I wasn't exactly sure where to end this chapter, but in the end, I finally worked out an appropriate ending. (At least I think so.) This one is a bit bigger that my past few chapters, and has a lot of flashbacks…

As for my reviewers— Bokmal14,Samstar1990, FlamingIce94, BBleached and Miako6– Thanks a lot everyone! Readers like you keep me going!


Chapter 15

"He died approximately between 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.—that is near about evening. From the way he's lying, I'd say he was attacked from behind. See the way his legs are bent? He had been crouching when the attacker ambushed him." Max straightened up and looked at the others. "He took a direct hit on his medulla oblongata, that is the brain stem. It was an instant death."

Tyson gazed down at the gigantic figure sprawled in front of him. Gary Tan was lying facedown on the ground. A bloody lump swelled at the back of his head. There was no doubt that he had been caught unaware.

'Another attack.' Tyson thought gravely. 'And this time, the killer succeeded. He has taken yet another life… but was this, his last victim?'

"Has the weapon been recovered yet?" he asked.

"It has," Michael replied. "Come and see for yourself."

"You guys go ahead." Max called after them. "I'll see what else I can find about the victim."

As the group followed Michael, that night's earlier events ran through Tyson's mind…


Flashback


"I-I don't believe this!" Tyson slammed his fist onto the table, beside the innocent looking phone. "Another kill!"

"The attack took place by the lake…" Hiro said gravely. "That means it's close to the Yan residence… again."

"C'mon! Let's not sit here, doing nothing," Tyson spoke jumping up. "We better get to the crime scene before McGregor does something drastic."

"Wait."

Everyone looked at the speaker. Kai's face was taught and his lips drawn tight.

"We'll split up."

"Huh?" Tyson asked confused. "Why?"

"Hiro," Kai turned towards the elder Granger. "I want you to go and investigate at the Yans' house. Then, bring Lee, Mariam or both to the crime scene. The rest of us will meet you there."

Hiro nodded once, and left without question.

"Mr. Dickenson, would you go and check up on Kon? I believe he's already at his apartment."

"I most certainly will, Kai," the chairman replied boldly. "I've spent enough time on the sidelines."

Kai nodded, before turning towards Kenny. "You better stay here, Kenny. I want you to work on Matilda Alster."

"Right."


End of Flashback


At first, Kai's intentions didn't make much sense to him. But later…


Flashback


"Look who finally decided to join the party," McGregor's triumphant voice, greeted them as they reached the lake.

"Where's the victim?" Tyson asked curtly.

"Curious, aren't we? Sorry, Granger. But you'll have to wait. You have a few questions to answer first."

"Stop wasting—"

"Make it quick."

"Kai!"

Kai ignored him, and looked straight at Johnny. "You wanted to ask something?"

"Straight to the point, eh Hiwatari? Fine, we'll play it your way."

The Scot turned towards Tyson and held up a plastic bag. It contained a familiar looking silver mobile, with the emblem of a blue dragon.

"I believe this is yours."

"It is."

"Then perhaps you could explain, what it was doing near the victim's body; and also why you answered my call earlier, when it was Kon's number that I had dialed."

"We must've swapped phones by mistake."

"So that means, your phone got here by the courtesy of Kon. In other words, Kon had been here."

"That does not prove anything! There's no evidence that Ray and Gary had been here at the same time."

"As a matter of fact, there is evidence."

"What?!"

"We have questioned a few witnesses, who claim to have seen the victim and Kon together, just after sundown. And you know what the interesting part is? Those two had a fight."

Johnny leered as he produced another bag. This one contained a few strands of long raven hair.

"These were found coiled around the victim's fingers."

"…"

"Also, a couple of local shopkeepers have reported seeing a 'slightly disarrayed young Chinese man, with long hair' leaving the spot alone. It was around six to six-fifteen—near about an hour after they had been seen together. But surprisingly, no one saw Tan leave. So I don't think there's any doubt that—"

"You're wrong." Kai cut across calmly.

"What?!" Johnny sneered.

"Tan did leave the spot, right after Kon."

Both Tyson and Johnny stared.

"And what evidence do you have that he did?" the later sneered again.

