CHAPTER 18
THE HINTS
Seyren's POV
I should be at the hospital right now yet I found myself inside a library.
If earlier I was just engrossed in reading a book about psychopaths, now I've amassed a collection of guidebooks on how to deal with a pregnant wife.
These books cover topics like what pregnant women commonly go through, the challenges they face, and much more.
I've been studying diligently, and I think I've already gone through two out of the four guidebooks. I've been sitting here for quite a while, completely absorbed in my reading.
Azara is indeed pregnant; she even showed me the positive pregnancy test.
She hasn't been able to tell Elowen, especially not her boyfriend.
Obviously, she's most concerned about telling her boyfriend.
Skyler and I shared our suspicions about Liam with them, and now Azara is starting to suspect something as well.
"You look too young to be pregnant and too ripped to be one," commented a man who suddenly sat across from me.
I frowned, not recognizing him at all.
He looked like a doctor, wearing a stethoscope around his neck and a white coat.
"Dr. Kevin Carter. I saw you at the hospital earlier," he said, showing me his ID.
"I'm not pregnant," I replied, smiling politely before turning my attention back to my book.
"Is it your girlfriend?" he asked.
"Yeah..." I answered, hoping he'd get the hint and leave.
"Bone marrow?" he probed further, clearly very curious.
"Male gentile," I responded, which made him laugh out loud.
What's so funny? It's true; I'm a woman with a dick. Mine might even be longer than his.
"That's a good joke." His laughter was starting to irritate me. The thing I hate most is someone invading my personal time and space.
I glanced under the table and noticed his small feet. Mine were significantly larger.
"You know what's the joke? Your feet," I said, standing up and grabbing my books. I moved to a different spot, far away from him.
While I was reading, I received a text from Neome, which pulled my attention away from my book.
From Neome:
Can I go for a sleepover at your house tonight?
To Neome:
I have an appointment early tomorrow morning, so you'll be left alone.
I hesitated before sending it.
I wasn't sure if I wanted the company, especially when I had other things on my mind.
A moment later, my phone buzzed again.
From Neome:
It's fine, I just really feel like I'm not safe in my own condo right now.
Her message made me pause. Neome was always so self-assured; for her to admit feeling unsafe was unusual.
To Neome:
Fine, I'll fetch you later at 3 PM.
Almost immediately, she replied.
From Neome:
Thank you, love.
I sighed. We had an understanding about pet names, but lately, it felt different.
To Neome:
Stop calling me 'love' from now on. Let's stick with our names.
From Neome:
Why?
I hesitated again. How could I explain the shifting dynamics between us in a text?
To Neome
Let's just stop it.
A brief pause before she replied.
From Neome:
Okay. I'll wait for you.
I didn't respond and put my phone down.
I had more pressing matters to attend to.
This was actually my free time; I had been stalking that bastard Liam, but since he stayed home all day, I had to divert my attention elsewhere.
I couldn't fathom how Detective Guerrero managed to keep tailing Liam.
He's so monotonous, living a life that seemed devoid of any excitement.
But then again, his dull facade hid the dark truth: he's a psychopath, a son of a psychopath.
The day had been uneventful, yet the weight of what I was uncovering about Liam lingered in my mind.
His every move was calculated, his demeanor a mask for the chaos within.
I flipped through my notes, thinking about Azara safety and how intertwined all our lives had become.
It wasn't just about Liam anymore.
His presence was a threat, not just to me but to everyone around me, including Azara.
I decided to take a taxi to Neome's condo. When I arrived, I saw her standing outside the building with a bag in her hand.
She looked anxious, her eyes scanning the surroundings nervously.
As I got out of the taxi, she suddenly ran towards me and hugged me tightly.
I gently pushed her away, trying to keep some distance between us.
She frowned in confusion but didn't say anything.
"Let's go. I still have to cook dinner at home," I said, and without waiting for her response, I took the keys from her hand and got into the driver's seat of her car.
She walked around to the passenger seat and got in.
The ride was silent; neither of us spoke.
My mind was too preoccupied with everything happening in our lives lately. The silence in the car felt heavy, laden with unspoken thoughts and worries.
"I have a confession to make, Seyren," Neome finally said, breaking the silence.
I hummed in response, indicating that she should continue.
"I... I have a half-brother who has a psychopath gene," she said, her voice trembling slightly. Her words made me furrow my brows in concern.
