Chapter 3: An Old Friend

At 3 pm, Nick and I together with a convoy of police officers picked Maria on her work. I talked to Ross, her boss that we need to investigate the killings in the area. And Maria was the too suspect. Ross was not happy about it obviously. We got into the vehicle with Maria and drive on the way to the office.

We got into the office and went into the Interrogation room as usual, and get into the interview.

As Usual, Maria knows who the victim was.

"He was a friend of mine back in high school. I came across him the other day and we catch up with our lives for a while then we headed on our way".

Her eyes darted towards me and with a serious tone she said;

" But I didn't kill him".

"But all the other victims were related to you, and you still think we're just gonna believe you're not the murderer?!"

Nick replied.

"It's just a coincidence! I didn't do all of that! And besides what are your evidence that I killed them?  Just because I know them doesn't mean I killed them!"

Maria shouted angrily.

All this shouting and blabbering around me is getting into my nerves. Maria was right, we don't have enough evidence to prove that she killed them.

"Nick, please leave the room. I would like to speak with the subject personally".

" Are you sure you got this?"

Nick replied with worry in his voice.

"Of course"

I exported him out of the room and closed the door. 

"I am so sorry about that. Can we start now ms Ma-.. Anne?"

I almost said her real name. She nodded quietly and started fidgeting with her ring.

I can tell she's uneasy being here. Well, I can't blame her, who wouldn't?

" Gerard Anderson, that is the name of the victim. You said last night you know him please tell me more."

I took out my pen and notebook for jotting down notes of information.

"He was my high school friend. We bumped into each other while walking down the street last Sunday. We catch up with our lives for a bit and then went on both of our ways."

"So you know him and you guys met last Sunday"

I quickly write it down in my notes.

"As we observed Anne, all the victims were someone you know. And I just want to ask if there is something you would like to tell us about them. Are they taking drugs? Been caught up in a mafia fight or something?"

Maria chuckled as I ask my questions. 

"Not as I remember, I told you before they were just acquaintances. I don't know them personally."

I sighed, this case is moving too slow for me. We have very little evidence. Bloody dolls, cold corpses, and a reluctant, stubborn suspect. I stood up and get a glass of water down the hall.

"Aren't you a little easy on the suspect miss Watson?

I turned around and it was the head of the police department.

" I think she needs a little bit more time sir."

He sneers and looked at me dead in the eyes

"We got little time miss Watson, people are dying out there. We need more evidence as soon as possible. We got no time for lollygagging understand me?!"

I lowered my head out of shame and anger

"Yes sir, I'll do the best I can"

I muttered as he walked down the halls into his office.

I went back into the interrogation room where Maria was. She was busy using her phone but puts it away as soon as I entered the room.

"You can go now, but expect a call from us"

I accompanied Maria as she went out of the building. After Maria left I slouched down at my desk while looking at the documents.

Questions crowded my head as I examine all the records of deaths in the area. What are the motives of the killer? Why do they only target men? How can they kill someone without leaving any trace of DNA and why dolls? My head began to pound with suspicions and began to ache. 

"Ugh, this is so unfair! How can humanly possible for the murderers not to leave a single DNA around the crime scene?!"

I muttered to myself as I grip the papers in my hand. 

"Even the dolls don't have anything that can help with this case!"

"You should calm down. Screaming at a piece of paper doesn't give you evidence Jane hahaha"

Nick stated jokingly as he snatched the papers from my hand.

"You're not helping Nick Valentine"

I glared at home and yanked the papers from his hand. 

"You just need to relax. You can't think properly when you're stressed"

I sighed and look at him his expression changed when he saw the look on my face.

"What's wrong? Did something happened???"

He asked with a worried look on his face

"I'm fine, It's just -.."

"Does the chief yelled at you again?"

I nodded quietly

That fat son of a bitch. He doesn't even help solve the case and he has the audacity to yell at me?!

"It'll be ok, just don't listen to him. We will figure this case out okay? Just don't stress yourself out. I'm also working on it don't worry".

His kind words flooded my mind. It gives me a sense of security and assurance. He is a good friend. But the questions I have in mind were still there. It's 6 pm and I should get ready to go home.

" are you ready to go?"

I asked Nick.

"Yeah just give me a minute."

He searched for his car keys and I noticed unfamiliar documents on his desk but I just shrugged it off.

"Got it! Let's go before it's getting dark"

As Usual, Nick drives me home. The flashing lights from the incoming cars illuminate the dark surrounding as we drive to my apartment. He keeps gazing at me like he wants to say something but changes his mind.

"Are you ok?"

I asked Nick

"Yeah. I'm just a kinda little bit worried about you. I know you get stressed so easily. I just wanna ask you if you're ok?"

Once again, his kind words flooded my senses and gave me a feeling of calmness. I looked at him and smiled

"Yeah, I'm good, don't worry about me I can manage it."

We arrived at my apartment and I thanked him for the ride. I don't get why he's so concerned about me. I went in and rested.