16 Genius (1/2)

The curious thing about investigations was that until you found the bodies, there was still hope for the victims; they could be alive, just tortured and hidden. Hadn't most people believed that I was definitely dead because Alice never kept a person captive for more than a month? Her games and her curiosity were focused only for that short period of time, but I had survived. These victims could, too. It was possible.

”Take some time to compose yourself,” I heard from beside me. I looked at him curiously and saw that he didn't offer much information through his expressions. ”We will reach the first victim's house in a couple of minutes. I need you to be prepared to observe. Whatever you are thinking, however terrified or sad you are about the situation should not show on your face.” I was almost shocked, his words though helpful were meant to be professional; but in my mind, his tone said much more than that. It was almost reassuring. I had not felt that for a very long time. Reassurance and trust didn't come easily to me anymore. I had been depending on myself for too long.

As he had said, we arrived soon. I looked up at the apartment building and noticed that even though it was an older building it was well taken care of. There were no guards, just a doorway which led to the stairway. We went up to the third floor and rang the doorbell.

A woman in her forties opened the room. She looked worn and suspicious of our arrival. I swiftly introduced myself to remove her hostility.

”Ma'am, I called you last evening asking for your time.” Recognition lit up her face and she ushered her in. Sebastian seemed to be engrossed in his surroundings. He turned to the woman.

”Could you show me to your son's room?” The woman, though stunned, didn't question him and just led him to a room. The interior seemed untouched from the time of the disappearance so empty cans of Diet Coke and chips were stashed in a huge box, the computer on the desk looked old and second hand, but there were quite a few CDs of videogames placed nearby.

”Find out the places he frequented and things he liked. Everything.” He entered the room and didn't turn back.

I guided the mother back into the living room and asked her questions about her relationship with his mother and his hobbies. Satisfied with the information, I went back towards Mr. Butler. He was still looking around, engrossed.

”Mr. Butler,” I called slowly so as to not startle him. He turned immediately and gave me a questioning look. ”His relationship with his mother was mostly good, but before the disappearance, he became distant and hostile towards her and threatened to run away. They came to an agreement soon, though. He loved videogames and often visits the arcades with his friends from school. His grades are average, he has no girlfriend, and he didn't want to go to college.” I stopped.

”Is that all? It seemed like you have more to say.” I hesitated.

”It might be irrelevant but… their family visits the farmer's market every week. Even if the mother didn't go, he liked shopping for groceries and commodities.” I waited for him to answer. His mouth was open… as if in shock. He took one step closer and then in a sudden movement wrapped me up in his arms.

”Mr. Butler!” I exclaimed.

”Genius, genius,” he chanted. ”Alec was right to say that you are best suited for this job,” he laughed to himself. ”How did you find this out?” This was when he stepped back. I sucked in a breath and shrugged.

”We were done with the conversation and she seemed to be almost in tears so I tried diverting the conversation by referring to the bag of groceries. She did end up crying her eyes out,” I mentioned uncomfortably, ”but I found this out. Probably isn't of much use.”

”No, it is. Thank you!” He pulled out his phone and quickly typed into it.

”There are two places this boy could have come in contact with the killer. The latest victim went to City Y with his friends to check out a market.” He was rushing out of the apartment in no time. I was left to assure her that we would get back to her and Sprint after him to catch up. ”You can do the other interviews,” he informed when we were both strapped in.

Good job, I heard in my head.

I smiled, satisfied that I was able to do my job well.

Everything seemed to fall into place, the theories that he had told me unfolded like a story before my eyes. All the kids went to the cybercafes and arcades to play games and they all visited the market more than once. When we were walking back to the car, he turned his phone to me to show me something.