The Winter Clock

CHAPTER 28 – SECOND CLUE

Reina slumped into the last settee beside the huge window with the most peaceful view of a small pond and raining maple leaves, drained from the eight hours of liver transplant surgery for their patient who experienced hepatic rupture. Her eyes fell on the people coming in and out of the hospital despite the late hours. Some with bandages still covering their heads, some with an amputated leg that was once working with the other leg. Who would have thought those people will leave the hospital on the exit, not on the morgue as cold corpses?

There was a small smile plastered on her lips. As an unordinary doctor who often sees death time, she was used to seeing her patients take their last breaths. But not now. After discovering that they can stop untimely death, she became more persistent in saving her patients. It was already almost a year since Natalie died, yet for her, it felt like it was only yesterday.

“What a mixed mood,” Reina whispered, and her eyes fell on her phone that vibrated. “Gosh. I even forgot to on my phone’s ringtone.” She blubbered out and answered her phone after a few more rings.

“I was wondering who would have called me this late.” She greeted.

“Are you staying at the sofa beside the window sipping your self-invented-taste coffee?” Ryther asked sardonically. Reina rolled her eyes and shook her head playfully.

“As always.” She replied, blowing softly on the surface of her streaming cup of coffee.

“You’re such a woman of habit. It would be facile to assassinate you.” Ryther shook his head helplessly as he checked the patient’s records.

“Well, why don’t you try? Afterward, you’ll lose your right hand and will lose your ranking as the second-best surgeon next to Dr. Vander.” She chuckled and leaned her back comfortably on the backrest. “You’re checking everything you can again? What a strange habit you have as a surgeon. You’re a man of weird habit too, aren’t you?”

Ryther only chuckled as he tapped the monitor to check the patients. “Oh, patient nine will probably be discharged tomorrow.” He announced happily, making Reina smile in relief. Patient nine experienced comatose because of the Harbour Bridge accident that happened a few months ago. Ryther walked through the corridor to check the patients for the last time tonight.

“I only assisted you, yet I’m already worn out. Aren’t you tired? You should rest too sometimes, you know that?”

“Not at all – ah! Mrs. Rover, where will you go this late?” Reina frowned as she listened to Ryther talk with someone. Mrs. Rover? Sounds familiar, huh. “Congratulations on your discharge for tomorrow. My co-doctor who assisted me in operating you wanted to give her greetings as well, right Silver?” Reina suddenly gulped her hot coffee, making her groan silently as she felt her throat and chest burn. “We’re going to the balcony to get some fresh air, let’s meet there.”

“Huh? But-“ Reina was cut by the sound of the call being ended. “Seriously? I’m tired.” She mumbled and stood up lazily from the settee. She took her white coat and walked out of the Doctor’s quarter with her mug of coffee in her hand.

As soon as she stepped on the balcony, she felt the cold, autumn breeze creeping her whole body. She held her hot mug with her two palms just to calm her trembling hands. “W-Why did you choose the balcony if it is t-this cold?” She greeted Ryther and Mrs. Rover. Her lips tremble and a puff of cloud smoke billows every time she speaks. “Woah! It was not yet winter, but it’s already this cold!” She exclaimed. Ryther and Mrs. Rover were sitting on the bench, facing each other with their mug of coffees.

“Good evening, Doctor. Sorry to drag you all the way here.” Mrs. Rover said with a thick accent and a sweet smile planted on her lips. Reina shook her head and sat on the empty bench.

“It’s okay, Mrs. Rover.” Reina smiled. “As my co-doctor said, congratulations in advance for tomorrow. I’m happy for your recovery.” She said, trying her best not to stutter due to the breeze. Reina sneezed and shivered as she felt the chills again.

“Oh my!” Mrs. Rover exclaimed with her hand covering her mouth. Reina sneezed again, making Ryther sulk.

“You know it’s autumn and it’s late in the evening, yet you did not wear a thick coat? What a rock for a brain. Tsk.” Ryther retorted full of sarcasm and placed his coat to her shoulders, warming her body. Reina glared at him.

“It’s autumn and it’s late evening, yet you choose the balcony instead of the lobby or cafeteria with a heater?” She spat back, making Mrs. Rover chuckle.

“Sorry, Doctor pretty. It’s my idea so please don’t blame him.”

Reina felt the heat crept to her cheeks in embarrassment with Mrs. Rover’s words. Ryther laughed and patted her shoulders.

“By the way, as an expression of my gratitude to you, please contact me using this if you need anything. I don’t know how, but I believe I can help you in the near future.” Mrs. Rover took two small cards from her inside pocket and handed them to them. It was her calling card.

“Oh? You’re a school head?” Reina exclaimed and read further. “Alvari University?” Reina’s eyes narrowed as she tried to rack her brain. Alvari is a famous university, but Reina knew that is not the reason why the school sounds familiar.

“Alvari University? Ma’am, do you know a student named Carter Thane Lawson?” Ryther asked and only then did Reina remember Carter’s background. Mrs. Rover’s head tilted quizzically.

“Mr. Lawson, you mean the serial murderer?” She asked full of curiosity. Reina and Ryther nodded in unison with full attention. “Yes, Alvari University was his alma mater. He was one of our loyal students.” She answered and took a sip from her coffee that is starting to get cold. Reina and Ryther exchanged glances.

“By loyal, perhaps, you mean…”

Mrs. Rover nodded without letting Ryther finish his words. “The reports say that the serial murderer transfers to different country year after year. But Mr. Lawson studied at our school for almost twelve years. I remembered; I was his homeroom teacher before.” Mrs. Rover explained swiftly. “That is why I don’t believe that he is the serial killer.” She stated firmly.

“But… All the evidence was pointed at him…” Reina whispered as her voice faltered. Mrs. Rover looked at her pitifully.

“That may have been a possibility, but I believe that not all evidence and accusations are true. Maybe, it’s just me, but as his second mother before, I can feel that he is innocent. I watched him grow and he was from a good family, so I don’t see any reason for him to do such a thing.”

Reina bit her lower lip as she listened to Mrs. Rover. Point taken, but the evidence is evidence. It will not change unless someone fabricated it. Reina stopped. Fabrication… Is that possible for this case?

~ Not all evidence is true and not all accusations are worthy to be believed. ~