The Unborn Killer

~ Prologue ~

Night had slowly started to set. The air was too cold, even for winter.

Abigail adjusted the rear-view mirror while gripping the steering wheel with her trembling hands.

She nervously glanced at her sister sitting in the back seat.

She turned her head towards the person sitting in the passenger's seat, and nodded her head in her sister's direction. Her dark chestnut eyes were pleading him to say something.

"Zoey, we don't need to go if you don't want to. You know that, right?" Christopher said in a soft voice, turning in his seat to face his wife.

"I know, Chris. And Gail, I'm fine! Stop being so worried about me. I just want everything to go back to normal. Can you guys do that?" Zoe answered, trying to keep her lips from quivering.

"Yes, Zoey!"

"Yeah!"

Chris and Abigail replied awkwardly, at the same time.

After about an hour's drive, they pulled up in front of a gorgeously decorated hotel.

"I'll catch up with you guys in a few, " Abigail said, as Chris and Zoe got out of the car.

Zoe was dressed in a beautiful white dress, reaching her knees. Her raven hair was resting just below her shoulders. She had the same chestnut eyes like Gail. But unlike Gail's that had reddish streaks reflecting her feisty personality, Zoe's eyes were much warmer with hints of orange tones. But today they were dark and held a storm of unreadable emotions in them.

Chris had worn a blue button-down shirt paired with black jeans. His ebony eyes were on Zoe, studying her face, trying to read her thoughts. Was she really fine?

"Don't be long, " Zoe said with a small smile, her fingers digging into the gift-wrapped toy set.

Abigail gazed at the receding form of her elder sister and brother-in-law, before driving towards the parking lot of the hotel. Finding the last empty spot, she parked her black sedan.

She hesitantly opened the glove box, and stared at the Glock gun lying inside it. She had to close her eyes, to stop the bad memories from flooding in.

She banged the glove box shut and stared at the lone lamppost that illuminated the entire lot, till her eyes burned.

Abigail finally unlocked her seatbelt and got out of the car. After making sure the car was locked, she slowly made her way towards the banquet hall at the back of the hotel.

~

"Zoey! I'm so glad you came!" a female voice called out from behind.

"Mary!" Zoe smiled, as she turned to see her favourite cousin. Her face lit up when she saw Mary. "How could I not?"

Mary was cradling a chubby baby boy in her arms. She gave Zoe a tight sideways hug.

"So, how is the birthday boy? Do you like your party, darling?" Zoe cooed, tickling the baby's cheeks. He responded with a loud giggle before hiding his face behind his tiny hands.

"I can't believe how fast Jake is growing. He is already a year old!" Mary smiled, kissing her son on the forehead. She looked gorgeous in the yellow flared dress she had worn.

Zoe gave Mary a weak smile and just stared at Jake fondly. He was looking like a prince in his black baby suit. She hesitated. Mary saw this.

"What's the matter, Zoey?" Mary asked, looking at her cousin in concern. She knew Zoe was trying hard to get over the trauma of losing her baby.

Being a mother herself, Mary could empathize with what Zoe was going through.

She just wanted Zoe to be happy.

Jake meanwhile, was rocking towards Zoe, trying to get her attention.

"Can I hold Jake, just for some time?" Zoe finally managed to ask.

"Of course, Zoey! You are his godmother, after all!" Mary answered. She gave Zoe's arm a light squeeze.

"If I were you, Mary, I wouldn't do that, " someone warned Mary.

The voice was of a young woman, the same age as them. She was wearing a blue sleeveless gown with dramatic feather details, that would've better suited a ball, rather than a kid's birthday party.

"And why wouldn't I do that, Savannah?" Mary asked sharply, turning to face her least favourite cousin.

"Call me Ava, darling. You know that name makes me sound like some farmland!" Savannah corrected, giving Mary a forced smile.

"Why did you say that?" Mary repeated, through gritted teeth.

