Once Upon A Stranger's Crime

III. The Man in Black

Lauren’s POV:

“You-you're waiting for me? Wouldn’t we need to talk about the details first?” I asked shyly at Mr. Mason, the owner of the house that Jane introduced me to, the moment he decided to make me his tenant...on the spot.

God, I feel so dumb. Now that I have a closer look at him, I cannot help but feel embarrassed by acting foolishly earlier. I even pointed out my gun towards him. I’m just going to cross my fingers in hopes that he will forget what I just did, easily.

“Sure, Let’s sit over there, shall we?” He offered politely. I cannot help but blush at his gentleness. He directed me to a particular area of the shop where a medium-sized table was waiting to receive me. As I approach the location with every step, I saw that a kettle and two cups of hot drinks are already set.

“Is somebody here before I arrived?” I asked, adjusting the seat and inviting myself to sit down gracefully.

“Oh, I met with a client earlier…about an hour before you came…I’m so sorry about this.” He explained with a loving gaze. For some reason, Mr. Mason’s eyes are sending butterflies down my stomach. As he leaned down to pick up the used kettle and cups, I observed the details of his face quickly. He has a sharp jawline and a high-bridge nose. When paired with his set of two hazelnut-colored eyes with long lashes, I can say that his handsomeness is really to die for.

“No worries, it’s totally fine.” I responded, completely lost in his vibe.

“Excuse me for a second.” He stated in a soft voice while smiling before disappearing in my sight to prepare our drinks.

“Of course. Take your time.” I countered politely.

After he was gone, I hurriedly took out my phone and looked at my reflection on the black screen. I also fixed my hair and make-up slightly in order to look presentable. When I am already satisfied with my appearance, I surveyed the surrounding to freely tour around his shop.

He is a professional wood carver. His displayed works range from small to life-sized ones which are intricately made with effort and attention to every detail. Wow. I cannot believe that everything I am seeing right now is made by only a single person. Not only are the finished products pretty but the designs are screaming creativity to the next level as well…

“Found something you might like?” I heard him speak behind me out of the blue. I was startled by his deep and manly voice, causing my body' to flinch a little before turning to face him.

I smiled. After raising the question, he walks to my direction while holding a tray and a set of two mugs with a new dink-filled kettle. I noticed that he is wearing a shiny, silver wristwatch that serves as an additional detail of his taste. And I must say, it really suits him well.

“Are all of these…your works?” I asked with the stupid smile plastered in my face.

“Yes, Ms. Moore. I make a living out of woods, unfortunately.” He replied jokingly while pouring hot tea in my mug. I supported him by slowly lifting up the mug so it would make contact with the liquid more smoothly.

“I see. You are very talented Mr. Mason. By the way, you can call me Lauren.” I spoke before taking a sip of my tea.

“Thank you, Lauren. Just call me Mason and I want you to have this…as a token of apology.” He responded before locking gazes with me and stretching his right arm to give a wooden butterfly keychain.

“This…This is really pretty. You don’t have to give me anything but, thank you. I like it.” I stuttered. Did he just gave me a gift?

“So, what made you interested in my house? I mean, where did you find it in the first place?” He added as he crosses his arms over the table, indicating that he has his full attention towards me.

“Oh, I uhm, so I used to be a patrol cop…actually, I am originally from Westray.” I started, placing the keychain inside my coat's pocket.

“Really? Well that was far.” He said, frowning at my statement.

“I was recently assigned to investigate a crime happening here in Sherwood Ville so I have no choice but to move here. My colleague actually introduced me to your place. She said that your house is new to the rental market so I decided to take the opportunity.” I explained in a fast-paced voice because of being starstruck by his dreamy look.

“I see, did she tell you that the owner is male?” He followed, lifting up his mug and taking a sip of his drink.

“Yes. You see, I am in a hurry to find a place so I don’t really mind the gender of the owner. I promise, I will respect your privacy, I will pay the rent on time and I will be a help around the house if I am in a day-off.” I added, tucking my hair behind my ears.

“You don’t have to worry about any of those, Lauren. You know I actually think that we would get along pretty well. If you don’t mind, can I ask what case are you investigating in?” He asked.

“You know the recent gruesome killings happening here? The one they say that is similar to the Butcher of Sherwood Ville?” I proceeded. I am not really sure if I am allowed to share this information but since it already slipped out my mouth, might as well explain it to warn citizens like him.

