Cherreads

Chapter 8 - CHAPTER 8: THIS IS NOTHING SHORT OF A BLOOD BATH

"Dispatch, this is Unit 5. We've arrived at Mike's Auto Shop. We're observing the exterior, and it appears secure. Requesting Unit 12's ETA."

"Unit 12, this is dispatch. What's your ETA to Mike's Auto Shop?"

"Dispatch, this is Unit 12. We're arriving now. ETA is immediate."

"Unit 5 here. We're proceeding to meet Unit 12 at the entrance. We'll enter the location together."

"Unit 12 confirming. Let's enter the location with caution. Ready to go on your mark, Unit 5."

"Let's do it."

(Both units enter the location together)

"Oh God... this is... this is horrific." Officer O'Connor's voice cracks as they take in the carnage.

"We've got bodies everywhere. I'm seeing at least 20, maybe more. It's a bloodbath." Officer Brian's voice is laced with shock and disgust.

"Check for survivors! See if anyone's still alive in here!" Officer DonCarlos yells, moving room to room, checking for any signs of life.

Officer Owens kneels down to check a body, and as they touch the victim's arm, their hand comes away covered in blood. "Ah, damn..."

Officer O'Connor rushes over to them. "Hey, Owens, be careful! This is a crime scene. Don't contaminate the evidence." Officer O'Connor's voice is firm but laced with concern.

Officer Owens looks up, his face pale. "I'm sorry... I just..."

"It's okay, just be careful. We don't know what we're dealing with here." Officer O'Connor helps Officer Owens to their feet.

"Dispatch, we need homicide detectives to respond to Mike's Auto Shop. We have multiple homicides, 20+ victims. We're securing the scene." Officer DonCarlos radios in, their voice firm but laced with emotion.

"Roger that, units. Homicide detectives are being dispatched to Mike's Auto Shop. Please confirm your location and await their arrival." The dispatcher's voice is calm and professional.

As the officers wait for backup, they can't help but look around at the carnage. "What kind of monster does this?" Officer Brian whispers.

Officer DonCarlos shakes his head. "I don't know, but we're going to find out."

Back at the police station, Detective Decker and Detective Alvin were at their desk going over the information they had on David Wright's case. When they heard a shout from the Captain:

"Shawn Decker and Alvin Winco, get your asses in my office now!"

Wow, the captain has to be angry if he's using profanity and calling us by our full names, Alvin thought, noticing the captain's unusual tone and the frown.

As they went over to the Captain's office, they saw him in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Hey, Captain! Are you good?" Alvin asked.

"No, close the door," Captain Larcon replied.

"What's up, Captain? Are you okay? Did you need us for something?" Decker asked with a frown.

"Yeah! I'm awesome, can't you tell? I'm living my best life," Captain Larcon said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "First, last night we had a young man from a prominent Family who was killed. We had to tell his family - that was a blast. Then my brother, who lives in Celestian, calls me to tell me he's been made superintendent at his police precinct. And now we have another homicide, this time with 20 bodies. What a joyous occasion." He said dramatically flaring off his hands.

Decker's expression turned serious. "Wait, did you just say we have another homicide already?" he asked, his voice firm.

Captain Larcon nodded, his face grim. "Yes, 20 bodies at Mike's Auto Shop. I need you both to get over there ASAP and start processing the scene."

Alvin's eyes widened. "20 bodies? That's a massacre. We need to get moving."

The scene unfolded with Alvin's sly grin and the Captain's wary response:

"Before we leave, here you go, Captain. This is for you," Alvin said, handing him a flask.

Decker raised an eyebrow. "Alvin, what are you doing?"

Alvin smiled slightly. "Just a little something for the Captain, to help him relax."

Captain Larcon looked at the flask suspiciously. "What's in it?"

Alvin chuckled. "Just a little pick-me-up. It's my own personal blend – I call it Hot box, Captain. Trust me, you need it."

The Captain hesitated for a moment before taking the flask. "You're a bad influence, Winco."

After taking a swig from the flask, Captain Larcon's face turned bright red as he coughed violently. When he finally composed himself, he barked, "Alright, alright! Get out of here and get to the crime scene ASAP! We've got 20 bodies to process!"

Decker and Alvin exchanged a knowing glance. "Yes, sir!" they chimed in unison, quickly exiting the office.

As they walked out, Decker whispered to Alvin, "You know, one of these days, your 'special blend' is going to get you in trouble."

Alvin chuckled. "Hey, it's all about building team morale, Decker!"

"Alright, let's get down to business," Decker said, his expression serious. "We've got a mass murder scene to process, and I want to know everything about the victims and the perpetrator."

Alvin nodded, his grin fading. "Agreed. Let's get to work, partner."

The two detectives made their way to the crime scene, mentally preparing themselves for the gruesome task ahead. As they arrived, they saw the flashing lights of the police cars and the coroner's van, and the somber faces of the forensic team.

Decker and Alvin stepped out of their vehicle and into the chaos of the crime scene. Uniformed officers were cordoning off the area, while forensic technicians snapped photos and collected evidence. The coroner's team was already loading body bags onto the vans.

"Looks like we've got a real mess here," Decker said, surveying the scene.

Alvin nodded, his eyes scanning the area. "Multiple victims, no signs of forced entry or struggle. This might be a targeted hit."

"Alvin, this place has cameras all over. Let's check the CCTV footage."

"Let's go ask the officers where the office is," Decker said, nodding towards the uniformed personnel. "We need to get access to the security footage ASAP."

Alvin nodded in agreement and followed Decker as they made their way to the officers. "Excuse me, officers. Can you direct us to the office where we can review the CCTV footage?" Alvin asked.

The officers pointed them in the right direction to a door that had the nameplate reading "CEO Michael Griffin,Aka Mike".

Decker raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on his face. "Guess Mike liked himself a little too much."

Alvin chuckled. " Calling himself a CEO is an understatement. Alright, let's see if Mr. Griffin's ego can help us catch a killer."

Alvin made his way to the security room. "Let's check the CCTV footage."

More Chapters