The Next Victim

The whole town knew what had happened the previous night and the entire atmosphere was intense.

DreVille County was a small town where almost everyone knew each other by name.

The simple thought of a serial killer out on the streets with no clue of their identity was scary enough to make people paranoid.

Larry had spent the night at the police station to protect Alex from Davenport's fury.

Surprisingly, the detective let Alex go.

He'd checked the security camera inside interrogation room and Alex never had a phone in his hands, which means he didn't send the ominous text message.

Davenport didn't tell Alex why he was let go though.

Giovani had been comforting David's family and was on his way back to the hospital to take a look at the late detective's autopsy.

Kai gave some files to Sara.

"Thanks Kai, It's been a rough day."

The assistant nodded.

"Oh, yeah, I meant to ask you...." she started off. "What happened last night? I was looking for you and Sally told me you had gone out, and you didn't answer my calls."

"I'm sorry, Dr Sanchez." said Kai. "Something came up and I had to leave real quick."

"This is serious, Kai." said Sara. "You were missing around the time of Detective Cress' murder. You could be in serious trouble if the police finds out."

"You think I could be a suspect? I don't even have a motive!"

"Kai, your friend Alex is was arrested without a strong reason for committing those murders. So you're going to tell me exactly where you were at the time of David's attack."

As bad luck would have it, Giovani Grande had just walked in.

POLICE STATION

Bruce Davenport did not have the time to feel grief for the death of his partner.

If the late detective was here, he would've smacked Davenport on the head for being a wuss.

"Stop moaning, grab a cup of coffee and grow some balls, we've got work to do."

He smiled at the thought, took a deep breath and went back to his office for the umpteenth time to scrutinize the killer's message in David's phone.

"I am Death, and I make all things equal."

The message had been sent a few minutes before midnight, just before Sara gave it to them.

They'd tried to track the number but of course it was blocked.

While he was struggling with all the possibilities, someone walked in. "Detective Davenport."

He looked up to see Daniel Clarke at the door.

STARK'S

Paul and Camila walked into the the restaurant and found it was empty save for Martha sitting at a table nursing a cup of coffee in deep thought.

She didn't notice them until they grabbed chairs to sit with her.

"Hey, kids. I'm so glad you're here." she said. "I guess you heard all what happened last night."

Camila nodded. "Yes, Mrs Stark. We're so sorry about Alex."

She nodded sadly.

"Uh, we actually came to see you." said Paul. "See how you were."

I'm ok, thank you, and Alex is fine too. He's at Larry's."

said Martha.

Camila sighed. "I just want this killer, slayer or whatever he's called to be arrested."

"They're gonna get whoever's responsible for this, and I believe it will be soon."

POLICE STATION

"Why hello there, Big Danny. How are you doing today?"

Daniel waddled his bulky frame into the office, closed the door and sat in front of the detective.

"Don't try to be smart with me, Bruce." he said angrily. "If you only made me come here so you'd make fun of me, then you're wasting your time."

"Relax, Mr Clarke." said Davenport.

"I'm starting interrogations due to an unexpected turn of events in my colleague's murder case."

"And I guess you'll start with me since I'm so despicable. Well, let me tell you, you're wasting your time. I didn't do it."

The detective threw his head back laughing.

"Of course you didn't do it! This case would have been closed long ago if you did. But I think you hired an accomplice."

Now it was Daniel's turn to laugh. "An accomplice? What the hell are you talking about, Davenport?"

"Come on, Danny. The killer escaped through a window and, no offence, but I'm pretty sure you would've been stuck in the window until we arrived. So it's more likely that you hired someone to do it for you, you're wealthy enough to make it happen."

Daniel stood up, anger from both the accusation and the jab at his physique stirring within him.

"First, offence was taken, asshole. Second, I already told you it wasn't me. I didn't do anything. It was probably that stupid brat Alex or one of the twerps who work at my club."

"Look, I've been doing some digging on the first murder, and a lot of things I've found imply that you and William Silko worked together so I can't shake the feeling that you're hiding something."

Clarke raised an eyebrow, staying cool under pressure.

"You have me as a suspect because Silko helped me with the purchase of some equipment for my pub? I can show you the documents."

Davenport sighed and stood up from his desk.

"Yeah, please do send those documents. I have to pay my respects to my friend so do me a favour and leave."

HOSPITAL

Giovani was a little stunned by what he'd overheard, but he knew what he had to do.

"Mr Titan? May I have a word with you?"

Kai shared a nervous look with Sara. "Um, sure thing, sir."

They walked a little further away from the doctor.

"Detective Grande." Kai started, clearing his throat. "It's not what you think-"

"Let me talk first, I'll ask the same question Dr Sanchez asked and you will answer with the truth. Got it?"

