Women by Ken Smith

Women

Written by Nerissa Lin 1

Words Checked: 3901 Words in Oxford 3000: 94%

Contents About the author ______________ 4 Synopsis_______________________ 5 Chapter One: Second dead body _ 6

Chapter two: First Dead Body _ 10

Chapter three: Connection_____ 25

Chapter four: Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the killer?_ 37

Chapter five: The Truth _______ 41

Chapter six: The End__________ 51 3

About the author

“If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere. It’s up to you New York, New York. “I have never expected this city will affect me this much until I got back from there. Things are happening in New York, in every single second. Special thanks to my dear friends. Aileen, our magical trip was like things that happened yesterday. Clair, I won’t be able to finish this book without your support.

Synopsis

“Five, four, three, two, one. Good bye, my love,” he counted and then right away pressed the controller. Meanwhile, an explosion happened in one of the elevators of an old apartment. Some people believe that women are from Venus while men are from Mars. Since it’s impossible to reduce diversities between them, learning

communicate

has

become

indispensable.

Chapter One: Second dead body “The victim’s name is Jennifer Jones, twenty four years old, 5’8” tall, are you with me, Kate?” “I’m sorry, I didn’t sleep well last night” I yawned. “Why? Is there anything wrong with you and Austin again? ”Maggie asked. ” I couldn’t find him last night. He didn’t answer any of my calls and he didn’t come home.” “Maybe he was doing some important

science

experiments,”

Maggie

said,”or

maybe he just forgot he had a date with you.” I read the report Maggie had brought me. “What date is today?” ”November 24th.” Some coincidental things happened. And all I had to do was figure them out as soon as possible. After twenty minutes, I arrived at the scene of the crime. It was a run-down apartment which looked as if it would

collapse if someone blew softly. There was a huge noisy crowd that blocked the only entrance and made it really difficult for me to get into that building. Patrick was wearing the invisible shoes which wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave any footprints and taking photos of the victim who you can barely recognize her face. Her body was dismembered: feet, arms, head, and most of those parts of her body spread in the elevator. Although I had seen various crime scenes before, I still wanted to vomit.

“Don’t you think this cutthroat mode is familiar?” Patrick asked after taking the photos. “I can never forget what that body looked like last month. It’s just like a frame pictured fixed in my mind. I can’t believe that someone could murder a person in this bloody way.” I said agitatedly. “Has Damon found any clues about that?” Patrick said. ”It doesn’t matter. Both of us have to investigate this crime from now on. There

might be another victim next month.” I ended this conversation. Chapter two: First Dead Body “I’ve heard that about bloody crime happened again last night,” Damon said while clipping the chip down the microscope using a clamp. “Have you found any clues about that crime last month?” I asked impatiently. ”Any suspects?” Damon looked into the microscope without answering my questions.

“You have to take a look,” Damon said to us. Patrick and I took turns looking into the microscope. It was clear that this chip came from a bomb. Damon handed a folder to Patrick and said, “This will help you to know more about this case. I need your opinion. Both of you meet me at my office at ten o’clock.” “Was there any eyewitness to this crime? “I asked after reading all the information from the folder. “There must be something missing.”

Patrick gave me a cup of coffee. “Your favorite with a scoop of sugar.” “What makes you want to kill others in this cruel way? Your enemy? ” “It could be anyone. It’s hard to tell in New York City,” he said and shrugging his shoulders, “how’s Austin? Is everything alright with you guys?” Something must have changed in our relationship. It has bothered me ever since the accident he had two months ago. I tried to help, but he didn’t want to say anything.

Instead of telling Patrick what I really felt inside, I said, “of course, we are fine.” “Damon invited the first witness here, too. You guys can ask her questions after the meeting.” Maggie said. “Where is Damon? It’s already ten thirty,” I asked,” he shouldn’t be late at this time.” Damon walked in his office, closed the door and sat down. “I hope there won’t be anyone else involved in this case except for the three of us. Is that clear?”

“Fine, let’s get started.” I answered impatiently. Damon turned on his computer and showed us his PowerPoint using projector. “Alice Jackson, twenty four years old, student, 5’8” tall. She was found in the elevator on Oct.22. According to the report, her cause of death was explosion.” ”You mean there was an explosion in the elevator?” Patrick interrupted. “In her body, exactly. The elevator was still working after her death which showing

the explosion didn’t happen directly in the elevator.” “Was

there

anyone

else

the

elevator?” I said to break the silence. “No, it was an old building where almost no one lived,” Damon said. At the same time, Maggie knocked on the door and entered, she told us that the first witness is here. “That’s all I know about this case,” Damon continued. “We also have the declaration from that witness, but it will be

clearer if you ask her in person.” “Sure, this will really help.” Patrick said, “We’ll figure it out.” Patrick and I saw our first witness sitting on the sofa when we got back to my office from the meeting. “I’m Katherine Taylor. This is my partner Patrick Wilson.” “I’m Anna Florence.” Ms. Florence was a pretty woman about twenty five years old. She looked pale and emaciated.