A small crowd had gathered around them. Everyone was muttering, trying to find out the reason for this sudden argument. Savannah didn't care, she just loved the attention.

"Remember how a few months back Zoey here was going on and on, raving about how her life was going to be complete with the arrival of her baby. But, I cannot see any baby here, " Savannah hissed, mocking her cousin. "So, where is your baby, Zoey?"

"Well, I know the answer to that. Even God knew that you would've been a pathetic mother! So, he spared your child of having to bear the pain of it!" Savannah smirked.

She had hated Zoe since they were kids. Zoe had always been the apple of everyone's eye. Even Savannah's parents adored her.

She thought that it was because Zoe was more intelligent than her. She had failed to realize that Zoe's kind nature was the reason she was loved by all, and it was Savannah's vanity that had driven her away from everyone.

A gasp went out in the crowd when Savannah said this.

Even Mary was too stunned to say anything. She knew Savannah was a bitch, but she didn't think she was capable of being so insensitive.

Zoe just stared at the white-tiled floor, her vision suddenly blurry. She felt as if her heart had been ripped out of her chest, all over again.

She pushed through the crowd and ran as fast as she could. She just wanted to get away from these people.

~

Abigail forced a smile when she saw her cousins waving at her. She waved back at them and headed straight to the bar. Luckily, she was the only one at the bar counter.

Abigail hated any form of family gatherings. They were like those pathetic kitty parties, where people with no life gathered to gossip about other people's problems. She was grateful that her job allowed her to attend only a handful of such gatherings.

"What can I get you, love?" the young bartender asked, giving Abigail a wide smile.

"Coke or anything soft will do?" someone answered from behind her. "Am I right, Gail?"

Abigail just stared at Chris as he took the seat next to her. She nodded at the anxious bartender, who was waiting for a reply.

"By the way, did Zoey tell you?" Chris asked a few minutes later. He was circling the rim of his wine glass, with the tip of his finger.

"Tell me what?" Abigail said. The bartender placed a tall glass of Coke in front of her on the counter.

"That we are moving out, next week, " Chris answered bluntly. "It was Zoey's idea."

"Hers or yours?" Gail smirked. She sipped on her Coke as she spoke.

"Yes, it was my idea, " Chris answered.

"You bet it was, " Abigail muttered, staring at the wooden bar counter.

"Does it matter?" Chris asked, his voice growing louder. His grey eyes were glaring at Abigail. "I know what's better for Zoey. Your opinion doesn't matter. I love her and can protect her, unlike you!"

Abigail remained silent. She gripped her glass tighter, trying to suppress her anger.

Unfortunately, that was the one thing she was bad at.

"The truth stings, doesn't it?" Chris hissed, standing up and staring down at Abigail. "You claim that you love

Zoey more than me, but you just don't care about her! You.... "

"DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME, THAT YOU LOVE ZOEY MORE THAN ME!" Gail hissed, her eyes a fiery shade of red. This startled Chris and caused him to take a few steps back. The bartender almost dropped the glass he was holding, shocked at Abigail's sudden outburst. "She is the most precious part of my life! I love her a lot and I don't need to prove that to you. You, who came just yesterday into her life! I.... "

"Zoey! Wait! Zoey!"

Abigail's voice trailed off, when she heard her sister's name being called out. She and Chris both whipped their heads in the direction of the sound, only to see Zoe running out of the hall.

"Where are you going, Gail?" Chris asked, before he took after his wife. His voice was full of concern.

"I'll be with you guys in a few minutes, " Abigail who staring at a smirking Savannah, said through gritted teeth.

"Wait for me by the car."

With that Abigail made her way towards Savannah. She deftly picked up a glass of red wine, from the tray of a waiter who was passing by her.

Without wasting a second and without even a hint of any regret, Abigail emptied the dark red liquid in the glass on Savannah's expensive blue gown.

