This month I’m taking part in the A-Z Challenge! Which means I’ll be writing 26 posts (on set days through the month) each one corresponding to a letter of the alphabet. Today is day 5, which means letter E.
My theme for the month is: Secret Diary Of A Serial Killer. Each post will be a new chapter in the story – I’m really excited to finally get this novel idea out of my head and into words. I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Previous Chapter: Descent Start from A: Anna
Examination
Carly Clark had been the coroner for as long as I’d been with the police. She looked to be late-thirties, her hair cut in a short blonde bob, always very neatly styled and glossy. She wore heels that made her normal 5 foot 7 inches into at least 6 foot.
She pulled off her gloves and threw them in a trash bin near the back door.
“Detectives,” she said with a small smile, “How can I help you?”
“We’re hoping you can give us something – anything – new to go on from the latest victim,” I said.
She shook her head, the bob looking as perfect after the movement as it did before. “Unfortunately not. Her throat was slit, same as the others. Nothing under the nails, her body and hair have been washed with the same products as the other victims too. Dressed after, by the killer, as best as I can tell.”
I looked at the body on the table for the first time since I’d left it for the police to find. Sure enough, there was the new addition of my name written on her left arm in dark blocky letters.
“What did he use to write the name with?” Capinski said, taking a step closer to the table for a better view.
“My best guess at this point is a Sharpie,” Carly said, “I’ve sent a swab for confirmation. I’d be surprised if he used something rare or traceable.”
I nodded and tapped my finger against my thigh while I thought of a way to track this guy down.
“Well, let us know any updates,” Capinski said. He turned and left quickly.
I wasn’t ready to leave yet, I needed more answers but wasn’t sure what else to look for. I stepped closer to the table and tried to memorise the handwriting of my name.
“He won’t come back in,” Carly said.
I looked at her and frowned.
She nodded her head towards the door. “Capinski. We had a…rough breakup a few months back.”
“Oh,” I said, feigning surprise.
Everyone knew about their breakup, he’d been a mess and had to take time off for a few weeks. He only came back to work because the Captain wanted him to work this case, knowing he was the best for the job.
“I better go then,” I said, feeling a little uncomfortable.
As I reached the door I stopped and asked, “Any identification of the victim?”
She shook her head. “No, just as unknown as the others.”
So that was my advantage. I knew all about Anna.