The Killer Boss

Chapter 2

Chapter Two:

Another remarkable night for everyone, part II.

—

ON THE OTHER side, Luna stood on the wet sidewalk.

Stunned, as she looked at the van slowly fading into the darkness, away from her line of vision. Fully aware that it’s a rather busy day and night for everyone, she couldn’t help but to let out a deep sigh instead. She remained unmoving in her tracks as she didn’t have the courage to do so.

How can she when a reliable source has chosen to ignore her?

Despite that, she needed more information for her upcoming article that is scheduled to be released tomorrow morning. The amount of time that she needed to type all the details, the proofreading and editing—although she can ask her friend, Kathleen Riley, who is a developmental editor to handle the editing, she wanted to do it by herself—as well as the printing of the newspaper is quite time consuming.

This isn’t something that can be prolonged any further.

At some point, she could hear Kathleen’s voice speaking to her at this very moment. ‘Suck it up, Lulu. Standing there wouldn’t get you anywhere. Hustle hard, girl!’ Kathleen had always been a source of motivation for Luna, for she had always encouraged Luna to go out of her comfort zone and do things spontaneously but with a beneficial outcome. Not having Kathleen by her side at this moment, felt like a part of her confidence was slowly tinkering away from her system.

Luna knew that she needed to act now and she needed to gather information as quickly as possible. Moreover, there’s no other way to accomplish that other than to interview most of the people here on site. In that way, she can collect more data and gather more information that she needed to put in her article. This is one of the biggest scoop that she'll be in, and she will do everything she can so that she'll be able to gather much information on site.

However, she knew that interviewing clueless residents wouldn’t benefit her, so she knew what she had to do. She doesn’t want any information that is solely based on assumptions. Luna needed someone that had knowledge on what exactly happened at the crime scene. Someone who can provide her with something beneficial—not just some baseless presumptions.

After all, her job is on the line here.

Being a journalist isn’t something to be taken lightly. Most especially if she will tackle news that is happening inside their city. Not only that, her reputation, too, might be damaged if everything goes downwards instead of what she had actually thought of.

If she needs it so badly, she knows that she will do her best to achieve that.

What caught her off guard for a few seconds was the moment that the phone inside her bag suddenly rang, somewhat making her flinch in her tracks. “Hello, Mrs. Guzman?” She greeted her through the phone, already familiar with the caller ID that flashed on screen. For a second, she could feel her heart beating loudly inside her chest. “Is there any problem?” Luna questioned, thinking that she might be needed back in the office.

There was static on the other side of the line and then Joy Guzman answered, “Where are you, Luna? I just received tons of messages that there's a big headline right now.” Doubt and excitement laced in her voice as she informed Luna about what she heard just minutes ago.

Luna nodded in her place despite Joy not being able to see the action. “I am currently at the scene, Mrs. Guzman and I’m gathering as much information as I can.” She had informed her boss, who Luna knew would be happy about what she just told her.

“Oh, lovely! That is good to hear, Luna Donavan.” Joy exclaimed with excitement. “I will leave it all up to you. Happy interviewing!” Joy added and then ended the call immediately. Luna could even imagine the toothy smile plastered on Mrs. Guzman’s face as the line ended.

Joy Guzman, owner of the Creek City Times Publishing House, Luna looked up to her so much to the point that she considered her as her role model. As she also wanted to own a publishing house in the future. For Luna had always loved writing pieces may it be related to fiction or nonfiction. Ever since she was young, she had a gift for literary works and as she grew older, Luna enhanced her skills and soon realized that she wanted to be a journalist—also be an author. She wanted to publish a nonfiction book of her own and she will make sure that she can accomplish such a thing.

Nothing is impossible as long as she puts her mind and heart into it.

Before returning her phone back in her coat pocket, she noticed that there was a message from Kathleen while she was on call with Mrs. Guzman, so Luna decided to read it first.

‘Call me when you read this.’

Luna was curious, unaware of the whole context as to why Kathleen wanted for her to call since there weren’t more messages that would fill out the pieces inside her head.

So without any hesitation, Luna dialed Kathleen’s number. After three rings, Kathleen answered. “Luna!” She greeted, her voice too loud.

“Hey, Kath! Why’d you wanted me to call?”

“I heard about the news from Mrs. Guzman. Are you currently there?”

