Unknown [Book 2 of sacrifice Series]

A burndown asylum.

A mass murder.

Two connected cases.

Who could be the killer?

“So what do you think we should do with this?” Aaron, my assistant of four years asked me from the couch in my office. He wasn't just my assistant, he was one of my best friends since college. In fact, when I first started as a detective, he was the one to jump up for a position of my assistant. He does his job well. He's brave, a little lost in the head like me and hella talkative.

But today his poser was tensed, his hand wiping sweats from his forehead. He was thinking of thousand ways to get rid of the diary we found in the asylum. I mean it was obvious from his panicked amber eyes. I just didn’t get why he was so afraid. We had taken a lot worse case before and we solved it with flying colors. I mean yeah we got shot down a few times but that's just a part of the job description. So why he’s chicken out now?

“I was thinking of taking this diary with me to you know, find some clues and shit.” There was it again. The look of terror in his eyes. So it was safe to assume that he looked far away from agreeing with me. He visibly gulped at the look on my face which challenged him to say otherwise. Standing up from the couch, he was quick to be on my side.

“OK. Fine. You’re the detective. You take it. Not like my life matters or something.” He said angrily handing me the torn diary. Raising my eyebrows in question I only got a half-assed mumble.

“Don’t be angry Aaron. This isn’t a normal case. Some mental patient just burned the whole building when people were inside. She even threatened us. Nobody saw her running. She was keeping a diary means maybe she plans everything first. So I need this to know what she has agenda with.” I said again not understanding what he was so afraid of.

“I understand. I’ll go for now. Can I come later to your house? Maybe discuss the case together?” He said changing the subject. I knew there was a silent war raging inside his head but for my sake, he dropped it.

"Hey, I asked you a question?" He waved his hand in front of my eyes which brought me back to what he asked.

Shaking my head, I opened my laptop to register in the agency. They'll want to know what did I found. "Sure, if you want to see an even bigger mess. Truth be told, I'm staying here for a couple of weeks other than home. After my sister left, I didn't want to stay there anymore, ya know. Bring back bad memories and all."

“OK. Then I'll see you in the office later.” With an understanding nod, he stormed out of the room.

Later in the office

Opening the diary...

Dear diary,

High school's mean to be hell...But oh well guess in my case it's my favorite place in the world. Everything is just so perfect and exciting! My whole world is my mom and my boyfriend. I can’t think my life without them. Prom is coming and can you imagine? We are graduating this year, bitch. Yes, finally senior year is almost over. But I miss you too much my friend. I’ll always miss you and write in this diary. It was the last gift from you and I won’t ever forget you. Thanks for saving my life, Samara.

Bitches for life...

Dear diary,

I can’t bring myself to ignore this anymore. Thank heaven I got to keep you. I owe this to you, Samara. You’ll be shocked to know that my life has changed drastically. This is my first day in this brutal place. I want to get out of this place. I didn’t commit the murder. I can’t. Can you believe I am capable of killing Zach? He was my first crush and my love. I can’t kill my own boyfriend no matter what people say. I love him. The pain of losing him is still fresh when every day I've to hear taunting from the people around here. I didn't kill him, I swear on my life.

Someone killed my boyfriend and the accusation is on me..me! I would never do that. We love each other than why? Why I had to go with the punishment, not just the policies..but Zach’s......

He was here. I know I can’t leave the feeling of dread and death whenever he was near me. He was here when I was writing. When I was trying to sleep or when I was screaming for help. He won’t leave me. Mom or no one would believe me but I know Zach more than anyone. He was here and he wants to kill me.......help!¡!!“!!!!!!!!! He’s hurting me!

“What are you reading?” I jumped at the sound. The diary slid down to the couch and dropped to the floor with a thud. Damn Aaron!

“Holy shit! How did you get inside?” I asked and narrowed my eyes to glare at Aaron. He was much better than I saw him in the morning. A shower can do that to you, I guess.

“You gave me your spared key. You said I can come whenever I want.” He said innocently.

“Oh..I forgot maybe,” I said frowning. I’m forgetting a lot lately. Just hope I don’t forget my name.

“So what were you doing buddy? You seem pretty shocked to see me.” He said while taking a soda from the fridge. I swear sometimes it looks like this is his office, not mine. Taking a big meat piece, he gave me a nod.

I didn't even realize I was hungry.

“Aaron, you know I had that diary of the girl?” I reminded him, preparing a salad for dressing. Humming a song, I took the meat from him only for him to start whining.

"Aaron! eat later, first the case." Glaring at my plate he huffed out a breath.

“Fine. You were talking about the mental one...? Totally. So what about that? Did you read that? Find something important?” He said sipping his soda. Not a second later, there was a notebook in his hand, probably to take notes for later. Meanwhile, I carefully took my knife and started to cut a steak for me.

“No I’m still at the first months she came there, actually the first day. Nothing planning there. But something is not right, you know.” I said thoughtfully. I couldn't ignore the plea for help in her writings. She was clearly in trouble as her writing was cut off brutally in the middle.

“Like what?” He asked confused. Like why are you afraid, I wanted to ask but held myself.

“See for yourself,” I said instead and handed over the diary. He took his time to read the whole page before giving it back to me.

“Um...reading that... She is really a mental patient, dude and could be dangerous. I mean she killed her boyfriend who she says she loves so much and all. And, she wrote her dead boyfriend was trying to kill her? This isn't Ghostbusters man. Ghost doesn't exist. Maybe it's the guilt that's making her hallucinating her boyfriend. You got my cue...right?” He rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. But thank God, he wasn't acting so sacred anymore. It's strange to see him like that.

“Maybe you're right, It could be the guilt. Or, maybe we are going to be an unknown journey for finding the truth. But one thing is sure, the killer will be caught, they like or not.” I stated determination evident in my voice.

“And that’s what we’re gonna do...” Aaron finished for me.