The Killer Boss

Chapter 1

Chapter One:

Another remarkable night for everyone, part I.

—

MURMURS AND GOSSIPS enveloped the place.

Through the darkness of the night, and the once heavy rain—which had now died down and turned into a drizzle—a throng had formed. However, all these slow and small droplets of liquid didn’t stop all the people that gathered just across the Greenwood Church at Creek City.

How could they when something massive had happened?

Out of the ordinary, one would definitely say.

This particular event doesn’t happen everyday in the said city… not until two weeks ago. With that in mind, a lot of residents wanted to know what exactly unraveled. A lot of questions were running inside their minds and most of them were even vocalizing those inquiries as they talked to the other people beside them—although, no one can really give a definite answer. Terrifying news had been circulating for almost a month and what happened tonight added another set of fright to them. Even the police couldn’t hold them back away from the scene due to the fact that they were a lot to begin with.

“Who was the woman?”

“Do we know her?”

“How did she die?”

“She was stabbed multiple times.”

“Her identity hasn’t been confirmed yet.”

“What’s with all these deaths recently?”

“Same thoughts exactly. Creek City used to be a peaceful city. Now, I’m afraid for myself and for my entire family. Who knows, we might be next.”

More questions and murmurs resonated into the thick air, adding another set of worries to the residents on standby. The harsh whistling wind made a lot of them shiver in their places. Some were wearing coats, some were holding an umbrella to avoid getting wet, and some… well, they didn’t even mind the drizzle as they stood there, completely—without anything to protect themselves from the droplets of rain water.

Although, in the country of Southfield, most of their days and nights consisted of dark gloomy weather. Moreover, the country experiences numerous typhoons throughout the whole month. That being said, a rainy night is natural for most of the residents in Creek City.

What is unnatural was the very scene that unfolded before their eyes. It was evident in their faces that they were nothing but curious as to what had happened. Moreover, they all wanted to know the whole story as to how things ended up getting out of hand. Despite the drizzle, most of them don’t have any ounce of care that their clothes were partially getting damp.

Greenwood Church was one of the few churches in the said city. It stood there long before anyone could remember. The church was surrounded with a lot of trees, which gave it a calming and peaceful atmosphere. Long, triangularly shaped, with burgundy brick surrounding the edges and a tinge of white in front of the entrance—some at the very top and sides with a dark beige roofing to add some color to the said church. The windows were seemingly like tinted crystal glasses that were designed with green and ivory color, creating a gorgeous combination of color that shimmered whenever the sun's rays would hit the material.

Such a sight to see, one could ponder. The spiritual surroundings made it absolutely easy to connect with the otherworldly. Of course, to most residents, it’s a very important factor that they consider when attending a church mass.

It looked better at day rather than night—it’s glass glinting under the sun’s bright rays and creating a spiritual sensation unlike the night sky that loomed over the church—casting shadows in every corner. However, on this particular night, Greenwood Church looked quintessentially eerie. The chilling, ghostly, and creepiness started to trickle into anyone’s line of vision. Moreover, the lack of lamppost on the said place added more fright to the bystanders that have gathered. With that, it’s almost a natural response to feel terrified at the very moment.

A lot of religious people would attend masses at the said church every now and then. On most occasions, there are times where the church would be filled with tons of people, and when there aren’t any available seats inside, they’re all seemingly alright with lounging outside just to attend masses.

For the mere fact that most people residing in Creek City were devout.

A man cleared his throat before speaking, trying to remove the lump forming on his throat. Even though this wasn’t the first time that they’re reporting such news, he still feels foreign to him. Moreover when he’s leading the breaking news. He held the papers tightly in his hands as he looked at the prompter, then spoke. “Good Evening! This is Raymond Bart and we interrupt this broadcast of Boom Radio on TV to bring you breaking news of a horrific accident. Reporter Rush Serrano is at the scene, let us go to him live for more details. Rush?” News Anchor Raymond reported as his face flashed on numerous tv screens in the entire Creek City, implying the cue to shift reporters. After he was done with his statement, only did he notice that he was holding his breath.

On the other hand, Rush has been waiting for this very moment in his life and even though he was so tempted to curl the corner of his lips to form a smile—it took him so much willpower not to.

Most especially if the news is as devastating as what he’s going to report now.

Clearing his throat before the shift of cameras, Rush readied himself. “Good Evening, Raymond!” he greeted News Anchor Raymond and heaved a deep breath before continuing his words, still forcing down the smile that wanted to escape his lips.

“Another tragedy has hit Creek City as police discovered another dead body at Greenwood Church. Not long after a raging storm that had damaged most of the city, another horrendous event had happened and residents were worried of what is yet to come,” he feigned a desperate sigh, even bowing his head as a sign of frustration, then lifted his head to face the camera once again. “There lies a lifeless woman on the church backdoor’s wet pavement, blood stains were visible on the side of her stomach and were resting on the pool of her own blood. Leaving her perished as her future was taken away from her. The next scene we’re going to show you is definitely graphic and parental guidance is advised.” Rush paused for a while, taking in another deep breath.

