Chapter 82: The Killer Is Not a First-Time Offender

Chapter 82: Chapter 82: The Killer Is Not a First-Time Offender

Two voices spoke at once. Captain Wright glanced at Zoe Sawyer and Evan Keller before answering their questions in order.

"The files for the second case are on their way. They should be here soon. As for it being a random killing, we’ve considered it, but there isn’t enough evidence to support that theory yet," Captain Wright explained.

The young couple’s social circle hadn’t been fully investigated yet, so it was unclear if the victims from the two cases were connected.

"But one thing is certain: this isn’t the killer’s first time. He’s probably committed other crimes," Heath Hale said, flipping quickly through the files in his hands. His gaze finally landed on a drawing.

Captain Wright nodded. That had been his first reaction after seeing the crime scene as well.

This was absolutely not the killer’s first offense.

He was too calm, his actions decisive, his preparation thorough. Besides the footprints, he hadn’t left a single clue.

It didn’t look like an impromptu killing at all; it seemed premeditated.

But that raised another question. Had the victim’s family wronged him, or did they have no connection at all and were just conveniently chosen as targets?

"I’ve already submitted a request to the Chief to check for any recently released convicts from the past few years who fit the profile." Captain Wright looked at the Chief’s reply on his phone as he informed Zoe Sawyer’s team of his plan.

If no one from recent years matched, they would search further back to see if they could find anyone who had been released and was of a similar age.

If that still yielded nothing, they would need to consider if there were any unsolved cold cases.

Evan Keller nodded. This Captain Wright had handled many cases and was experienced; they just needed to follow his arrangements.

"I don’t know why the Chief requested out-of-province assistance, but the fact that you’re here is a testament to your abilities.

I hope you can help me catch the killer soon and bring justice to these victims." Although Captain Wright was addressing Zoe Sawyer’s group, his gaze was fixed mainly on her.

"Of course. That’s why we’re here," Zoe Sawyer said, taking a step forward. Her expression was firm, her tone sincere.

Captain Wright stared at Zoe Sawyer for a few seconds before looking away.

Just then, Heath Hale spoke up, breaking the silence. "Captain Wright, I’d like to ask, who drew this picture? Did she witness the killer firsthand?"

Seeing the drawing, Captain Wright explained Beau’s unique situation to the group, as well as the forensic team’s conclusions from their survey of the scene.

After learning about Beau’s ability, Heath Hale’s eyes lit up. He exchanged a look with Evan Keller, a flash of determination in his eyes.

’Beau’s ability would complement Zoe’s perfectly. If they collaborated on certain cases, it could produce unexpected results. He wanted to poach the kid; their department needed this kind of special talent. But for now, it was just an idea. He’d have to meet the child to know for sure.’

About ten minutes later, the case files from the Nigor crime scene were rushed into the hands of Zoe Sawyer and her team.

After reviewing the files, the expressions on their faces grew even grimmer.

Unlike the first scene, which had a clear bloody footprint that allowed them to estimate the killer’s height and weight, this one only had marks left from a mop that had been sloppily used to clean up.

’This killer... after committing the murder last night, he actually had time to tamper with the crime scene! It’s as if he isn’t worried about being discovered at all!’

Such a terrifying mindset sent a chill through Zoe Sawyer and the others.

He was too calm—one might even say, unnaturally so.

If they didn’t catch him soon, he would definitely strike again!

"Captain, this is the background check on the two victims from the second case. We did a thorough investigation and found they have no connection whatsoever to the family of four—no contact in real life or online.

The young couple was very shy. According to their neighbors, they were only ever seen coming out to get takeout on weekends. When they did see them, the couple would just give a quick nod and hurry away. They seemed to have social anxiety." The young officer in charge of this investigation handed his findings to Captain Wright.

Over in Nigor, only a handful of houses had external security cameras, so none of them captured an image of the killer.

"We can’t delay. Give me the victims’ files and find me a secure room." Looking at the photo of the fully-formed fetus on the table, Zoe Sawyer didn’t want to waste another second.

The killer hadn’t rested, striking on two consecutive nights.

She couldn’t rule out the possibility that he would strike again tonight. The only thing Zoe could do now was identify him as quickly as possible and lead the team to capture him.

"Where does the child named Beau live? Captain Wright, could you please take us there?" Heath Hale asked, looking around to get his bearings.

"This way. Follow me."

Although Captain Wright didn’t understand what they were doing, he recalled the Chief’s repeated instructions from just before they arrived: once Zoe Sawyer’s team got there, he was to follow their lead, no questions asked. Just cooperate.

Knowing the Chief wouldn’t joke about a case, Captain Wright, despite his confusion, immediately led Zoe Sawyer and her three companions to Beau Logan’s home.

After explaining the situation to Beau’s family of three, his grandparents, though confused, found an unused room for them.

Worried they might disturb the officers, they quickly pulled Beau out of the room.

But before they could leave, Beau broke free and ran back to Captain Wright’s side.

Seeing Zoe Sawyer staring at the files over and over before gripping the doorknob without saying a word for a long time, Beau asked quizzically, "What’s that lady doing?"

Before Captain Wright could answer, Heath Hale, who was standing nearby, beckoned for Beau to come over.

"Beau, Captain Wright tells me you’re a great artist. If someone described something to you, could you draw it?" Heath Hale asked in a gentle voice, crouching down to be at eye level with the child.

Beau nodded without hesitation. "I can!"

"Excellent. Then how about you help us police officers out? Can you draw what this lady describes for us?" Heath Hale placed a pre-prepared sketchpad into Beau’s hands.

"No problem!" Beau agreed readily.

Captain Wright watched from the side, and just as he was about to speak, he saw Zoe Sawyer suddenly throw open the door. She stood motionless in the doorway.

The other three’s expressions turned exceptionally grim. They slowed their steps and stood beside her, their bodies tense.

He swallowed the words he had been about to ask.

’Never mind. I can ask later.’

Zoe Sawyer stared grimly into the dim space before her.

A familiar face. The man’s hands and feet were bound with hemp rope over his clothes and a piece of black cloth. A wad of fabric was stuffed in his mouth.

He lay on the ground, writhing forward, trying to inch his way toward his wife.

His wife, meanwhile, was on the floor with her eyes closed.

The slight rise and fall of her chest revealed that she was still alive.