"Very good," said Mrs. Stevens. "Officer Mark will handle the location where it happened. He'll be there to gather any additional evidence and to speak with any potential witnesses who might have come forward since the initial investigation.
"Alex nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. "What will my role be?"
"You'll be leading the investigation from our side, coordinating with Officer Mark and analyzing any new information that comes in," Mrs. Stevens explained. "I trust your instincts and analytical skills, Alex. This is a critical case, and we need our best on it."
Alex glanced at the photos again, the gruesome images of the crime scene burning into his memory. "I understand. I'll do my best."
"One more thing," Mrs. Stevens added, leaning forward. "Never come to quick conclusions. What you see and think are two different things, the difference is day and night. Be careful, do not let your guard down nor trust others."
Alex was stunned by what his supervisor advised him on, and he felt like his chest was falling, but he hid it well. "Understood, ma'am," Alex replied, standing up. "I believe we should get going."
"Good luck, and do not let your eyes deceive you," Mrs. Stevens said, handing him a folder. "This contains all the information we have so far. Meet up with Mark at the scene and get to work. Time is of the essence."
Alex took the folder, feeling a surge of determination. He left the office, his mind already racing with questions and potential leads. As he walked out into the hallway, he saw Mark waiting for him.
"Ready to catch this bastard?" Mark asked, a grim smile on his face.
"More than ready," Alex replied, matching his colleague's determination. "Let's get going, no time to spare."
Together, they walked towards the exit, the cold wind of the early morning brushing against their faces. The city was just waking up, but for Alex and Mark, the day was already in full swing. The hunt for the killer had begun. Both of the detectives got into their car and headed to Fifth and Elm Street. While in the car, Alex was rereading the files and all the information they had. Silence was the only thing that could be heard in the car; Mark was driving while Alex was focusing on how to solve this case.
The intense silence was broken by Mark. "Seems like you already started to get to work, huh?" said Mark. "I think you will get used to this eventually. It is not a simple task; I mean, you already knew that, but you know."
Alex remained silent for a while before saying, "You sure look chill after finding out that we have been assigned this extremely important case about a couple's serial killer."
Mark chuckled a little before saying, "I guess you are right about that, but when you have been assigned multiple similar cases, some debatably worse, you get used to the gruesomeness and seriousness of the situation."
"I see," said Alex. "However, this does not change the fact that two human lives were taken just this morning, does it?"
"No, you are right," said Mark, understanding that what he said was not the best way to put it. "I just wanted to lighten the mood, you know? I understand your frustration, but you should also try to understand me and that I have a different way of dealing with these issues."
"I know," said Alex. "I did not mean to offend you; it is just that, for me at least, it is hard to laugh when something like this happens."
"Nah, it is fine," replied Mark. "It is actually good that you are so serious about this case. This shows your determination to bring the murderer to justice." Mark continued, "However, that does not mean you can't enjoy yourself in order to give the best of yourself, can you? After all, if you continue to be in this depressing mood, you might harm yourself."
"I understand your concern," replied Alex. "I will be fine. Don't worry about me. Your only concern should be catching this psycho as soon as possible."
Mark nodded. He thought it would be best if he kept silent till they arrived at the crime scene. They continued the ride to Fifth and Elm Street. Soon after, they arrived there. The yellow police tape was all over the crime scene. The bodies were covered so that people would not have to see that view. Everything was exactly how it was earlier this morning when this neighborhood witnessed an unforgettable and gruesome image that is now stuck in their heads.
Both of the detectives got out of the car, slowly making their way to the crime scene.Blood still stained the ground, attracting swarms of insects. The air was thick with the smell of decay, a stark reminder of the brutality that had occurred.
"Okay, let's get to work now, shall we?" said Mark.
Alex nodded and then started to take blood samples from the bodies. Then he handed them to Mark. "Here," said Alex as he gave Mark the samples.
"I thought they already took these," said Mark.
"Maybe, but it is better to have a backup. In any case, we have a lot more to do," Alex replied.
A policeman came out of a house and approached the two detectives. "Morning, officer," said Mark.
"Morning to you too, detectives," replied the policeman. "I see you two are already at work, huh?"
"We had no time to waste," said Alex as he stood up and approached the policeman. "Cadet Turner and Detective Daniels at your service. Pleasure meeting you." He extended his hand.The policeman shook his and Mark's hands.
"Nice meeting you," replied the officer. "I have someone you should speak to about the case."
"About the case?" asked Mark. " No one saw or heard the killer,at least that's what wewere informed.
"Apparently this child did," replied the officer. "My colleague is taking a sketch of the child's description, If we are lucky we might find the killer."
Alex looked shocked for a moment. "That's great, suprised he didn't speak earlier "
He probably was shocked by this event and couldn't have the courage to come forward."
"I see," said Alex. "Please take us to him. We'd like to see him and have a talk with him."
"Of course this way", replied the officer as he lead the towards the house.