The cold winter air bit at Eileen's face as she stood outside the hospital the morning after Mark Calloway's murder. Snow flurries danced in the wind, blanketing the ground in a soft white layer that belied the chaos inside. The sterile atmosphere of the hospital was now tinged with tension and urgency, the hum of activity replaced by whispers of fear. A chilling realization loomed: someone had silenced Mark before he could speak.
Detective Caleb Whitaker's steely expression betrayed his frustration. He stood at the edge of the crime scene inside Mark's room, observing the methodical movements of forensic investigators. Beside him was Eileen, clutching her notepad. Her journalistic instincts told her this story was only beginning, but she also knew she was walking a dangerous line.
"Eileen, you need to stay out of this," Caleb said sharply, his breath visible in the cold air. "This isn't just a story anymore. This is a serial killer who's willing to cross any line."
"But isn't that exactly why the truth needs to be uncovered?" Eileen countered, her voice steady. "Someone's doing this right under our noses, Caleb. If we don't find out who, they'll keep going."
Before Caleb could respond, a young nurse approached, her pale face a mix of worry and determination. Her name tag read Amelia Dawson, and her short auburn hair framed sharp green eyes.
"Detective Whitaker?" Amelia's voice wavered. "There's someone you should talk to. Miles Harper. He… he's a regular here. My shift overlapped with his mother's last night, and he was in the corridor near the room when it happened."
Caleb furrowed his brow. "Miles Harper? The autistic boy?"
Amelia nodded. "Yes, but there's more. He has an incredible memory. maybe If he saw anything…"
"Where is he now?" Caleb asked.
"In the waiting area," Amelia replied. "I thought it best to keep him close, just in case."
Eileen, sensing the gravity of the moment, spoke up. "Can I come? Maybe I can help him feel at ease. Sometimes it's easier to talk to someone who's not the police."
Caleb hesitated but eventually nodded. "Fine. But let me lead."