One Hundred and seventy two

CHAPTER 172

"But who is that dead man, Detective?"

Ethan's voice made people look at him. He was still pale, but trying to look tough. Ethan's eyes, dull from having vomited several times, looked at Nicholas curiously.

Nicholas took a deep breath, then let out a long sigh. "We will find out. We've been working on several murder cases lately, and it seems... the situation is becoming more and more serious."

Uncle Chuck then interjected, "Are you saying that New York City is being terrorized by a horrific serial killer?"

A bitter smile was drawn on Nicholas' lips. He didn't want everyone to panic, so the man in black tried to find the best words to explain. "The city is fine, the police will solve the case soon. You and the other citizens have nothing to worry about."

Ethan tried to get up from his bed. He was much better although his stomach still felt like it was going to explode. Ethan's eyes were brown and haggard, and he looked at Nicholas curiously. "Are we going to the police station to find the body?"

"So far, your alibi has been declared valid because all three of you said the same thing." Nicholas glanced at Alicia, the girl looked at him anxiously. Nicholas nodded his head. "I think your evidence is enough. But if I need any help, I hope I can reach you easily."

"Of course, Detective."

Nicholas let out a long breath. "How are you by the way? If you're well, I'll take you home."

Nicholas' offer for Ethan, however, was rejected by Uncle Chuck. Uncle Chuck immediately raised a hand in the air, patting Ethan's back lightly next to him. "Let me take Ethan home, this is my responsibility. I brought him to the river, so... I'll take him home." Uncle Chuck immediately looked at Ethan, "I'd better take you home, and leave your bike parked in the shop. Your bike will be fine."

"Gosh, I'm not that weak. I'm just in shock," Ethan clarified. He didn't want to be seen as weak in front of others, especially a woman like Alicia. Ethan then lowered both legs from the bed, he tried to smile at his current state. "I'm fine, I'll go back to the tavern with Uncle Chuck and get my bike. I'll go now."

Nicholas, Alicia and Uncle Chuck exchanged glances, before Nicholas said, "Alright, I'll take care of your discharge paperwork from the hospital."

Ethan then went home with Uncle Chuck in the truck he had used to deliver the milk. After that, Nicholas went to see Alicia. She was still waiting for him. Alicia turned around and greeted Nicholas who walked up to her.

"Are you still here, Alicia? I thought you were leaving with your friend and Uncle Chuck," Nicholas said. He scanned the surroundings. "Let me take you home. Noel's coming, so I won't stay the night and-"

"Nick!" cut in Alicia, which made Nicholas raise both eyebrows in curiosity.

"Yes?"

"I want to know about the body of the man who was brought to the hospital. He was brought to this hospital too, wasn't he?"

Nicholas was silent, he swallowed with difficulty. "I don't-" "Please, Nick. Let me know."

Since this was not the first time, Nicholas could not refuse Alicia's request. They then went to the next building, where the other hospital building was for general examinations while the other building was for more in-depth treatment of diseases, including carrying lifeless bodies.

Nicholas hesitated for a moment, looking into Alicia's pleading eyes. She nodded, and together they walked towards the adjacent building, shrouded in shadows as night fell. The air was particularly tense as they entered the morgue section of the hospital, a place rarely visited by the living.

As they approached the cold, sterile room, Nicholas could feel Alicia's grip tighten on his arm. The buzz of fluorescent lights and the distinctive smell of disinfectant enveloped them. The morgue attendant, a grim figure wearing a white coat, looked up from his desk as they entered.

"I'm Detective Nicholas, and this is Alicia. We're here to inquire about a recent arrival."

The officer nodded, leading them into one of the refrigerated rooms. He pulled out a drawer, revealing the lifeless form of a man, overhead lights casting an eerie pallor on his face.

"Do you know the identity of this man, Detective?" asked a morgue guard.

Nicholas exhaled slowly. He and Alicia exchanged glances, then replied, "We're trying to investigate. Can the autopsy be done tonight?"

"All the doctors have gone home. You'll have to wait until tomorrow if you want to perform an autopsy on this corpse."

Nicholas and Alicia exchanged glances for the umpteenth time, before Nicholas looked at the male officer in front of him and nodded. "Alright. I will see Dr. Harris tomorrow morning."

"That's good."

"Alicia, let's go out."

They left the morgue with mixed feelings. But it was curiosity that filled all the senses of both their bodies.

"Noel is on his way, we'll wait for him. I hope he finds something at the crime scene."

The night air outside the hospital was cold, and as Nicholas and Alicia waited for Noel, they found themselves drawn into the mystery unfolding around them. The crime scene was still fresh in their minds, and the anticipation of the upcoming investigation fueled their curiosity.

Noel arrived, wearing his trademark raincoat and a stern expression. As they gathered under the dimly lit hospital entrance, Nicholas briefed Noel on their visit to the morgue and Alicia's questions about the dead man.

"I didn't find anything at the crime scene. The field forensics team said that the man could have been dumped from a long distance away, given that the city river is very long and the water flows smoothly. He could have been carried away by the current and caught in the bushes that extend into the middle of the river."

"This search might be difficult," Nicholas said.

Noel rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "This case is getting stranger by the minute. Let's regroup tomorrow after the autopsy. In the meantime, I'll dig into the background of our mysterious friend here."