Stellaris Police Station
The air in conference room was thick with dread as the next words spilled from Seojun's lips. "We have a psychopathic serial killer on the loose, one with a very sadistic method of murder."
He had taken off his jacket, leaving only the white shirt he wore underneath with both sleeves rolled up displaying how solid and taut he was just from arm length.
He motioned to the wide screen displaying the pictures from the previous murders. "As you can see, all previous murders were orchestrated in the same brutal manner. From the martons who died with several of their arteries slit in such a manner that death is slow—painfully slow to late Mrs. Kim Taeri who was completely drained of every single water in her body."
He paused taking in the look of discomfort on their faces before continuing in a professional tone, one that further accelerated their discomfort.
The slides on the screen changed to a more detailed photo of Kim Taeri. "From the forensics reports, they found traces of gimpap, and other undigested food."
"Food? She was been fed? Then how come she died?" One of the officials who was getting tired of listening to Seojun's horror like report interjected.
"This is to prove the height of their brutal and depraved killing method. Having being deprived of water for days, Mrs. Kim is deluded into thinking if she keeps eating, she might be able to survive a bit longer. The killer knows this only leads to a more painful and slow death and hence they continue to provide more food for her to stuff herself with.
This might have gone on for days approximately two to three days judging from the reports before Mrs. Kim's body hit it's limit. The killer senses she's at death's door but hasn't had his fill of pleasure yet so…."
The screen changes to that from the pictures taken from the tunnel. "He brings her out through this tunnel, watches as she struggles to survive till the very end." Seojun concluded a repulsed frown on his face.
The room fell silent everyone taking in rhe weight of what they'd just heard. There was still someone with such animalistic way of murdering people? It was even preferable to die by the hands of a wild animal than to fall prey to this monster.
But no one knew how to avoid this evil, or why he was being this brutal.
Seojun continued as if reading their minds. "This is not just an amateur serial killer or a copycat this is a high profile psychopathic serial killer. One who loves playing mind games aside killing in the most unimaginable brutal ways."
The slide changed once more displaying pictures of the footmarks and weeds. "The killer purposely left this for us to find. They're rubbing in our faces the fact that they are smarter and one step ahead of us. We have no idea who their next target is going to be or why they're killing respected people in the society."
One of the officers spoke up. "A psychopath doesn't have feelings, they don't necessarily need a reason to kill. They kill for the pleasure and the thrill of it."
Seojun nodded his hands on the table. "That's true, but this motherfucker is different."
All eyes snap towards him at the open use of a swear word in the presence of his superiors but Seojun couldn't care less. "This fucking piece of shit…." He continued naturally ignoring the glare of Yoongab, "has a reason they're doing this. Their method of killing is far too brutal to be just for the thrill. They're relishing every of the victim's pain, it's almost as if…."
His eyes clouded over deep in thought. "They are being punished."
"Punished…." The conference room erupted in mummurs.
"Isn't that too soon to conclude? You're giving this criminal more attention than they need. Are you aware of what will happen once the public gets wind of a serial killer who 'punishes'?" A senior officer questioned.
"What the public thinks should be the least of your concerns right now because who knows if you're next on his punish list?" Seojun shot back with a sneer.
The Officer banged his fists on the table, "Detective Choi!"
Sunghoon palmed his face shaking his head. He was more than used to Seojun's bluntness.
Seojun stared back at him unfazed. He could sense the fear in his loud voice. Of course everyone was aware 78% of Seojun's speculations eventually came true.
After all cases like this were his specialty.
Another senior officer spoke up clearing the dense air that lingered. "So…. What's next? What do we do about this?? Are you suggesting we inform the public about this punisher?"
Seojun gave them a 'do I have to tell you old men everything' look before replying in a 'polite' manner feeling Yoongab's heavy death glares on him.
"Yes. Even without going public, the punisher already knows we're out on his trail judging from the surprise he left us. So, just like every psychopath wants, we give them attention."
The Officers spoke in hushed tones amongst themselves before finally agreeing with Seojun's proposal.
"Fine, we'll give a public statement. However, we need someone the public can put their trust in."
"We're police officers, it's absurd for them not to put their trust in us." Seojun stated with a wry smile.
