Sorry about the wait but I was having trouble writing as my brain was not working, not to mention I started a new story. But don't fear dear readers as I haven't forgotten about my story. I'm trying to decide where I want to go and keep things interesting. I have so many ideas that I have for further chapters but I just need to put them into words. So I hope everyone who is reading this story is enjoying it. I know it's different from other stories but if you bear with me I won't disappoint. So please feel free to leave me feedback as it does help motivate me. Again, enjoy.

Chapter 21

"Look at the crime scene Helen." Nikki said perplexed.

"I don't understand," Helen replied confused.

"What doesn't ring true here? This crime scene has been staged." She said, looking around as if she was being played.

"I don't quite follow."

"We know the victim suffered the same gruesome outcome as the others. We know they were all dumped by the killers in places they are familiar with." Nikki said, her brain in overdrive. "This crime scene is too neat, too surreal as if the killers are trying to tell us something different. They want us to play the game. The dominated killer needs to feel in control and I believe his need for control will be his downfall."

Helen looked around, took a look at her notes but she couldn't quite see where Nikki was going. "Sorry, I don't understand what you mean."

Nikki's eyes narrowed as she again scanned the crime scene as her brain carefully put the pieces of the puzzle together. "Look at the leaves and twigs on the ground…and around the body…but where do you see trees that would shed these kinds of leaves?" Nikki said turning to Helen.

Helen scratched her head, staring intently at the leaves and her eyes grew wide. "Well I be damn," she said. She couldn't believe she didn't notice it. She was amazed that Nikki noticed the little details. Even thought she was a DCI and had been to many crime scene, Nikki deduced this crime scene as if she was reading a mystery novel and giving her a logical conclusion. It was surreal watching Nikki work. She wondered if Nikki ever took courses in criminal science.

"Look at these. These leaves are called Sycamore, as some regard it as a weed. It is not native but was introduced from central and south east Europe. They are simple but large leaves. They are somewhat ragged edge to the leaf and in younger trees, the bark is smooth, but as the tree ages it becomes grey and scaly/flaky." Nikki said. "But if you notice, the trees around here are London Plane tree. Half of the trees planted in London are the London Plane or Hybrid Plane. They are more tolerant of atmospheric pollution and compaction of the root system. The leaves are also simple and maple or sycamore-like but there is a difference. The top surface is a darker green than the lower and the veins are quite noticeable. In autumn, the leaves can form vibrant yellows and orange before they fall."

"Wow Nikki, you amaze me by the minute." Helen said smiling. "You noticed all that?"

"I know a lot of useless knowledge, but at times it can be quite handy." Nikki said smiling. She didn't know why she never told Helen that graduated first in Computer Forensics and had a doctrine at Criminal Law. She didn't want to feel different. She knew it was wrong but she told herself that she would eventually tell her.

"What else do you see and why?" Helen asked.

"Right now we are playing a game with them. That is what they want." Nikki said, feeling her nerves rise. "The next killing will be revealed soon and it will be different."

"But why is what I don't understand?" Helen said, annoyed. "And what's up with the leaves?"

"They want us to research and solve the riddle…I don't know why yet. The book, the envelope, the crime scene and I am guessing there is something else to this crime scene we have overlooked." Nikki looked around observing the area, then she bent down again to pick up a leave. She examined it closely, thinking. Then she focused on a single large tree and walked towards it. As she walked towards it she had a feeling she was drawn to that tree for a reason. She patted the tree and felt a loose bark. When she pulled the bark back she saw a note behind it. She turned around and motioned for Helen to come.

"There is a note," Nikki said handing it over to Helen.

Helen took the note and began to read it, "I have no remorse for my enemy," the note read, as if the killer was portraying himself as a victim of oppression. "And I will take your life, judge, as quick as you can blink your eye." Helen blinked and gave Nikki a blank expression.

"This killer is unfit to walk among human beings." Nikki replied coldly.

"Riddle me this: This question can only be answered from an unusual perspective. Can you get yourself there….oops…I hide in shadows from the light but you the sinner will die tonight…your judgement shall reveal for all to see…death will beckon you, your eyes shall bleed." Helen continued reading.