I turned my attention to her, my grip on the steering wheel tightening.
"And you're scared of him?" I asked, glancing at her briefly before returning my focus to the road.
"Yeah... I think he's up to something," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Why don't you seek help from the cops?" I suggested, my mind racing with the implications of her revelation.
"You're the only one I trust," she whispered, her eyes welling up with tears.
I felt a pang of sympathy and reached over to gently squeeze her hand.
"Let's talk about that later in my room," I said softly, trying to reassure her.
She nodded, her eyes showing signs of relief mixed with lingering fear.
It was clear she was holding back her tears, trying to stay strong.
Sa aming pagdating sa Cameron siblings mansion We were greeted by the maid as usual.
I led her to the living room first and decided to leave her there.
The familiar ambiance of the house gave a sense of routine and comfort.
"Make yourself comfortable. If you don't like it here, you know my room, just go there," I said before excusing myself and leaving.
The living room, with its plush sofas and warm lighting, was always a welcoming space, but I knew she might prefer the privacy of my room.
When I arrived in the kitchen, Chef Jose, who had just arrived as well, greeted me with a friendly nod.
It was obvious he had just gotten there because he was still putting on his apron, his sleeves rolled up and ready to start his culinary magic.
I told him about my intention to join in cooking, which he appreciated since he didn't have an apprentice at the moment.
"It will be good to have some company in the kitchen," he said with a smile, his eyes lighting up with the prospect of sharing his knowledge.
"Can we also start serving healthier food from now on? Especially when Azara asks for it?" I asked. Chef Jose frowned slightly, puzzled by the sudden request, but agreed without further questions.
"Of course, we can make adjustments. Anything specific you have in mind?" he queried.
We decided to cook creamy tomato chicken pasta and Halloumi Salad.
As we worked side by side, the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of simmering tomatoes and freshly chopped herbs.
The rhythmic chopping of vegetables and the bubbling of the pasta pot created a harmonious symphony that was both calming and invigorating.
After that, I called the three women to come to the dining room, anticipation building for the meal we had prepared.
When it was time to serve, I prepared the food for them myself, ensuring everything was perfect.
It was surprising to see Azara and Neome sitting across from each other, an unusual pairing that piqued my curiosity.
"So, you're the one cooking again. Seyren, you're turning into a housewife. Maybe you're planning to get married," Elowen joked, making me laugh.
Her teasing was lighthearted, a familiar banter that we often shared.
"If I get married, I won't just be a housewife; I'll also be a provider for the family," I confidently replied, smiling at Elowen.
My words carried a sense of determination, reflecting my belief in balancing traditional roles with modern responsibilities.
The maid served wine, moving gracefully as she poured glasses for Elowen and Neome.
"Give me a glass of that," Azara ordered the maid. The maid was about to approach her, but I stopped her, sensing a need to intervene.
"No. No wine for you," I said casually, while setting utensils and plates on the table with a deliberate calmness.
Neome and Elowen's eyes widened, and even the other maids looked at me in surprise.
But I kept my focus on Azara, who raised her chin and eyebrows at me, her defiance palpable.
"Why?" she asked in a sharp but high-pitched voice, challenging my authority.
"Because I said so. Drink water instead," I replied, signaling a maid to pour water into her glass.
She stopped the maid with a gesture, her frustration clear.
"You want me to drink water when everyone's drinking wine?" she argued, her voice rising slightly.
"Don't worry, you won't be lonely because I'll be drinking water too. Now pour that water in the glass," I insisted, and the maid followed my order, the tension in the room thickening.
"Urghh! Fine," Azara huffed and finally gave in. I held back a smile, feeling a small victory.
I sat next to her since Neome was already seated next to Elowen.
The arrangement felt strategic, allowing me to keep an eye on Azara.
Before we started eating, we prayed, a moment of collective stillness.
While we were eating, the two women in front of me chatted away, their voices a lively backdrop to the meal.
Since they were busy talking to each other, I took the opportunity to quietly speak to Azara, who was silently sitting beside me.
Her quiet demeanor intrigued me, drawing me closer.
"I heard you got the voice-over project with Disney. Congratulations," I said, turning to her and smiling genuinely.
She glanced at me and nodded emotionlessly, her expression guarded.