While on the television screen, the video where the body was still caught at the scene replayed, the one that they were able to film while the police were containing the place and before the forensics arrived. Rush then continued with his report, “The autopsy as well as the identity of the victim is yet to be confirmed. Further investigation will be necessary in order to determine the cause of death despite the visible stab wounds on her stomach. The victim is a woman, who is presumed to be in her mid-twenties, was pronounced dead at around five o’clock in the afternoon and was found around eight in the evening.”

The video on the television switched back to Rush. as he resumed talking. “Since today is a weekday, there’s no mass at Greenwood Church, and no one was able to witness what exactly happened. Apart from that…” he looked back at the scene for the cameraman to show the place where a dead body used to be, nestled on the ground, and the crew followed, averting the camera to that particular direction.

Rush resumed reporting even though the camera wasn’t directly pointed at him. “The tragedy had left a huge blow to the people near the vicinity. We have interviewed some people at the church earlier and they informed us that they have no possible idea on why such animosity happened.” The camera fixated back on the reporter, and Rush met the camera’s gaze. “This has been Rush Serrano of CCN, reporting live from Greenwood Avenue. Now, back to the studio.” The reporter finished up his script with a satisfied look on his face and all Rush’s crewmates had the same smile that he was sporting on his face.

Everyone seemed to be happy as if they didn’t just report a horrific accident. All were hinting a smile on their faces as they packed up all their equipment and were now ready to leave the scene with his team. After all, they had been on standby for about half an hour already as they still had to set up all the equipment required under the drizzle. Moreover, Rush still needed to finalize his report so that he won’t say anything unnecessary during a live report.

As they are all mindful that live news is the most crucial of all. Unlike in prerecorded news where a lot of scenes could be edited and deliver a program perfectly. That being said, he was also professional enough to handle his emotions during the live breaking news. It’s a good thing that he didn’t stutter or even lose his train of thoughts as he delivered his report.

“Good job team!” Rush complimented them and just like him, they were also smiling widely. It was apparent even with the lack of light from the place, they all shared the same expression on their faces. “We should keep this up.” The smile never left his lips, reflecting what he felt on his inside. He was looming with so much happiness that he was having a hard time containing his emotions, hence why a huge smile was written on his face, reaching his eyes.

Louis released a short laugh, amused by Rush’s choice of words. “We really should. This is one remarkable night, even for us,” he tucked the wires and some equipment back into their respective bags, carefully placed it on the back of the car, then reached for the other equipment that needed to be packed up as well. “If we continue this, we might really land a huge break for the three of us. I mean, who knows… right?”

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of people don't even have any idea as to how complicated live news can be, since there were tons of gears and materials needed before and during the actual shoot. It’s actually a long process to get ready just for a three to five minutes duration of a report.

However, they all knew that all their efforts were totally worth it.

On the other hand, Jerome was scanning the place with scrutinizing eyes. Greenwood Avenue was swarmed with numerous people even in the darkness of the night. “My thoughts exactly,” he nodded through the air, eyes still locked in another direction. “It’s scary but exciting at the same time.” Jerome added, cold shivers running through his spine, tugging his coat closer to his body, trying to lessen the chill.

Rush had always dreamed of this day to come...

…to be the first one to report at a scene of a very important breaking news for the whole Creek City residents to watch. And now that it happened right before his very eyes to see, it did give him joy despite the very unfortunate news that he just delivered.

He felt elated, as if all burden was lifted off of his shoulders.

For the whole three years that he had been working for the industry, this might be the biggest event that he had experienced. Therefore, it does give him mixed feelings about it. However, the overjoyed emotion was the dominant one in all of the emotions swirling inside of him.

This is my stepping stone, he pondered mentally.

Although, on top of everything, Rush wanted to hear a compliment from a particular person. After all, he didn’t venture into this career path because he wanted to. This wasn’t the job that he dreamed of ever since he was young. Rush originally wanted to be a pilot. However, his father, who is a news anchor at the same company, wanted his son to follow his footsteps. At first, Rush didn’t exactly fancy the idea of taking the same path as his father. He fought for what he wanted to achieve in life that resulted in countless arguments and even fist fights with his father.

Just as he was about to vacate the vicinity, a journalist approached him with a digital recorder in her hand, basically ready to record the upcoming interview. She was wearing a long brown trench coat above her black turtleneck and a denim jeans bottom. Her long brown hair was casually flowing just below her chest area. Despite the almost foggy glasses due to the bad weather, Rush could clearly see her eyes, it was the rarest color of them all—green.

Judging by her appearance alone, reporter Rush Serrano could immediately decipher what her purpose was. Seemingly as though it was nothing but a routine for after every report whenever he was on sight—and that is for a journalist to interview him for information.

It was profound and reporter Rush was too busy to provide any help on her way.

He was about to leave and not let the woman have her chance to talk to him but she was quick enough to utter the words in such a fast paced manner that Rush couldn’t even turn to leave, so he stood there listening to her unwanted statement. “Hi! I am Journalist Luna Donovan of the Creek City Times and I am here to conduct a short interview about the recent report,” she didn’t give the reporter a time to respond as she continued talking. “Are there any witnesses in the scene when the victim was found? I was watching you a while ago from the side and noticed that you didn’t mention any names of possible witnesses.” Luna scanned the place for the validation whether the witness is still in the place or if they were holding them accountable at some spot. At the same time there were no particularly important people held liable during this moment. Hence, the question.

