THE MURDER THAT GOT RECORDED
FRIDAY, 11:00 PM.
I sat on the bed took a deep breath and stared at the ceiling, stayed like that for a good 10 minutes when my phone rang.
I took it as I looked at my shoes. Uhh dirty.
"Detective Arizona Miller" the voice gushed.
"Speaking."
"Ma'am I am Cindy the newest recruit in the homicide department. We have a possible murder case. I will text you the address please meet us at the curb."
Oh, I was getting annoyed they were disturbing my routine. I didn't have much time. I took off my shoes and went to the bathroom splashed my face twice and cleaned the shoes hurriedly. I checked my phone and left the house.
FRIDAY, 11:30 PM.
I was waiting at the curb , when the car arrived and Inspector Hue and a new girl I presumed Cindy got out.
"Hello ma'am, since your shift is already over I will get to the point, the neighbours" she pointed to a house on the right, "suddenly heard a blood curdling, shrill scream followed by a loud thud, they got scared and called 911. Inspector Hue here asked us to accompany him.
I nodded as we entered the house. The lady was sprawled out near the bedroom entrance.
One side of her head bashed in.
Blood splattered all over the surrounding walls.
"I will let you do a quick assessment before I call the forensics and send the body for an autopsy" Inspector Hue informed us.
Cindy followed me around as I checked the hall, everything was in place, doors and windows were fine no signs of breaking and entering, I carefully stepped over the body avoiding the blood pool. Nothing seemed out of order even in the bedroom, the bedside window was open. Probably how the neighbours heard.
I made a mental note.
I thanked the inspector and requested assistance from the forensic team.
"It's the killer's M.O. right? Body at the bedroom door, lady lives alone, head bashed in. I know we are waiting for the forensic report but the weapon has to be the lever!"
I thrusted my hands in my pocket as I replied "Yes it's the serial killer."
"Holy crap already the 5th one. This whole week has been a disaster. The killer is targetting another woman everday!"
My head was aching now.
"Talk to the neighbour. See what you get. I am going to grab a coffee. Department meeting tomorrow."
FRIDAY, 9:05 PM.
"It is as we thought, lever is the murder weapon. The neighbours didn't have much to offer. They weren't even supposed to be there, their flight got cancelled hence causing the glitch in this flawless killer's plan" Cindy addressed the department meeting.
After a few more logistics.
That's all.
No evidence. No progress.
Like always.
FRIDAY, 8:30 PM.
My cellphone buzzed. Cindy.
"Det. Miller! I found it I have a breakthrough in the case!"
My heart started beating a little faster.
"Calm down Cindy and slowly tell me what is it you think you found" I asked her.
"The neighbours called me again, telling me that they suspected the victim's fiancé who always fought with her. I didn't want to alarm them by saying it was the killer. Anyway I reached out to this guy and guess what he told me!"
"What Cindy?"
"A recorder! Due to their endless fights a therapist suggested them to always keep a voice recorder on and later figure out the reasons that led to their frequent banters. So I went back to the crime scene and found it in her cupboard drawer.
It was still ON."
My breath caught in my throat. I got overconfident and overlooked.
We agreed to go through it together. Cindy sent me her gps location. She was really excited about the prospect of nailing the killer.
I thought as I got in my car.
FRIDAY 10:40 PM.
"I upped the spead and heard about 7 hours worth of taping and there is nothing yet" she said as I stepped into her bedroom.
A tiny room, like the rest of her place in an unknown street.
I narrowed my eyes at her and said after a pause "You started without me?"
"I am really sorry, I could barely contain my excitement."
Such an enthusiast befitting of a beginner. I shook my head as I pulled my jacket closer.
"It's fine. Can you close the window, it's getting chilly" as if on queue she shuddered.
Done.
I stopped the recorder.
Put my hand in my pocket.
Cindy turned towards me with a questioning look. An expression which soon turned into shock as I pulled out the lever and with a clean swift motion bashed her head. Blood splattering in all directions as her skull gave way. She collapsed before even letting out a scream.
I pulled her body towards the bedroom door. The trail of fresh blood following my every move. I squatted near her and ran my hand over her face closing her shock-stricken eyes.
I went to her bathroom washed my face, hands and cleaned my shoes, then placed them near the bed as I sat on it.
I looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath as I let the high and exhilaration flood through my head.
SATURDAY 12:00 AM.
I curled up on her bed and slept peacefully.
Done for the day.