“So, could you please tell us how you found her body?” Patrick asked first. “It was a cold, wet day. I got home at about four o’clock in the morning,” she paused a while, then kept saying. “I live on the fourth floor of that apartment, but I don’t like taking elevator so I used to go up through walking. That night, I decided to take the elevator because I was wet and tired.” “And when the door opened, you saw her body?” I asked.

“Yes. Oh, I could never forget the scene. It was so disgusting. I’m the kind of person who is afraid of blood. It really shocked me. I still have bad dreams now.” Patrick stared at her while she was talking. He has been my partner for over six years. I could say I understand his every gesture very well. He didn’t believe what she was saying. “Did you know her? Were you guys friends?” I asked. “No, I didn’t know her at all. The only

thing I knew about her was that she lived in my neighborhood. I could see her walking on the street from my window every morning.” “So you have no idea who the killer could be?” Patrick asked. “I don’t. Maybe you could talk to her friends. It might help you. She’s a party person. It’s easy for her to get killed,” Anna said dismissively. “What do you mean by it’s easy for her to get killed? Why would you say that if you

barely know her? Did you have any argument

with

her

before?”

Patrick

questioned her coolly. “Don’t talk to me like that. I didn’t do this. It’s your job to find the murderer using evidence, not questioning your eyewitness who’s willing to help. ” She shouted these words angrily, stood up and walked to the door. “Believe it or not, I’m done. That’s all I know. Have a nice day and good bye,” she said shutting the door loudly. Patrick and I looked at the empty seat

where Ms. Florence was just sitting. It’s clear

that

there

must

something

happened between them. How could we figure it out what truly happened without any clue? Patrick started to read the information from that folder Damon had gave us trying to find anything that was useful. “Why don’t we go to the apartment where Alice Jackson lived? Maybe we can find other witnesses or someone who knew her.”

“Sure Kate, I’ll go get the car and you write down the address. See you in five minutes.” We drove into a smelly destitute area. It was full of scrawl everywhere. You can see it on walls, windows, almost every building. The street where that apartment was located stinks. Along the two sides of the one way, homeless people were sleeping. It’s hard to imagine that there could be this kind of slum here; it’s a world famous city. After parking the car in front of the

apartment, Patrick and I entered the old building. It was like the one where our second victim lived, a run-down apartment which looked dirty and dangerous. The door of this building wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t locked, so we just entered without any difficulties. There was an old elevator at the end of the aisle. Ladders were next to it. The elevator had completely been cleaned up. No one would think someone has died here by looking at its appearance. We spent about half an hour checking around the elevator and the first

floor. However, this crime happened two months ago, and we couldn’t find any clue. Patrick and I decided to visit her room. We took the elevator to the third floor. There was only one room. It was her room. We knocked on the door, and opened it. It was a small clean room. Nobody has entered this room for two months, but the answering machine showed that there was a message hadn’t been checked. “Let’s check her phone, see if we can find something,” I suggested. I pressed the

first button. There was only one call during these two months. “Write down that phone number, it helps.” Patrick reminded me. “We don’t need to,” I said calmly, “I know this number.” “Who’s?” ”Austin.” Chapter three: Connection That night, I went to Austin’s apartment. I knew he didn’t kill her but something seemed strange. He was acting

strange not only because of the phone but also the way he treated me. “Hey! I miss you, baby,” Austin said while he opened the door for me. “I miss you, too.” I kissed him and said. I was trying really hard to make everything looked like before. I looked around the living room. Everything was the same since the last time I visited here. “Here you are,” Austin gave me a cup of coffee, “no sugar.” He forgot about my habit coffee. What

has made him change? I couldn’t figure it out. “Why didn’t you answer my call?” I asked. “Oh, I’m sorry baby. I was really busy. I had a new science experiment and I had to concentrate on. You can understand, can’t you?” “Of course I can understand. By the way, do you know anyone named Alice Jackson?” I asked carefully. “Well…no, why?” he answered

naturally. “She died two months ago. Patrick and I went to her apartment today, and we discovered you had called her.” “How could that happen? I didn’t know her. I have no idea. Are you questioning me?” he asked. “Hey, I’m just asking if you knew her. Don’t be nervous,” I said. He stood up from the sofa without saying a word. He looked angry but calm. “So, you are one hundred percent sure