"Don't stress yourself too much, I'll take care of you," I added, putting some Halloumi Salad on her plate.
My gesture was small, but it conveyed a deeper sense of care and responsibility.
"Thanks," I heard her say, and I saw she seemed to be holding back a smile.
Suddenly, I felt my heart start to race, an inexplicable reaction to her presence.
It's a strange phenomenon because my heartbeat is usually abnormally slow.
I couldn't blame myself if Azara was the reason for my heart pounding so hard.
Her allure was undeniable.
She looked extra heavenly tonight, wearing a simple yet elegant plain white nightdress.
She still had makeup on since Neome was here.
She's always been insecure about her face without makeup and her body gaining a little more weight than her ideal.
Despite her on-camera confidence about her beauty, she has significant insecurities about it off-camera.
"Stop staring at me, they might get suspicious," Azara whispered due to her soft voice.
Her words snapped me back to reality.
I looked away from her and continued to eat, trying to compose myself.
"Sorry, I can't help it... You are so heavenly," I said, scratching the back of my neck, feeling slightly embarrassed.
I saw her smile in my peripheral vision. It felt like my world stopped when I saw it.
No, it didn't just feel like it; my world actually stopped and focused all my senses on her.
Everything else faded away, and all I could see was her.
Her beauty takes my breath away.
I was mesmerized, so freaking mesmerized by her. She really is an angel.
After we finished eating, Neome and I went straight to my room and chatted.
I even took a shower while she chattered away on the bed, her voice a comforting presence.
Afterwards, she took a shower, but everything became quiet.
I just laid out my bed on the floor.
When she came out, I saw she was wearing a silk nightdress.
The sight of her in such delicate attire stirred something within me.
When she saw what I was doing, she frowned, confusion evident on her face.
"Don't worry, I'll sleep here," I said, and her frown deepened, her confusion turning to disbelief.
"You're not going to sleep by my side?" she asked, her voice tinged with disappointment.
I shook my head, trying to remain firm.
"Why? We always shared a bed back in college," she sounded a bit disappointed, but I chose to ignore it, knowing this was for the best.
"Things have changed, Neome," I simply replied and sat on the floor, creating a physical and emotional boundary between us.
"Now let's talk about what you said in the car," I said, looking at her intently.
I saw her expression change from disappointment to a bit of fear, the gravity of her earlier words sinking in.
The night had fallen quiet, and the room was softly illuminated by the dim glow of the bedside lamp.
The air was thick with unspoken words and the weight of a shared history.
Neome sat on the edge of the bed, her silk nightdress catching the light, her posture tense and her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and desperation.
"My half-brother is a psychopath, Seyren. I know he's up to something," Neome began, her voice trembling.
She turned to face the wall, unable to meet my gaze.
I moved closer, my brows furrowing.
"what makes you think that?" I asked gently, my voice soft and soothing, as if speaking to a frightened child.
"He's been acting so creepy lately. He always wants to sleep at my condo instead of his mansion. And... I saw a bloodstain on his suit the night after a tragic death occurred at his girlfriend's friend's house," she explained, her voice cracking with emotion.
Her eyes welled up with tears, and when she finally looked at me, I saw the raw fear that gripped her.
I sighed and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Neome, you can't jump to conclusions based on what you saw. People have accidents. Maybe there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for the bloodstain," I said, trying to inject some logic into the conversation.
"No, Seyren, you don't understand. I've seen him do horrible things before. When we were kids, he ripped open a dog's body just to see how many puppies it would have. He's always been... off," she whispered, her eyes pleading for me to believe her.
I paused, considering her words carefully.
Then, I sighed deeply and shook my head.
"Neome, even if that happened before, you can't let it define everything now. People change. Sometimes, we misinterpret things because of our past traumas," I said, my voice firm yet compassionate.
"But I know what I saw, Seyren. I can't just ignore it," she insisted, her voice rising with a mix of frustration and desperation.
I leaned in closer, my expression softening.
"Neome, you've been through a lot. Maybe what you really need is some professional help to process these feelings. You trust me, don't you?" I asked, my tone gentle but insistent.
She looked at me, her eyes wide and vulnerable.
"Yes, I trust you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Then trust me when I say this: you might be overthinking things because of what you've been through. Sometimes, our minds play tricks on us, making us see danger where there is none," I said, my voice soothing and reassuring.
