Chapter 5 - The Amazing Duo

In March 2020, after another lack of breakthroughs in the investigation, the 'Mad Dog' case was transferred to a pair of young detectives from Criminal Investigation Department of the South Wales Police police in Cardiff, Esther Moore and Leopold Evans, who formed the so-called 'Amazing Duo'. Due to their young age and rather short work experience, at least compared to their older colleagues, they did not get the case right away. However, when it turned out that none of the senior detectives was able to move the case forward, the investigation was handed over to them. The Chief had high hopes for Esther and Leo, as he had always been pleased with the results of their work. However, the 'Mad Dog' case was perhaps the most difficult in the time, and he was unsure if they could handle it. But seeing the determination on Esther's face as he spoke to them in his office, the Chief became sure that transferring the case to them was the best idea he currently had.

- See? This is our chance to really show them all what we are capable of.- Esther said, slightly clutching the paper folder with file in her hands when they sat at their desks.

- We've already shown them many times.- Leo answered in a slightly bored voice.- After all, they call us an 'Amazing Duo' for a reason.- he noted.

- I know.- Esther rolled her eyes.- But we've never received such a difficult case before. Even the senior detectives were unable to solve it, and the rest don't even want to try.- she continued.- Imagine what will happen if we manage to catch 'Mad Dog'. Immediate respect, probably also a bonus, maybe even some kind of award... Not to mention the gratitude of the public. We would become like celebrities.- she added with a slight smile.

- Firstly, I have the impression that they gave us this case only because it is impossible to solve and if we fail, the Chief will be able to say that the murderer has not been found because we are young detectives and we lack experience.- Leo spoke up.- Secondly, even if we somehow manage to catch this psychopath, I sincerely doubt that it will change anything. They'll congratulate us, maybe we'll get some little bonus, the public will talk about us for a week or two and then move their attention to a celebrity scandal or something like that.- he sighed, looking at her.

- Ah, really... Leo, why do you always have such dark thoughts?- Esther asked him slightly resentfully.- I know that most of our colleagues are self-righteous assholes, and the public changes their focus every now and then, but would it hurt if you believed in people at least once?- she added a bit sulky.

Leo, seeing her face expression, couldn't help but smile. Esther might not be the typical beauty, but while pouting like this she looked really cute. Esther was his sweet little sister, and he liked it very much, because he grew up in a house with only father and brothers, his mother died while giving birth to the youngest of them. By age, Leo was the third of five siblings.

- I admire your enthusiasm and faith in people, the more so because you, as a woman, had to go through many more difficulties than me. I don't know how, after it all, when they put logs under your feet, you can still have faith that they will really appreciate you one day.- Leo admitted, looking at her with clear amazement on his face.- I know my approach can be depressing, but I find it more realistic. In my opinion, it's better not to get your hopes up too much, you will feel less disappointed afterwards. And if everything will turn out like you say, it will be a nice surprise.- he added at the end.

- Well, if you put it this way...- Esther thought for a moment.- It might actually be a better strategy.- she admitted, looking at him with a smile.- And thanks for your awe, Leo. You know, my mom taught me to believe in good, no matter how much evil I'll see. She always told me that even the worst person can change. People have a molecule of good in them and there are events that can awaken it.- Esther pointed out, widening her smile.

- Wow.- Leo concluded.- Maybe I told you that before, but I've never met a detective with such a positive attitude towards the world and people. It's highly possible that you are one of a kind.- he added with a little amusement.

- Thanks.- replied Esther.- And now let's go back to studying the files, there must be something here that will help us catch the 'Mad Dog'.- she added hopefully.

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Months passed, more victims appeared, and there was practically no progress in the investigation. Previously, confident and enthusiastic, detective Moore had gotten more and more nervous, slowly being convinced that her partner, Leo, was right after all and this case was impossible to solve. When being alone, Esther often sat at her desk and cried at the helplessness she felt. Were they able to do anything else to stop this psychopath? Or will he be killing more women while remaining elusive? Will they ever catch him?

It was already September, and in a few months it would be a year from the first murder. By that time, 9 women had already lost their lives, being brutally raped and tortured before their death. As a woman, Esther felt even deeper sympathy for the victims and the fate that befell them. It also seemed that the sole motive of 'Mad Dog' was 'punishing' each of these women because they had 'a rich social life'. Yes, they could be called promiscuous, a few of them cheated on their partners, but that didn't mean they deserved to die, and on top of that in such a brutal way.

Leo was worried about Esther, seeing exactly how determined she was to catch this killer. He was afraid that if they really wouldn't find him and put behind bars, his partner might break down. And Esther was not only his partner, but also a friend, a little sister. His heart sank as he saw the sadness and exhaustion clearly visible on her face. He tried to comfort her with little success. Leo knew very well that he was not the best comforter because of his introverted nature, so it was difficult for him to show his feelings, he had more pessimism than optimism, and therefore could not successfully lift someone's spirits. In their 'Amazing Duo' it was Esther who was able to lift the spirits of others easily, she always had so much faith and hope. He couldn't imagine that this energy would ever run out, but apparently the 'Mad Dog' case made Esther lack all this faith and hope.

It just made it clear how difficult this case was - it could take the hope of someone as optimistic as Esther. But that's why Leo wanted them to achieve some sort of breakthrough in their investigation. How long will 'Mad Dog' cover his tracks so perfectly? Leo wanted to believe that at some point he would make a mistake. Like many serial killers who are not caught by the police for a longer while, so they feel overconfident and become less thorough. May it be so in the case of the 'Mad Dog'.