The Killer Boss

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine:

Searching for clues and evidence.

—

SUAREZ TURNED THE car around without any hesitation.

Even though Edward didn’t immediately fill in the pieces as to why there’s a sudden change of direction, Suarez still complied with the lead detective’s command. He’d been taking glances at his direction every now so he was mindful that Edward was reading Calvin Ferrer’s file. That being said, he assumed that it was related to the ongoing case.

Manuel Suarez knew his friend well enough to know how serious Edward is whenever a case is assigned to them. No matter how big or small.

“Take a left after that alley.” Edward instructed, his veins pumping with hope and anxiety. “After that, turn left, straight, then left again,” he added to Suarez consecutively, who was listening attentively to his instructions.

“Where are we headed, Ed?”

“You’ll see once we get there.”

Suarez wanted to ask more questions. However, he just remained silent while driving. Being Edward’s colleague for three years now, he’s quite well aware that Edward wouldn’t just command him to go anywhere just because he wanted to—but all due because it’s related to the case. So whenever they are headed to, it only means that it’s necessary to the investigation.

Edward had always taken cases given to him in utmost seriousness. No matter how big or small it is. Which is why he’s considered the best detective in their current prime.

Once they reached the place, Suarez muttered, “Are you sure this is the right place?”

Edward nodded while his eyes scanned the view. “It’s what’s written in this file.”

Parking the car in an empty space and as soon as Suarez was done, Edward got out of the car then sauntered forward, towards the lobby. The gravelly ground didn’t even hindered him from going faster, as he didn’t want to waste any time. His insides were screaming with anticipation and eagerness that he can’t seem to hide. There’s no way that he’ll ignore vital information that he’d found in Calvin Ferrer’s file. Which is the very reason as to why he instructed Suarez to change destination.

Suarez followed his superior and fastened his pace as he didn’t want to be left behind. He examined the lead detective’s destination, squinting his eyes to get a better view, even using his hand to cover the sun’s rays burying his vision. Observing the place, he’s mentally taking note of what could be important enough that would catch his attention.

Creekside Grand Flat was plastered on a big sign at the middle and top of the building. The establishment was a ten-storey, which is really huge considering that most establishments in Creek City stood five to six storeys only. It’s rare to see huge buildings constructed in the city. Not that it wasn’t a progressive city, but it’s considered to be in a rural area in the country of Southfield. Out of all the cities in Southfield, Creek City is included in one of the successful cities in the country. In all honesty, it’s something that all residents are proud of since Creek City is a major contributor of sugarcane crops in the country, ranking number three in Southfield’s best city.

Compared to other flats in the city, it seemed as though this one’s the most expensive to stay at. With its white exterior painting, accompanied with beige accents around the corners of the windows, ledges and railings, the establishment seemed as though it’s glowing. Through the sea of brown and gray buildings scattered along Creek City, this particular flat can easily catch anyone’s eyes—eventually making them stare longer than they intended too.

Suarez was already guessing how much one unit costs especially with the grand and vibrant environment where the place was located. His income from becoming a detective suffices the bills he currently has. Although, he doubts that he can actually live in this kind of status. Sure, he can pay for the fees needed, but he thinks that it’s not necessary knowing that it’s only for rent.

On the other hand, the lead detective is already aware of what the place was. Edward was looking through Calvin Ferrer’s files earlier so this might be where he was staying and Edward wanted to take a look to find out if he is still staying at his apartment.

There was a huge chance that he might still be inside his very apartment and Edward is grabbing that opportunity… or risk, if Suarez might suggest.

As soon as they entered the lobby, a woman over the counter greeted them. “How can I help you… sirs?” Her lips formed into a smile, gesturing a welcoming invite for the two of them despite the very fact that they looked intimidating enough. It didn’t even help the fact that the security guard of the apartment is on a break and she clearly has no one to call when both of them would pose any danger to her.

Edward scooted over closer to where she was sitting. “We would like to ask something—” he looked over to her name tag, “—Marie, I hope you will cooperate with us.” he informed, his voice now calm but still, authoritative.

The woman in front of them was indeed confused since this isn’t something that would’ve happened frequently to her. Of course, there would be times wherein visitors would inquire about anything related to the flat but she had a feeling that it was a different situation today.

So with furrowed brows, Marie dared to ask. “Uhm, is there any problem?”