"But, Seyren-" she started, but I cut her off gently.
"Neome, I'm here for you. Let's get you the help you need. A therapist can help you sort through these feelings and memories. You don't have to face this alone," I said, squeezing her shoulder gently.
She nodded slowly, her resistance crumbling. "Okay," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.
---
No one's POV
As the night drew to a close and the sky began to lighten, Seyren was already on her way to work before the sun had fully risen.
But before she made her way to the headquarters, she stopped by the market.
She carefully selected a variety of fresh fruits and carried them with her to the hospital.
Upon arriving at her friend's hospital room, she found her friend's mother still asleep, while Anthony's sibling was awake and preparing breakfast.
Seyren knocked on the door, and when it was opened by the young woman, her expression showed surprise and curiosity.
"Who are you?" the young woman inquired.
"I'm Detective Valencia, Detective Guerrero's work partner. I just wanted to drop off these fruits for her mother," Seyren explained, offering a warm smile. She handed the fruits to the young woman, who accepted them with a friendly demeanor.
"Please come in."
"There's no need," Seyren replied.
"I still have work to do." She said her farewells to the young woman, casting one last glance at Anthony and his mother, who were both still asleep.
Her gaze lingered for a few seconds-just long enough to be more than a fleeting glance but not quite a prolonged stare.
When Seyren arrived at the headquarters, she placed a few personal items at her desk and checked Liam's schedule on the computer.
Once she was organized, she began her work.
Her mind was focused on one thing: she could not afford to lose sight of the young man.
---
"Good morning," Neome greeted Azara as she entered the kitchen, where Neome was busy cooking breakfast with Chef Jose.
Azara didn't respond and went straight to the fridge.
She retrieved a bottle of lemon juice and drank it as if it were a cup of coffee to wake herself up.
"Neome?" Elowen, intrigued, called out to the young woman when she noticed her engaged in household chores in the kitchen.
"Good morning po" Neome replied warmly, and Elowen returned the greeting.
Elowen approached the fridge and furrowed her brow upon seeing her sister drinking lemon juice, despite her known disinterest in it.
"When did you start drinking that?" Elowen asked, puzzled.
"It lang ang laman ng ref, duh" was Azara's only response. She opened the fridge wide, revealing that it was almost entirely filled with bottles of lemon juice.
Elowen face-palmed at the sight, laughing while also feeling a bit irritated by Seyren's obsession with lemon juice.
Neome observed the contents of the fridge and couldn't help but smile.
She saw Elowen taking some juice as well and drinking it.
The fridge was nearly overflowing with lemon juice bottles.
Neome recalled the days from their college years when Seyren's fridge had been similarly stocked with nothing but lemon juice.
"Really? Only lemon juice? What do you eat every day?" Neome asked as she opened Seyren's fridge.
"Fast food," Seyren replied shyly, offering a broad smile. Neome frowned at her response.
"Just stay here. I'll buy some ingredients and cook dinner for you," Neome volunteered.
That evening, Neome officially took on the role of Seyren's chef.
Neome fondly remembered that time, missing their days as neighbors and being pleasantly surprised to learn that Seyren was studying to cook.
She was curious about what had inspired Seyren to pursue cooking but was overall pleased with her decision.
"Isn't today your first day at work at Disney?" Elowen asked as she and Azara left the kitchen.
Elowen's older sister nodded in acknowledgment.
"I'll take you to the studio," Elowen offered, but Azara shook her head.
"Liam will take me," Azara said, winking at Elowen before heading to the dining room.
Elowen followed with a resigned shrug upon hearing the young man's name.
"What if it turns out he really is the killer?" Elowen asked as Azara took a seat at the table with Elowen sitting beside her.
"Poor boy," Azara replied nonchalantly, taking her phone from her pocket and placing it on her lap.
She activated the camera and adjusted her wavy hair.
She had applied light makeup, just enough to present herself nicely to Neome.
Admit it or not, she felt a tinge of jealousy towards the young woman.
Even without makeup, Neome looked stunning.
"Don't you think my breasts are getting a little smaller?" Azara asked, groping her breast in front of the phone's camera.
Her younger sister looked at her with a bemused expression.
"Breasts don't get smaller. They either grow bigger or stay the same size. As for yours, they might even get larger," Elowen said with a smile.