"Apparently, if you find these riddles on a first guess, you're either very intelligent or have the mind of a serial killer." Nikki expressed amusement. "What this all means I am not sure yet, but I suspect there will be more clues to follow." "

Bloody hell," Helen spat. "I don't like where this is all leading to."

"What else does it say?"

Helen turned over the note and read, "If you are reading this, then you are clever…but on a bed of roses the thorns hide…flesh and bones…meet me on the other side."

Nikki wrinkled her forehead as she tried to untangle the web. Think Nikki, think she thought to herself. She walked around as Helen watched on, wondering what the riddle meant. Then she closed her eyes and imagined herself in the killer shoes and focused on what was important. She read the riddle in her mind, over and over again trying to understand the meaning.

"What are you thinking Nikki?" Helen said watching Nikki.

"On a bed of roses the thorns hide…" Nikki said out loud. "Flesh and bones…meet me on the other side."

"What do you think it means?" Helen asked.

"Roses are symbolic of love but the shades of red roses also has meanings. Bright red means love, burgundy means unconscious love, dark crimson is mourning. A wither rose is used to show that the love is over." Nikki said, knowing the roses had meaning. "Roses have long been revered for their beauty and fragrance. Historically, they were considered religious symbols. During the middle ages, roses were thought to have significant religious meaning. A red rose symbolized martyrdom or the blood of Christ. Thorn-less roses signified a sinless life while roses with thorns represented flawed mortality."

"I did not realise that roses were considered religious symbols." Helen replied.

"Roses with thorns have long been a symbol of adversity, as well as sacrifice. We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." In Oscar Wilde's famous work, "The Nightingale and the Rose," a nightingale pierces its breast on a rose thorn so the lover may have a red rose for his beloved."

"So where does this all lead us to?" Helen asked.

"Well, if I am precise in my thinking, the clue is simple." Nikki said smiling, but leaving a confused Helen. "We need to find a rose bush. Meet me on the other side…." Nikki looked around. "That direction. To the other side of here. I am sure we will find another body."

"How did you come to that conclusion?" Helen asked wondering. "Flesh and bones of course. But if you're right, I have a suggestion." She told Nikki. "Dominic, over here."

Helen waited for Dominic to approach. "What's up?"

"Dominic, you lived in these parts all your life. If I was looking for rose bushes where would I might look?" Helen asked.

"Okay, well if I wanted to find one close to here, there is a farm not far from here that grows roses. In that direction, over the road. It's about a ten minute walk." Dominic said, smiling as if he knew something.

Helen looked over at Nikki who was smiling. "Fine, we shall go your direction. I hate when you're right."

"Then I promise I won't gloat," Nikki said, grinning.

"You owe me dinner later tonight." Helen stuck her tongue out. It was nice being herself again with Nikki. She knew nothing about their discussion was sorted, but it felt nice being with Nikki.

"As you wish…as you wish." Nikki laughed.

Karen's mobile ran. "Hello." There was a slight hesitation on the other line. "Hello."

"Hey it's me," Yvonne spoke, tired from the hectic morning rush.

Karen felt her heartbeat race. With a cracked voice she said, "I felt like I was some kind of plague."

"Don't get melodramatic on me please," Yvonne said. "What I need is a sympathetic ear."

"Nice try, but I know you Yvonne. Something is bothering you. Please tell me what it is." Karen asked, not sure what she wanted to hear. She was a little scared and dumbfounded since she had her talk with Nikki.

"What are you getting at?" Yvonne said, confused but trying to not let it show in her voice.

"Nevermind," Karen replied, losing her nerve. Was she even ready to open that can of worms? Would Yvonne even remember? All she knew is that the life she knew before could no longer be. All the years she spent hiding from her feelings, she rejected anyone who tried to enter her heart. It wasn't as if she was unhappy, but being in Yvonne's life was putting a huge strain on her psyche and she had to get out of her comfort zone. She had convinced herself that one day Yvonne would confess her love but that day never happened and she remained loyal to the one person who captured her heart. Maybe she needed to finally break away from Yvonne and truly find happiness. It was a sad thought but what choice did she have.

"You're weird," Yvonne breathed heavily into the phone. "You're my best mate, but I might just trade you in for something new."

"If you did that then who will put up with all your mood swings?" Karen said, trying to sound serious.

