"Good morning, everyone. I'm afraid I have some sad news this morning."

I stirred my thoughts and eyes away from the stove and towards the tv behind me, where the newscaster's mournful eyes stared through the screen. The grey suit she wore dulled her eyes even more and made the silver in her hair shine.

"Another body was found early this morning by two hikers in the Raccoon Forest district. Police have reported the victim's name as Tonya Lipton and marked her as the third victim in the cannibalistic serial killings."

My full attention was stuck to the tv, entirely forgetting about the fried eggs cooking behind me.

Another victim? So soon?

"Her body was discovered by two locals early this morning. Chief Irons made a statement in regards to the case earlier today."

The fat, old man appeared on the screen. I couldn't help but notice the heavy bag under his eyes as he spoke; it made him even creepier...if that's even possible. A disgusted shiver trickled down my spine. I never liked him—always thought he was a walking lawsuit ready to snap.

"Miss. Lipton's body was discovered at approximately eight twenty-four this morning by two locals in the area," his curt voice trickled over to where I stood. "They stumbled upon Miss. Lipton's mutilated body just off the trail. I can't say anything more as it is still an active case, but just know that we here at the R.P.D. are doing everything we can to find whoever did this."

His face faded out and was replaced once more with the female reporter. "In other news today," her voice perked up, "the spring fair is coming to town this weekend in Victory Park. Flowers, rides and food—"

—The fire alarm blared overhead, and the smell of smoke filled my nose. I jumped around and noticed the burning eggs and snatched up the pan, and threw it under the faucet. As soon as the cold water hit the pan, black smoke billowed into my face, making me cough.

"Are you trying to burn the house down before noon?" Mom's hurried voice scraped against my ears as she swiped up the dish towel and waved it in front of the fire alarm.

The eggs were charred black as coal and smelt like something you'd drag out four-day-old garbage. I gagged and scraped the food into the trash, turning my head away as the smell wafted into my face. "Sorry, I was listening to the news."

"What else is new?" I heard her mumble as she tossed away the towel and hurried around the kitchen while tying up her hair and fixing her dress shirt.

"They found another body this morning. They say it's the third one connected to the cannibal killings."

That paused mom for half a second before she resumed getting ready for work. "Oh? Really? That's...awful...I feel sorry for the family...where did I put my glasses?"

My eyes shifted to her glasses atop her head. "Check your head."

Her fingers patted her forehead before resting on her glasses. "Oh, thank you! I need to run into the office today. I'll be late again, so don't wait up for me with dinner, OK?" She turned to me with a sad smile stretching across her face.

She always gets called into the office on her days off. The damn office can't afford to hire any good workers? Why would they spend extra money on two people when they can just underpay my mom and make her work double the hours? Typical sleazy ass-licking—

"—Did you hear me?"

"Yeah, yeah. I won't wait up for you. Have fun at work."

She sighed and strolled over beside me, forgetting about rushing for just a moment as she placed her hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes. "I know it's hard...but it pays well. It won't be for much longer, we're just in crunch time right now, and Peter is off sick with a broken leg for another week. It'll slow down again, you'll see."

She's been saying that for years; You'll see. Well, I can see she's lying to me. I don't know why she bothers anymore; who is she trying to fool?

I managed a weak head nod for her sake. "OK."

"Can you unload the dishwasher for me? Oh, and take the trash out and tell your father—"

"I know, I know...just breathe and go to work. I got everything under control here."

She didn't look convinced—which kind of hurt. Not like I would ever voice that to her. She's already got enough to worry about as is, and I know Joseph moving out hasn't settled her nerves any less. Her eyes rolled over to the messy kitchen and the catastrophe I called 'breakfast' and pushed her lips into a pout. "Just...don't lite the curtains on fire again, OK?"

"Mom!" I groaned. "That wasn't my fault! Joseph—"

—She grabbed me into a tight hug with a laugh and patted my back. "I know! Blame your brother!"

A genuine smile cracked my lips as I laughed with her. "It always worked before; why change it up now?"

"Are you going to visit him later today and check out his new apartment?" She swiped up her car keys and shoved her feet into those pointy high heels that hurt my feet just looking at them.

"Yeah, I was thinking of checking in on him after."

"Addison—"

"—What?"

