Chapter 8

Theodore Burnett was invited to a convention by his old colleagues. He felt so entitled and recognized even though he was just requested as a guest like the others. His narcissistic behavior always gives him a sense of importance. Like he is always better than everybody else.

But in reality, Theodore is haunted by his flaws and imperfection. He despises seeing people around him accomplish things that he couldn't. He's never happy when someone else takes the spotlight.

"Welcome one and all to the annual Engineer Convention." The host announced as the convention started.

Theodore scanned his surroundings. He was studying his surroundings and the people around them. He watched as the top Engineers from all over the country chat with each other about their accomplishments, newly purchased properties, and so on. Theodore scoffed.

As he scans the area, Theodore saw a woman who caught his attention. Her beauty is simple yet, elegant and sophisticated. She looks educated and confident but not too dominant.

"Hi, I'm Theodore, Ted for short. What's your name?" He confidently approached the beautiful woman standing near the bar counter.

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In the past weeks, Burton Grove's criminal activity was at a minimum. Typical property disturbances, drunk driving, jaywalking, altercations, pickpockets, shoplifting, and such. The police department is in an inert atmosphere. But Theodore Burnett's life is going on a roller coaster.

The woman he met, whose name is Kendra Muller, become his girlfriend in just two weeks. Theodore's pride and self-worth were tickled because of how fast she said yes to him. It's like Theodore is on cloud nine.

"Hi babe, I brought some food." Kendra greeted as she entered Theodore's house.

"Just put it there," Theodore said in a bored tone. When Theodore was courting her, he is acting like he can't live without her. But now, he got her; he's working like she's nothing. Like she doesn't even exist.

"Babe, I have good news. I got promoted to the head of the department. Isn't it amazing?" Kendra happily shared her newest achievement with her boyfriend.

"Good news? Amazing? Have you ever asked me how I am? Have you ever asked me what my newest achievements are? Have you ever paid attention to what I am doing!" Theodore grabbed Kendra's arms.

"Ted! I feel hurt." Kendra started crying. Her eyes show terror, and her whole body is trembling.

"You're hurt! Ha! You're hurt!" Theodore shook her body violently while shouting at her face.

"Ted, stop! I didn't say anything wrong!" Kendra tried to free herself, but Theodore is more robust than her.

"Because you're never wrong! You think you're smarter than me! That you're more talented than me!" Theodore's eyes were emotionless, and yet his grip and his voice were full of anger.

Kendra felt like she was staring into the universe. Lifeless, soulless, and heartless.

A noise erupted from Theodore Burnett's house. The sound of things is falling and breaking. And the thrilling screams and shrieks of Kendra Muller erupted. Then everything turned silent. Not even a shuffling sound could be heard.

Theodore was panting heavily. His sweat is dripping from his forehead. And the sinister smile was plastered on his face. A face that is covered with blood. He was looking down at something. There, laying on the floor, was Kendra Muller. Covered in blood, lying facedown on the floor, with a long slash wound on her neck.

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Still a lazy day at the station. I'm thankful, though, I think. Because I am hoping that our city is safe because our station was quiet. As the end of the day approaches, Oliver started to pack his things while I stare at the picture of Theodore Burnett's driver's license. There's something about him that bugs me, but no matter I search for any previous criminal record about him, the bastard is clean.

"You're getting obsessed with that Burnett dude. Come on, man. I told you that I checked him everywhere; he's clean. Not even a parking ticket. He's just a jerk." I didn't notice Oliver standing beside me because of too much thinking.

Maybe he's right. May I'm just over judgmental. Perhaps I can let this go. Exiting for the database program on my computer, I began to pack my things. It's time to go home.

"Yeah, right," I said as I heaved out a sigh. There's nothing for me to do about that asshole.

We were about to go out of the station when Oliver received a call. I stared at him as his expression changes. There's something wrong with how he pinches his nose and the way he sighed. When he finished with his conversation, I immediately asked him what that was about.

"It was the coroner who examined the body of the victim. I asked him to re-evaluate his findings of the victim's body. And there was something that he noticed; there's a bite mark below the victim's butt cheek. And he is confident that the bite mark shows the complete set of teeth. Man, the suspect we arrested had crooked teeth since he was 18 years old." Oliver sounded so disappointed about himself. I pity my best friend. He's the kind of person who always wanted to do the right thing, and knowing that we might put the wrong man in jail, even I feel disappointed about myself.

The coroner's revelation won't help us to reopen the case. There's a lot of reason for the victim to have a bite mark, especially with the kind of reputation she had when she was alive. We will need more concrete proof to request a re-investigation.

Even though his heart was heavy, I was able to convince him to go home. We both know that pushing forward with what we were feeling will waste time without more to go on.

When I entered our home, I was shocked to see Mary Sue sitting on our couch with my sister Melanie beside her.

"Chris! Hey!" Melanie's always the sweetest sister. She always welcomes me with a hug whenever I arrive home. She like my comfort after a tiring day at work. "I'd like you to meet my friend, Mary Sue. Sissy, this is my handsome and single brother, Chris."

I almost cringed when Melanie said that I am still single. Does it have to be a part of the introduction?

"Hey, guy. Is dinner ready?" I then asked. When I smelled what mom's cooking, I went straight to the kitchen. I'm a detective, and I'm trained to detect people's hidden agendas.

"Don't mind, brother; he just needs a girlfriend." I almost turn back and cover my sister's mouth, but I am not going to embarrass myself, so I decided to continue walking.