Yvonne thought about it for a moment, then laughed. "We are a right pair. I wanted to know if I could come over tonight. I don't want to be alone." She said, her voice sounding depressed.

"Are you okay," Karen said worried. She didn't like the way Yvonne's voice sounded. "You want to talk about it."

"Not over the phone," Yvonne replied. "I really just want to have a girl's night in. Is that okay with you? I mean if you're not busy with anything."

"Even if I was busy I would cancel it for you. I don't like how you sound. Come by after seven and we can order in." Karen said.

"Thanks babe, you're the best." Yvonne said, feeling a little more upbeat.

"Anything for you. All you need to do is ask." She said, smiling to herself. No matter how hard she tried to remove herself from Yvonne throughout the years, she could never go through it. Her heart would never allow it.

"I shall see you later tonight then," Yvonne said. "I know I don't always tell you, but I really do love you."

Karen was silent for a moment taking in the words she loved hearing. "Actually, you told me not to long ago. You're going all soft on me. Soon you will be giving me hugs." She joked.

"Don't push it," Yvonne said, laughing over the phone.

"Okay, will see you tonight," then a silence came over them before Karen finally spoke, "I love you back."

(Later in the day…)

"I want you to take a look at this missing person case for me, Kate O'Donnell, tell me what you think." Dominic said.

"You expect me to think without my cuppa," Helen smirked. "After the morning crap we had I need a strong cuppa."

"I'd like you to," Dominic replied. "You do have the experience in this sort of thing."

"Could it be just a runaway" Helen replied, not giving much thought. She had bigger fish to fry. "Maybe it's as simple as that."

"Maybe, maybe not," He said. "Good looking girl, isn't she. Could be an easy prey."

Helen took the file and began to read it. "Honour student with no prior history."

"She was working part-time at a local variety store at east end." Dominic said. "It says her mother always picks her up. This doesn't read like a typically runaway does it"

Helen sighed. She had a sick feeling in her stomach. "No it doesn't Dom."

"Helen, there is a Mr. and Mrs., O'Donnell in reception, something about a missing person they filled out last night" An officer said.

"Okay, thank you, tell them I shall meet them shortly," she said. Helen looked over at Dominic. "Come with me. We need to deal with this."

They made their way towards the parents who looked weary. Helen ushered them towards an empty office as they all sat down.

"Are you sure that your daughter went for an interview with this Mr. Gold about a job offering" Helen asked.

"She didn't actually say his name to us," Mrs. O'Donnell replied.

"Then how did you know his name?" Dominic replied quickly.

"Miriam told us, her best friend that she was going to an interview with someone named Gold," she replied. "She was the last person to see her before she left for the interview."

"She was excited about landing herself a higher paying job," Mr. O'Donnell said. "It's hard to understand, one minute she is there smiling happily," he said trying to hold back his emotions. His voice became shaky.

"Would you like some water," Helen asked, trying to show sympathy. She knew that their daughter might be a victim of the serial killer. It was only an educated guess but something she knew deep inside would come to pass.

"Is there any reason why your daughter would want to work?" Helen asked.

"What difference does that make," his wife said angrily.

"She was saving up to build a dark room at home," Mr. O'Donnell replied. "She's a very good photographer."

"We offered to buy the equipment for her, but she insisted on paying it for herself," Mrs. O'Donnell said. "She is a very independent girl."

"Perhaps too independent." He said.

"It says here that your daughter was supposed to meet Mr. Gold at this address but when we searched the number, there was no address to be found." Helen mentioned.

"Yes, we tried to call the number that we were given but it was not in service and we got worried." She replied. "And when our daughter didn't come home we called her friends but no one seemed to know where she was."

"So we decided to drive around the streets and look for her ourselves." Mr. O'Donnell said. "But we couldn't find her anywhere, that's when we.." he choked on his words.

"Mr. O'Donnell, we will do everything in our power to find your daughter." Helen said, feeling like her words were empty as she understood that they may never see their daughter again.

"Thank you detective." He replied.

"I'll let you know what's happening in our end when we have any new information." Helen said getting up and allowing Dominic to showthem to the door.

"Adriana, can I speak with you for a minute," Helen asked their older daughter. "Is there any reason that you can think of why your sister might have run away?" Helen said trying not to sound insensitive. "Something she didn't want your parents to know about."