Kai nodded.

"Good. Now, where were you last night?"

He took a deep breath. "I received a call saying it was a family emergency. My aunt lives on the other side of town and she was having a bad fever, they called me because I'm kinda like her personal doctor. My phone died, that's why I couldn't take any calls. Anyway, that doesn't matter, because, while coming back here, I was mugged."

"Did you go to the police?"

Kai shook his head. "No, I didn't have the time because of David's emergency."

"Kai, I think I have to take you to the station."

STARK'S

Camila excused herself to go to the bathroom, Paul offered to help Martha clean up in the back before they both went back to sit at the table.

Martha looked around.

"Where's Camila?"

"I guess she's still in the bathroom." replied Paul.

Camila walked down the stairs with Izzy.

Paul frowned.

"I thought you were in the bathroom."

"Yeah, I was, but then Izzy found me here and pulled me upstairs for a so-called fashion emergency."

Izzy flipped her hair.

"Just because it's a funeral doesn't mean I shouldn't look fabulous. You never know when Prince Charming could show up, am I right, Cami?"

Camila rolled her eyes. "Anywayy, my dad just called. Everything's ready for David's funeral."

Martha stood up. "Ok, everyone ready to go?"

They nodded and set out for David's funeral.

HOSPITAL

"That has to be the most ridiculously convenient story I've ever heard."

Kai gulped. "Yes, but I swear it's the truth. You can even call my aunt."

"Your aunt Sophia, right?"

Kai nodded.

Giovani pulled out his phone and dialed the number Kai had recited to him.

"Hello, Sophia? This is Detective Grande. How are you? Yes, I'm calling to confirm the whereabouts of your nephew. Yes, your handsome doctor nephew."

Giovani chuckled but Kai just gave him a nervous smile.

"Did he show up at your house around 8pm last night? Alright. Thank you for your time. Take care."

Giovani hung up.

"Well I guess you're off the hook, Kai. I have to go. Tell Sara I'll see her at the funeral."

Kai regained his composure as Giovani left. Sara approached him sheepishly.

"Oh, Kai." she said. "I'm so sorry if I put you in trouble."

"It's ok, Dr Sanchez." he said.

"Detective Grande said he'll see you at the funeral."

Sara nodded. She took off her white coat and left, leaving Kai in charge.

CHURCH

Davenport was the first one to arrive.

The scene was as somber as expected.

David's widow was at the front, quietly weeping. The rest of his family was there, too.

He took a seat and met the eyes of David Cress smiling brightly at him.

He tried to ignore it, but the picture of a young David in his uniform years ago made it difficult; impossible to ignore.

His friend was really gone, another part of the four-man team that had given his life purpose just wiped out.

And it's all because someone wants to turn this town a slaughter house.

I swear to you David, I'm gonna find who did this to you, and when I do, they're gonna wish they were never born.

He clenched his fists and took deep breaths, whispering a silent prayer for his deceased partner.

Just a few minutes later, Paul and Camila, followed by Alex' little sister Izzy and her mother Martha. They sat near the door while Paul moved backward to sit with his mom.

Mrs Diaz had barely spoken since the murder of William Silko, and spent most of her time staring into space, completely distracted.

Macy and Mia came later, followed by Camila's dad, Francisco.

Giovani entered and hugged David's wife, saying a couple of soothing words, she responded with a meek nod and sniffled. Then he sat next to Davenport, while Sara joined Macy and Mia.

Larry came in and whispered to Martha.

She turned around and almost screamed when she saw Alex standing there.

The others saw him and silently greeted him.

Giovani turned around to see Alex, and smiled at Davenport.

"Finally, you decided to do the right thing."

"He's not the killer." he replied.

"Maybe none of them are. But I've got my eyes on someone else."

Everyone sat down as the priest stood next to the coffin, which was covered with a flag of the United States of America.

"Today, we celebrate the life of David Nigel Cress, who we tragically lost..."

The priest trailed off as the church doors opened and everyone turned to see a man holding something covered in a black plastic bag.

He quietly moved forward and placed it in front of the coffin, to the crowd's bemusement.

The detectives went to him. Davenport spoke first. "Sir," showing him his badge. "You're interrupting a private ceremony I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."

He nodded and made to leave.

"My apologies, gentlemen."

"Wait." Giovani stopped him and pointed at the bag. "Show us what's in there."

He hesitated. "I don't know-"

"Now!"

He nodded and removed the plastic bag.

Everyone gasped. The two detectives couldn't believe it.

It was a flower arrangement, with a black band around it.

On it was a note:

M is Next.