“Yes, I forgot to inform her before going here but she’s aware that I’m currently at the scene.” Luna scanned around the place then continued. “She actually called just a minute ago.”

“Oh, that’s good! I’m planning on going there as well.” Luna heard shuffling of feet as well as dangling of keys on the line. “Or the police are vacating residents on standby?” Kathleen asked.

“There are still a lot of people here so I don’t think that we’re not allowed to be here.” Luna informed her friend. “You’ll just have to park your car on Starry Avenue since there’s no parking space here anymore.”

“Noted, Lulu. See you!” Kathleen said, bidding her farewell, using the nickname she personally created for Luna.

“See you, Kath! Drive safely.” Luna said.

The line ended and Luna pocketed her phone once again. For a moment, her lungs were filled with courage knowing that Kathleen would be here later. At some point, it gave her a sense of relief since there would be a familiar face in sight.

However, time was ticking and Kathleen wouldn’t reach the place for more than 20 more minutes. With that, Luna knew that she needed to act one her own. She didn’t have to wait for Kathleen before she would do something about her forthcoming article.

So she decided to act upon it all by herself.

While observing the swamped place, she mustered up all her confidence and began to stride closer towards the crime scene, again. But this time, she wished that she would get what she wanted.

All she could do now is hope for the better, best even.

Luna fixed her eyeglasses that were settling crookedly on her nose. Although the drizzle had done its damage as raindrops slid down on the lenses and also made it fog all over her sight—she didn’t pay attention to the discomfort it brought her. Instead she quickly wiped off the drizzle on her glasses with the hem of her trench coat and acted like nothing had happened.

This particular disturbance isn’t enough for Luna to retreat from what she was about to do.

Nothing could stop her now.

Not even the drizzle. Not even the swamped crowd. And not even the self-doubt swirling inside of her.

Luna took a deep breath and then with a now booming confidence, she strode towards the edge of the police line, squeezing herself past the crowd that piled up. She had to do it carefully in order to keep her things as safe as possible. After all, she would not be able to afford buying a latest camera or even a replacement for that matter.

Not with what she is currently earning.

She’s basically doing all of this because, one, she loves her job. Secondly, it had always been her dream. Lastly, she needed to earn money by doing something that she loves. Being a journalist is something that she wanted ever since she was young, and she wanted to keep it that way for a long period of time.

However, since her publisher isn’t doing well financially, she has to withstand the low salary even if she has to make ends meet in order to pay her bills. At the back of her mind, she could hear her parents reprimanding her and telling her ‘I told you so’ and tons of other statements that she practically memorized by now. Living in a household where her dreams aren’t supported by her parents is something that she had to live for. Which is also why she invested in moving to an apartment—she didn’t need that kind of negativity in her life knowing that she’s trying her best to succeed in the career path she had chosen.

No, it isn’t entirely because she hated them which is why she decided to move to an apartment. But mainly because she needed the peace of mind and for her mental health as well.

Luna couldn’t handle the stress she’s getting whenever her parents would reprimand her in her everyday life. Waking up to mother’s sermon and going home to her father belittling her had become a routine before she officially moved out of their house.

Yet, she still fulfilled that daughter's responsibilities to them as she would send some of her income for them to use on a monthly basis. Luna’s father is an employee in a company while her mother is a housewife. Hence, her father's salary wouldn’t suffice their living. Which is why she’s sending money to them despite being old enough to handle her own.

Even though she used to live in a toxic household, Luna still loves and cares for her parents.

Releasing a long and deep sigh, Luna was about to cross the line that she wasn’t supposed to do, a large man approached her.

Luna even had to raise her head in order to meet the man's eyes because she's smaller than him. The man had a milky white pale skin that glowed even in the dark night. His hair was neatly cut and for a man who has a beard, his was astonishingly clean. The man’s features seemed too intimidating for Luna, which has caused her to stop on her tracks and reassessed the confidence that was once igniting inside of her.

The man clicked his tongue from what Luna was doing and he could already foresee what she was about to do. Obviously irritated on how she is acting, he ushered her to stand behind the yellow line as to which Luna complied politely. She was already aware that this man in front of her was much older than her. Luna could tell just by his build and the way he carried himself as if he had been such an experienced man with all of this.

“Is there any problem, Miss…?” The authority in the man's voice was so profound that for a moment Luna found herself shivering with his tone. It seemed as if Luna was about to get her punishment from this man that she didn’t even know who he was. Even though he wasn’t directly reprimanding her, it did appear to be like that, in a way.

