Page 23

Chapter 22

Cyrus

Cyrus was done with the interrogation already. He had heard Eve’s heels click on the stairs a few minutes ago and knew she was out of her, probably storming outside, Zorf after her as he instructed him to do. The giant sighed, rolled his eyes while looking at an invisible point on the ceiling. He was used to being called by the police, and he knew what to answer and how to behave; leaving the biggest part of the job to Ian.

Andy and Bonnie were done with the situation too, he could see it on their faces. Bonnie was now throwing dark looks towards Cragnum, who had joined them as soon as Cyrus had heard Eve leaving. Erik was nowhere to be seen. Even Andy, who was glooming earlier, threatening Cyrus with random accusations, was now sitting on his chair, grumpy that Cragnum took charge.

“Your girlfriend told us many things, Cyrus,” Cragnum started, a light in his eyes.

That made Cyrus laugh, to Cragnum’s anger. This kind of pseudo intimidation would never work on him, especially when, for once, he had nothing to do with the murders.

Ian jumped in. “I’m guessing you’re talking about my discoveries? I prepared a beautiful profile for your team this weekend.” Ian may be shy most of the time, but when it came to his job, he was in his elements, able to destroy anyone with any words.

Cragnum’s big brows formed a V, but Andy interrupted him, now at the edge of his chair. “Which profile?”

Ian smiled. “The one which tells you where to look for the killer. In here.”

And y muttered a “What”, but Cragnum interrupted him.

“This is bullshit. This is you trying to get your friend out of this shit! No police officer under MY orders would be so low as to slaughter people.”

“You think it’s one of us?” Bonnie asked, her eyes bright, gripping her pen.

“Probably. And the last victim? I just had confirmation this morning. She was a waitress at your gala.”

Cragnum sighed, opening his mouth to speak.

“We had cameras at the manor!” Andy spoke, excitation showing in his voice, and he was already getting up. “The owner was grumpy at the party from two years ago, someone had taken a shit in the library.”

Cyrus raised an eyebrow. Eve would not be happy about the camera thing, but the owner of the Manor was for sure going to enjoy his time watching the recordings.

“You did?” asked Ian, now getting up as well. “Andy, we need to check those NOW.”

Cragnum was trying to speak above all the overly excited chatter in the room, his bushy eyebrows moving up and down in rhythm with his fury, when Detective Mark rushed into the room without knocking, to everyone’s stupefaction. His face was red, and he was sweating as if he had run.

Mark threw a look at Cyrus, then at Ian, swallowing. “He took her. He took Eve. And we had to call an ambulance to take Zorfied to the hospital,”

Cyrus instantly stood, his body trembling as he threw the chair around, furry running through his veins.

“WHO??

“You’re not gonna believe it—”

“Mark! out!” Cragnum stormed between them. “Everyone that is not part of this interrogation just needs to…”

But Cyrus was already moving, Ian following, and without more thought he pushed Cragnum aside.

“WHO??”

“Johnny, one of our cops,” Mark sighed. “I was heading out for a smoke when I saw Zorf on the floor and Johnny loading Eve into a car. He took off before I could get to them” Mark barely had time to finish his sentence, Cyrus and Ia n already through the door, followed closely by Andy and Bonnie, all ignoring Cragnum raging behind them.

They ran to the garage, where cops were on the site, grouping around an immobile mass being moved to an ambulance. Cyrus caught Ian’s hand and with determination they advanced towards it, his platinum spiky hair covered with blood, paramedics hovering over him.

“You go with him.” Cyrus nodded, and before Ian could protest he pushed him in the ambulance.

“You go with him, I’ll get Andy to check the manor’s cameras to confirm this is the guy. I need to stay here with Bonnie to make sure they make a proper search.”

He turned towards both Detectives and saw Andy ready to protest against being ordered around.

“I need you Andy,” Cyrus said, a slight beg in his voice.

The two men exchanged a look.

“Fine, but you aren’t the boss of me!” Andy took a break. “I’ll go check the cameras and Bonnie can help you here.” Before Cyrus could even laugh at him, the detective turned on his heels, his phone already out in his hand.