“Th-the recent killings, you say?” He raised. Suddenly, his feel-at-home aura tensed up. The facial expression he had earlier also shifted to something that appeared to look anxious and scared.

“Hey, don’t worry. We will catch that criminal soon. I’m sorry for causing you fear with that news. But now that I am here with you, I can assure you that I will protect you.” I declared with confidence before winking at him and taking a sip of my drink. I shouldn’t have shared that detail of my job with him. Obviously, normal citizens like him aren’t ready to face such heavy news.

“I see. D-do you think you can really catch…the culprit?” He countered, avoiding eye contact with me. It looks like I really shook him up because his vibrant and easy-going composure earlier completely disappeared instantly. His hands are now fidgeting and he is also blinking faster than before.

“I assure you, I will.” I responded with a serious tone of voice in an attempt to ease his fear. That’s right, now that I met one of the frightened citizens of Sherwood Ville, I am motivated to do the best that I could in order to put that merciless criminal behind bars...now more than ever.

--

The next day, I arrived in our quarters at around 9:00 in the morning after what felt like an eternity of driving. I was greeted by a pile of paperworks that needs reviewing, and a dull work environment alongside my serious and caffeine-filled co-workers.

“Good morning!” I greeted, attempting to lighten up the mood inside our office.

“Morning…” Jane replied without even bothering to bat an eye at my whereabouts. She is chewing a gum while browsing a thick and old-looking folder.

“Good morning, Lauren!” On the other hand, Edward greeted me with a jolly spirit which made me smile. As I see his lively and motivated aura, I cannot help but become envious of his youth. He is like a little brother to me as he was the first person in our team I grew fond with. Unlike me, Edward was not promoted to become a junior detective. He was not a patrol cop before he entered Sherwood’s Detectives Unit. He received a special education that involves the law which I absolutely has no idea regarding the details of. All I know is…he is here with us as a form of training.

I then looked at the far left where Sir David Sutton is slumped in his table. He is busy writing something in his paper, causing him to ignore my presence. He is like this everyday. He starts his day with knitted eyebrows until he zones out of his real environment. He is so passionate about his work that he finds it hard not to get immersed in papers and criminal reports. Many people admire him but they don’t see this pitiful side of him.

Tormenting hours of heavy work passed swiftly and soon, lunch time has arrived. I excused myself from my team to get some fresh air on the rooftop while finishing my ham sandwich. Unlike my colleagues who decided to eat while working, I did a little bit of muscle stretching on my own. Fifteen minutes in lunch time, I decided to call Timothy.

“Hey…” I greeted in the middle of my chewing.

“Are you eating?” He asked.

“Yeah…miserably.” I replied before rolling my eyes up.

“Treat me when you get this month’s pay so you won’t feel miserable.” He joked. I can imagine him poking my waist as he teases me. Only if I am with him now, then I wouldn’t be this depressed.

“No, you treat me! I treated you last month!” I teased back, yelling freely. I know that no one could hear me from my spot so I just decided to be myself while talking with my best friend who is now miles away from me.

“Tss…Fine, fine. Tell me, how’s Sherwood Ville? Is it as eerie as they say?” He asked curiously, anticipating my story.

“It’s just a normal place with normal people actually. Maybe the news just sensationalized the fact that there is a killing spree circulating here in order to attract tourists or something…” I explained as I finish my last bite of sandwich. After crumpling the wrapper, I put him in a loudspeaker so that I could drink my cola.

“Oh by the way, I already found a place to stay. Guess what, the owner is definitely my type!” I giggled as I recalled Mason’s face and shared it with Timothy.

“What’s he like? I bet I’m more handsome than he is!” He defended himself like a child.

“First of all, I am not comparing you with him, Tim and second of all, he is a sexy sculptor…I mean, can you believe it? What are the odds of coming across a handsome guy who is an expert of woordworks in the middle of Sherwood, right?” I daydreamed over the phone.

“Meh. Send me a picture of him next time, then I’ll be the judge.” He countered while speaking in a sarcastic voice. I hate him.

“Shut up…HAHAHA!” I chuckled before shaking my head.

“Whatever, Lauren. Just be careful, okay? I advise you to do a background check on that sculptor guy first before you fall in love and share a roof with him.” He warned. I find him silly. Why would I make a background check on a completely normal and peaceful citizen of Sherwood Ville who is basically doing just fine before I entered his life?