"The next time Savannah, it will be your Botox injected face instead of your Christian Dior!" Abigail warned before turning around and walking away.

Savannah just gaped from her disfigured gown to the receding form of Abigail.

Abigail placed the empty glass on the same waiter's tray from earlier, and headed towards the exit.

He just stared at her, stunned.

~

Abigail was once again gripping the steering wheel, driving them back home. They had tried to talk to Zoe, but she just wouldn't tell them anything.

Seeing Zoe's tear-stained face, Abigail had wanted to go back into the hotel and choke the life out of Savannah.

But, she controlled herself.

Just then Abigail's phone rang.

When she saw that it was her partner calling, she knew it had to be something important.

They were driving through the cliffs, with the vast blue ocean running along the mountains. The ocean was glimmering under the light of the moon.

Abigail stopped the car at the side of the road and took the call. She talked on the phone for about a minute before cutting the call.

Suddenly, Abigail threw her phone on the ground and violently started kicking at the small shrubs near her feet.

"What's the matter?" Chris asked, as he got out of the car.

"Another fucking dead end!" Abigail yelled, staring down at the ocean. She was taking deep breaths, trying to calm herself.

As Abigail was about to bend down to pick up her phone, she heard a gun being clocked behind her.

Instinctively, her hand reached for the gun strapped around her ankle. And in one swift motion, she turned around and had her gun pointed at the assailant.

The person with a gun in their outstretched arm, pointed at Abigail was her own sister, Zoe.

"Zoey, wh -- what are you doing?!" Chris stammered.

"I just can't take it anymore! I lost my baby... my BABY... because of her, Abigail, my OWN SISTER! Be...

Because she had to play the bloody HERO!" Zoe yelled in between sobs, clutching the gun with both her hands.

"I'm sorry Zoey, I was just trying to protect you!" Abigail pleaded, as she dropped her gun on the ground.

"If only you would've LISTENED... just for ONCE... in your life, everything would have been okay!" Zoey hissed, her hands trembling.

"No, Zoey, it would not have! He would have killed you!" Abigail said, taking a step towards Zoe.

"At least then I wouldn't hurt so much! STOP RIGHT THERE!" Zoe warned, stumbling backwards.

Chris was standing frozen in his place. He just stared at them, unable to do anything.

"If you want to kill me, do it. I love you no matter what, Zoey. But trust me, if you pull that trigger today, the only thing you will feel for the rest of your life is guilt!" Abigail had tears streaming down her cheeks, as she took

Another step further.

"STOP! DON'T TAKE ANOTHER STEP!" Zoe yelled, with her gun still pointed at Abigail.

"Zoey, listen to me... Please, don't do this.... " Abigail begged, taking a few more steps.

"STOP! JUST STOP!!" Zoe yelled.

A single gunshot rang out in the silent night.

Abigail clutched her stomach as she fell backwards, her eyes wide in horror.

"GAIL!" Chris yelled, running towards Abigail. The sound gunshot had brought him out of his initial shock.

He dropped to his knees, applying pressure on her wound. It was useless, blood just kept oozing out. "Oh my God, Gail! I'm so sorry! Everything will be fine, okay! Just hang in there!"

"No... Chris... You... have to go... Take... Zoey and go away... from here!" Gail said in between gasps.

"Promise... me you'll... protect her... " Her breathing was irregular and thick beads of sweat had formed on her forehead.

Abigail felt about her jacket pockets, desperately trying to find something. She somehow managed to remove a card, and gave it to Chris. The card had blood smeared over it.

"Call... this number... He... will... help... you... " Abigail said, pushing Chris away from her side. "Take Zoey... and go... Please... "

"I cannot just leave you here!" Chris said, blinking away his tears.

"Getting Zoey... away from here... is important... Don't worry... about me... just go... " Abigail stammered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Abigail was feeling tired now. She was finding it difficult to keep her eyes open.

The last thing she heard before blacking out, was a loud splash.

