Serial Killers

Chapter 7 2/2

She didn’t know what to do with herself once she got inside. Restless, she shifted from bed to couch to standing, the television droning in the background. Her thoughts refused to settle. Was Alan ever going to forgive her? And worse—what was she supposed to do with herself when she wasn’t working?

By the fifth round of pacing, a question surfaced that stopped her mid-step. Why didn’t the academy accept Alan? He had shown just as much intelligence as she had. So why was she chosen while he was left behind?

What began as a defensive, blame-shifting thought quickly hardened into gnawing curiosity. Finally, she gave in. Lisa opened her suitcase, pulled out her laptop, and sat down on the bed.

The acceptance letter was over six years old, long since deleted from her inbox, but she had kept a copy stored away in a file somewhere. She keyed in her password, opened the folder, and pulled it up.

Her eyes scanned quickly through the formalities.

Dear Miss Lisa Brown,
You have hereby been accepted… full ride…

Her breath caught as she reached the section she had been searching for.

Concerning your friend Alan Bennett Gravestone: Alan showed great promise in our examinations, matching you in most areas and surpassing you in a few. Both of you possess extraordinary intellect. However, he will not be accepted due to—

Lisa froze, bracing herself. She forced herself to read the final line.

Due to concerns about Alan’s mental health at the time of testing. We hope he improves and thrives in life, but as of now he does not meet the criteria we seek in genius candidates.

She lowered the laptop slowly, the words echoing in her head.

Then, out of nowhere, a thought struck her.

Could Alan be a serial killer?

Lisa shook her head instantly, almost offended by her own mind. She didn’t want to believe it—and certainly didn’t want to connect him to the Toxin of Riverdale. But the possibility lingered like a shadow she couldn’t push away.

He’d be perfect for it, she admitted reluctantly. He’s always loved chemistry. He’s resourceful. He’s always know roughly everything about everything. And he cant stop reading.

Lisa let out a short, nervous laugh. “No… no, there’s no proof of that.”

But as soon as she tried to reassure herself, another voice intruded—her professor’s, echoing from years ago:

“Your job as a detective, Lisa, will be to reveal the truth. Search under every rock. Confirm who is innocent… and who isn’t.”

Her smile faded. Lisa exhaled slowly, picked up her phone, and after staring at the screen for a long moment, began typing a message.

Back at the news station, Alan sat in the lobby, tapping his foot impatiently. The news anchor finally approached.

“So—you wanted to ask about the guy who gave me the note?”

Alan stood quickly. “Yes. And thank you for your time.” He extended a hand, but before the anchor could shake it, Alan’s phone buzzed.

A text? Who would text me at a time like— His heart jumped. Lisa.

“Do you need to take that?” the anchor asked, raising an eyebrow.

Alan forced a smile. “No, no. I’m fine. What did the man look like?”

“Straight to business. I respect that,” the anchor said. “He wore a gray hoodie, jeans, and sneakers. Not clean-shaven—had some stubble.”

Alan scribbled the details into his notepad. “Do you know if he’s local? Or maybe even his name?”

To Alan’s surprise, the anchor grinned. “Yeah, actually. His name is Hunterdale Narcissus. One of my guys sees him at a bar almost every day.”

Alan froze, astonished at his luck. “Which bar?”

“A real dump called Bad Decisions. He’s there around five, like clockwork.”

Alan’s pen stopped moving. Why does he know so much about this guy?

Suspicion tightened his chest, and finally he voiced it: “Why do you know so much about him?”

The anchor waved the question off. “Because he seemed sketchy as hell. I figured it was only a matter of time before the cops—or someone working with them, like you—came asking questions.”

SALUTATIONS!! I hope you enjoyed it. This is chapter 7 2/2, so if you enjoyed the story at all! hit subscribe. And all stories are better to talk about with friends so please share the story. and like always!
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