"Of course not, what are you trying to do," she said with a disgusted look in her eyes. "Don make it sound as if she was in some kind of trouble, or worst."

"Of course not," Helen replied. "Is there something bothering you?"

"Last night, the policeman on duty, he told us that it's routine with missing persons to wait 48 hours before doing anything. 48 hours. A lot can happen in 48 hours." She said with an annoyed expression.

"Thank you," Helen replied, sighing. She did not have any answers but she knew there would be no homecoming.

(Flashback to the morning crime scene)

"I hate feeling like we are being led in a wild goose chase." Helen said walking along side Nikki.

"I don't think this game they are playing is for nothing," Nikki replied as they continued walking down a path. "We should see something soon."

They continued walking until they saw in the distance a farmhouse. They had been walking in an open field, but as they continued closer, the crops became taller.

"If I had known we were going on some expectations then I might have worn an appropriate footing." Helen exclaimed.

"You know, I don't know how you wear those shoes to work." Nikki said laughing and shaking her head.

"I need to look professional," She said giving Nikki a coy stare.

"If you say so but I prefer to wear shoes that are comfortable, yet stylish." Nikki grin. She liked watching Helen struggle. It amused her.

"Are you saying I don't look stylish?" Helen moaned.

"No," Nikki giggled. "But would your feet agree?"

Helen pouted, as she grabbed Nikki's arm for support. "Damn crops, damn brushes…"

Nikki stopped walking which made Helen look up in surprise until she realised they have stumbled upon a large field of roses. They were many different species and colours. It was a beautiful sight to see.

"What do you think we'll find?" Helen asked Nikki who looked weary.

"I don't know but something tells me whatever it is we are not going to like it." Nikki said exhaling. She didn't know what she was looking for. "Keep your eyes open."

"I know," Helen replied. "We have no clue what we are looking for."

"It will present itself." Nikki stated. "Remember, they want us to find it. No fun if we can't find it."

"Well, judging by the ground, these footprints seem fresh." Helen said. "I need to call this in as we need to process this area."

As Helen dialled her mobile, Nikki looked around carefully, as she did not want to contaminate possible evidence. But deep inside she knew, the killers we too smart to leave any evidence behind. As she continued walking so noticed something white hanging off a rose brush. When she got closer she realised it was another clue.

"Helen, over here." Nikki said.

"What is it Nikki," Helen replied walking towards Nikki who was pointing at a white envelope. "Another clue?"

Nikki carefully removed the envelope, careful not to get pricked by the thorns and opened it. "Congratulations, you have passed the first step. Riddle me this: Go through the place, the house of slaughter, the prize is hidden, a treasure you're after."

"What do you think it means?" Helen asked Nikki who was in deep thought.

"The house of slaughter is a barn," Nikki said, pointing to the red barn in the distance. "The prize is hidden….my guess is once we arrive inside the barn there should be a trunk somewhere in which we will find our treasure."

"Are you ready," Helen said breathing. She knew something awful was waiting for them.

Nikki took hold of Helen's hand which at first startled her, but Nikki's grip was firm as if she was trying to hold on for dear life. "Shall we go on," Nikki said, looking at Helen and giving her a frightful look.

"Together," Helen smiled in the face of uncertainty. "Whatever we find brings us one step closer to them. I know we can catch these bastards.

Nikki nodded her head and they both continued walking until they were standing in front of the red barn. Then Nikki slowly opened the door and an awful smell of death rushed through her nose. She had to stop for a moment. Helen removed her gun, just in case there was something waiting for them inside.

"This barn smells of death, and I don't mean the animal kind." Helen stated. "There is another body in here."

"It seems so Helen," Nikki said, covering her nose. "Look for a trunk. I am sure there is a trunk in here."

After a few minutes looking around the barn, they still had no come across a trunk or any other clue. "I don't see anything, but these stairs lead to something and I'm guessing our treasure." Nikki said, looking at Helen who motioned with her eyes still holding her gun.

"Follow me, Nikki." Helen said, as she made her way slowly up the wooden stairs watching for anything unsuspecting.