After finishing our call, I took a deep breath as I closed my eyes and planted this feeling deep down my heart. In times of trouble, then I will have something to come back to in order to feel motivated. It may be a blurr that Mason and I would become a couple, I thought that at least once in my life, I got to experience living with a handsome housemate.

“Lauren, come…quickly!” Suddenly, Jane bolted the door from the rooftop to call for me, cutting my trail of unrealistic contemplation. Based from her stance, Jane is telling me that the team found something important while I was away.

“I’ll be there.” I said, with no questions asked. Enough of the commercial breaks….it’s definitely work time.

The moment the two of us arrived back the office, Sir David Sutton is already talking with someone over the phone which is put in a loudspeaker for all the team to hear. He signalled us to shut the door in which we obediently do so.

Edward is holding a pen and paper in his hands while listening intently to the caller.

“Before you tell us anything, I want to inform you that you are talking with four people. Rest assured that whatever you will say to us…will remain confidential.” Sir David declared while looking at us alternately.

Slowly, Jane and I walked to circle the phone. We exchanged deep gazes and held our breath before diverting our attention to what the caller is about to say.

“My name is Hillary Thomas and I am the mother of Leon Thomas, the seventh victim of the recent killings. I want to inform you that currently, we are living in Maple Street and we actually want to hold funeral for my son.” The woman spoke in a cracking voice, indicating that any minute now, she is going to cry.

“I am so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Thomas. We will do everything we can to catch the killer as soon as possible.” Sir David sympathized. I couldn’t imagine her pain right now.

“Actually, that’s the reason I called, sir. I think I know someone that could be the killer we are looking for. His name is Eric…Eric Snyder. He is the son of the Butcher of Sherwood Ville.” She explained.

Upon hearing those words, all of us in the room felt our hearts racing. The office is now filled with heavy vibe as we exchange eye contacts with each other. We are hearing for the first time that the Butcher of Sherwood Ville actually has a son and we don’t know how to take it.

“No offense, Ma’am but Chester Snyder used to be a lone wolf. I can assure you that because I am the detective who handled his case years ago. We did a background research about him and we found no names connected to him.” Sir David explained quite agitating.

Right now, all of our eyebrows are practically knitted together in confusion. Why are we learning this important detail only now? Is this woman even telling the truth?

“That is because he was smart enough to hide everything from the police. If you can go here, I can show you the only photograph of Eric…and some more information about him. We used to be neighbors. ” She stated sincerely.

A few seconds of silence deafened the four of us. I can tell that each one of us is thinking of a way to respond properly to Mrs. Thomas. Soon after, I decided to tap Sir David Sutton’s shoulder and nod at him slowly, signalling him to let me take the call. Seconds after, he stood up from his seat and directed me to replace him.

“Hello, Ma’am? Hi…this is Detective Lauren Moore. Can you tell me what time you are available today? I am willing to go to your place and have a chat. How about that?” I offered while smiling at my colleagues. I saw them nod so I continued whatever I am saying.

“I am available later at 7 in the evening…I’ll give you my number and address. Contact me when you’re already at my gate. I cannot wait for you outside because I am still filled with fright of what might happen.” She explained and I totally understand.

After she voiced out her phone number and complete home address, I instructed Edward to write it down in the piece of paper he is holding.

“Alright, Mrs. Thomas. I will see you tonight with one of my colleagues. Oh and one more thing, please…don’t let other people see his photography except from us.” I said with a casual tone, before ending the call.

--

Not long after the call has ended, the three of us immediately browsed the archival reports of Sherwood Ville form ten years ago, hoping to find any clue of the existence of that Eric Snyder. And after about eight hours of tirelessly and alertly searching piles of old and wrinkly papers, we came up with nothing.

“There was no report from the kindergarten up until high school…” Jane reported after browsing through the pages of school records all over Sherwood Ville.

“Eric Snyder…who is that bastard?” Sir David cursed under his breath. He lit up a stick of cigarette before massaging his forehead in frustration.

I cleared my throat.

“I searched every restaurant and other workplaces around the area…No Eric Snyder was reported.” I reasoned, exposing my computer monitor to them.

Who is the hell is this mystery guy?

“Uhm, guys? I found something from the Maddison Psychiatric Hospital…” Edward suddenly ignited a gleam of hope among us after searching the database of the said Hospital. Just like a prey lured to the den of the predator, the three of us ran to his desk to see the digital report of the institution.