She gave me that look—the look I've seen a thousand times. She was warning me without opening up her mouth because she knew I'd fight her on it. "Tell him 'hi' for me! I'll see you tonight! Be good, I mean it!" The door clicked shut behind her as she hurried down the driveway and inside her car.

With her gone and dad gone to the store, the house was empty with just the sound of the commercials playing in the background and the burnt smell of my failed attempt at breakfast still hanging in the air.

My eyes drifted over the messy kitchen, wincing as I landed on the burnt pan in the sink. The clean dishwasher button flashed out of the corner of my eyes as I placed my hands on my hips. I turned my back on the mess with a huff and started for the stairs to my room. I'll clean up the mess once I get back...I wanted to ask the R.P.D. some questions; maybe Joseph will drop something I can work with while I'm there. He should know about the cases.

I tossed my Pajamas to the side and opted for my usual pair of worn jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt—it might be spring, but the mornings can still bite. With my hair fixed, I snatched up my notepad, tucking it tightly under my arm as I shoved my feet into my old sneakers and started for the front door. I didn't technically lie to mom...I am going to see Joseph today...just at his work is all.

R.P.D

People were bustling through the entrance and main hall of the R.P.D. when I walked inside. I recognized some of the reporters that frequented the press meetings; some gave me a small wave as I passed them as I headed straight for the receptionist desk.

Leah's smile lit her face as I paused in front of the glass. "Hi, Addison, here for the press conference?" Leah was always nice to me. I used to go to school with her youngest son, Danny. The school's jock and, ahem, lady's man. I don't know what went wrong with him. How could someone be so...well, him when your mom is this sweet?

"Yes, but I just wanted to ask if my brother was at the office still?"

Leah fixed her glasses on her nose and flicked her eyes to the clock behind her. "He should be in a meeting with Captain Wesker about now. Maybe another half hour and he should be done. Want a coffee?"

That's perfect. It'll give me enough time to pop into the press room, ask some questions then pop over to Joseph right after.

I shook my head and fixed my purse strap over my shoulder. "No, that's OK, Leah. Thanks though. I'm going to head to the press room now."

"Hold up!" She reached into one of the drawers and handed me a visitor's pass. "You'll need one of these to get in." She wiggled the small laminated card out with a motherly smile on her face.

I pinned the flimsy card to my jacket and waved goodbye before turning on my heels and starting for the East wing.

As my shoes squeaked down the hall, the constant chatter grew louder as I neared the press room. The smell of cleaning supplies wafted to my nose as I turned the last corner and nearly smacked into someone. I quickly apologized and hurried inside the room.

It was packed with reporters and camera crews. They shouted questions and inquiries over each other, their faces all directed to the three men seated at the black table at the back of the room. I knew them well. Chief Irons was in the middle, dabbing his shiny forehead with a handkerchief as he rattled off generic answers to the press.

To his right was Detective Elliot, as calm and collected as usual. His heavy lids gave him a no-nonsense feeling to his stare, but I know once you start talking about hockey with him, the guy's eyes would light right up, and a grin curls his lips.

On the Chief's left was Sergeant Carlsen. His silver hair glistened under the harsh lighting above and cast his icy blue eyes into shadows, and made the heavy bags under his eyes more noticeable.

"Chief Irons! If these cases are connected, does that mean we're dealing with a serial killer in Raccoon?" One of the reporters asked.

"We haven't received any results from our labs, but it looks like all three victims were killed by the same person—or animal."

"Chief Irons!"

His eyes turned over to me, recognition dawning on him as he pointed. "Y-yes...you there."

"You said the victims were all mutilated. Could we be dealing with some kind of animal attack and not a human?"

It was Detective Edwards that answered. "With my understanding, it is the work of an animal that mutilated the victims, why is still unknown, and that is why we can't rule out human involvement just yet."

"Has a group of officers searched the area yet for any signs of animals that could do this?"

Chief Irons huffed. "Our officers are doing everything they can right now, Miss. Frost. It's in their best interests and mine to make sure the citizens of Raccoon feel safe. We do not have the bodies to start a search party for a potentially deadly animal, especially not with the size of the Arklay mountains. Still, we know they are doing everything they can right now to find the killer."

"Chief Ir—" I stifled a gasp as a heavy hand clamped down on my shoulder and spun me around.

"Why don't we just let them handle the other reporters, hm?"

Relief flooded me as soon as I came face to face with Lieutenant Marvin. "Marvin? What're you doing here?"