She stared at him, not knowing how to react to the intimidating man before her. She could even feel the coldness of the breeze grazing along her exposed hands and almost caused her to shiver at the night's cold wind. Trying to warm herself, she tightened the grip on her trench coat and hugged it closer to herself.

“I d-don’t think s-so, sir.” Luna stammered, unable to form the words in her mouth. Aside from the factor of the cold wind, she's also apparently appalled by the series of embarrassment that had happened within just a span of more or less ten minutes.

First with Rush and now with this man.

Despite that, she tried her best to collect herself since she had a purpose which is why she was here in the first place. That being said, she won’t leave this place not unless she gets what she needs. As she reassessed her emotions, she also shrugged off the brewing self-doubt swirling inside of her.

All of that self-doubt initially wouldn’t bring her any good.

“Who are you?” After nodding as a response to Luna, the man in front of her uttered. Still, the authority in his voice never left and the intimidating aura of him.

It’s now or never.

Luna wiped her hands on her trench coat to remove the raindrops that had gathered there, fished for her ID inside her bag, then showed it to the man in front. “I’m Luna Donovan, a Journalist of Creek City Times, and I was wondering if there’s anyone I could interview? It will be just a short one, I promise.” The desperation in her voice is evident, she didn’t care if she looked pitiful right now. She was hopeful that whoever this man was, will be granting her favor.

Luna was so desperate that she could beg this man just so he would approve of her favor. Heck, she was even willing to kneel in front of him if that is needed just to gather some information. She would do anything for any information and statements related to the death of the woman.

However, she was glad that despite the intimidating aura of the man before her, he was more than willing to comply with Luna's favor.

The man ushered them to go somewhere private where other residents couldn’t possibly hear their discussion. The least that he wanted was to create a huge uproar even though what happened was already a big talk of the city and has now been all over the news. In spite of that fact, he didn’t want some important information to fall off to someone who is not worthy of such. Moreover, someone who would twist their words and statements to create much more damage to what already is.

For he had a huge role in this case and he didn’t want to ruin the case and his reputation for that matter.

He offered his hand mid-air. “I’m Edward Conrad, the Lead Detective of this case,” he uttered, introducing himself to the young female journalist. “I can answer some questions as long as I’m sure about them. I wouldn’t want to disclose anything that is not yet certain. It might cause massive damage to the case and we wouldn’t want any of that matter. I’m sure you are aware of that considering you’re a journalist.” Edward sternly announced and all Luna did was she gladly accepted Edward's hand then proceeded with the handshake.

Edward Conrad almost smiled at what Luna had done—she had enthusiastically shook his hand. It has been too long since he had encountered someone with much enthusiasm about a case. Much more, a journalist. Since this hasn’t been something happening often in Creek City, a lot of people and residents had taken interest. Something that might give all detectives and police a lot of pressure and stress. In need to find the root of how the victims had died.

Journalist Luna reached for her digital recorder that was carefully placed inside the pocket of her trench coat and then instantly transcribed the upcoming interview with the lead detective of the case–Luna took note of that. As it would really be a great help with her article. She just took her chance and she didn’t even think of having an interview with none other than the lead detective of the said case.

It was truly a blessing in disguise and she was really overwhelmed about it.

Regardless of her overwhelming emotions, she quickly proceeded with the interview. She cleared her throat, “Detective Conrad, are there any witnesses on the scene that could personally tell us how they had found the victim in that state?” Luna asked, initially asking one of the questions that she was most curious about. It had been bothering her right from the start—it’s more of a personal question than an information to be willingly disclosed to the public.

Deep inside Luna, she wanted to personally interview the said witness so that she’ll be able to tell proudly in her article that she gathered the information from a reliable source. But it seemed as though what she wanted wasn’t just going to happen.

The detective shook his head as a sign of disagreement. “The source pleaded to stay anonymous and we have respected the decision made. Although we have conducted an investigation, all their alibi have been checked out and were not in any way; a suspect of the crime.” Lead Detective Conrad’s voice was full of certainty and confidence.

Luna could almost gawk at him for being so professional in this field. Through her years of being a journalist or even in her life, it was her first time to meet a detective in person and she was completely dazzled by him. Most of her articles are related to recent events in Creek City—nothing as big as this one. Hence, why it was her first time meeting a detective in person.

