Psychocriminalist Chapter 6

"Ms. Norton, what time did you receive that blue box?"

"Around... around 9 AM, I think," I answered thoughtfully.

"Your neighbor delivered it to you, correct?"

"Yes, my neighbor from across the hall. I'd seen him a few times before."

"The surveillance shows you talked for 12 seconds. What did he say to you?"

I thought for two seconds and said, "He said the box was for Derek, but asked me to ship it to the police station, saying it was something he would need."

At this point, the officer across from me held up a photograph: "Is this the person you saw?"

I squinted: "I can't see clearly. Can you bring it closer?"

"Sure."

The officer placed the photo in front of me.

My expression suddenly changed. Panic spread across my face. I covered my mouth with my right hand and said tremulously, "He... he's my patient."

The officer was equally shocked.

The interrogation room door burst open.

Derek rushed to me and pulled me into his arms. I tremblingly wrapped my arms around him in return.

"Interrogation suspended. Let her calm down."

Only he and I remained in the room. With a frightened expression and weak voice, I asked him, "That serial killer... is him?"

"Based on current evidence, yes."

Derek stroked my head to comfort me.

"He's my patient. We see each other every week."

"He may have been targeting you for a long time."

"Then... what was in that blue box?" I asked tentatively.

"The seventh body," he said flatly. "That victim knocked on the door across from us yesterday, then disappeared."

My pupils dilated.

"It's okay, it's okay, Chloe. You're safe now."

I was so shocked I couldn't make a sound.

Derek assumed I was terrified. After finishing my statement, he personally escorted me home.

The moment I stepped through the door, I revealed a relaxed smile.