that you didn’t know this girl or heard this name before, right?” I asked continuously. “I feel bad that you think I’m involved with this. Maybe we should stop seeing each other,” Austin said angrily and got into his room. I didn’t know what to say. This wasn’t what I wanted to hear from him. Maybe it was about time for me to end this relationship, but I first needed to make sure whether he was lying or not. The next morning, I went to my office

as usual. Maggie told me Patrick was waiting for me. I knew he wanted to know what Austin had said. It wouldn’t help even if I told him, but I needed someone to help me figure it out. “What did Austin say?” Patrick asked when I entered his office. “He said he has no idea who that victim was.” Sitting down in the chair in front of him, I said” he must be lying.” “How can you be sure that he was lying, any clue?”

“No, just my instincts.” “Is there any problem between you and Austin?” “It’s not your business. Finding the killer is more important right now. ” I said impatiently. “You know you can talk to me whenever you need, right?” Patrick looked at me gently. I dodged his look. I was afraid I would say something that made him think I might go out with him someday although I did

need someone to hug now. I glanced round his table and I saw an envelope which had “Alice Jackson” written on it. “What’s that?” I asked. “Oh, let me show you this.” He opened the envelope. There were some papers and photos inside. “Betty Thompson,” he showed me her photo and said, “She was Ms. Jackson’s best friend. She may know who killed her,” handing me the photo. He continued, “Maggie contacted her this morning, but

she said she was too sick to come. I think we should go and find her.” On our way to Ms. Thompson’s house, Patrick told me that Ms. Jackson was a party person. She dated lots of guys, and she was an orphan. We arrived at the house where Ms. Thompson lived. The door was closed and no one answered us, so we sat in front of the house waiting for her. After about forty minutes, we saw her appearing in the corner. “Excuse me, we are NYPD. Can we

talk to you for a second?” “No, I can’t help you,” she said coldly. “Wasn’t Alice Jackson your friend?” I kept asking. She didn’t say anything. “Don’t you wish to know who killed her?” I tried to persuade her to tell us what she knew. “It wouldn’t change anything. She’s dead,” She said aggressively. “But you can save other girls live. This might be a series of murder which means

there will be other victims. It could happen tomorrow. I beg you tell us what you know now,” I said sincerely. “Fine. I’ll help. Come on in,” Ms Thompson said finally. We left her house one hour later. As we thought earlier, there were more people who got motive to kill her than we expected. She had dumped lots of men. She was a player. This fact had made our investigation more difficult. Before her death, she had told Ms Thompson that she had been dating a

handsome guy who Ms Thompson hadn’t met yet. “Let’s go to the place where the second crime happened. I’m sure we can find some similarities between these two girls,” I suggested. Maggie called me when we were close to the apartment. She told me Damon wanted to see me, and he said it was an emergency. Patrick sent me back to the office and he promised he would check if there was anything useful. It was weird

because I had no idea what Damon was going to tell me. Chapter four: Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the killer? I walked in Damonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office and waited for him to finish his call. I sat down on the sofa and looked at the picture which he and Austin took on their graduation. They had been good friends when they were both in high school. They were really close, and I knew if someday he got to choose only one person to stay with him, Austin would choose him without thinking.

“How was that case? The bloody elevator one,” Damon asked putting down the phone. “Everything is getting clearer now. Patrick and I found some clues.” I answered. “Well, what kind of clues?” Damon asked curiously. “The first victim was a player,” I told Damon,” She could have been killed by the man who last dated her.” He kept asking, “Do you have any idea

who this man is, any evidence?” “I’m afraid not. We are starting to investigate the second crime,” I added confidently. “We will find something soon.” Damon thought about what I had said. He looked calm and smart. “Anything new about Austin?” looking at saying friendly. “Nothing,” I answered coldly. I decided not to tell him about the first crime that Austin might be involved in. I’ve worked for him as long as I had work with Patrick. He has always been calm and intelligent. I

wonder how he will react if he knew his close friend might appear in his crime files. I tried to call Patrick but he didn’t answer his phone. So, I decided to go to Austin’s apartment and give him back his keys. It’s about time for me to leave, to get out of this awkward situation. Austin wasn’t home so I let myself in. It may be the last time I ever visited here. I wanted to look around again. His bed, his kitchen, I could feel him in the air. I missed him. Suddenly, something caught my