Azara couldn't help but feel a bit insecure, especially when she saw Neome's cleavage.
"Why do you want such large breasts?" Elowen asked, genuinely curious. Azara grimaced and turned to face her sister.
She groped her sister's breast and looked into her eyes.
"These are seductive breasts, okay? Make them big, but not too big. Show off your cleavage, and people will go crazy over you," Azara said confidently before releasing her sister.
"Yeah, only perverts will go crazy. They might even harm you," Elowen warned.
"Well, that's their bad luck because they won't be able to do that to me or even touch me." Azara grinned and turned back to the camera.
She took several photos and stopped when the maids came in to announce that breakfast was served.
Neome joined them for breakfast, and afterward, Azara prepared for her new day.
When Liam arrived at their mansion, Neome was surprised to see him there.
Liam was also taken aback to find his sister at his girlfriend's home.
"You're here," Liam said, but Neome ignored him.
The young woman simply walked past him, unable to avoid noticing her brother's elegant attire.
He even wore a luxurious watch. As Neome made her way to Seyren's room, she finally let out a sigh of relief.
---
Once Neome had finally caught her breath, she glanced out the window. She saw her brother, Liam, letting Azara into her car before they drove off together.
At that moment, a wave of fear washed over Neome for the woman she admired so much. She was worried for Skyler, feeling a deep unease about the situation unfolding before her.
---
"You look beautiful in that outfit, baby," Liam said, his hand resting on Azara's thigh. He gave her a warm smile, trying to be affectionate.
Azara, however, removed his hand with a look of distaste, as if his touch was unwelcome.
"Let go of me. You're being creepy again," Azara said, her voice laced with annoyance as she shifted away from him.
"I'm sorry," Liam said, his voice filled with genuine regret and sadness.
"All you ever do is say sorry, but you never change," Azara responded sharply, her frustration evident.
Liam's jaw tightened, his face a mask of anger and disappointment.
For Liam, this was the last straw. He could no longer tolerate Azara's behavior.
He was already burdened with many problems, and he didn't want Azara to add to his stress.
"You haven't changed either. Have you heard me complain?" Liam's voice grew firm and intense, his knuckles whitening from gripping the steering wheel tightly.
Azara was startled by the harsh tone in his voice.
She looked up at him, searching for any hint of the affection he had once shown her.
"What did you say?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Why? Isn't it true? You haven't changed. It's always the same with you, Azara. You're fine with me kissing or touching you, but when I do, you push me away. You treat me like an enemy even though I'm your boyfriend. How can we ever get married if you don't change? Fuck, I hate when you're being complicated." Liam's frustration was palpable.
Azara frowned deeply, her thoughts racing as she processed his words.
"Who said I'm going to marry you?" Her question felt like a blow to Liam's heart.
"You told me you were going to marry me..."
"Did you actually believe that?" Liam's voice was hollow, feeling as though his breath was caught in his throat.
"Well, Liam, I'm going to confess something to you-"
"No... Please, don't," Liam interrupted, his voice urgent and fearful.
He wasn't ready to hear the truth he already suspected. He knew what his reaction could lead to, and he was afraid of what he might do.
"No, you need to hear me out..." Azara insisted, her voice trembling with a mix of desperation and resolve.
"No, please," Liam pleaded, pulling the car over to the side of the road.
He turned to face Azara, his expression a mixture of anguish and anger.
He reached out to hold her hand, but Azara pushed him away. It felt as if his world was crumbling around him.
"You need to hear this... I only agreed to be with you because I felt sorry for you. You've been pursuing me for ten years, and during all that time, I never fell for you and I never will." Azara's words were like a dagger to Liam's heart.
His mind replayed the moment she had pushed him away, her rejection echoing in his ears.
He stared at his trembling hands, struggling to hold back the rising tide of his anger.
"Can you hear me, Liam? I don't like you," Azara's words were clear, but Liam chose to ignore them, unable to process the reality of her rejection.
"Let's break up," Azara said flatly.
She made a move to exit the car, but Liam grabbed her hand with a desperate grip.
He pulled her back into the seat and, in a sudden, violent reaction, began to strangle her.
"No, you're not breaking up with me... Fuck! Tiniis ko lahat sayo, you're pathetic side, your complicated side, your fucking nonchalant and freak side yet you're leaving me? Fuck you!! Urgh!!" Liam's hands tightened around Azara's neck, constricting her airflow and making it difficult for her to breathe.