"Exactly. That's why we're handing the case to you. The Violent Crimes Division Unit 2 will be in charge of the punisher case. Officer Choi Seojun, your days of vacation is officially over." The Chief of police who had been silent the entire time spoke up.
Seojun saw red. "What! My vacation?! It just begun, what do you mean ended?? I still have three weeks! THREE BLOODY WEEKS!"
The Officers didn't even spare him a glance, they merely stood up adjourning the meeting each one of them dispersing.
Seojun held Yoongab by the shoulder. "Team leader, why aren't you saying something?? You called me out, you're fully aware how important this vacation is to me… it can't possibly end!"
"You're an Officer! Don't expect your days to be rosy. Do as you've been ordered if you don't want to be transferred to another unit." Yoongab said in a failed attempt to be stern. He was more delighted than anyone in that moment.
Seojun felt as if he'd been scammed with both his eyes open. Sunghoon patted his shoulder gently and circled an arm over his neck. "At least you have the rest the day off. Rest up." He said sympathetically as he half pulled, half pushed Seojun out.
"I'm fucking going to burn that shithead to the ground when I catch him! What right does he have to mess with my vacation days?" Seojun complained leaning into Sunghoon's hold.
Sunghoon slapped his head away. "Don't take a yard."
Sunghoon sniffled like he'd been bullied. "Ive been wronged Sunghoon, won't you take care of me just for today? Huh?"
This routine was beyond familiar to Sunghoon, there was no point in dragging it out any longer. This man could go any length to get what he wanted. "Fine, fine, let's go. I'll make lunch for you." Sunghoon sighed walking ahead.
"Dinner too?" Seojun pressed rushing after him.
Yoongab watched as they faded out of sight. "Wasn't he mad just a few seconds ago?? How can a man have such fickle temper?" He wondered shaking his head.
**
Seojun's apartment was an hour ride from the police station. One might think he rented the apartment so he could be early to work but that was a misconception.
Seojun rented the apartment merely because the view at night was mind refreshing.
The punctual officer bullshit, was no use to him. He'd rather stay up late watching dramas than work night duty.
He'd rather fall sick than clock in for work.
It was surprising how a man with little dedication to his work turned out to be the most awarded detective—best psychopath profiler.
"Oh right, the landlord called, he said the apartment upstairs has been rented out. So, no more improper behavior." Sunghoon said once they'd entered Seojun's street.
He was too lazy to even bother with his Landlord…
"Ahh? Alright." Seojun suddenly sat up. "Wait, how does my landlord have your contact?"
Sunghoon shot him a glare. "Did you forget? You wrote down my number instead of yours when signing the agreement."
Seojun let out a ahhhh, a roughish grin playing on his lips.
The car pulled up in front of the steel gates. Tons of moving vans were packed outside. "Is the new tenant moving from another world?" Seojun muttered as they stepped out from the car.
"You've finally gotten a neighbor after you scared the last to half to death. Be proper." Sunghoon warned closing the door behind him once he stepped out also.
"It was a misunderstanding, I thought he was a burglar."
Sunghoon snorted. "Yeah, he burgled into his own apartment."
Just as Seojun was about replying, a petite figure carrying a large box lost his balance and was about falling down flat on his face but Seojun's superman reflexes kicked in.
With two large strides, he caught the other steadying both him and the box.
"Are you okay? Hope you weren't hurt?" Seojun asked.
The latter shook his head.
"Did the person moving put you up to this? How can they make a clumsy person do such heavy work?" Seojun asked his voice rising.
The other man blushed with embarrassment upon hearing his words. "Actually I—" Seojun cut him off, hands on his hips.
"I live here, you don't have to be scared of saying the truth. Also, I'm a police officer. If you're being forced you just have to tell me. I'll punish the mastermind on your behalf."
The latter's flushed deepened. "You live here? I'm so sorry for the mix up, nice to meet you, I'm Siwoo, Jung Siwoo." he stretched forth his hand for an handshake that Seojun stared at blankly.
"Why are you telling me this?" He asked.
Siwoo took back his hand laughing awkwardly. "Didn't the landlord inform you? I'm your new neighbor."