“Has the victim already been identified?” Luna inquired, eager to know the name of the victim and her history. All everyone knows is the fact that the victim found at the scene’s a woman.

Edward's face remained stoic, not wanting to show any emotions that might eventually cause a misunderstanding for Luna. “We’re doing our very best to be able to identify her in a short period of time despite the tools and equipment being outdated.” On the contrary to what he said, Edward was still confident that they could at least gather some evidence that would hold a huge significance regarding the case.

Luna nodded at his words. “As per the autopsy, could we expect the result as soon as possible?” she continued.

“It might take a while to process everything in a fast state considering the outdated tools being used. However, same with everyone, we are also hoping for a quick result.”

Luna knew what that meant—she didn’t even need to ask because it was clear. The result will take a while and the perpetrator might not be able to be punished as quickly as possible.

What a downright bummer.

“Even though that is the case, are there any possible leads as to who the suspect is?” she asked.

Detective Edward clasped his hands together, wanting to appear confident in front of the journalists and then responded, “Since we still don’t know the identity of the victim, we couldn’t investigate anyone related to her,” he trailed, took a pause before continuing his words.

“The question of ‘who she was before the accident happened or who she was with when the accident did happen’ has a slim chance of getting answered as of now. This case will surely take a while to investigate but we assure everyone that we will do everything that we can do in our hands to attain the justice that she deserves,” he muttered, reassuring not just Luna but also the residents in the Creek City since it will probably be included in the article that she's about to write.

“Is this in any way, correlated to the previous reports of dead bodies?” Lead Detective Conrad was shocked for a while with Luna’s question. His mouth hung agape but he quickly closed his mouth and then knitted his forehead together.

The question seemed plausible enough.

Detective Edward would be lying if he said that he didn’t think of it in that way.

Numerous deaths have been recently reported in the city. Yes, that was given. It is all over the news and it is already spreading like a wildfire. Creek City isn’t usually a place where violence is very common. It was a place of serenity for most people, especially the residents residing there. It had been too long since everyone could remember for a possible murder to take place in such a peaceful city.

After composing himself, he cleared his throat before replying. “I’m afraid that we shouldn’t be jumping into conclusions that quickly,” he pressed, letting Luna be aware of the damage her question might bring if other people were able to hear it.

"However, there could be a possibility that it is true. Three bodies have already been found in a span of a month—this has not happened before.” Luna noticed the curiosity lingering in the detective’s face. It was as if he was thinking deeply of the possibilities of what they just talked about.

“I should excuse myself, there is some important matter that I have to take care of.” Lead Detective didn’t bother to wait for Luna’s reply as he jogged away from the journalist.

Luna could only nod and sigh as a response—not that it bothered her being left behind. She’s actually gathered a lot of information from him as he was cooperative with the sudden interview. However, there was still a lot in her mind that she wanted to ask.

After all, he is the Lead Detective of the case.

It was still a gain for her because Detective Conrad was very helpful. Maybe she will just say her appreciation some other time.

Luna looked back at the scene before leaving. There were still a lot of people at the site. Some were already causing a commotion outside the yellow line where they shouldn’t cross.

A smile etched on her lips as she turned away.

.

.

FLASHES OF BLUE, red light, and the sound of sirens surrounded Greenwood Church.

The thickness of the air and the heavy atmosphere had everyone catching their breaths. As the weather didn’t add up well enough, having almost everyone on site shivering from the coldness of the wind. Even the drizzle was no help, as it had bothered others not wanting to get wet.

A group of curious people had gathered outside the yellow line earlier, wondering what the commotion was all about. Some were even eager to see if the body is still at the crime scene in order to know if she is in any way related to them. Several people were gossiping and making their own speculations as to how the poor woman perished.

The body was already in the custody of the forensics and the only proof of the accident was the pool of blood that had already dried on the pavement.

“Please back away from the crime scene. We are tending to a serious matter, and it would be better if everyone of you here would cooperate with this ongoing investigation.” A police officer announced as he continued to usher the people behind the yellow line to stop crowding over the crime scene.

A police car just recently arrived at the scene, a police officer got out of the car and walked towards the crime scene to investigate and gather some information in correlation to the case.

