Moonlight Prowl

Chapter Four: A New Lead?

Lena and Alex settled into their desks, each with a steaming cup of coffee. The office was already buzzing with activity, but the files on their desks demanded immediate attention. Lena opened the folder, her eyes scanning the contents as Alex took the seat across from her.

“Looks like we have a new body,” Alex said, breaking the silence. “Same wounds on the neck as the last victim.”

Lena’s breath caught slightly. She knew the pattern of those wounds all too well. They haunted her, a stark reminder of the scars she bore on her own neck, almost iridescent and faded but ever-present. Shaking off the memories, she focused on the task at hand.

“The body was found in the lion cage at the city zoo,” Lena said, reading further. “Whoever did this is getting bolder.”

“We should head over there and see what we can find,” Alex suggested. “Talk to any potential witnesses and check the camera footage.”

Lena nodded, feeling a mix of determination and unease. “Let’s go.”

The drive to the zoo was tense, both detectives lost in their thoughts. The city passed by in a blur of motion, the noise of the traffic and the chatter of pedestrians a distant hum. Lena’s mind kept drifting back to her own scars, a constant reminder of the danger they faced.

When they arrived at the zoo, they were met by a somber-faced security guard who led them to the lion cage. The area was cordoned off with bright yellow caution tape, and a few curious onlookers were being kept at bay by zoo staff. The marked-off location where the body had been found was haunting, with a chalk outline serving as a grim reminder of the victim’s final moments. The lions had been locked away, their roars echoing faintly from another enclosure.

Lena took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Let’s start with the witnesses,” she said.

They approached a group of zoo staff who were standing nearby, looking shaken. Alex took the lead, his calm demeanor putting them at ease.

“Did any of you see or hear anything unusual last night?” he asked.

A young woman stepped forward, her eyes wide with fear and red from crying. “I was on the night shift,” she said, her voice trembling. “I didn’t see anyone come in, but I heard strange noises coming from the lion cage. When I went to check, I found… I found the scene.”

“Did you notice anything else out of the ordinary?” Lena asked gently.

The woman shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “No, just the noises. It was like the lions were agitated, more than usual. And it doesn’t make sense,” she added, breaking down further. “The victim was a good friend of mine. She loved those lions, and they loved her. No one was as close to those animals as she was. She practically raised them. They would never hurt her. If anything, they would be calm in her presence.”

Lena handed her a tissue, her heart aching for the woman’s loss. “Thank you,” she said softly. “You’ve been very helpful. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know it’s a difficult time, but could you direct us to the security office?”

When they reached the security office they immediately began reviewing the camera footage. The grainy images flickered on the screen as they fast-forwarded through the night. It was a tedious process, but Lena’s keen eyes caught a flicker of movement.

“Stop,” she said, pointing to the screen. “Rewind a bit.”

Alex obliged, and they watched as a shadowy figure moved stealthily across the zoo grounds, heading towards the lion cage. The figure was cloaked in darkness, their features obscured, but it was clear they knew the layout of the zoo well.

“Looks like our suspect,” Alex said, leaning closer. “But they’re keeping to the shadows. No clear view of their face.”

Lena frowned, her mind racing. “Whoever this is, they knew exactly where to go. We need to dig deeper, find out if there’s any connection between the victims and the zoo.”

As they continued to review the footage, Lena couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. The scars on her neck seemed to tingle, a chilling reminder of her past. But she pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. They had a killer to catch, and she wouldn’t rest until they were brought to justice.

Before heading back to the station, Lena turned to Alex. “I want to visit the area where the lions are being kept.”

Alex’s brow furrowed in concern. “Lena, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Those lions are powerful beasts. It’s not safe.”

“I know,” Lena replied, her tone firm. “But I need to investigate a little more. Alone.”

Alex hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. “Lena, I don’t like this. What if something happens?”

“I’ll be fine,” she reassured him, her eyes softening. “I just need to focus, and sometimes it’s easier to do that without distractions.”

Reluctantly, Alex nodded. “Alright, but be careful.”

Lena walked over to the lion enclosure, where the majestic creatures were now securely locked up. The zoo staff looked at her warily but allowed her entry after she flashed her badge and insisted it was necessary for the investigation.

Inside the enclosure, Lena felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. She moved closer to the bars, her eyes meeting those of the largest lion, a magnificent male with a thick mane. She took a deep breath and let her internal wercat, Beira, take over.

In her mind, she reached out to the lion. “Hello, friend. I’m sorry for the intrusion, but I need your help.”

The lion’s eyes seemed to soften, and Lena felt an almost imperceptible nod. “You are one of us,” the lion’s thoughts responded. “We know your kind. What do you seek?”

“The person who did this,” Lena replied, her mental voice steady. “Did you see them?”

The lion let out a low growl, and Lena felt a wave of anger and sadness. “Yes. A dark one, cloaked in shadow. They came with ill intent. We could not stop them.”

“Did you notice anything particular about them? Smells, sounds, anything that could help?” Lena pressed.

A female lion in the back stepped forward, her eyes glistening with pain. “I could not pick up on a distinct smell, but whoever snuck in had qualities similar to your kind. They could see in the night and were extremely strong, with a similar bite pattern. I know because I tried to save the zookeeper. She was like a mother to us.”

The male lion followed up, his voice tinged with sorrow. “We had to pull her away from the zookeeper so it didn’t look like she was the one who killed her.”

“Thank you,” Lena said softly. “Your friend, the one who cared for you… I’m sorry.”

The lions’ gazes remained steady, and Lena felt a sense of solidarity and understanding pass between them. She stepped back, her heart heavy but resolute.

As she walked back to Alex, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The wounds might haunt her, but they also fueled her resolve. She glanced at Alex, grateful for his steady presence.