue to weigh heavily on my existence.

The three of us stride out of the building together, our steps filled with purpose, and make a beeline for Detective Ace's car. As I settle into the backseat, a sudden jolt of realization hits me—I've left my cell phone behind, its whereabouts unknown.

"Thank goodness Detective Ace slapped a tracker on your cellphone, or who knows what could've happened," he remarks, a hint of relief in his voice.

"You owe me big time for being your lifesaver," he adds with a wry smile.

Cellphone...

"That's why," I mutter, connecting the dots in a hushed tone.

A gentle knock on the car window draws our attention, prompting Lesia to roll it down. A police officer extends my cell phone towards me, his expression reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"Thank you," I gratefully respond, my words laden with genuine appreciation.

"That killer..." Before my friend can utter another word, I instinctively cover her mouth, my eyes darting toward Detective Ace, silently conveying the need for caution.

With nimble fingers, I tinker with my cell phone. Though I've long abandoned my computer geek persona to lead a normal life as a teacher, I still possess a knack for manipulating spy tools that effortlessly infiltrate cell phones and other gadgets.

I swiftly navigate through the labyrinth of malicious applications and dubious websites. In no time, I pinpoint Ace's tracker. A curse escapes my lips as I stumble upon an insidious Automatic Voice Detector, a chilling revelation that our every conversation may have been overheard by an unknown entity. Hastily, I delve into the app's description, confirming its activation when my cellphone is on and deactivation when it is off.

Without hesitation, I switch off my cell phone, severing the invisible tether that could compromise our safety. The gaze of Detective Ace and Lesia fixate on me, their eyes filled with a mixture of concern and bewilderment, silently questioning the sanity of my actions once again.

Through it all, an undercurrent of tension hangs in the air, heightening our senses as we confront the looming dangers that surround us.

"Someone has installed a voice detector on my cellphone. That's how the killers have acquired knowledge about our pursuit of them. Do you remember the day there was an attempt on my life?" I recount, my voice laden with frustration and fear.

"I was right about my suspicions. I wonder how the killer knows that you're assisting us. They could have targeted me or Ace instead, but why you?" Lesia's inquiry, our minds racing with theories and doubts.

"Out of the three of us, I am the one desperate to find them," I assert firmly. "I often engage in monologues at home, so it's no wonder they discovered my perspective on this case," I confess, revealing a hint of vulnerability in my words.

Unbeknownst to me, there is a spy tool on my cellphone, which gives me a false sense of security in freely expressing my questions and thoughts. I speak with a mix of curiosity and caution, diligently noting down information and speculations as they arise.

"You should try to maintain some semblance of normalcy, even if your life's genre is paranormal. Is it wise to voice every thought in your mind?" Detective Ace interjects, his tone conveying concern and skepticism as he starts the car's engine, propelling us into action.

"Let's continue our discussion at the office. They may have planted something here in the car," my companion suggests, her words tinged with caution. I lean back, closing my eyes briefly, seeking a reprieve from the mounting intensity of the situation.

Kira and Ansel...

Just as I prepare to speak, the weight of Lesia's words crashes over me like a relentless wave. I hold my thoughts, biding my time, determined to share my burden only when we reach the safety of the station.

Upon entering the HD Department, we are met by Detective Marie and Kenneth. Their presence exudes a professional intensity, mirroring the gravity of the situation. It becomes apparent that they have thoroughly analyzed the camera, their eyes revealing a mix of intrigue and concern.

"We haven't archived the deleted photos and videos, but according to the camera's activity log, there were four pictures and one video recently deleted. They were likely erased even before you arrived at the crime scene, Ma'am Lynn," Detective Marie discloses, her voice carrying a tinge of astonishment.

"Please hand your phone over to Marie. We'll retrieve the original copy of the conversation and your call history with the caller. I'll also remove all spy tools except Detective Ace's tracker. I apologize, but we need to keep a close watch on you, Ma'am Lynn. I'm certain you're the killers' current target," Kenneth asserts, his words infused with caution and a sense of protection.

"In our next encounter, it will be you whom they mourn."

I sink into the chair, grappling with the rising tide of fear threatening to engulf me. The burning desire to save the victims persists, yet the haunting specter of failure looms large.

