I stayed up all night in the guest room Cami gave me, scrolling through the reports and crime scenes. I tried not to be too loud, knowing she was asleep in the room next door, as I went out one time to make coffee. It was the only thing keeping me awake at three in the morning.
"You really shouldn't have come here, Liv."
Cami's words perpetually replayed in my mind. Did she know more than she was willing to say? What was up with her fear? And why would she try to protect me from a job that I have been doing for years?
Unless...
No, it can't be it. Before I left, the balance between the supernatural in this city was in order. Humans had no idea about the witches, the vampires or the werewolves hiding behind the masks of morality.
There was no way she knew about them.
Or maybe she did learn about them. Maybe she found out the same way as me. No matter, that was the investigation for another day. I left the apartment before sunrise, and the first thing I did was go to the police department.
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"Olivia O'Connell," a middle aged man said out loud. I noticed his tag attached to his uniform, Detective Kinny. He was scrolling through the files. "And you said you were put on the investigation by who exactly?"
"Officer Bailey and others from the New Orleans' P.D," I repeated, giving him the file of my works as well as records others gave me prior to my leave. "It's all in the files. Charlotte police send you things as well."
"Why would you come all the way from Charlotte for this case?" He asked suspiciously but still took out the stamp and started filling out the confirmation letter.
"I got transferred," I responded, simply knowing not to reveal too much information. "It happens when more help is needed. I thought you would know but then again you are new here."
Truth was I didn't know if he was new. I guessed based on his movements. He kept looking around, still trying to figure out where everything was located. Once his cheeks flushed in embarrassment, and when he quickly handed me the paper, I knew I was right.
"Come with me, Ms. O'Connell," he shut off his computer and stood up. He fixed his crumbled up shirt and started walking to the exit. "A new body was found close to Bourbon street 15 minutes ago."
We drove towards the center of the city while Detective Kinny continued to interrogate me, "So you work in the forensics field, right?"
I nodded, keeping my eyes on the road. "I investigate all the homicides and analyze the works. Connect the dots."
"New Orleans is in need of a good one. Guess you'll prove yourself today," he remarked, as we neared the police cruisers parked down the street. Their lights were continuously flashing.
We got out of the car and descended towards the nearby alley. From afar, I could see a body hanging, like a puppet would. I took a closer look, observing. The victim was an adult man, wearing a suit. His wrists and elbows were tied by ropes, resulting in his arms spreading apart. The most riveting part of this scene was that the victim's mouth has been slashed from ear to ear.
I observed him for a while. Taking notice of every detail. Every drop of blood. Every mark on his body.
These types of murders were unique. I haven't seen anything similar before. I straightened myself up, taking a look at the detective. He eagerly waited for what I was going to say.
"This type of killing seems extremely special to the killer. It's symbolic," I began, not taking my eyes off the victim. "You said all the victims were similar, right?"
As he nodded, I continued, "The killer is methodical then. He picks on rich, middle aged men for a reason. Maybe someone similar wronged him in the past?" I asked no one in particular and continued to explain my findings, "The wound mark on the mouth is particularly interesting because I haven't seen anything similar in all the homicides I've worked on. Maybe a trauma the murderer faced before he started his killing spree?"
"And what do you think about the ropes?" Kinny asked, intrigued by what I was going to say.
"There are no marks on his wrists. No signs of struggle," I pointed out. "It's simply for a show. It might show that the victims are seen as disregarded, insignificant."
"Well..." Kinny began, "The psychological theories are all great but they're not going to help us find the killer."
I tried not to let my emotions take a hold of me and say something I would later regret. Instead, I smiled, acting friendly. "Detective, this is a good start. Give me a couple of days and I'll find whoever is creating havoc in this town."
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Before heading back to Cami's apartment, I decided to go to the bar and eat. I should have, maybe called her and told her where I went off to but I wanted to keep my job and this crime private. She didn't need to get involved in this darkness.
I entered the bar to see it converted into an art gallery. Crowds of people were already forming, admiring the beautiful paintings. I glanced in hopes to find a familiar face, when my gaze stopped at a dark skinned man, facing the front of the bar.
I walked over to him, and sat down. "Vincent Griffith drinking at 2 in the afternoon...this has to be the end of the world."
He froze, putting the glass of alcohol down. His eyes slowly moved to look at me. "Well I'd be damned," he chuckled, finally embracing me in his arms. "Olivia O'Connell coming back...now that has to be the end of the world."
"Figured it was the time."
"What are you doing here?" He asked, still shocked.
"I'm a part of the investigation," I admitted, and his smile instantly dropped. He looked at me with regret.
"These aren't just some normal murders Liv, I think it's - "
"Supernatural's doing?" I finished his sentence, already knowing that was probably the case. "I'm aware. After seeing a victim's body this morning, it only seemed rational. It feels like a vampire compelled him to be calm. I asked around, no one heard the screams."
He shook his head, anger filling his eyes. He hated the vampires as much as I did. Even though I despised every supernatural being, Vincent was different. He was a witch but he had real morals. Real compassion for people. Good judgment when it came to things. After what happened with his wife, he gave up on magic. I looked up to him in many ways.
"After you left, a lot of things happened," he said, ordering the same drink he had for me. "The peace we desperately tried to keep is slipping away." He gulped down the rest of the bourbon and ordered another one.
I gave him a sympathetic smile. I knew how much he tried to keep the balance. Even without the witches by his side, he still yearned for tranquility for everyone. I looked around again, my eyes falling on my sister and a tall, curly blonde man. From across the room I could see his charming smirk appearing as he talked to Cami, who seemed rather frustrated.
"Why does he seem familiar?" I asked Vincent, motioning my head at the guy.
He groaned, finishing another glass before answering. "Klaus Mikealson," he told me and I furrowed my brows. I heard that name before. "Does that ring a bell?"
Mikaelson.
It finally did ring a bell. My mouth was wide open as I gaped at Vincent. "Mikaelson? As in the Original family? Like the very first, most powerful vampires in history?"
"That's him."
I stood up, trying to get to my sister when he pulled me back. "Cami doesn't know he is a vampire," I reminded him. "I have to -"
He started laughing, shaking his head. "Oh she knows Liv. Trust me. They've grown quite fond of each other."
I sat down, blinking. My head was spinning with thoughts. "She knows about everything?" I whispered, horrified. "And she - she is still choosing to talk to them?"
He nodded, looking at me with a sprinkle of sadness. I was glued to the seat, still looking at the two of them talking.
"Vincent...pass me another drink."
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What will Olivia do after learning Cami knows about supernaturals? Keep waiting to see in the next chapter!
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