“But…that isn’t a hospital in Sherwood.” Jane commented, scratching her chin.

“That means, Eric Snyder was not living here.” Sir David followed with a squinted pair of eyes.

“There are no pictures, I searched everywhere but there are none.” Edward disappointedly sighed.

I read through the webpage keenly until I found a name that is probably connected to Eric Snyder.

“Wait a minute…Dr. Allina Dane. We need to find her! She was the doctor of Eric Snyder.” I declared in a clear voice before pointing at her name on the screen. My colleagues nod at my remark after they realized that the woman might be one of our few hopes.

Dr. Allina Dane, whoever you are, you have to wait for us. We just need to deal with Mrs. Thomas’ report first.

--

At exactly 7:00 in the evening, Jane and I arrived at the Maple street about 8 kilometers from the Sherwood Detectives Office. She was the one who drove the car. I only sat in silence in the passenger seat while I attempt to put the pieces together of this case inside my head.

“Are you ready?” Jane asked.

“Let’s go.” I replied before the two of us finally stepped out of the car.

By the time we walked to the entrance of the tiny house, I felt something strange. The place is overall abnormally quiet and no bulbs are lit from the window.

“Is it just me or something is really strange here?” Jane raised while observing the scene and holding her gun.

“You’re not alone, I feel that too,” I said as I picked up my phone to confirm the address Mrs. Thomas gave me. Before we press the doorbell, I decided to give her a call just like what she instructed us. But after five unsuccessful attempts, I gave up. No one is picking up.

“Let’s go inside quietly.” Jane finally instructed and I agreed. By this time, we already took out our gun and tiptoed around the house. Strange enough, the door is unlocked.

As we are inside the vicinity, we decided to turn on the switch from the far corner of the kitchen without making unnecessary noises and open up the lights. The moment a single lightbulb in the ceiling illuminated the area, in horror, we witnessed a lifeless body of a woman who is laying face-down in a pool of blood.

Mrs. Thomas.

“No way.” Jane remarked forcefully before calling the cops in the area immediately.

I frowned at the sight. The victim’s wrists are broken and she is almost unidentifiable by the sight of her wounds. I examined her body up close and I realized that she has a missing pair of eyeballs.

I sighed before clenching my teeth.

“Listen to me….He knew. Eric Snyder knew that we are going to meet with her.” I concluded towards Jane. A look of confusion was formed from her face but I am sure that I need to believe what my gut is telling me.

We searched the place in hopes to find the photograph of Eric that she is saying. Jane and I divided the work as we wait for the police. We are also careful not to contaminate the evidence. With heavy hearts, we have no choice but to do what we came here to. In the end, we found no photograph.

I decided to step out for a while to clear my mind of frustration. I took a deep breath to try and think what to do next. Now that we lost her and the information she has to offer with us, we are left in the dark with this stupid Eric guy.

As I am completely lost in worries, I suddenly heard a soft movement from the bushes at the backyard of Mrs. Thomas’ house. The faint sound immediately sent me in alert mode. I widened my eyes and positioned myself to hold the gun tightly. I quietly tiptoed to the origin of the sound until finally, I saw a silhouette of a man who appears to be trying to climb the tall fences.

My heart raced as I saw his tall physique. I wasted no time and forcefully warned him to stop him escaping.

“Stop right there!” I yelled, pointing my gun towards his back, ready to pull the trigger. The man stopped moving indeed and slowly, he placed his hands above his head in surrender. He did not bother to look back at me so I am not able to see his face at the moment to confirm his identity.

Soon enough, sirens are heard around, indicating that the police finally arrived to respond to the crime scene. I can feel my breath getting heavier as seconds pass by of focusing on him.

I am sure that this guy in front of me is the one we are looking for. I did not blink even once. I did not look the other way in fear that I might lose him. Instead, I walked closer to him with my gun still aimed towards his back. I feel like I am walking in a slow motion. My gaze travelled from his head down his toes. He is wearing a black leather jacket and a black cap and those were the only ones remarkable of his appearance considering that where we are right now is surrounded by dreadful darkness.

Without second thoughts, I said what I had to say.

“Eric Snyder, it’s all over now. You are under arrest.” I declared fearlessly and confidently with my heart thumping loud, begging to escape my chest.