4 years later....

Junaid loosened the tie of his black suit, as he surveyed the area around him. He was walking towards the squad cars that had blocked off the entire street.

Krystal City was a well-developed metropolitan, and a fast-growing business and technological capital.

But like any other city, it had a dark side too.

It was the part of Krystal City, that was a hub of all illegal activities.

The street was deserted, except for a lone street lamp illuminating the entire place.

"This way sir, " an officer directed.

The warehouse was like any other.

Empty and dilapidated.

A perfect place for a killer to steal the lives of his innocent victims.

The walls had a thick layer of dust over them, the light-yellow paint peeling off in many places.

Junaid had to cover his eyes due to the sudden glare of the lamp above his head.

The warehouse was dimly lit with lamps hanging from the ceiling, all around the large room. They just barely illuminated the area below them, blacking out anything that was out of its circular radius.

Junaid slowly walked down the long corridor towards the one place he dreaded the most - the crime scene.

He was dreading what he would find there. The same dread that had gripped him, five times before.

The lamp hanging in the centre of the warehouse, shone on the crime scene.

Junaid stopped a few steps away from it. He didn't want to disturb anything. He wished to be in any other place, except here.

Officers were scattered all around the place, searching for clues, bagging pieces of evidence, taking photos of the crime scene.

He wanted to avert his gaze and look at anything, but her.

He couldn't.

Junaid had seen much more gruesome scenes, during his service in the army, but nothing came even close to the scene that was glaring back at him.

He looked at the dead woman lying on the surgical table.

Her face was pale, the blood had long drained out of it.

Her lips were parted, and were a light shade of blue. Her eyes were still open. Wide open. They were staring at the lamp above.

Her hands where hanging out next to her body. Deep red marks circled her wrists.

She was wearing a blue hospital gown. A green cloth had been placed on her stomach, exposing a rectangular part of her skin. The cloth and her gown were now a dark shade of crimson, with some places

Already turned black.

Blood was still dripping out of the clean cut made on her belly.

The blood had formed a small puddle near the foot of the table.

Junaid eyes fell on her baby.

The baby had been placed between the woman's left arm and body. An unborn baby. It had been wrapped in a pure white blanket. The baby's skin was a ghastly shade of blue and wrinkled. It had a tiny nose and thin lips. Had Junaid not known, seeing the tranquillity on the baby's face, he would have thought that it was in a deep, peaceful slumber.

His gaze returned to the woman's face. He just stared at her eyes. He could still see the pain them, even

Though he knew that it was not possible.

Suddenly, a gloved hand reached over to the woman's eyes and gently closed them.

"That's the least we can do, " a male voice said.

Junaid turned to face the young medical examiner standing next to him. He gave him a weak smile.

"Did you find anything, Mark?" Junaid asked.

"Nothing much. All I can give you is the time of death. She was killed a couple of hours ago, somewhere between 12:00 to 14:00 hours, " Mark answered.

"What about the baby?" Junaid's voice was barely audible.

"The baby was a girl. She was just two months away, from being born. She was seven months old, " Mark answered. He was shaking his head. "No one deserves this."

"I don't understand, what is this guy trying to prove or why is he going after pregnant women!" Junaid let out his frustration. The officers closest to him and even Mark were startled. He just couldn't take it anymore.

"Sorry, " Junaid said out in general before turning to Mark. "I'll meet you at the precinct."

Mark gave him a sympathetic nod before getting back to his work. He was waiting for the coroner, to take the body over to the forensic lab.

As Junaid stepped out on the pavement, a cold breeze blew into his face.

Unlike others, he enjoyed the cool of the night. He found it soothing.

But today, he was feeling uneasy. It was as if someone was watching him.

Out of habit, he tilted his head backwards and checked at the rooftop of the building on the opposite street. No one was there.

Casually, he turned to his left and glanced down the street, also checking out the curb next to the warehouse.