"I'm here to look after you because I knew you'd be down here as soon as you heard the news." He finished by crossing his arms and raising a thick eyebrow at me, daring me to contradict him.

"Is there anything else you can tell me about this case? She's the third victim, Marv—mutilated beyond recognition! This isn't just a regular animal attack."

"Why don't you go hang out with your friends, go goo-goo over guys and whatever it is kids your age do these days...just...get your nose out of this dark business."

I tried protesting as he led me out of the press room, but it was no use. He grabbed both my shoulders and all but shoved me out of the room and down the East hallway. People passing by gave us a weird side glance, but as soon as they saw my face, they rolled their eyes and puffed out a laugh as they shook their heads. Guess my name precedes me.

I shook him off as we started for the entrance door; his annoyed huff blew in my face as I turned to face him and clamped my hands over my chest. "Tryin' to get rid of me, Marv?"

"Yes."

His blunt answer didn't hurt; I knew he was just trying to protect me by keeping up his cold front. "Well, too bad, I'm here to represent the Raccoon College newspaper, and I have a right to be here and report on these grizzly murders."

"Between you and your brother, I don't know which one of you is more stubborn and a bigger pain in my ass." He let out a long breath, fixed his stance and stared me down. "Aside from locking you up, there isn't a thing I can do...and I don't want you harassing the other inmates, so I'll just look the other way—" he grabbed my arm as I tried walking past him. His voice lowered, and his eyes went cold. "But, you better watch your back; you may have good morals and just want to do good with this work, but reporting is anything but safe. People will stab you in the back and feed you to the wolves without batting an eye, you hear me?"

"Yes, Marvin. I'll watch my back—but I guess that's what you're here for, right?"

"Heh! I ain't no personal bodyguard, Addy! I already got enough to worry about than having to babysit you."

"Love you too, Marv. See you around," I grinned, earning a brow furrow from the man.

"You remember what I tell yeah!" He shouted.

My grin still cracked my lips as I turned the corner and started for the library.

Marvin is the station's best officer and father to everyone here—including annoying college girls trying to report on cases. I snorted as I reached the lounge and started for the hall.

No matter how many times I come in here, it still amazes me. The place used to be an art museum back in the day, and it shows in the places architecture and layout. It was beautiful—nothing I'd expect a police station to be.

Two voices carried down the hallway. I perked up my steps as I recognized his voice. As soon as I turned the corner, the two voices cut short, and Joseph's eyes locked with mine. The humour in them dulling as he flicked to the notepad in my hand. "No." He stated bluntly and crossed his arms over his chest.

"I just wanted to ask you if you knew anything about the case."

"And I just answered all of your questions: No."

"Well, that answers my question if any woman would ever want to date you." I plucked up my pencil and pretended to jot in his reply. A snicker came up beside him; it was then that I realized his friend—and fellow teammate—Chris was standing there. He hid his amusement behind a cough as Joseph flung him a dirty look.

"I'm serious, Addy. I'm not telling you anything. Just go home and do something else." He tried to shove past me, but I blocked him.

"Why is everyone silent on what attacked the victims? What kind of animal did it?"

"It's an ongoing investigation, Addy; I can't tell you a lot. Besides, I'm not assigned to the case."

"Bullcrap. I know S.T.A.R.S. is looking into the case. I saw Albert Wesker's statement in the newspaper—Ow!" I winced as he flicked my forehead.

"You're too nosey for your own good. Does mom know you're here?"

"Yes. I told her I was coming to visit you," I said proudly.

"Don't lie. I know she wouldn't let you come here if you told her you were."

"I am not!" I shouted back with a growl. "I did tell her I was coming to visit you."

"So if I call her right now and tell her you came to see me at work, she won't lay an egg?" He called my bluff, and he knew he won because that stupid smirk kept crawling up the side of his face. "Thought so. Go home." He shoved past me, this time succeeding.

"I don't miss his attitude at home, little bastard," I murmured as I watched his back disappear around the corner. I only broke out of my thoughts when I noticed someone shuffling behind me.

Chris' amused smile faltered as our eyes locked, instead replaced with a sheepish grimace. Clearing his throat, he stood tall and levelled with me. "Good to see you again, Addison. Sorry 'bout him, he's just on edge right now."

"You don't have to explain that blockhead to me. I know him better than anyone. What's your take on these murders?" I said, changing my voice to a calmer tone.

