Chapter 3

Inside the Investigation Department office.

Garrett stood before the whiteboard, its surface plastered with fresh evidence and crime scene photos. His sharp gaze dissected the chaotic patterns as he confidently shared his deductions.

"The level of brutality inflicted on these two victims rules out crimes of passion. I am certain this is revenge."

He continued, his voice unwavering. "While the killer's counter-surveillance abilities are somewhat lacking, his psychological resilience compensates for it. But here's the troubling part—our progress has been unusually smooth. It's almost as if the killer wanted us to find the bodies and the crime scene."

Garrett turned back toward the whiteboard, his hand gesturing at the photos. "He deliberately mixed the victims' remains, complicating identification and making our work harder. It feels like he's testing us, challenging whether we can uncover the clues he's left behind."

His deduction was eerily accurate, but he was still missing one vital piece of the puzzle.

"So, are you saying the killer is taunting us?" Zane Harlan, standing nearby, asked, his tone tense.

"Exactly," Garrett replied. "It's highly likely. I suspect he's been watching us, tracking our every move."

Zane nodded grimly. "The autopsy reports for the victims should be ready in two or three days. I suggest we withhold the victims' identities for now."

Another deputy interjected, hesitant but curious. "Garrett, could this case be connected to that unsolved one from years ago? Could it be the same killer?"

Garrett clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening as he nodded. "If my hunch is correct, the killer won't stop here. He'll escalate—he'll offer us an even bigger 'surprise' soon."

Hearing this made Zane's face flush with rage. His body trembled as he slammed his fist down on the desk. "That vile monster!"

After the meeting adjourned, Zane lingered behind, pulling Garrett aside. "Garrett, isn't Willow still living on her own? You should warn her to be cautious."

At the mention of my name, Garrett's expression darkened. He clearly didn't want to discuss me. Without a word, he handed Zane the stack of analysis reports from the table.

Zane accepted the papers but pressed on. "Garrett, you can't hold Willow accountable for what happened back then. She was just a child."

Garrett's face contorted with fury. He slammed his palm on the desk and barked, "A child? Give me a break! She's been trouble since the day she was born! Every time I think about Brooke's death, I wish I could throw Willow in prison myself!"

His voice rose, venom dripping from every word. "It was her selfishness, her lies, that killed her mother! And don't think for a second she's changed. Over the years, she's pulled more schemes and tricks than I can count. I always thought she'd have some shred of decency, some line she wouldn't cross. But no! When Riley was sick and bedridden at home, Willow had the audacity to call me with some ridiculous story about someone wanting to kill her—just to keep me from taking care of Riley. She's utterly shameless. She doesn't deserve to be my daughter!"

Zane was taken aback, struggling to reconcile Garrett's words with his own impression of Willow. "From what I know of Willow, she doesn't seem like the kind of person to make something like that up. Are you sure she wasn't in real danger?"

Garrett sneered, his disdain evident. "I already checked with Riley. Willow called her, too. It's all just an act. She's fooled you, me, and even you, the head of our investigative team!"

He waved his hand dismissively, his voice cold. "Enough about her. If I could go back in time, I'd wish she had never been born. I've given up on her completely. My only daughter is Riley."

As he spoke, his jaw clenched, his eyes filled with a fury so intense that it seemed he might tear me apart if given the chance.

I stood in the corner, my ghostly figure trembling with anguish. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I watched the man who was supposed to be my father spit venom with such hatred.

"Dad," I whispered, my voice cracking with desperation, "I wasn't lying. I really am dead…"