When they finally reached the top there were bundles of hay and a stack of wood, and many hooks hanging with dry blood on them. "Stay behind me," Helen whispered as they made their way towards the large bundle of hay and as they approached closer the smell of death became stronger. In the corner there was an old worn out trunk and both Helen and Nikki turned to look at each other and exhaled.

"I get this foreboding feeling," Nikki said quietly.

Helen went to open the drunk and was hit with a harsh smell of death and her eyes grew wide with fear and disgust that she had to look away. She felt ill and sickened by what she saw. She couldn't believe how inhuman a person could be.

Nikki looked inside the truck, her nose covered by her arm and she wanted to cry. She felt a melancholy come over her and knew she could do nothing. "These bastards are sick and twisted."

"Nikki, we need to catch them," Helen said passionately. "I know this is just the beginning and I fear many more young girls will die."

"I know, I know," Nikki said, almost in a whisper.

What they found in that trunk was enough to make anyone vomit. Inside the trunk, a decapitated head and limbs were placed neatly. Blood stained the wooden trunk. But the true horror was not how brutal her staying must've been, but the look of horror that still stained the girl's face.

"It seemed the last thought she had was of absolute horror," Nikki stated as she could hear sirens in the background. "I can't imagine what thoughts went through her head as she understood death was her outcome."

"Twisted and demented," Helen spat in disgust. "This is not their normal killing pattern."

"I believe this girl represented a strong hate within him. I don't believe she was raped and sodomize. This killing is pure hatred. Something traumatic happened in his life recently for him to act out in this manner." Nikki explained.

"Someone in his life he hated," Helen interjected. "I believe there was someone in his life he killed, someone of significance and this killing is not typical of these killings."

"I believe that too, Helen." Nikki said. "I am guessing, no I believe this person was his mother. We need to link her death to him."

"If only it was that easy," Helen moaning, realising the days ahead with dark and gloomy.

"I won't be easy, but this is his first mistake." Nikki smiled. "And it won't be his last." Nikki bend down towards the trunk and reached in.

"Nikki," Helen said loudly. "You can't."

"But I see something," She said looking at Helen.

"You are not wearing gloves and I can't have you contaminating he crime scene. I'm sorry," Helen said, lowering her voice as she realised she must've sound harsh.

"I understand, but we need to see what's there." Nikki said.

"Leave it to me, the professional." Helen smiled. She took out a pen from her purse and carefully removed the small pouch with her gloves on. As she opened it, inside was a folded paper. She opened the paper and read out-loud. "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. Matthew 18:6" Helen looked at Nikki. "What do you think this means?"

Nikki thought about it for a minute before saying, "This statement is not about these young girls but something more personal. I believe our killer was sexual abuse as a young child, which would explain the brutal decapitation of this young girl. He projected his anger towards her."

"Great, our killer was at some point a young victim." Helen said in disbelief.

"Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked," Nikki said reciting from the bible. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Helen shook her head. "Our killer doesn't like crime against children," she spat. "But he has no problem taking innocent lives."

"Remember crimes against children tend to be local crimes with the vast majority taking place within the home or family circle." Nikki stated.

"Don't you think I know that," Helen replied. "I have seen many cases of child abuse. It's never easy dealing with these types of cases. Too many confuse pornographic with child abuse."

"A sexual image of a child is abuse or exploitation and should never be described as pornography," Nikki said. "Pornography is a term used for adults engaging in consensual sexual acts. Child abuse images are not. They involve children who cannot and would not consent and who are victims of a crime."

"In other words," Helen said. "He was a product of abuse, therefore, he was developed into becoming a killer."

"Something like that, yes I believe it so." Nikki replied. "I believe our killer earlier traumatic experience led to his unstable thinking. But his mind is unstable."

"This is shite Nikki," Helen said inhaling what felt like polluted air. "We need to dig deep and look through everything, old crimes, sex crimes…perhaps we can find a connection."

"It will be to no avail as I don't think the predator that committed these crimes against him was ever caught. And I believe it was someone he knew. A family member."

"As if the day couldn't get any crazier," Helen replied, breathing as the other members of her unit arrived at the scene. "Up here," she yelled out.

(At Nikki's Place)

"Blood patterns indicate she was dumped here." Helen said. "But we will not know anything else until we get back from the lab on the duct tape."