Chris was already shaking his head and raising his hands before I finished my question. "Nuh-uh. I'm not getting involved. Your brother would kill me if I said anything."

My brother had a lot of...distatestful friends, but Chris was one of the few I could stand to be around. Both of them were around the same height, but Chris had more mass on him than Joseph, so his remark about my brother killing him probably wouldn't happen. My brother is tough, but sometimes even I can take him down...when he isn't watching...and when he steals my bag of chips.

I let my eyes wander over his face—it was a good looking face—he's no Freddie Prinze Jr., but he's close to that. I saw nothing dishonest in his eyes—a little fidgety—but nothing telling me he was lying. I eased off and smiled at him. "Well, if you change your mind, let me know, OK?"

"Uh, er, OK."

I guess there isn't anything else I can dig up here...for now, I may as well head back home and get started on writing down my notes and filing them away. "It was nice talking to you, Chris."

"Wait!" I froze at the abruptness of his voice and spun around. His face flushed red, and he dragged a hand through his short-cropped hair. "I, er, I was—I can walk you out—or if you're heading somewhere else, I can take you there, I mean." He slammed his mouth closed, the red of his face trailing down his neck grew darker.

I nodded my head and shrugged. "Sure. I'm heading out... can't get any more information from here...unless—"

Chris' chuckle sounded out as he stepped into rhythm beside me and turned the corner. "You don't let things go easy, do you?"

"It comes with the field of work. My mom calls it stubbornness, and my brother, well, he calls it annoying. Sorry."

He held the door open for me as we stepped into the lounge. "It's alright. I understand. So, what news station do you work for? You seem kinda young to be a field reporter."

It was my turn to blush, but I hid it behind my hair as I pretended to go over my notes. "Oh, I'm not a field reporter... I'm actually not an official reporter at all. I'm enrolled at Raccoon college for journalism for my fourth year. My final project involves writing up my a piece—"

"—And these murders are your piece?" Anger laced his voice, he hid it well, but I could still hear it bleeding through.

"Well...yes—but I know there is something more to this story than what they are telling us, Chris. I just know there is, and I'm going to figure out what it is and why they aren't telling us anything."

As quick as it came, his anger vanished in a flash. His eyebrows shot up, and he blinked down at me. "You really believe there is more to this case? Like what?"

"Well, for one, why would we have these animal attacks now? Sure the forest is filled with predator animals, but to have this many attacks—brutal attacks—in such a short amount of time? Something smells fishy—"

—All three victims were female; that's as far as their connections go. Their ages are entirely different, so I don't think this could be a serial killer; they usually have a...preferred taste and stick to it. Unless there is something with them that I'm not seeing? They didn't know each other, though. The families have no affiliation with each other. What if—

"What are you thinking?" Chris' voice startled me out of my thoughts.

I didn't realize how deep I got into my thoughts that when the light from the front doors shined through, I noticed we were already at the entrance. Chris' expression was hard to read; amusement and maybe curiosity bled from his eyes. He held his hand on the door, but he didn't open it.

"I don't know, honestly. The victims don't have anything in common, aside from being all female. I can't see this being the work of a serial killer—animals definitely—but humans are involved somehow; I can feel it."

Chris flicked his gaze around the room in a hurried mess before flinging them back onto me and leaned in with a hushed voice. "Listen, your brother doesn't want you involved, but I agree with you. I know something is up with these cases, and I think you're onto something. If I find any more evidence... I'll let you know." He was hesitant, but when he finally spoke, my hopes skyrocketed.

I vigorously nodded my head and was flipping open my notepad, and scribbling down my number. "Alright! Thanks, Chris." I ripped out the paper and jammed it into his hands before he could protest. "Here's my number; call me if you think of anything or get anything new."

He stared at the scrap of paper in his hand with a stunned stupor. Unmoving, he finally broke it and met my stare with a simple head nod.

"I gotta go. Take care of my brother for me; he needs it." I spun on my heels and pushed the door open, leaving Chris standing there as I made it out into the brisk air.

This was perfect! Having Chris could really throw open my case. Even he was suspicious of these murders, and I bet if I keep poking around, I'll learn something new.

I checked my watch and cursed under my breath. Shoving my notepad and pencil into my purse, I picked up speed. Dad was going to be home soon, and if he finds me gone, he'll tell mom...and she'll figure out where I went.