“Daniels! What’s an Under-Sheriff of Annapolis Police Department - North Division doing here?” Creek City’s Under-Sheriff Michael Collins spat as soon as he saw Judith Daniels entering the crime scene. “You’re not stationed here and we suggest that you immediately vacate this area.” There is a hint of irritation in Under-Sheriff Collin’s voice, he made sure that the newly arrived police officer noticed that.

“I was personally requested to be here. I’m afraid that I can’t leave this place,” Under-Sheriff Daniels responded without a hint of hesitation in her voice. Not because Under-Sheriff Collins is a man, Judith will confide with him belittling her.

“But you aren’t stationed here. Two Under-Sheriffs aren’t allowed in the same department.” Collin’s voice was rough and hard. His breathing ragged even though he is just perfectly standing still in his place.

Judith smiled at him, showing no annoyance to what he had uttered. “That, Collins, you have to figure out on your own,” she let out a faint laugh, evidently mocking the man in front of him.

Under-Sheriff Collins could only release an exasperated sigh as he stomped back to his other colleagues, clearly not liking Judith’s reply.

For a two hour drive to Creek City, Under-Sheriff Judith Daniels was tired and exhausted with the very sudden news—but there was no time for fatigue when an allegedly murder has taken place. So she marched past the yellow line to investigate further.

However, Detective Edward blocked her before she could get any closer.

“Your face is quite unfamiliar. What’s your business here?” he confronted Judith, still the authority is evident in his voice.

She looked at her attire and for a moment thought that she wasn’t wearing her uniform. But that isn’t the case, for she is currently wearing her uniform and it is clear that her station and title is embroidered in her uniform.

One shouldn’t ask a police officer what they are doing at the crime scene rather than to investigate.

That’s a fact.

Under-Sheriff Judith scoffed, obviously offended by his words. She had no clue who the man was but he was already starting to get into her nerves. Not even Under-Sheriff Collins—who continually pestered her even before being transferred to Creek City—was able to annoy her, but a man she just met had the power to do so.

It was ironic.

Under-Sheriff Judith showed her badge which was easy for Detective Conrad to catch. She’s obviously not stationed here and had no right to be here.

So why is she here?

To answer the question in his mind, Under-Sheriff Judith introduced herself. “I’m Under-Sheriff Judith Daniels of Annapolis Police Department North Division, and I was recently reassigned here in Creek City. Chief Police Officer Tristan Jeffrey asked for my presence.” Under-Sheriff Judith was skeptical as to why she is even explaining it to the man in front of him when she knows nothing of him.

Detective Conrad could only nod as he didn’t want to push the topic. “I’m Edward Conrad, the Lead Detective handling the case,” he introduced himself, already showing dominance because of how important he is to the current case.

That is why he was acting like that, she thought.

“I suppose that we will be seeing each other a lot from now on.” Under-Sheriff Judith was the first to offer her hand, which Detective Conrad accepted. The handshake was in no way rough. It was gentle and welcoming.

Something that Judith didn’t expect to feel now that she is here in Creek City.

“I hope we will both be cooperative with this case.” They both nod in agreement.

Under-Sheriff Judith Daniels heard of what was happening in Creek City even before Police Officer Tristan had requested for him. It was surely devastating news not only to the residents but also to the people outside the city. This isn’t something to be taken lightly and cooperation is needed to be able to quickly solve the case.

She left Annapolis to reside once again in Creek City, a place where she left behind because of her past.

Only to be back again.

Years and years of trying to forget her rough past while she still lived in Creek City when she was younger, and the moment that she set a foot in this place—all of the memories flashed before her eyes. Seemingly as though she never really forgot about it at all.

This will surely be like a hellhole for her but she will make sure to do her job properly. For Judith Daniels didn’t want anything like this to ever happen again. Not in her hands and not while she had been relocated into a new division.

Upon watching the news about the first body being found in Creek City, Judith was already informed. Now that another murder had taken place in only just a span of three weeks, her heavy heart is filled with nothing but uneasiness.

The once quiet and peaceful Creek City has now turned into a bloody mystery and everyone is persistent to put the perpetrator behind bars.

A man who was wearing a suit under a long brown coat, dress pants, and a black latex gloves, sauntered towards the both of them which had Under-Sheriff Judith startled in her place. There was bewilderment etched on his face as he was excited to report something to the Lead Detective.

The action of the newly arrived man got both of them anticipating what the man was about to say and the moment they heard his words, their eyes widened in shock.

“Detective Conrad, I think we have a lead.”