Luna Donovan had been at the scene for almost two hours and every time that she would try to enter the off-limits area, they were very strict on not letting her in nor letting her speak to anyone for that matter. Also, all those on standby who were guarding the scene didn’t give her the time to introduce herself or even state what her purpose was. Due to the fact that they were all very keen on keeping the scene well protected and away from people that are not involved in the incident.

Most especially when this isn’t something usual in Creek City.

She even witnessed Rush and his crew preparing their equipment before they went live. However, she felt like she’d interfere with their work so she just waited until they finished.

Rush offered a sly smile, he just noticed a camera dangling around her neck and a small notebook on her left hand. “My apologies, but our source wanted to remain anonymous and I cannot fully disclose any more information about the identity,” he paused for a while as he beamed at her in dismay. A frown etched on her face as he looked at him, obviously showing how disappointed she was with his answer.

“However, I assure you that it was a reliable source if that is what you’re meant to be implying.” Rush added as he scratched the back of his head and his lips formed an awkward smile. As of the moment, he was clearly showing his disinterest by immediately dismissing the journalist in front of him but not wanting to seem rude so he tried his very best to reject her kindly.

After all, he wanted to leave this place as soon as possible. Thus, dismissing her on a good note might fasten the conversation without prolonging any further. He didn’t need to have a chit-chat with a journalist after he relatively reported all information needed during the live breaking news. That being said, Rush didn’t see the need for this interview.

“I have to go, you can ask other people in the scene in regards to your… article. I’m afraid that I’m no help and I urgently need to go back to our center.” Reporter Rush Serrano explained as he quickly pivoted his heel to leave the female journalist behind, not even bothering to wait for Luna's reply because he already knew that if she said another word, it would be related to the news—and that would eventually just prolong their unwanted conversation.

Everyone is actually wondering what had exactly happened to the woman who died in such a horrendous way. In addition to that, no one could actually provide exact details of what happened and how it happened. Not even the police or the anonymous witness that Rush was talking about. The information was very limited, all because they are still unaware of the victim’s background—hindering them from finding out why she died.

It was as though it was a mystery for all those who resided in Creek City.

Although, once the police distinguish who the woman is, it might possibly help to solve the case much faster. Hence, why the police and detectives were eager to know the woman’s name and background. And Luna wanted to know the same. For it’ll be very helpful for the articles that she will be releasing.

Rush immediately departed the area with his team then hopped into their van, not even offering a glance back to what they had left behind. As the engine started and drove off away from the place, Louis, their crew cameraman, was smiling widely about how successful the live broadcast was.

Well, all of them seemed overjoyed by the live broadcast. This was basically the first time that they were the first one to arrive at the scene beside other channels, to report the live broadcast. A great opportunity for them. But on the back of Rush’s mind, this should’ve been the third time already. However, he decided to push the thought.

Frankly, they will never forget this moment in their entire lives.

“Who is the chick?” Jerome questioned as he still continued to pack their things, then placed the bag on his side as Louis drove away from the place.

Rush shrugged. “Just some journalist asking about what happened,” he answered, clearly showing no interest in the matter.

The smiles on their faces never left their lips even after the short interruption of the journalist, Luna Donavan. Even their eyes were curved due to the intensity of the smiles that were plastered on their faces and due to the mixed emotions swirling inside their system.

“I’m glad that we were the first ones to report the news and not the other channels. That would be really great for our show’s rating.” Jerome had proudly announced, wiping off the droplets of rain that had managed to pour down on his camera. He additionally wiped off the rain on the rest of the camera's parts. Jerome treasures the camera as if it was his own despite it being company-owned. He had always dreamed of being a cameraman for some big movies.

And this is initially his stepping stone.

Louis nodded in his place, quite amazed actually. “I still can’t believe how you got information about this. It is really a huge break for us,” he stated, the happiness reaching his eyes. “I’m certain that the higher ups would give us the recognition that we deserve for this one. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces knowing that we were the first ones to arrive at the crime scene. I bet their reactions are gold! And maybe… just maybe we could be promoted to the live news rather than the pre-recorded ones,” he added, implying his intentions.

There was a hint of gratification playing along Rush’s lips. He too, was absolutely pleased with the report, for it will be rewarding once they arrive at their center. He could only imagine the look on everyone else's face as they congratulated his team and most especially, him.

For he was the one who notified his team and his manager about the tip that he got from the witness. “Well, I think this surely wouldn’t be the last time we will do this kind of thing,” he voiced out, mixed emotions swirling inside of him.

Rush was beaming with self-pride and excitement. Overjoyed is an understatement. This is definitely something that he will look back to with a proud smile plastered on his face. After all the years that he’s been in the shadows… too long that he wasn’t satisfied with how he handled his work.

But now… everything is just falling into place.

Finally, all his hard work is now brewing into something good.