Wordlessly, the Russian jerked his head towards the road.

Two beams of headlights could be seen making their way towards the group. Soon, Michael's Honda screeched to halt beside them. The doors opened, to reveal Hiro and Michael, along with a chalky-white Lee.

"G-Gary…" the neko-jin whispered in a hoarse voice. "N-no…"

"What is he doing here?" Johnny snapped at Kai.

"He is my evidence."

"What the hell, Hiwatari! What are you playing at?"

Kai turned towards Hiro, since Lee seemed to be in shock. "Did you get his statement?"

"I did," Hiro replied. "Gary Tan visited his house near about seven."

"What?!" Johnny's face turned purple with shock and rage.

"Mariam Shane had been discharged from the hospital, earlier this morning." Hiro continued, ignoring the redhead's outburst. "Tan came to visit her. He spent near about fifteen minutes there. He left for home, the same time Lee did for his office. They parted just before passing this lake. Yan took the other road, while Tan headed this way."

"Th-that's his t-truck…" a Lee whispered, as he pointed a shaky finger towards a shabby looking truck, parked a few feet away. "He-he didn't go home… He stopped here…"

Lee swayed slightly on his feet. Michael had to put a hand on his shoulder to steady him. "I think it's better he stays in the car." The blond suggested. "He's a bit… unstable, right now."

"I think you're right," Max nodded.

As Michael escorted the dazed man into the car, Kai turned towards Johnny.

"Tan was with Lee at seven. But from your report, Kon had left nearly an hour before that."

"B-but his hair—"

"They did fight. But nothing says that Kon committed the murder."

"Also," Hiro joined in. "Lee said that the victim had mentioned nothing about Kon."

Johnny spluttered something incoherent before snarling, "That doesn't mean I'll stop myself from interrogating Kon!"

"We've already taken care of that, McGregor," Tyson spoke as he finally caught up with Kai's real intentions. "Ray's being interviewed right now, as we speak… by Stanley Dickenson himself."

Johnny's eyes widened.

"You see, Johnny" Tyson continued. "Mr. Dickenson doesn't exactly like getting interrupted. Being the head of the BBA and all… But anyway, now that you have all your questions answered, I don't think Mr. D would appreciate if you keep us waiting any longer."

Johnny's face turned from purple to green; then from green to red as he gritted his teeth. His glared at the four men standing before him, eyes lingering on one figure particularly. At last, he took a deep breath to control himself. Even though he tried to sneer, a strong hint of fury could be detected in his voice.

"You wimps can play around all you want. I have already done what was necessary. Now if you want the leftovers, you can have it! But don't think I'm done yet. I still have more than enough ways to get to the murderer."

Saying so, the Scot turned on his heels and stormed off.

As soon as the orange Volkswagen was out of sight, the group hurried off towards the crime scene, that had been barricaded with yellow tapes.


End of Flashback


A number of policemen and photographers were already present when they reached the body. Gary Tan's corpse had not been touched, but there was also no sign of the weapon with which he had been hit.

"The lake." that was what Kai had said before he left abruptly in Tyson's car. And from the current situation, the lawyer knew that, once again, the Phoenix was right—the weapon had indeed been dumped into the lake.

"Here we are," Michael's voice brought Tyson out of his thoughts.

A worn out and slightly rusted hammer was placed in front of him. It looked handmade, but with excellent skills. The head of a bear was curved on the wooden shaft, along a few Chinese symbols. The metal head was simple, with a few curved patterns. Although very indistinct, but the slight crimson stain, at one corner, left no doubt about the brutal act that had been committed with it.

"It belonged to Tan," Michael explained. "Lee identified it. He said that Tan, himself made his own tools. See that engraved bear on its handle? It's supposed to be Tan's trademark. And the speck of blood on the head proves that this hammer was used for the kill. I doubt that any fingerprints would be found, though. The water should've washed off any traces the killer might've left."

Tyson sighed. "How's Lee?" he asked heartlessly.

"Jumpy," Michael replied with a slight frown. "He recovered a few minutes earlier and… flared up a bit. He strongly believes that—"

"Ray did it." The bluenette finished gravely.

