Chapter 3: From the Mouths of Babes
356 Words
Damien stood rooted in shock. He had seen things which would make the sturdiest souls reel with disgust and fear - but this topped all.
"She was found this way?" he asked the investigating officer.
"No ... it was much worse ... her undergarments were stuffed into ..."
The IO pointed shakily between what were hardly recognisable as the completely mangled, dead five-year-old's legs.
"We identified what can best be described as claw marks - all over actually. There was also some sampling of the suspicious looking white substance on certain parts which we positively identified as semen ..."
Damien held up a hand to stop the inspector as he almost puked. He looked at the multicoloured mess of limbs, torn flesh, inner organs and bits of brain and other tissues - as thoroughly as he could. He strained to rein in his sensitivity and be as coldly rational as he could, unable to contain the shudder that insisted on displaying itself embarrassingly to everyone.
He managed, finally to focus his trained eye on useful details - and spotted something soon enough. Holding his squeamishness in, he gingerly fished out a bloody note stuck on the entrails. The writing was still clear through the blood, written apparently with a permanent marker. He wiped with a wet tissue before reading.
“Behold, it came to pass on the morrow that the multitude gathered themselves together, and they both saw and heard these children; yea, even babes did open their mouths and utter marvelous things; and the things which they did utter were forbidden that there should not any man write them.”
Nephi 26:16 ... why? It doesn't seem to have any connection with Christmas ... or does he have a different pattern?
"Sounds biblical, Dr De Silva."
Damien gave the IO an odd look.
"It is, sir - and maybe that is the thread that stitches everything together. Thank you Inspector Chan. You've been a great help."
"No worries, it's my duty doc. See ya round and good luck with that!"
As the IO walked off, Damien cringed visibly.
Wish they'd stop calling me doc ...
- Writer
