The First Murder

"I call her the world's most terrifying killer. She's accredited to over 78 gory murders... that have been found anyway. She was terrorizing Rome two years ago and disappeared..." Salvatore said grimly," a string of murders here in Palermo told us she had returned."

"You think those murders are related to her?" Chiara asked. The car was dark and parked in an alleyway, shady for a cop and the chief of police himself to be there.

"It's her detective Caruso." he said," now can you ask the important question?" He glared at her.

"Yes, sorry sir. What is my job here?" She asked.

"You're getting a permit from me... You're going to investigate this independently and keep an eye on the polizia too" he said. At 53, Salvatore had the fatigue of a 90 year.

"You think there's a mole"

"It's impossible for someone to evade us for so long!" He said," I'll send you a file. It'll tell you everything in detail. For now, you are going to the crime scene. " He gave her the official letter," you have the best track record... Let's get her"

She nodded, taking the letter and the file," her boyfriends in prison?" Chiara looked at him.

"Oh yes... His name is Matteo. The murder she did was to threaten us to get him out"

"Oh... I need to know more about her," she mumbled," this file seems thin"

The man sighed, tiredly," you will be contacted by a person. He will tell you all"

"Okay... Thank you"

"Good. You may take your leave. My number is in the cell that's in that file... call only when necessary"

She nodded and walked out of the car, pulling the phone out. The crime scene was only five minutes away, and she decided to walk the whole way.

The house in question was located in a cozy corner of the town. The polizia had surrounded the small house.

She walked in, as promised by Salvatore, she got in without an issue. However, within a span of seconds, she wished she hadn't got in at all. Pushing the gag reflex back she walked toward the victim.

" Valentina Ruberro...30 years old" an officer showed her the victim's license which was enveloped in plastic.

She nodded, unable to talk, the victim was tied to a chair at the dining table.

"Wh...where is her face?" She asked, coughing slightly.

"Uh...the skin has been peeled off.... It seems to be missing so... I assume she took it..." He said grimly.

"uhuh..." She looked at the body," I assume the large gash on her neck is the cause of death..." She mumbled, mostly to herself.

"Mhmm"

"Weapon?" She asked.

"Couldn't find it in the house...we're searching the surroundings. Neighbors are being questioned as well. No CCTV too.

"Okay... I want everything you have on the victim... Neighbors statements. A rundown of the victims' day... And everything you have on Kore"

The officer scoffed," And why would we give you all of it?"

"Because Salvatore said you have to," she said, immediately rendering him silent," I want it by tomorrow morning"

He nodded and walked away while she looked around the house. Seemed small and cozy enough. The food on the stove was still hot.

Looking back at the victim she shuddered at the sigh of the raw flesh. Her eyes narrowed however as she saw that one eye was more sunken than the other.

Pulling her handkerchief out she pressed it to her nose and mouth to stop nausea. She walked closer and called the officer.

"There's something in the eye. Get an autopsy and tell me what it is ASAP she ordered.

This was going to be a disgusting case if all the murders were like this.