Instead of actually answering the question that the receptionist inquired, Edward asked his own set of questions. “Is there any resident here named Calvin Ferrer? I’ve been told that this is where his flat is located. Is he a resident here?” he muttered, obviously not taking his time as he rushed with his words.

There was no hiding it, he was straightforward and didn’t want to prolong the conversation any further. All Edward wanted to know is if Calvin Ferrer is inside this very complex right now, and if so, that would really help them with their case to move forward as soon as possible. So, he is deeply wishing that Calvin is still at his unit so that they could interrogate him for being the last person seen with Scarlet Monroe.

Marie’s eyes began to shake, growing unsure of what was unfolding before her very sight. “Uhm, I’m sorry but I can’t disclose such information to you.” Which is true, she can't just tell anyone if there is someone with that name living in Creekside Grand Flat even if she is aware of it. Well, for one, it’s stated in their rules and regulations that their client’s privacy is important and shouldn’t be disclosed to anyone. She was about to reach the phone to call her manager or who knows who, when Suarez heaved out a sigh, causing her to halt her actions.

He walked closer to them, then reached over the pocket of his trench coat, showed her his badge, then looked over to Edward. “You could’ve just shown her your badge first, you know? Or even introduce yourself? You and your impatient ass,” he sighed, mocking Edward who was just still waiting for a response from the receptionist. Suarez saw how Marie looked and he noticed that the woman was scared of how the lead detective was acting so he interrupted them. “I’m Detective Manuel Suarez and he’s Edward Conrad, the lead detective of our current investigation. And about my colleagues’ question, is there anyone with the name of Calvin Ferrer residing here?” he inquired, now that the receptionist is aware of their identity.

The receptionist, named Marie, had gulped. She was contemplating whether she should obey and answer just because the two introduced themselves as a detective. But due to the fear, she instantly typed the name on the database. The desktop was lagging but after a few more seconds, the results were shown. “Uhh, yes he lives here,” she responded, her voice low.

With her response, the lead detective’s eyes almost glimmered in anticipation. “Is he here?” Edward immediately asked, inching closer as he leaned towards her. It’s very clear to anyone that he’s very thrilled with the information he learned just now.

Marie scanned over her log book, she turned the pages and shook her head. “Calvin didn’t log in yesterday,” she informed the detectives with furrowed brows. Remembering her shift yesterday, and for the past few days, she realized that Calvin hasn't been home yet. With that thought in mind, she flipped the pages in the log book again to make sure that what she recalled was indeed right. As soon as she didn’t find what she was looking for, she muttered. “He hasn’t been home for three days now.”

Just like before, it’s the same day frame when Scarlet had perished.

A lot of thoughts invaded the lead detective’s mind due to what Marie said. However, what stood out the most was the fact that he wanted to know Calvin’s exact flat. “What’s his room number then?” Edward asked, taking no time to waste as he said that question—he didn’t even filter his words.

With Edward’s words, Suarez instantly gawked towards his colleague, he wanted Edward to glance back at him and take back his words. But instead, the guy had his focus on the woman in front. In an instant, Suarez shook his head sideways, clearly not liking how the lead detective was acting at the moment.

Edward is clearly using his power once again, something that is a very dangerous move for them. Their positions in the city don’t give them the right to abuse authority. A true server of the people, should not in any way, take advantage of their titles.

This only happened to Edward recently, he wasn’t like this before they had been assigned to this case. Suarez was now sure that this whole change of a setting is the one that is making Edward act like this. It’s true that Edward is desperate in need of clues as he is also determined to solve this case. Suarez could also feel the same. However, this is something that differs him from Edward since it never crossed his mind to use his power to do things that he just simply wants.

It doesn’t work that way.

And Edward needs to keep that in mind. It was as though their talk earlier inside the car had gone to waste. Suarez began to feel like the both of them would have a lot of arguments while solving the case.

“I’m sorry but I can’t tell you that, sir.” Marie’s voice brought Suarez back to his reverie, he took note of how Marie’s voice was trembling but the tone had a lot of dictation into it. She was still clearly standing up for what she knew was right.

Suarez decreased the proximity between him and Edward, he gazed towards the receptionist then offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, we will be right back.” With that, he had grabbed Edward’s arm and dragged him outside the apartment lounge.

He needs to put some sense into Edward’s head.

When Suarez knew that they were far enough and no bystanders were near them he had intensely stared towards Edward. However, his friend just gave him a puzzled look on his face, basically not catching up with why Suarez had dragged him outside so abruptly.

