Aric called Alex and instructed him to investigate every possible detail about the woman—especially if any information could be recovered from older records or unofficial sources.
While Aric was still on the call, the forensic officer suddenly entered the discussion room and addressed Alex.
"Sir, we've found something important," the officer said. "The woman's DNA shows Rh-negative blood. Another unusual detail is that the DNA indicates she has been dead for thirteen years."
Alex frowned. "Thirteen years?"
"Yes, sir," the officer continued. "That's what makes it strange. The men whose blood was found at the crime scene died only five to six years ago, but the woman's DNA predates all of them by several years."
Aric heard everything through the call.
The information struck him hard. He went silent, the weight of it sinking deep into his thoughts.
After a moment, Aric spoke. "Alex, with this information… can you trace anything about the woman?"
"Yes, Chief," Alex replied immediately. "I'm already working on it. Give me twenty minutes."
The call ended.
Aric turned toward Darian. "Something isn't right," he said quietly. "This case is bigger than we expected. There's more involved—maybe an entire network. This could take months."
Darian nodded slowly. "Whatever comes in front of us, we face it as an investigation team. We stay prepared."
Exactly twenty minutes later, Alex called back.
"Chief, we found something," he said. "Not much, but there is a medical report that matches the woman's DNA and blood group. It's from OMS Hospital, in Fines Town. The details aren't clear, but the record exists."
"Good," Aric replied. "I'll collect the report myself."
"Chief," Alex added, "there's something else."
"Go on."..."I need you to find someone," Aric said. "His name is Wolfer. He's the head hacker from the Army Cybersecurity Department. I want him brought to our base."
Alex paused. "Is he connected to the case?"
"Not directly," Aric answered. "But he can help us."
"Yes, Chief. I'll contact the Army Department immediately."
The call ended.
Alex sent the hospital location to Darian. A few minutes later, Aric and Darian arrived at OMS Hospital.
At the front desk, Darian approached the administrator. "Excuse me, ma'am. We're from the FBI. We're here regarding a woman's medical record."
The administrator nodded. "Yes, sir. Could you provide some details?"
Darian glanced at Aric.
Aric stepped forward. "The woman has Rh-negative blood. She had a medical report here thirteen years ago. Is it possible to retrieve records that old?"
The administrator hesitated. "Sir, retrieving such old patient records is extremely difficult. But I'll consult with our hospital director."
She left and returned a few minutes later.
"The director has given permission," she said. "We can check records up to thirty years old."
They were led to the old file room on the ground floor.
The air inside was freezing. Dust coated the shelves. Spider webs clung to the corners. The smell of age and neglect filled the room.
Aric stopped at the doorway.
He sneezed, eyes watering. He was allergic to dust.
"I'll wait here," he said quietly.
Darian and the administrator searched through the shelves.
On the third shelf, buried under dust, they found a blue-colored file.
The administrator called a doctor to explain the report.
Dr. Walles studied the document carefully. "The woman's name is Valour," she said. "She visited our hospital thirteen years ago for a health checkup."
"For what reason?" Darian asked.
"She came in for her second abortion."
Aric and Darian froze.
"Second… abortion?" Aric asked slowly.
"Yes," Dr. Walles continued. "She had been on medication for over twenty-five years. She became pregnant and gave birth to twins. Seven years later, she returned for an abortion for a third pregnancy."
Darian's voice tightened. "And after that?"
"She came again within the same week for another procedure," the doctor said. "It was extremely dangerous for her health. After that… she never visited our hospital again."
Aric's eyes narrowed.
"How are you so sure?" he asked quietly. "This happened thirteen years ago."
The question hung heavy in the cold room.
.
.
.
.
.