The Crime System

The Pianist's Edge

Fifty-three days. That's all they had until the mid-year exams. To be honest, Luke couldn't care less about the exams, but it seemed like a big deal to these kids and their parents. So there he was, sitting in a packed school auditorium, pretending to listen to Jenna Dalton's class teacher ramble on about strategies for exam preparation.

"Parents," the teacher declared, knocking the table for emphasis, "these fifty-three days are crucial for your children. Today, we're here to discuss how you can support your kids effectively and help dispel their tension." He paused, scanning the room as if his speech was life-changing.

Luke glanced at the teacher on the stage—a white-haired, middle-aged man who was all too serious about his job. His mind wasn't on the lecture. It was elsewhere, consumed by the case that had been plaguing him. The Maimed Case.

And then, like the universe was in sync with his restlessness, a cell phone rang loudly from somewhere in the audience.

"Ah, Hero, please chase the dream with me…Ah, Hero…"

The ringtone was absurdly loud, shattering the quiet reverence of the room. Parents turned their heads, their disapproving glares all but burning holes through the culprit. Even the teacher froze mid-sentence, looking stunned.

What happened next was even more unbelievable. The owner of the phone—Luke—didn't silence it. Instead, he casually picked it up like he wasn't sitting in a crowded room full of judgmental eyes.

"Hello!" he said, loud and clear.

The stares he received could've cracked the walls, but he didn't care. He listened intently to the call, his eyes wide with excitement.

"What!? What you said is true? Are you sure!? Argh! How could that be!!?"

The entire hall fell into a stunned silence. Even the air seemed to hold its breath.

He couldn't hold back. "Hello… say that again!!"

Without a shred of embarrassment, Luke stood up, made his way out of the auditorium, and shouted into his phone, "Hold on, let me write this down."

The whispers started the moment he left.

"Who is that? What kind of parent acts like this?"

"Unbelievable! With behavior like that, it's no wonder some kids struggle."

"That's Jenna Dalton's guardian, isn't it?"

"What? Dalton? The top student? That doesn't make any sense!"

Back in the hall, the teacher struggled to regain control, but Luke was oblivious to the chaos he'd left behind.

Outside, he found a stone table, grabbed a notepad, and started scribbling furiously. Bella's call electrified him.

"Heh heh… murderer, oh murderer," he muttered under his breath, "I've got you now!"

Ever since he got tangled in the twisted mess of the Maimed Case, Luke had been obsessed with finding the killer. The case was brutal—victims had their hands severed, but the motive eluded everyone. Revenge? Greed? Nothing fit. But now, finally, he had a lead.

Bella had just confirmed something huge. All three victims—Mary Nelson, Yara Voss, and Lisa Mendes—were linked by one thing: piano.

It started as a wild hunch. Earlier, while Shaun's mom played piano on stage, an idea struck him. What if the victims' connection wasn't money or revenge? What if it was their talent? Their skill?

Yara Voss was a college music teacher who gave piano lessons. Mary Nelson had traveled miles to attend a concert by Caleb Clause, the "Prince of Piano." And now, thanks to Bella, Luke knew Lisa Mendes had reached the tenth level in piano performance when she was young.

Piano wasn't just a coincidence. It was the link.

"Could the killer be targeting pianists out of jealousy?" he murmured, the pieces falling into place.

The thought was absurd, sure, but something about it felt right. Luke slammed his notebook shut, his hands trembling with excitement.

"This is it. This has to be it!" he whispered, feeling the adrenaline pump through his veins.