It was empty.

He slowly started turning to his right. But before he could fully turn, he heard the shuffle of steps and someone backing into the alleyway.

Something tucked around the waist of the person, glinted when it caught the light.

It was a gun.

"Hey! Stop!" Junaid yelled, as he took off after this person.

Junaid had to jump over big garbage bags lying strewn around, as he ran through the narrow alley. He thought about firing at the runner, but was unable to get a clear shot.

No matter what or how much Junaid yelled, the runner didn't seem to slow down. Instead, he picked up speed.

Junaid lost his footing and had to grab onto the huge dumpster to steady himself. He was almost about to fall on the trash bags.

Junaid looked around for something, and his eyes settled on the lid of a small trash bin. He swiftly picked up the lid and threw it in the direction of the runner.

The lid hit the runner hard in the back, causing him to topple forward. He was desperately trying to grab onto

The trash bags around him.

Junaid was quick on his feet and a few seconds later had the runner in cuffs.

He secured the runner's gun and started checking his pockets. He found large pouches of white crystalline powder.

"Meth, " Junaid muttered, as he helped the runner to his feet.

~

"Oh my God! You finally found the murderer!"

Junaid smiled at the dramatic outburst of his junior, Officer Jenna Santiago.

"Unfortunately, no, " Junaid said, as he handed the runner to Jenna. "He's just a drug dealer. Get him down to Narcotics. Once they are done with him, interrogate him. I want to know everything he knows."

"Sir, " Jenna answered, escorting the runner to the holding cells.

"And, ask them to check all the surrounding warehouses, too. I'm sure they'll find something in one of them, "

Junaid said.

"Who knows how many kids they might find in there, " Jenna hissed, as she shoved the runner in the direction of the cells.

"Lieutenant, a word, " a firm voice called out.

It was Captain Clarissa Hale. She was standing outside her office, with her hand resting on the door handle. She was dressed in a cream coloured suit, her strawberry blond hair pulled into a tight bun, with a few stubborn strands poking out of it.

A few minutes later, Captain Hale was sitting behind a mahogany desk with Junaid sitting in a chair across from her.

"I need to discuss an important matter with you, " Captain Hale said, her hands resting on a brown file in front of her.

Junaid nodded his head for her to continue.

"Today, was the sixth murder in three months. And we are still nowhere close to catching this psychopath. And this case is slowly becoming a national issue, " Captain Hale continued in a grim tone. "That's why, I think it's

Time to get another officer on the case. To help you. The Mayor agrees too."

"We are doing our best. It's not our fault that any lead we find turns out to be a dead end, " Junaid said, a tinge of hurt in his voice. "I am doing everything I can. We all are. I know I'm new to this. But do you feel I'm not

Capable enough to solve this case?"

"Your capability has nothing to do with this case. You have proved yourself time and again, and everyone knows that, " Captain Hale answered. "You just need all the help you can get."

"And who is he." Junaid asked.

"She, " Captain Hale corrected. She pushed the file towards Junaid. "Abigail Parker."

Junaid opened the file and stared at the photo of a smiling girl, before reading further.

"Five promotions in three years. Medals, citations. Wow, " Junaid was impressed, "But... there's no latest information about her... Why?"

"Because she took up a desk job at the District Attorney's Office, three years ago, " Captain Hale answered.

"Why?" Junaid said on disbelief. "What happened three years ago?"

"All I can say is that it was really bad. And that it broke her, " Captain Hale had a distant look in her eyes as she said this.

"But why her?" Junaid asked.

"Because she's the best we have."

"Did she accept the case?"

"No. She isn't returning any of our calls, mine or the Mayor's office, " Captain Hale answered. "That's why I am sending you to convince her to take this case."

"What if she doesn't agree?"

"I don't know, " Captain Hale said. "I just hope you manage to convince Abigail."

Junaid gave her an affirmative nod before getting up to leave. Just as he reached the door, he turned back.

