"Serial Killer on the loose!"
Choking on her coffee, Emily lowered the cup to the counter, staring wide-eyed at the television where Justice Troy could be seen smirking, confidence reeking from the television, even.

"Aronville has never seen such commotion in decades. Two murders in a row has thrown professionals off guard. While people are already seeking to lurk in the safety of their home, we also, suggest you do the same because this might be a case of serial killer. Though the authorities have not answered, their silence can be taken as the affirmative.
Keep watching KVC News for updates!"

Somehow Emily felt that the world had crashed on her, again. She keeps on getting those eery nightmares, based off on whatever roots. But, what horrified her was the murders. She was always afraid of murders. Serial killers were just oil to the fire.

Sirens blared the blocks as wails and sobs echoed from the dilapidated houses that sat hauntingly amidst the ironical sunshine. It felt like the sky had broken over Aronville as thunder and lightning strikes competed well with the sounds of the land.

Stretcher after stretcher carried away bodies, sheets covered till head. Not even wind could pick up the blood soaked sheets, knowing if the cover would be lifted, breaths will stop. Children stood cowering behind the adults. While some of the children had to watch their family being taken away, some had to watch their friends being taken away. Yet, most of them did not worry, let alone cry, they thought, they would be back soon - their friends and family. The devastated adults broke down.

With each thunder strike, the sky grew darker and darker. Vans labelled as different TV channels whooshed to a stop. It was utter chaos - sirens, wails, cries, shouts, thunder, bedazzling lightning and clicks and questions.

"Camera set?"
"Yes. Starting in 3 2 1-"
"Mass murder in Aronville!
This morning, Avid Street, reported huge number of murders. As we can see, house after house has been the victim to this brutality. Not even children were spared in some, while the entire house was spared in some. The situation is of terror, here.

The entire block is wailing at their loss. Could this be the worst scenario in Aronville? If not, worst, then surely one of the worst. Entire Europe is mourning at this breath-clenching situation.

But, what could be the circumstances that led to this merciless deed? Who could be behind this? This terrible killer or killers are out in the streets now, roaming free. Are we even safe in our home now?
We'll get to these answers soon. Be safe at home. Keep emergency numbers on speedial.
Reporter Meredith Troy, KVC news."

The children stared horrified at the bright cameras and all the noise. From the last house, which was about to be entered by the cops, resonated a creak. Seeing the cops drawing their guns, everyone huddled towards the house, standing at a distance but leaving no leaf unturned for their curiosity. The media pushed through, questions stopped momentarily, clicks unbothered.

Before the cops could even touch the door, another creak sounded and the door opened. A girl, roughly 5 years old stepped out. Her pajamas dripped blood, her pigtails loosened, one completely released. The cops formulated their idea such that all except one went in. The woman cop slowly reached out to the child.

Unmoving as a statue, she turned her head at the cop. Tears had streamed down her eyes for so long, that her stained cheeks had flushed a violent red. Her eyes held no more water. Just a blank look. It was as if the expectant lively eyes of a child had been completely drained of emotions.

A clink sounded and the child turned her head in the direction. The name board had fallen. The name board that said, 'Hunters''.
~~~

"The media would be here anytime, Ace. It's Justice we're talking about."

Ace kneeled, unbothered about what he just heard. Another murder. Same techniques. Ace had kept the steaming cup of coffee in the sink and rushed to his car, as soon as he got the call. It was a vacant mansion. The body was familiarly stranded with no blood or any visible evidence.

Standing back up and nodding to Jax, Ace went out to see a crowd of people curiously peeking in.
Seeing him come out, they moved at a distance with expectant eyes.
"Has anyone heard or seen anything suspicious? Like, someone entering or leaving this house or keeping an eye on this house?"
Murmurs of negative answers could be heard.

Going back inside, Ace looked around the house and back again at the victim. Drained completely of colour, the woman laid in her white nightgown. Her chestnut hair was wrapped in a bun. If he did not know that she was murdered, he would have joked about her being a taxidermic human.

But, this was a murder. And he had to catch the killer soon. But the problem was that he had no idea where to start, let alone a headstart.
~~~

Justice Troy nestled on her couch with a mug of hot chocolate. Her empty house did not make her feel lonely, like everyone would say. Turning on the television, her eyes crossed the picture of her mother holding the large old fashioned mic of KVC News.

"Mama?
Does your eyes hurt?"
"Why?"
"You tell me not to see so much television. But, you are always in it."
Laughing out loud at the question, her mother patted her braided hair:
"You must grow up like Mama, okay? Face truth and truth only. We worship truth and hold no prejudice. You have to grow up a strong woman."
"Strong 'oman", nodded Justice, "what is Prejwudiice?"

Boss Bitch by Doja Cat interrupted her thoughts as 'Source' flashed on her screen.
"Hello?"
"31, Seren Street."
"Okay."

Dialing another number, she pressed the phone to her ears.
"Yes, Justice?"
"Bring the van. 31, Seren Street. Via my home."
"Okay. Wow. But-"

Throwing the phone away, she hastily got up. She had some place to be.
---