logo text

Chapter 13 OLD WOUNDS

Pandy's determination surged as she delved into the archives of old cases, the dim glow of her computer screen illuminating her focused expression. The connection between the current murder and the symbol on the piece of paper could hold the key to unraveling the mystery.
The atmosphere in her office was charged with anticipation as she and Livvy pored over the files related to the old murders. 
She pulled up the old files, her heart pounding as she flipped through pages filled with disturbing details of the previous murders. The name of the old case, The Rites of the Lost, echoed in her mind. The killer had left a similar symbol at each crime scene, taunting the investigators and leaving them baffled.
The once-dim light seemed to pulse with the urgency of their investigation. Pandy's heart raced; she could feel that they were on the brink of a significant breakthrough.
"Here it is," Livvy said, tapping the screen to reveal a faded photograph of a crime scene. "This symbol was found at multiple locations during that case. It’s chillingly similar. The killer was dubbed 'The Puppeteer' because he manipulated the scene to tell a story."
Pandy leaned in, her fingers brushing over the photo. "And each victim had a backstory—something tying them to the others. It was a sick game to him."
As Livvy continued to flip through the old files, Pandy's mind wandered back to the new victim. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was a connection, a thread that linked the past to the present. 
Pandy examined the file, her breath hitching as she compared the drawings of the symbol from years ago with the one from the recent murder. They were identical. “It’s the same symbol. This can’t be a coincidence. Someone’s trying to recreate the terror of that case.”
Livvy nodded, her eyes wide. “If this is connected, we could be looking at a copycat killer—or worse, someone with ties to the original case.”
Pandy leaned back, considering their options. “We need to find out everything we can about the original victims and their families. There might be someone out there who has been waiting for this moment.”
"Livvy, did any of the previous victims have ties to the Order of the Veiled?" Pandy asked, her voice steady but laced with urgency.
Livvy frowned, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Let me check... It looks like one of the victims was a journalist who was investigating the Order. She was last seen a week before she was murdered."
Pandy’s heart sank. "Could it be that the new killer is trying to continue The Puppeteer’s work or maybe even send a message to the Order?"
Livvy nodded slowly, her eyes wide. "If that’s the case, we need to tread carefully. This is becoming more dangerous than we thought."
“Let’s start with the surviving family members,” Livvy suggested. “They might have insight into why someone would want to resurrect this symbol.”
Just then, Do-Hyun knocked and stepped into the office, carrying a folder of his own. Their attention wezzeled to him. "You two look like you’ve found something important."
He mumbled right then as he approached. " Quite a few...what do you have there?" Livvy asked as he dropped the folder on the desk.
“ Well... some background on our nervous suspect from the interrogation room. He has a record—minor offenses, but he’s been in and out of trouble. He also had a connection to the original victims.” He stated as the two flipped through the file.
“Do we know how?” Pandy asked, her interest piqued.
“He dated one of the victim's sisters,” Do-Hyun replied, handing over the file. “Her name was Carla. She was found dead during the original case, and he was with her just days before her death.”
Pandy’s mind raced. “Could he be connected to a family member who has a vendetta? We need to dig deeper into his relationship with her and see if there are any other ties to the case.”
Livvy pulled out her laptop. “I’ll start searching for records on Carla’s family. Maybe they’ve moved or changed their names since the case. If there’s someone out for revenge, we need to find them before they strike again.”
As she went on, Pandy quickly shared their findings with him, her excitement barely contained. "We might be onto something. The new victim is linked to the old murders, and there could be a connection to the Order of the Veiled."
Do-Hyun's expression turned serious. "We should bring this up to Kim and start digging deeper into the journalist's life. Maybe she left behind clues."
As the trio dove into the depths of the investigation, Pandy felt a chill of urgency creep in. The hunt for the new killer was becoming increasingly complicated, but with each new piece of information, they were getting closer to understanding the twisted web connecting the past and present.
Hours later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows in the room, Livvy finally hit pay dirt. “I found her! Carla’s sister, Elise, is living just outside the city. She’s kept a low profile, but she’s definitely linked to the family.”
Pandy’s eyes lit up. “Let’s pay her a visit. She might know something that could lead us to the killer or at least give us insight into why someone would use that symbol again.”
They quickly assembled their gear and set out, determination fueling their steps. The drive felt heavy with the weight of the impending confrontation, and Pandy couldn’t shake the feeling that they were on the brink of uncovering something far darker than they had anticipated.
As they arrived at Elise’s home, a small, unassuming cottage, Pandy felt the tension rise in her chest. They approached the door cautiously, exchanging glances that conveyed their unspoken worries. Do-Hyun knocked firmly, and after a moment, the door creaked open to reveal a woman in her thirties, her expression guarded.
“Can I help you?” Elise asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
“Ms. McCallister?” Pandy introduced herself, showing her badge. “We’d like to ask you a few questions about your sister and the recent murder.”
Elise’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want to know?”
“We’re investigating a case that may be connected to the past—specifically, the murders of your sister and others in The Rites of the Lost case,” Pandy explained.
At the mention of her sister, Elise’s expression hardened. “That was years ago. Why are you bringing it up now?”
“Because there’s been a new murder, and the same symbol was found at the scene,” Pandy replied, keeping her tone steady. “We think someone may be trying to reignite the fear from that time, and you might be able to help us understand why.”
Elise’s demeanor shifted slightly, her defensiveness easing. “I don’t know what I can tell you. It was a nightmare back then.”
“Anything you can share could be crucial,” Livvy interjected. “Is there someone who might have wanted to hurt you or your family? Anyone who seemed obsessed with the past?”
Elise hesitated, her gaze flickering with memories. “There was someone who always seemed to linger around our family. He was... obsessed with Carla. I don’t know his name, but he always had this strange look in his eyes whenever he talked about her.”
Pandy exchanged a look with Do-Hyun. “Do you remember anything else about him? What he looked like or what he said?”
“He was tall, dark-haired, and had a tattoo on his hand,” Elise recalled, her voice wavering. “I think it was some sort of symbol, but I can’t remember what it looked like. Just that it gave me chills.”
Pandy felt a surge of adrenaline. “Do you think you could identify it if you saw it again?”
“Maybe,” Elise replied cautiously. “But it was years ago. I was just a kid.”
“Could we see any old photos?” Pandy asked, her heart racing. “Anything that might help jog your memory?”
Elise nodded slowly and stepped back, gesturing for them to follow her inside. As they entered, Pandy couldn’t shake the feeling that they were about to uncover a link to the past that could lead them closer to the Holy Murderer and her true motives.

Book Comment (3)

  • avatar
    Jocelynjovelo95@gmail.com

    good time

    9d

      0
  • avatar
    Budz

    that was intense 👌

    11d

      0
  • avatar
    Zabal-HalosLardie

    well it good but I'm not in the half of the story but it's so good

    11d

      0
  • View All

Related Chapters

Latest Chapters