"One more question, " Junaid asked. "Did you get anything on S.H.A.D.O.W.?"

Junaid stepped on the concrete sidewalk, checking his phone to make sure he was at the right address.

He clutched the case files in his hand, as he made his way through the path that led through the neatly done lawn.

The Parkers' residence was a single storey house surrounded by the beautiful countryside. It was an hour-long drive to get here, but a really scenic one.

Junaid's finger hovered above the doorbell for a few seconds. He didn't know why, but he suddenly felt nervous.

He turned to his right and found a boy sitting on his cycle, in the neighbouring lawn, staring at him. He finally pressed the doorbell.

A woman answered the door. She had bright auburn hair, a stark contrast to Abigail's. Her face looked tired.

She gave Junaid a questioning smile.

"How may I help you?" she asked.

"I am Lieutenant Junaid Khan, from the Special Task Force, " Junaid returned her smile. "I'm here to meet Abigail Parker."

"Oh. Please come in. I'm her mother, Margaret, " she said, as she led Junaid to the parlor. "Gail should return from her morning walk soon."

"Please, make yourself comfortable, " Margaret said, pointing towards the cream coloured sofa. "I'll be right back." Margaret walked down the hallway and entered a door to her left.

Junaid sat down on the sofa and looked around the parlor. It had minimal furniture but gave off a cozy and warm vibe. There were many frames hanging around the room. One had Gail posing with Margaret, a girl and a man, on the beach. He assumed they were her sister and father. You could see the glee in their eyes, their lips curved into playful smiles.

He didn't know why, but Junaid suddenly envied Gail. He envied her small and happy family, standing by her side. Family was something, that had been ripped away from his life at a very young age.

Junaid tore his gaze away from the pictures and placed the files in his hand on the coffee table in front of him. He decided to go through the file while he waited for Gail. He opened the file and separated the crime scene photos from the lab reports.

Just then Margaret walked out, from what was probably the kitchen, with a tray in her hand.

"I hope you like coffee, " she said as she placed a mug of the hot beverage on the coffee table.

"I do. This is just what --- " Junaid started to say but was cut off by the sound of the front door being closed.

In walked, Gail.

Junaid wouldn't have recognized her, had Margaret not called out her name. She looked completely different from the photo Junaid had seen in her file.

Her face was no longer smiling, but impassive. There were dark circles below her eyes. They were void of any kind of emotion. They were just black orbs staring back at Junaid. Something about the way she looked at him, made Junaid feel queasy.

Junaid stood up when he saw Gail walk towards them. Gail's gaze fell on the crime scene photos lying on the coffee table.

Junaid could swear he saw a flicker of emotion in her eyes, but he couldn't quite put a finger on it. What was it? Sadness? Pain?

Gail couldn't tear her gaze away from the photos. She had heard all about the case. The longer she stared at them, the sicker she felt.

"Leave, " Gail said in a firm tone, not betraying any emotion, still studying the photos.

"Sorry?" Junaid asked, thinking maybe he had misheard her.

"I said leave, " Gail repeated, a dangerous edge to her voice. "Now."

"In case you change your mind, " Junaid said, as he placed his visiting card next to the file. He nodded at

Margaret, who gave him a small smile, before walking past Gail and out of the parlor.

Once the front door was shut, Margaret spoke, "You could've at least heard him out." Her tone was not chastising, but gentle.

"What was there to listen? Clarissa sent him here to convince me to accept this case, " Gail said. She was pacing in the space between the sofa and the coffee table, trying to calm her nerves. "I don't know why she thinks that I can solve this case!"

"Maybe because you are good at what you do, " Margaret said. Gail let out a humourless laugh at this statement. "I think you should accept this case."

Gail stopped her pacing and turned to face her mother. "Maa, you know... I can't... " she stammered. She was struggling to find words to express the pain that she was going through.