Azara struggled to fight back, but she felt weak and disoriented.
"Li...am..." Azara could barely call his name, her voice barely audible as she tried to push him away.
Liam seemed to lose himself in his rage, which made him capable of such a violent act.
As Azara's tears streamed down her face, she was reminded of her traumatic past.
The sight of her tears seemed to snap Liam out of his fury.
He loosened his grip, his eyes welling up with tears as he looked at Azara, who was now gasping for breath.
Liam moved away from Azara, his entire body trembling uncontrollably.
"I... I'm so sorry, love. I-I didn't mean it..." Liam's voice was filled with terror and regret, as he desperately sought forgiveness.
Azara cried uncontrollably, unable to believe the man she thought she knew could cause her such pain.
"Fuck you," Azara said coldly to Liam before getting out of the car.
She watched as he sat there, unable to move, while she called for a taxi.
As she left, Liam's mind finally cleared, his sense of reality returning.
He cried, sobbing uncontrollably in his car, banging his head against the window and kicking the passenger seat in a fit of rage.
His anger had consumed him, leaving his mind and heart shut off from reason.
"This is all her fault... I'll kill her..." Liam muttered to himself, his eyes darkening with an ominous intent.
"I will fucking kill you, Syrah."
---
"Good afternoon, ma'am," Skyler greeted Anthony's mother as she entered the hospital.
She was there to visit her close friend.
As she arrived, the doctor was already present.
"Doctor, what's the latest news on him?" Skyler asked anxiously.
"He's in stable condition now. His skull is remarkably strong, which is a good sign, but I don't think he'll wake up anytime soon. We'll do our best to treat him, but there's a possibility he might slip into a coma," the doctor explained. He had more details to share before he took his leave.
After the doctor left, a heavy silence filled the room with the weight of the news.
Skyler stared at her friend, who looked helpless and vulnerable.
It was a stark reminder of the time when Seyren had been in a similar situation, but now it was Anthony.
Her heart felt numb, and her eyes brimmed with tears-just enough to blur her vision but not enough to fall, keeping her emotions in check.
It felt as though the heavens and earth had conspired against her.
She knew it was a hit-and-run, similar to what had happened to Seyren, but she couldn't shake the feeling that it might be the work of the same killer.
Skyler was on the verge of tears, her mind a tumult of emotions as she stepped out into the hallway.
The weight of the day's events pressed heavily on her, suffusing her with an intense mix of grief and simmering rage.
Returning to headquarters, she was determined to channel her emotions into something productive.
Her heart was aflame with a fierce determination as she threw herself into her work.
The office was quiet except for the soft hum of her computer and the occasional clack of her keyboard.
She poured over every detail, obsessively scanning the CCTV footage from the sites of Seyren and Anthony's accidents.
Each frame of the footage was scrutinized, replayed, and analyzed.
Skyler's eyes never strayed from the screen as she zoomed in on the moments when her friends were struck.
It became almost a ritualistic process; the repetition was both soothing and maddening. She was hunting for something, anything that might explain the inexplicable.
Hours slipped by as she replayed the footage.
Then, a detail finally emerged: the cars involved in the accidents had the same license plate number.
Skyler froze, her breath catching in her throat as she noted down the plate number of the vehicle that hit Anthony.
She then reviewed the footage from Seyren's accident and confirmed that the same plate number appeared on the vehicle that collided with her friend.
"MNC - 1298," she read aloud, her voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and determination.
Her mind raced.
"Different car, same plate number? Is this a stolen plate number or could it be the same person behind both accidents?" Skyler questioned herself, her thoughts swirling with the implications of this discovery.
While she was absorbed in her investigation, the office door burst open with a loud bang, startling her.
Detective Avellino stormed in, a look of urgency on his face.
"What the hell are you doing-"
"Detective Avellino, Detective Valencia!!! She was attacked!!" the officer interrupted, his voice edged with panic.
Skyler's heart sank as the words hit her.
She had been so engrossed in her own pursuit of answers that she hadn't realized the gravity of the situation unfolding around her.
The information hit her like a punch to the gut. She looked at the officer, her face pale and her mind racing to what she just heard.
"W-what did you say?"
"Detective Valencia was attacked and we found her next to the real victim of the killer."
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