“Really, Ed? What is wrong with you?” Rage had pulsed through his veins as his anger spiked. Suarez clenched his fists to his sides, resisting the urge to throw a punch on the face of his superior.

Confused by his friend’s action, Edward scratched the back of his head. “What are you even talking about, Suarez?”

“Oh, do not act like you do not know what I am talking about, Ed!” Suarez was breathless with fury. “Not because you have a higher position than me, I will let you do whatever it is that you want.” The vortex of anger swirled inside of him. He had tried calming himself down but the immense anger did not disperse.

“Detective Manuel—” Edward exclaimed, his tone changed; slicked like oil, shimmering with threat.

“See?” Suarez had cut him off as he let out an exasperated sigh. “There you go again, Ed. Stop taking advantage of your power to get what you want! We need to follow procedures and protocols. You can’t barge in around anywhere telling people what to do!” he yelled—his patience growing thin. “First you had shown Dean Johnson a different search warrant, and then you wanted to search Calvin’s apartment without a proper warrant too? Are you f*****g dumb, sir?” Suarez made sure to emphasize the way he had muttered the word ‘sir’, with utmost respect even though he just cursed Edward. Suarez was now trembling, partly because he was scared, but mostly because he was furious. He had dived his trembling hand into his hair, agitated with the series of Edward’s awful actions. “This isn’t the lead detective Edward that I know, my colleague would never abuse his title, and my friend would always put others before himself.” His words were seeping with conviction that made Edward’s heart grow heavy.

Edward was surely mindful of what he was doing. He knew that he simply wasn’t following protocols, and demanding things to go in his way—but he has his reason. Processing a search warrant may take up to days, or worse? It may take weeks, even months to be approved. And that is what worries him, that the moment that a search warrant had been placed, all of the evidence was already gone and nothing can be used to help the case.

He was doing what he thought was for the best.

“You know that the process for a new search warrant might take days. We are already here, Suarez,” he reasoned out. “What if Calvin is inside his apartment, hiding just in plain sight? Are we just going to let him get away because we are waiting for the right warrant?”

“Yes, Ed.” Suarez voiced out, almost in an instant that he had answered. “Even if Calvin gets away, I will still choose to take the right path. Then, we will catch him next as soon as we get the right warrant.”

Edward sighed, his colleague has a point and he can not seem to shake off the words. He nodded at Suarez’s words, “Okay, I will quickly write the application for the search warrant, and we can maybe ask the judge to expedite the process since Calvin was the last person seen with Scarlet.”

That very phrase had calmed down Suarez’s rage. He managed to control his ragged breathing earlier and had now a smirk plastered on his face. Everything is already out of place, the investigation is a very crucial thing to do whenever a new case has been endorsed to them. And the last thing that any of them would want is bickering over things that can be eventually talked about.

Both of them had snickered, eliciting a laugh as if they hadn’t battered earlier.

Suarez was thankful that he can easily vent out his worries and concerns in regards to Edward. He was always willing to knock some sense into Edward’s mind whenever he needed to.

As a friend and a colleague, it seems just the right thing to do.

.

.

.

EVERYTHING SEEMED TO be going well.

Another day, another investigation to do. Gone were the worries that settled inside Detective Edward as they eventually vanished. Fortunately, the search warrant was issued as soon as possible. He mentally took note of saying his regards later to Suarez that had reprimanded him to do the right thing instead of being an asshole detective that he isn’t.

He’s aware that he could be too much sometimes, especially when he gets all worked up because of a case.

After their bickering yesterday, both of them had returned to the precinct to write a report. Even though they were still concerned about how long the warrant will be issued, he conducted a meeting with his unit and planned what they’ll do once they’re able to bring Calvin in for interrogation.

Then, Edward had personally talked to the judge and handed him the application for the issuance of a search warrant. He also patiently explained why he needed the warrant as soon as possible. The judge was very cooperative in regards to his demands and thought that it was only rightful to sign the warrant the next day. While most search warrants take more than two days, theirs were incredibly fast.

With that out of the way, Edward, his unit, along with a few more police, ventured to Creekside Grand Flat in order to execute their plan.

Each and everyone were hoping that Calvin could be found in his unit. Or better yet, some evidence would be presented right before their very eyes when they search his place.

Nobody took their time as the car halted, all hands and feet were busy getting out of the car and striding towards the apartment’s lounge.