"We dismissed him a few minutes ago," Hiro spoke up. "He was getting really agitated about leaving his fiancée all alone in the house. Mariam's still pretty weak. That's why I couldn't bring her here as well. I think her condition worsened after knowing about Gary's death. She doesn't have any recollection of her little performance with Kai, at the hospital. But she dreads that she'll be next."

Tyson sighed yet again. "She suspects Ray, as well doesn't she?"

Hiro's grave look was enough for an answer.

Tyson closed his eyes, as he pictured the small conversation he had with Kai, before he left…


Flashback


"Kai?"

The person in question stopped, one hand resting on the door of the car.

"How long…? How long before this ends?" Tyson's voice was almost desperate.

Kai had an unreadable expression on his face as he spoke quietly.

"This is just the beginning…"


End of Flashback


...The man's wrinkled forehead creased even more as he frowned in concentration…

He knew what was going to happen…

His lips began to move more rapidly...

He had seen this before… several times…

...The man opened his eyes, and lifted the candle over his head…

Soon… the candle would be thrown and the house would explode… Soon… It was always the same…

With a wild cry, the candle was flung towards the house…

But not this time…

This time, no one screamed behind him… no house was burning… no villagers were seen… no voices were heard…This time…it was different…

'What's going on?' Ray's mind questioned himself. Everything seemed so familiar…yet so different…

Suddenly, huge walls of flames burst all around him. Ray blinked. He finally noticed that he was standing in room…a familiar room…

He watched as the flames engulfed doors, the curtains…, and a small bed. A small picture rested on it. It showed a young man with dark raven hair; his arms wrapped around a beautiful woman with long black hair. The picture…it seemed so familiar…it was familiar…it was his most precious belonging. He used to keep it in his room…His room! …His house!…he was standing in…

"NO!" Ray's heart sped up as he grasped the situation. It was the same dream…the very same…but only this time it wasn't his father who was being… sacrificed…it was…

"No! No! No!" Ray yelled out to the emptiness. "This isn't true! This isn't right! I'm innocent! I didn't to anything! I didn't do it!!!!"

He jumped as he heard a soft chuckle behind him. He whipped around and felt his heart stop.

A lone silhouette was standing amidst the inferno. He flames licked his skin desperately, but it remained unblemished as ever. The figure had its head bowed, sleek hair shadowed his eyes. The corner of his lips was curved upwards very slightly.

He took a step forward, as Ray remained frozen on the spot. The fire glittered off his form like water. Soon he was standing right in front of Ray.

Ray forgot where he was, who he was. He tried to speak, but no word would come out.

The figure raised his head very slowly. Blazing amethyst orbs turned intense crimson as the fire reflected off them. The flawless lips parted and husky whisper filled Ray's senses…

"Lair."

Ray's eyes flashed opened as he shot up. His heart raced against time, as his gulped down air hungrily. He was shaking uncontrollably.

"No!" he yelled as he suddenly felt a hand on his bare shoulder.

"Take it easy, Ray. It's me." A kind voice said soothingly.

Ray blinked as he took in his surroundings. He was in his apartment, lying on the couch, where he had collapsed as soon as he entered. A blanket was thrown over his body, but it had ended up being tangled in his legs. Ray could also make out several rips and slashes on it. He finally looked up to see the familiar snowy mustache that rested on the chubby face of the BBA head.

"M-Mr. Dickenson?" his voice was hoarse as he spoke.

"Ray, m'boy! Are you alright?" the old man looked concerned.

"I—" his voice cracked. He nodded instead.

"Here," a glass of water was gently pressed against his lips. "Drink."

Ray gulped down the water gratefully, the cool liquid soothing his throat.

Mr. Dickenson lowered the empty glass. "How are you feeling?" a trace of worry was still present in his voice.

"Better, I guess." Ray hesitated for a moment. "Mr. Dickenson, how—?"

"Tyson gave me the keys," the old man explained. "I apologies for the intrusion, but nobody answered me when I knocked."

"I'm sorry, Sir. I must've dozed off…"

"You needed it. You look terrible, Ray. I would've let you sleep on… but you started thrashing and groaning a few minutes ago."

Ray's breath hitched as he remembered the dream. He shook his head immediately to dismiss the thought.

