The Longest night

冬至 [14] / [16]

His spine straightened. It seemed obvious that this was a serial crime by one person. He watched the clock on the wall. He didn't know how long he slept. It was past 2 p.m. already. He groaned.

"Have you met Kiara?”

Cynthia asked him after a moment's pause.

“No, not yet.”

Alexander replied and Cynthia said nothing. He remembered he told Cynthia he would definitely go to see Kiara this year while they spoke briefly in the office.

“I think you might be able to make some time during Anna's interview. You can come back before it's finished, can you?”

Cynthia asked.

“Thank you. But I will drop by the office first, and slip out accordingly, depending on how things go. See you at the office.”

He hung up the phone, changed clothes swiftly and went out. He turned the engine on automatically, deep in thought about those cases while driving.

Same criminal, 3rd case. But as they looked through those cases, the DNA and the kid's statement, imperfect as the evidence was, were all they could go on. Moreover, what the suspect wore wouldn't be the same as in mid-summer. He felt like they were reaching a dead end again.

He stared at the scenery sliding past the window. As it was almost the New Year, the passersby on the street looked like they were in a great mood. Nobody seemed to have any anxiety and depression like him.

If life after this is just going to be a series of disappointments, I don’t think I'll have the confidence to keep going, this thought occurred to him.

He got to the police station, passed passages he used to enjoy strolling past, and arrived in his office. He greeted Cynthia silently as he met her gaze, and headed to where Ed was.

“Anna is still interviewing the boy.”

Alexander could see them through the thick glass window of the interrogation room. Carlos looked a bit timid. Carlos was trying to hold fast to his mother’s embrace. His mother stood still, her face pale, clinging tightly to her son.

“I think the kid is easily frightened, and stammers out when he tries to talk. I don’t get how that kid followed what a stranger ordered,” Ed said.

Alexander couldn't help agreeing with him. Moreover, it must've been a long interview if what was discussed didn't roll so easily off the tongue.

“I will be back soon. Call me right away if I’m needed.”

Alexander told Ed and left the office again. Under his own judgment, there was nothing he had to do now.