Marie had been informed even before the police detectives had left the precinct. That being said, she had also already informed her manager about the whole ordeal. As they had shown the search warrant to the receptionist and the manager of the apartment, they had quickly marched towards Calvin’s flat. Other detectives had been assigned to check the apartment’s CCTV inside the function room, so they had already split up.

Unit 9G.

The ride in the elevator was long. Well, that is what Edward had felt as seconds had passed by. He felt as though minutes or hours had already been passing by. While other police officers were reprimanded to take the stairs, in order to check something mysterious, most police detectives had taken the faster route.

Edward’s heart was thumping so loud and fast inside his chest.

The anticipation inside of him had taken control of him as he felt cold droplets of sweat flowing down on his temples. The moment that the elevator had dinged, Edward rapidly walked outside the lift and strode towards the designated room.

Looking back at his team as he had stopped in his tracks in front of Unit 9G, he had his left hand on the nook of his holster, ready to whip the gun in advance.

He beckoned his team to stay silent as two soft knocks on the door was all he had to take, “Calvin Ferrer?” he called out, “Are you in there?” he added.

Edward was waiting for any sign of response, even a sound that he could hear on the other side of the door, but none came. A drop of pin can be easily heard with the deafening silence that surrounded everyone outside Calvin’s apartment. As much as he wanted to hear any response from the other side, he knew that if a person was hiding; they would not emit any signs of sounds for they did not want to be caught red handedly.

Carefully twisting the door knob, Edward did it in a gentle manner but it clicked. Indicating that the room was locked. Of course, he already figured it out, although he still tried his luck.

Edward had reached for his pistol and aimed it forward, as his free hand tapped the card—that was given to them by the manager—on the automated door lock. When it had chimed, he quickly tightened the grip onto his gun as his heart beat erratically inside his chest.

Looking over to another police officer, he nodded, and the police officer did the same as the police officer slowly opened the door and peered over the mid-open door. When he had fully opened it, the police officer had led them, while a gun was pointed forward and other police detectives did the same. Checking each crook and corners of the room for a sign of Calvin.

Edward and Suarez had also entered the room, scanning the silent and eerie room. Just like earlier, everything was still quiet. There were no signs that anyone was inside the room.

“Negative, sir.” The police officer had informed Edward who still had a tight grasp on his gun. Upon hearing the information, he lowered the gun and placed it back on his holster.

Edward had now scanned the place, very few furniture can be seen inside Calvin’s room. Only appliances that are necessary for a high school student. At first glance, it seemed that the apartment was small but it was big enough for one person.

The unit had a living room and two other rooms. A bedroom and a spare room.

“Okay, everyone gather around,” Edward commenced, the team obliged. “I want everyone to seize every nook and cranny inside of this room. We will not leave until we find any clue where Calvin might possibly be. Be carefully gentle with everything.”

They all nodded and proceeded to work. As a detective, while investigating a potential pool of evidence, most of them are solely focused on observing and examining anything that could potentially be any clue, while doing so carefully and methodically.

Everyone already had a specific place that they should delve into. Edward and Suarez were the one who chose what seemed like Calvin’s room. The said room was not even that spacious, but it was perfect to fit a one bed and a closet.

While scanning the place, the bed was disorganized in a natural manner. As if Calvin had woken up and had chosen not to clean up his bed upon waking up and just proceed to walk outside his room.

Edward was trying to visualize what Calvin would do inside the room. He had imagined Calvin waking up then walking towards his closet.

In which, Edward had done.

Edward carefully opened the closed cabinet. He was welcomed with clothes and jackets that were hanging and some folded clothes on the rack. His school uniform was in the middle, hanging visibly in front of his eyes. He scooted closely, looking for something useful. On the corner of the cabinet, was a box of what appeared to be dirty clothes.

The detective’s gloved hand reached over it and had placed it on top of Calvin’s bed. And one by one, he started to take them out. Checking each and every dirty clothes for evidence. Any sign of blood or traces that could tie to Scarlet’s case.

When the box was already half empty, the next outfit that he had reached and saw instantly bewildered his entire being.

Edward automatically felt the hairs on his arm and the back of his neck stood up.

With abrupt hands, he searched something on the very dress in his hold as he had remembered upon seeing the uniform.

He remembered as it was familiar, he knew that he had seen it when they had interviewed Claire and Alyssa.

Edward let out a loud gasp when he found what he was searching for.

In his hands is a uniform from Paradise View Academy. A small white blouse with a blue collar. And on the left chest area was the embroidered surname of the deceased Scarlet.

Monroe.