"Why can't you? This is what you always wanted to do, didn't you? It was your dream to become a cop, to help serve justice. And you were brilliant at what you did. Then why can't you?" Margaret said, as she took her daughter's hand in hers. "Life doesn't give everyone a second chance, you know. If you're lucky enough to get one, don't let it go."

"You need to stop blaming yourself for what happened all those years ago. It's time you moved on. You have a life too, and you should start living it, " Margaret said, as she ran her fingers through Gail's hair. "I lost one daughter, and I do not want to lose my other daughter, too."

A tear rolled down Gail's cheek. She had managed to put up a facade, of being strong all these years. But today, the facade was crumbling.

"And these women, " Margaret picked up one of the crime scene photos, "they deserve justice. Their families deserve closure. And maybe, just maybe, solving this case might help you find closure too."

~

Gail stared at the dilapidated store in front of her.

This was the lone store in the area. It had been four years since the owner had permanently shut it down.

The sign hanging on the wall still occasionally blinked. The glass walls of the store were covered in graffiti, drawn in bold red ink. The yellow police tape was hanging from the handle of the store door. The remainder of the tape was lying crumpled on the stone steps.

The store inside was dark and looked foreboding. Using her mobile flashlight, Gail entered the store. The lock that was meant to keep unwanted visitors out, had since long gone missing.

The store was a small one, and had always been stocked with all the essential items. There were just two aisles, and a cash counter, in a corner next to the entrance. Both of them were lying empty now.

Entering this store had caused all the unpleasant memories to come rushing back. The memories that Gail had been trying to forget.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps. They were muffled, yet loud enough to cut through the haunting silence of the store.

Gail turned her mobile flashlight off. She stood behind a long rectangular shelf that separated the two aisles.

The footsteps were moving towards her. She could make out the tiny beam of light dancing in front of the person.

A few seconds later, a hand clutching a gun appeared just inches away from Gail's face.

Without wasting a second, Gail grabbed the person's wrist and gripped it hard. With her free hand, she rammed the side of his head into the wall of the shelf. She twisted his wrist, until the gun fell from his hand.

"Who are you?" Gail asked through gritted teeth.

"Abigail?!" he managed to say, eyes wide in confusion. "I'm Junaid! We just met a couple hours ago, remember? I'm on your side!"

"What the hell are you doing here?" Gail asked as she let him free.

"It's my crime scene, in case you don't remember, " Junaid said, as he rubbed his temple, that had just a millisecond earlier made contact with the hard-concrete wall. There was a small cut near his eyebrow from when Gail's nails had dug into his skin. "But, what are you doing here?"

Gail had expected this question, but it had still caught her off-guard. She never thought she'd run into Junaid here.

"How did you know someone was inside here?" Gail asked, changing the subject. She already knew the answer to this question, but it was the only way to distract Junaid.

"I came here to re-examine the crime scene to see if we had missed something. But imagine my surprise when I saw footprints in the dust, when I entered the store. I thought maybe someone was trying to vandalize the place. But luckily, it turned out to be you."

If Gail had picked up on the sarcasm in Junaid's last sentence, she did not show it.

"You still didn't answer my question. What are you doing here? Since you are not a part of this case, you cannot be here, " Junaid said.

"Who said I'm not a part of this case?" Gail raised an eyebrow.

"You kicked me out of your house, when I came to talk to you about accepting this case! You told me a no, flat on my face!"

"Did I specifically say 'no'?" Gail asked, hands folded in front of her chest.

"Well, no, " Junaid answered awkwardly.

"Well, then it's not my fault you just assumed my answer was no, " Gail said, a nonchalant look on her face.

"What?" Junaid said. He just gave Gail a blank look.

"Give Clarissa a message from me. I'll meet her in her office, tomorrow at 9:00 A.M., " Gail called out, as she

Walked out of the store. "To officially take over the case."

Junaid just gaped at her receding form, as she walked out of the door.