Now presented with an opportunity to seek justice for the victims of the 201 murder case, I find myself torn between unwavering determination and an overwhelming instinct for self-preservation.

"Don't worry. We won't abandon you. Whatever the killer is saying to you, don't let it weigh on your heart," Detective Ace assures me with a firm tone.

"That's right. Don't internalize everything because you still have us by your side," Detective Kenneth chimes in, attempting to lighten the mood.

Lesia playfully smacks Detective Kenneth, trying to ease the tension. "Should we consider requesting witness protection?" she suggests.

I glance at my friend, noticing the worry in her eyes. "No, I can handle this on my own. Besides, the killer won't harm me as long as the other individuals involved in the crimes are still alive."

"Are you referring to the killer's code?" Detective Ace asks, seeking clarification.

"Yes, Detective Ace," I respond, confirming his question.

"And what about the killer's code?" Lesia inquires, curious for more information.

"The code consists of II and III. The killers utilize Roman numerals to tally the victims they've claimed within a single crime," I explain, emphasizing the significance.

"Wait a minute. If Doctor Kira is the second victim, then who was the first?" Detective Marie poses a crucial question, highlighting the missing piece of the puzzle.

"That's an excellent question, Marie," Detective Ace comments. "That's what we need to uncover."

"We must find out more about Daxxe. I strongly believe that everything revolves around him," I interject, conveying a sense of conviction.

It's not merely a hunch; I am certain that he is the underlying cause of all these events.

"On that note, we have gathered some information regarding Daxxe," Detective Marie reveals, capturing our undivided attention.

Detective Ace and Lesia exchange glances, silently acknowledging their shared intrigue. We swiftly gather around Detective Marie, eager to hear the new findings.

She presents a picture on the computer screen, introducing the man in question. "This is Darry Collins, who hasn't traveled to the Philippines for a year. Currently, he resides in Singapore and serves as the CEO of a prominent gaming company."

Lesia wastes no time in asking, "What's his connection to Kira?"

"While we haven't pinpointed the exact nature of their relationship, we discovered a connection through their high school history. They both graduated from SBQ Academy, though they were in different batches and not classmates," Detective Marie explains, attempting to shed light on the matter.

"Based on the photograph found in his possession, I have a strong suspicion that Daxxe and Kira had a significant past relationship," Lesia shares her insightful observation, receiving a nod of agreement from me.

"We can't be certain. It's possible they were just friends," the other detective responds, remaining somewhat skeptical. He clings to the belief that he truly knew Kira, despite the evident gaps in his understanding.

You only know what Kira deliberately chose to reveal to you, but anyone in this room can sense that there are secrets she kept hidden.

"Apologies for being blunt, Detective Ace, but you need to acknowledge that there's something peculiar about Doctor Kira. If you continue to stand staunchly in her defense, we won't uncover the truth behind her death. Admitting that you didn't truly know her completely won't cost you anything," I assert, piercing the silence that envelops us once more.

"What the..."

"Call me crazy, but I am certain that there is a profound connection between Daxxe and Kira, and whatever that connection may be, it is intricately linked to the crime that has taken place. Just wait and see," I declare, emphasizing my unwavering belief.

As Kenneth gives me an encouraging thumbs up, a glimmer of hope sparks in his eyes. Marie and Lesia, though visibly intrigued, suppress their smiles out of respect for Detective Ace's authority. Yet, their eyes reveal a shared understanding and agreement with my thoughts. It's as if we're all united in our unspoken belief, knowing that there's something more to unravel. However, due to their deep reverence for the detective, they hesitate to directly challenge him.

Lesia's curiosity persists as she seeks clarification, her voice tinged with anticipation. "Is Daxxe still in Singapore? Has he learned about what happened to Kira?"

Marie, unable to provide a definitive answer, responds with a nonchalant shrug. "If he has indeed found out, there's a possibility he might attend Doctor Kira's cremation ceremony tomorrow. Let's wait and see if he shows up."

The enigmatic connection between the I and II victims, the elusive Daxxe, and the cunning killers continues to captivate our thoughts. We remain on the precipice of discovering the truth that binds them all.