Chapter 5

The next morning, Garrett received a phone call. Hastily, he prepared breakfast for Riley before rushing out the door. Concerned, Riley asked, "Dad, is there progress on the dismemberment case?"

Garrett hesitated for a moment before nodding. "The killer sent a letter this time. He's incredibly brazen."

Riley gasped. "Oh my God! That's insane! Dad, you need to be careful."

"Riley, I suspect this killer might be the same person who murdered your mom all those years ago. Stay home as much as possible. I've stocked the fridge, so you have everything you need."

Riley glanced at her phone, her face turning pale. She nodded quickly but hesitated. "Dad, maybe we should tell Willow, too. I'm worried that—"

"There's no need to bother with her," Garrett interrupted sharply. "She's smarter than anyone and doesn't care about anyone but herself. Right now, we need to focus on staying safe."

Care about no one but myself? So, that was what I was—a selfish, worthless person.

I laughed bitterly, tears stinging my eyes.

Once Garrett arrived at the Sheriff's Office, Deputy Harlan escorted him directly to the forensics lab and handed him a file.

It was the letter.

On the piece of paper was a vivid red cross, its color bright yet dark, almost grotesque. The metallic stench of blood emanating from it was unmistakable. Without it, one might've mistaken the image for a macabre painting.

"Garrett," Zane began, his tone grave. "The blood analysis was expedited, and it's confirmed. The blood on this cross belongs to one of the victims."

Garrett stared at the drawing in silence, his hand gripping the paper tightly.

Meanwhile, the repair technician, Riley Voss, approached with another update. "Deputy Harlan, we worked through the night and managed to reconstruct the torsos of the two victims. However, one victim is still missing a piece."

Typically, killers wouldn't scatter a single piece of a body elsewhere unless it held significant importance, much like a skull in identifying someone's identity. Garrett's gaze locked onto the missing section of the reconstruction.

Perhaps the killer had left this gap intentionally as a taunt, or perhaps his dismemberment skills were imperfect.

The missing piece from my ankle was where I had a deep burn scar as a child. Though the skin had altered in death, stretched grotesquely, the faint outline of the scar was still visible—a dark, uneven patch.

If this piece were found, I knew Garrett would realize the victim was me.

But Garrett averted his eyes, his expression clouded. His voice was hoarse as he asked, "Zane, can I review Brooke's old case files?"

My mother died in that car crash ten years ago. At the scene of the accident, a similar cross had been crudely drawn. Later, when our family home was engulfed in flames, a rushed investigation had declared it an accident.

Now, the reemergence of this symbol had captured both Garrett and Zane's full attention.

Though the artistry of the crosses differed, Zane trusted Garrett's instincts.

Garrett pored over the old case files, comparing the two drawings side by side. "No… it can't be. I must be mistaken."

Zane looked puzzled. "Garrett, are you saying you've discovered something new?"

Garrett shook his head. "It's probably just a coincidence. Otherwise, Willow couldn't have survived back then."

Zane hesitated, knowing how reluctant Garrett was to talk about me. He asked cautiously, "Have you been in touch with her recently? Maybe you should call her and warn her about this."

Garrett's tone grew impatient. "Zane, whether she's alive or dead has nothing to do with me."

"So, you haven't spoken to her in a long time?" Zane pressed.

"I wish she'd stay as far away from me as possible. Why do you keep bringing her up?" Garrett's frustration was evident.

I stood by, laughing softly to myself. "Don't worry, Dad. You won't have to fear me bothering you anymore."

Just then, another deputy burst into the room, shattering the tense atmosphere. "Sir, the task force expert has arrived and is requesting to see you."

"Requesting to see me?" Garrett asked, frowning.

"Yes, sir. They're waiting in the conference room."

Zane patted Garrett on the shoulder. "Go on, Garrett. The DNA results for the dismemberment case should be ready soon anyway."