Time! Its concept is all I can think of at this moment. How merciless and merciful it can be. I often try to grasp it, but it slips away. Today, time can be your ally; tomorrow, it can betray you. It can be the source of your luck and the source of your misfortune. If only it were possible to control the flow of time. If only one could go back in time. If only I could—what would I have changed?
My parents' and siblings' deaths? Yes! If I could, I wouldn't have embarked on this dark journey. Mr. Peter Nwafor would still be alive. He was my very first kill. His display of innocence seemed pure to the eyes. No one could have imagined he was part of the group that killed my family.
I still remember it clearly, as bright as sunshine—the day my hands pulled the trigger on him and his family. It was one fateful night. I tailed him home from a party he had attended. I was there too, disguised as a regular gentleman. The party was for his friend's son, who had just turned 25. Obviously, only wealthy people attended. So, I made sure to wear a proper outfit that fit the party's nature. My expensive suit, gold wristwatch, and demeanor made me blend in perfectly.
Mr. Peter took his time leaving the party. I never took my eyes off him until he stepped out of the elaborate event center. I watched him enter his vehicle—a classic Honda. Although I'm not well-versed in car names, I recognized it from the bold display. He had no bodyguards, just him. I tailed him in my car, taking an hour to arrive at his house. A mansion stood before me. I hesitated, feeling inexperienced and nervous.
As I stepped away from my car and walked towards the entrance, I pointed a gun at his back and whispered for him to remain quiet until his wife opened the door. Immediately, she opened it, and I pushed him inside. Seeing me point the gun at her husband's head, she was in awe. Her eyes and mouth were agape, as if seeing a ghost. Her body trembled, her innocent eyes pleading with me—it was intense fear.
Mr. Peter pleaded with me to spare his life, offering a huge amount of money. I intimidated them with my eyes, shouting for them to keep quiet. His children and househelps rushed towards the living room. Mrs. Nwafor urged her children not to come further. There were three kids—a boy and two girls. One househelp held the little boy close; I could tell he was the last born. I stood still, seeing the innocent eyes of her children. My inexperience showed as I hesitated.
Thinking about my family's tragic end, the spirit of vengeance took over. Without hesitation, I shot Mr. Peter in the head; the sound of the gunshot echoed. Quickly, I killed his wife and every living being present, including the children. Before fleeing in my vehicle, I drew a symbol with Mr. Peter's blood on the living room floor.
That night was the day I lost my humanity—a night I can never forget. Now, speaking of time's concept, I've been waiting patiently for my next target to leave the shopping mall. Time seems not to be on my side, but fortunately, impatience isn't in my vocabulary. Swiftly, I will end him and his bodyguards who will likely stand in my way. Come on, you idiotic man—it's time for you and your family to meet their maker.
****
As the night breeze gently caressed his skin, Roland sat motionless, his eyes burning with intensity. His face relaxed, supported by his hands, his gaze seemed fixed on something undefined, yet his attention was clearly elsewhere. What could keep a man so transfixed? The answer lay in the turmoil of thoughts swirling within. Roland, a renowned and newly recognized detective in his prime, was deeply lost in contemplation.
The infamous Serial Killer case, dominating the news, weighed heavily on his mind. Roland couldn't shake the feeling that the victims were connected. His research revealed a peculiar link – all three victims had a sort of relationship, possibly friendship or business partnership.
"Two is a coincidence; three is a pattern," Roland mused. "It can't be chance that these three victims share a connection. The killer isn't striking randomly; he has selected targets. Revenge or retaliation seems likely. But how many more are on his list? Considering the victims' wealth and influence, it's plausible he's targeting the affluent. What drove the killer to this elimination quest? The twisted mind behind these crimes fascinates and unsettles me."
The signature "V" left at each crime scene taunted the world, spreading fear. Roland realized that anyone perceived as a threat could become the next victim, including himself. His lead to solving the case would be researching connections between other wealthy individuals and the three victims.
As Roland's thoughts subsided, he shifted his gaze to the mesmerizing stars above, slowly tilting his head back and forth. After a few minutes of stargazing, he concluded his evening routine, exiting the portable porch refreshed.