"They will need to determine whether usable latent fingerprint lifts could be recovered from the adhesive side of duct tape that had been submerged in fresh or salt water. Acquiring latent prints from adhesive sides of tape can be an arduous task beginning with unbinding the tape." Nikki replied. "So it will take a while before we have anything, but I bet they will not get anything from it."

"Well here's hoping they made a mistake."

Nikki went into her kitchen before coming out with a wine bottle and two wine goblet. She handed one over to Helen who was sitting on the couch looking through the files. "Best to drink while analyzing these files."

"So right you are," Helen smiled taking the goblet from Nikki.

Nikki poured the wine before sitting next to Helen. Then she took a zip from her goblet before saying, "Shall we start with the envelope address to me?"

Helen felt weary. She did not feel comfortable knowing what was in the envelope, considering it was address to Nikki. She wondered why it was addressed to her.

"Listen, Helen, I know you are probably weary about this, but we need to find out why it was address to me." Nikki said, understanding Helen's apprehension.

"It's just I worry," Helen said shyly.

"Nothing is going to happen to me as long as I have you," she replied trying to give Helen a warm smile.

"Shall I then," she said. Then Nikki began to open the envelope and pulled out a single piece of paper. She looked up at Helen who looked on intently. "First riddle: If you have me, you want to share me. If you share me, you haven't got me. What am I? Second riddle: What has one eye but cannot see? Third riddle: What occurs once in every minute, twice in every moment, yet never in a thousand years?"

"What the sodding hell is shite all about?" Helen said confused at the riddles. How was this going to lead them to their killers she thought?

"You need to read between the lines Helen," Nikki said smiling. She always enjoyed riddles growing up and often she had mini treasure hunts with her parents. She felt as if she was in her element. She knew this would be an advantages to them.

"Riddles is not a specialty of mine," Helen moaned. "But I am sure you will have this figure out before I drink my goblet dry." She smiled.

"Let's start with the first riddle," Nikki said. "Read the words carefully Helen. Clear your mind and look at the words again…I know you can do this. The answer is quite simple."

Helen looked over at the words trying to digest them. "If you have me, you want to share me….if you share me you haven't got me….what am I?" She read them over and over again. Then it hit her. She knew what it meant. "The answer is 'secret'" she said happily.

"See, it wasn't that difficult," Nikki winked. "Did you want to try the second riddle?"

"It's okay Nikki," Helen laughed. "I think one riddle is enough for me brain."

Nikki smiled. "What has one eye but cannot see…if you think about it, you know it has to be an object. What object looks like an eye but cannot see?"

"I have no clue," Helen said, shaking her head and taking another zip from her goblet.

"You see it's a needle. I mean the answer is a needle." Nikki said, amused.

"How the hell did you deduce a needle from that statement?" Helen said, not as a question but more as in disbelief that Nikki could be so brilliant.

"Every brain works differently," Nikki said tickled with the thought. "Mine just happens to work in overdrive."

"Bloody brilliant if you ask me, but I won't be complaining anytime soon."

"The last clue took me a few more seconds to digest," Nikki smiled. "What occurs once in every minute…twice in every moment…but never in a thousand years?" Nikki licked her lips. "What's important is the words 'minute' and 'moment'…the answer is the letter M."

"So what does 'secret, needle and the letter M' all mean?" Helen questioned. She could not see the connection.

"In truth, I do not know yet," Nikki replied. "But those words mean something and I'm guess when we look through the all the evidence that we have, we will find the answer to our next clue."

"I hate this shite," Helen spat. Why couldn't she pick a normal profession? A simple job with no headaches.

"Good thing you have me," Nikki said cheerfully. "And I make excellent company."

"I am really glad I'm here Nikki, considering everything that has happen." She said not sure how Nikki would act. Yes, being with Nikki was difficult as she could not stop thinking about her, especially in her dreams. But she needed to deal with Sean first.

"Listen Helen, can we just not mention what happened between us as I still haven't changed how I feel about you, but we're here to focus on work," she said flatly. "I just want us to be friends and I do know…I can't focus on that now. Or it will do my head in."

"I understand," Helen said looking down from the brown eyes that were looking at her with passion. It would be so easy to give in and allow herself to feel with Nikki. But in the end it wasn't right as long as she was still engaged to Sean. The thought depressed her but at least she was still breathing.