Raven City at night is like a silent cat, lurking in the shadows without a sound. The streets are dimly lit, shrouded in a mist that lends the city an air of mystery and foreboding. In front of an old apartment building in the city center, police lights flash, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers and tireless reporters.
Detective Michael Stone stands in front of the apartment building, hands in the pockets of his trench coat, his brow furrowed. He’s lost count of how many times he's stood at a crime scene on such cold nights, but each time seems worse than the last.
"Another masterpiece of macabre craftsmanship," Michael mutters to himself, his weary eyes reflecting a hint of frustration.
The victim is a young woman, found posed in a grotesque position like a shattered porcelain sculpture. Her limbs are contorted in an unnatural dance. The scene shows no signs of struggle, indicating a cold and calculated killer.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Sarah Green is conducting the initial examination. She looks up at Michael, her expression grave.
“Did you see her nails?” Sarah asks, her voice low.
Michael nods, feeling a queasiness in his stomach. "Pulled out," he says grimly. "What does it remind you of?"
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Sarah takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. "The 1971 DeBlata Family murders."
Michael raises an eyebrow. That case name is all too familiar. The DeBlata family was brutally murdered, and the case remains unsolved, notorious for its bizarre details and unresolved mysteries.
"You’re saying we have a copycat?" Michael’s voice is as cold as the night air, cutting straight to the core of the issue.
“It’s possible,” Sarah nods. “Or it could be the same killer, or...some kind of disciple.”
Michael’s brow furrows deeper as he contemplates this information. He scans the surroundings, searching for more clues. Suddenly, a stranger catches his eye.
“Detective Stone,” a low, magnetic voice calls from behind him. Michael turns to see a tall man, impeccably dressed in a black suit, with an enigmatic smile.
“And you are...?” Michael raises an eyebrow, already guessing the answer.
“Alex Klein,” the man introduces himself with a touch of elegance. “Psychologist, and your new consultant.”
Michael nods, though his eyes remain skeptical. “Welcome aboard, Dr. Klein,” he says evenly. “I hope you can help us solve this mystery.”
Klein’s smile deepens, carrying a hint of something unfathomable. “This will be an interesting collaboration, Detective Stone.”
Klein approaches the body, examining each detail meticulously, as if admiring a piece of rare art. His eyes are focused and calm, unsettling Michael slightly.
As the night deepens, the streets of Raven City remain cloaked in unease. This city holds too many secrets, and this case is just the beginning.
Michael: “Welcome aboard, Dr. Klein. I hope you can help us solve this mystery.”
Alex: “This will be an interesting collaboration, Detective Stone.”