"Is everything alright?" Mr. Dickenson sounded concerned again.

"Mr. Dickenson… I want to tell you something…"

"Don't hold back, my boy. You can tell me anything."

The chairman placed an encouraging hand on Ray's shoulder. He himself had chosen Ray for the BBA. Ray was one his most special students, and was almost like a grandson.

Ray knew that no matter what, Mr. Dickenson would understand. He was the closest thing Ray had to a parent, since his mother's death. But still… Ray wasn't ready. He was not yet ready to disclose his greatest secret—the one that had changed his life forever. Instead…

"Mr. Dickenson…"

"Go on," the old man encouraged.

"I… This evening… I ran into Gary."

The hand on his shoulder tightened a bit.

"He was furious, and nearly killed me. But then I reminded him about Mariah, and he came back to his senses. But he was still angry. He thinks that… that…." Ray swallowed. "That I killed her."

"What happened then? Did he hurt you?"

"No," Ray paused for a bit, before saying a bit hurriedly. "After a while… we er, dropped it."

Ray looked down. He knew that the other did not believe it completely. But thankfully, Mr. Dickenson did not push him. He just nodded.

"And then… after sometime, I left…"

"And Gary? Did he leave as well?"

"I don't know…"

"You mean he was still by the lake, when you left him?"

"Yeah. I—" Ray stopped abruptly as he realized something. "The lake?... How did you know we met by the lake?"

Mr. Dickenson's face was grave.

"Mr. Dickenson?" Ray felt the panic returning. "Did something happen? Is- is Gary…?"

"He is dead," came the quiet response. "His body has been found by the lake."

Ray's world froze. He could neither speak nor move.

'No! It's impossible… I didn't…"

A deep voice whispered in his ears.

'Lair.'


The yellow tapes swayed slightly in the gentle breeze, reflecting the light of the street lamp. The moon was not visible, due to the overcast sky. The small house stood in the eerie silence of the night.

However, the utter silence soon broken with the soft sound of hurried footsteps. Soon, a lone figure rounded up the corner. A grey duffel bag bounced of its back, as the figure broke into a light sprint. It stopped as it reached the barricade of the crime scene tapes, and looked around. After making sure that no was watching, it ducked under tapes and hastened towards the gates.

The person cringed slightly as the gates creaked sharply. Once inside the gates, the figure lowered the bag onto the ground and stepped into the garden, eyes focused on the ground.

'C'mon! It's got to be here somewhere!'

After a few seconds, a sharp intake of breath was heard. The figure stood beside the house, horrified eyes focused on the up-turned flowerbed.

'No! No! No!' it began digging through the soil frantically. 'Please! Don't let it be found!'

After a while, it gave up with a painful groan. "No…" its voice trembled. Slowly, it raised its head and looked up at the window, with a hopeless hope.

A small ray of confidence was gained, when the widow turned out to be unbolted.

Very cautiously and silently, the figure swung its legs over the sill, end dropped into the room. The room seemed quiet… too quiet. The figure shuddered slightly as it passed the green armchair. Somehow, the bloodstains seemed more bright in the fade light of the street lamp, outside. The 'intruder' stood in front of the small cupboard near the corner, hands frozen before the handle. It took a deep breath…

"Well," it whispered. "Here goes nothing…"

The gloved hands posed over the handle. The fingers began to close in, slowly. They were almost in contact when…

Something fell on the ground; close by, with a soft 'thump.'

With a yell, the figure spun around, back colliding with the door. The fade yellow light from the window showed a familiar looking grey duffel bag, lying a few feet away, on the ground.

'What the—?'

"Not a very smart move, on your account."

The figure jumped at the smooth and calm voice that seemed to have come right out of darkness, and whipped its head to the side… only to feel the colour drain out of its face…

Leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed and eyes ablaze… was none other than Kai Hiwatari.


Yep! That's all for now. You'll have to wait for the next update to know what follows this. ^_^

So far, all you've read is mystery, mystery and more mystery… But rest assure, the knot of mysteries with start to unravel from the next chapter! So till then, stay tuned and keep reviewing!

With Best Wishes,

KPR.