attention, three photos on his desk: mine, Alice Jackson and an unknown woman. It was pretty clear that we were all having blond hair with green eyes. What did this mean? Didn’t he say he didn’t know Ms Jackson? I was totally confused. And that’s when Patrick called. Chapter five: The Truth I was sitting on the doorsill, feeling betrayed by everyone. It started to rain, but I kept sitting there because I was too busy thinking. I needed to know what was going

on. I couldn’t stop shaking. I was wet and cold. Then Patrick showed up, drove me to his home, helped me change my wet clothes, and gave me a cup of hot chocolate. “I know you love coffee, but you better drink hot chocolate today, poor girl,” he said while using the hairdryer to dry my hair. “Thanks, but I prefer to do it myself,” I taking the hairdryer from him I said. “Do you want to tell me what you discovered from Austin?” he said after a

short break of silence. “I saw three photos on his table: mine, Alice Jackson and an unknown woman.” “Was that this woman?” Patrick handed me a photo. “Who’s this?” I asked surprisingly. “It’s Jennifer Jones, the second victim,” Patrick said slowly. “Does that mean Austin is going to kill me? I’m the third one?” I shivered. “Don’t worry, Kate. I’ll be with you,” Patrick hug me and said. I didn’t push him

away this time. I suffered too much today. I did need some comfort. I woke up on Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bed the next morning. It was Christmas Eve. He had already gone. There was a note he left for me

Damon called me. He invited me to have breakfast with him. I took cab to the coffee shop where Austin and I first met. It 44

was crowded. Everyone seemed in a hurry. Damon sat at a table in the corner. “I ordered you some cookies and a cup of coffee,” he smiled. “That’s sweet of you,” I said and started to eat. “I want to talk to you about Austin,” Damon continued. “Don’t eat anything, Kate,” Patrick said suddenly. “Why are you here? Patrick? What happened? ” I asked nervously.

“Good morning, Patrick. Want to join us?” Damon smiled. “I know what you are thinking, Damon. I’ve been following you right after our first meeting,” Patrick said. “I have no idea what you are talking about,” Damon said calmly. “Alice Jackson, Jennifer Jones and now Kate? What’s the matter with you?” Damon said, “Kate, I think your partner is insane, maybe you should…” Patrick interrupted.

“I know you are the murderer of these crimes. I saw you go to our witnesses, and they told me the same thing. You told them not to mention anything about the suspects otherwise they would be in trouble. You were trying to hide everything. And you even tried to set Austin in it. You were leading us to the wrong directions,” Patrick said angrily. “Is that true, Patrick? Are you sure?” I asked. “I have videos of Damon while he was

doing these ugly things,” he said. “It’s unbelievable. How about photos? Why were they in Austin’s apartment? And also that phone call from Austin?” “I assumed that this criminal tried to create a wrong impression for us so that he would have enough time to kill you. He is Austin’s best friend, why wouldn’t he get a chance to put photos in his house without being noticed? Phone call? That will be much easier. Austin would lend him his phone if he said his phone was out of

electricity. ” Patrick said. “Ha ha ha! You are smarter than I expected, Patrick,” Damon said. “Why did you do that, Damon? Why do you want to kill me?” I was still in a big shock. “Shut your fucking mouth, bitch,” he staring at me. “I’m doing this because of God,” he laughed madly. “Austin has told me everything between you and Patrick. You are cheating on Austin. We all know it.”

“There is nothing between…” “What the hell do you think you can talk to me like this? Did I ask you to talk, bitch?” Damon shouted louder that everyone here could hear what he said. “Women, who have the appearance like you, all like to cheat. It’s your gift and that’s why you deserve it. I have to do this for all the men in the world. This kind of bitch like you can’t live in this world,” Damon said violently. “You are crazy, Damon.” Patrick used

handcuffs to arrest him. He took Damon into custody. I sat down in a chair weakly. Everyone in this coffee shop was talking about this. They were looking at me, wondering what I did to cause this happen. But the only thing in my mind was that Damon was the murderer and Austin wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Chapter six: The End After my one-month time off, I got back to work. I called Austin after that morning the truth was known. We talked about what

we felt during these days: what we truly felt inside. I was sorry that I misunderstood him and he was also sorry that he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t explain everything to me. We decided to restart our relationship, and I believed everything would work out quite well this time. Damon was sentenced the rest of his life in prison. He deserved it. And he was also seeing a doctor because the hospital said he had serious mental problem. Patrick, the hero who saved my life, has been officially realized that we would never

cross the line. He was my good partner, but Austin was the one. I also introduced Patrick to Austin in order to avoid another misunderstanding in the future. They have become good friends, and they enjoy their time watching football games. Sometimes they even forget that I exist. They always say â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women are mysterious unless you look at them through your heart.â&#x20AC;?

communicate

has

become

indispensable.