Adam huddled in Enfield’s office with the two others peering around the room. The walls were stark white covered by several prestigious awards. On the left side, there was a huge portrait of her. Stern-faced with slicked-back blond hair tied up in a ponytail and striking red lipstick. She wore her uniform, A gray dress suit with her badge clipped to her collarbone. She held a pocket pistol.

She sat at her expansive oak desk, crosslegged with a slight smile, the most expression any of them have seen on her.

“You three did a fine job. Because of your efforts, one of the most elusive serial killers was caught.”

“Murderer? Well, we don’t know that for certain yet,” Monica interjected. “Me and Cecil searched his flat and found no relevant evidence, however, we found photographs and hope we can see if they match any of the victims.

Enfield’s smile grew bigger as she lifted a hand towards Adam.

“There’s no need,” She stated. “Detective Clarke got a confession. No further investigating is needed on your part.”

The two looked shocked.

“Did you?” Cecil asked wide-eyed.”

“I… Can’t believe it.” Monica whispered.

Enfield receded her hand. “As I said, great work. All I need from you three now is to collect all the evidence. The lockets with his face and the written testimony of the Murphey and his coworkers.”

“This is sudden,” Cecil mused, adjusting his glasses. “Confession or not there are lots of unanswered questions.”

Adam hesitated. “He is right. We never found any defiant evidence like a murder weapon. Or found the answer to the strange circumstances of Miss Murphey’s murder. Or what about that bear Monica found?”

“Or how he got poison in their system,” Monica added.

Enfield laughed softly as she shook her head.

“How… Endearing. Rookies are like horses, they can’t see what is right in front of them. Mickey Andrews is the only possible suspect, and he admitted. It doesn’t get much more official than that.”

“Bu-”

Enfield put her hand up to hush her. “Enjoy your victory. Your work is practically done. But if you have any doubts, feel free to bring me who you guys believe the true killer is.”

They were silent.

“Again, better sooner than later. The evidence is where you left it; the evidence room. You can collect the testimonies from the inspector.”

“Ma’am if I may?” Adam said carefully in order not to upset the person you are speaking to.

“Speak.” She sighed.

“The suspec- er, killer said something about something ordering him to do it-”

“Yes, Harriet called me,” She said, interrupting him. “It’s a common case. A crazed killer hears voices in their head demanding them to kill someone. It’s more common than you think. Anything else?”

“....No.”

“Alright,” She propped up her face with her hand. “If there is nothing else, finish the job.” Her smile returned. “But not everything is so dark and dreary. As an award for catching the infamous killer, as well as solving your first murder cases, you three will get a celebration.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Oh. Thanks,” Monica laughed nervously. She twirled a blond lock around her finger. “What about Andrews’s trial?”

“Don’t worry about that. We already have a prosecutor lined up, however nobody was willing to defend the accused. The trial a formality.”

“Hmm,” Adam looked over at Cecil who wore an unreadable expression.

“But now, quit stalling, or I will have you arrest you three under the suspicion of being accomplices!” She laughed.

“So is this it?” Monica asked nodding towards the box in front of them

“Yes,” Cecil replied. “The lockets and testimonies are all in there.”

Adam looked inside the box. Several cream paper lockets were lined up in the box. Each had a label with the letter ‘L’ and a number one through 3. The testimonies were in a larger yellow file, simply labeled with ‘T’”

“So, what happens with the left over evidence, the ones not relevant to the case?”

“Destroyed,” Monica answered.

“Doesn’t that, doesn’t that seem a bit weird?” Adam commented. “They were found at the crime scene, they have to mean something!”

“Maybe,” Monica shrugged. “But frankly, there’s little point when there is so much pointing towards Andrews all ready. Better to lock him away quickly.”

“No, doesn’t all this seem weird?” Adam said in a hushed tone. “Andrews told me he was ordered to kill them. And isn’t it a bit hard to kill so many people in such a short period of time? Maybe there is another suspect.”

“But there is no evidence of that.” Monica countered. “If I’m honest, he seems like the type, and no one else was around. Whether he was told to or not isn’t relevant right now. He chose to commit the murders. He will face the punishment.”

“But-” Adam let out an exasperated sigh. “What do you think?” He asked wheeling around towards Cecil.

“I don’t really care. It will all become true within time. If people keep dying then we put away the wrong guy. If not, he is in his proper place!”

“But we can’t wait until other people die to find the truth!” He retorted.

“Be that as it may, all evidence points to him. If we doubt every decision we make nothing would get done. Are you finished?”

Adam sighed. “Whatever, Cecil. Anyhoo, who actually does this evidence go to?”

“Harriet Williams.” I believe. Monica picked up the box. “She should be at the station. She will keep hold of this until the prosecutor fetches it for the trial.”

“So then, we are finished?”

“For now at least! But a true detective’s job is never complete!”

“Cute,” Cecil quipped. “But the sooner you drop that box off the sooner I can leave?”

“Me? You’ve done nothing! Why don’t you do it?”

“I’m shy,”

“This is ridiculous!” She lifted he finger “I just want to say that-”

“Maybe you should just do it,” Adam suggested. “You said yourself you don’t want to sit around doing nothing.”

“Why?” She snapped. “So you too can get it on when I’m gone? Don’t think I haven’t all the weird stuff between you too! Any more of this and I’ll report you both t-”

“My, you talk a lot.” Cecil mused. “You would have made a great secretary, it’s a shame you are wasting your talents playing pretend detective.”

“Arg! I’m leaving.” She kicked open the door and stormed off. “Miserable sods! Can’t believe I got stuck with such stupid men! They are always the same, I swear!” Her voice slowly faded.

“Something’s seriously wrong with you!” Adam snapped, forcefully shoving Cecil’s arm. “She’s our colleague, and more competent than you, for that matter!”

“She just annoyed me,” Cecil shrugged dismissively. “Besides, someone had to drop off the box. On another note,” he leaned in closer to Adam, “what about dinner now that everything’s sorted? You promised!”

“You must be out of your mind!” Adam retorted, pushing past Cecil as he stormed towards the exit. “Why would I want anything to do with you after that? And on top of that, she’s suspicious.”

“But—”

“It’s a hard no,” Adam interrupted firmly, adjusting his coat as he stepped into the chilly air. “Do something useful for once and hail us a cab. I’m heading home.”

“Hmph! You lied to me!”

Adam chuckled as he leaned casually against a streetlamp.

“Maybe if you can manage to behave until the celebration, I’ll reconsider. Now, get that cab—it’s freezing out here.”