The Winter Clock

CHAPTER 20 – FIRST CLUE

The warm egg yolk sun peeked through the curtain and its golden rays struck Reina’s eyes. Her eyes slowly opened, her lungs expanded, and her nose breathed the strong aroma of coffee. She rubbed her dream away as she stretched her sour body.

“Good morning.”

She almost fell on the couch upon hearing the voice not too far from her.

“T-Thorn?!” She exclaimed and her eyes searched the place. Only then did she realize she was in the coffee room. “How- No. What time is it?” She asked and opened the curtain. She then hissed when the sun rays struck directly to her eyes.

“Quarter to ten in the morning,” Ryther answered calmly and Reina nodded. She then stopped and her eyes widened.

“Quarter to ten?!” She exclaimed and quickly got off the couch and fixed her hair. “Why didn’t you wake me up?! I have patients to check!”

“Can’t you remember? I made you drink a strong sleeping pill so waking you up when the pill is still activated is close to impossible.” He answered.

“And whose fault is that?” Reina retorted and charged towards Ryther. “Give me some.” She quickly snatched Ryther’s mug of coffee which he takes no mind.

“Just ask me to brew you a cup.” He said and put his two hands in his pocket. Reina shook her head and gulped the coffee.

“No thanks. Because of what you did last night, I don’t trust you anymore. It’s better to take the one you’re already drinking for I’m sure it has no poison.” She reasoned out and sip one last time before giving it back to Ryther.

“Ms. Sophie is already awake so move quickly.” Ryther said and started to walk away.

“What-“

“Take a shower first. I won’t allow you to talk to her when you stink.” He chuckled and Reina quickly raised her armpit and sniffed herself like a dog. “Kidding.” Ryther blurted out and went out of the door before Reina can pick anything to throw at his head.

After a shower, Reina quickly dashed out of the Doctor’s quarter and went to room 103. Ryther was outside the door, talking to the nurse while waiting for her. Seeing her run towards him and Ryther sulked.

“Just like what I thought. Seriously? You call yourself a doctor?” He said with an irritated tone.

“Why- Hey!” Reina stopped when Ryther cover her head with a white towel.

“You did not even dry your hair. What will happen to the other patients if ever you catch a cold?” He scolded and rubbed Reina’s hair – technically, her head.

“I’ll do it!” Ryther stopped when Reina quickly held his hand and pushed it away, giving way for her to dry her own hair. “Such a nagger.” She retorted. Ryther hissed and tapped his I.D. to open the door. Reina stepped inside first and as soon as she did, the smell of different medicine filled her nostrils. For normal people, probably it was an unpleasant smell.

“Good morning, Ms. Sophie. How are you?” Reina greeted and walked towards her. Sophie’s eyes still felt heavy because of the anesthesia and sleeping pills so her blue eyes gaze at Reina tiredly. “I’m Doctor Reina, the Anesthesiologist who helped with your operation,” Reina added. Ryther silently walked behind her.

Despite her grogginess, Sophie managed to smile sweetly. “Thank you so much, Doctor.” She said and sighed deeply. “I never imagined I’ll be caught in that gruesome accident.” She whispered and slowly shook her head.

Reina walked closely and pretended to examine her. “How’s your breathing?” She asked and Sophie breathed in and out.

“My stomach hurts when I try to breathe deeply,” Sophie answered shyly.

“It’s because your wound is not yet completely healed.” Ryther bumped in. “Make sure you move carefully as it might open again if you’re reckless.”

Sophie chuckled. “You know what? You speak like my sister.” She blurted out. Reina and Ryther exchanged glances. The chance Reina was waiting for was opened.

“You have a sister?” Reina asked, feigning innocence. Sophie smiled faintly as she slowly nods her head.

“Yes. She is actually my twin.”

“Can I ask where she is now?”

Sophie glanced at Reina for a moment. “She’s already dead.”

Reina widened her eyes and covered her mouth. “W-Why?” She asked with fake curiosity. Seeing her act, Ryther did his best not to laugh. Seeing his reaction, Reina elbowed his stomach, causing him to groan silently like a whimpering dog.

“I bet you are familiar with the winter murderer.” Sophie started. “My twin was one of his victims and until now, we couldn’t find her. We are not even sure if she is still alive.” She continued and looked up the ceiling for her tears not to escape. Ryther glanced at Reina who gulped a couple of times. This is what he is pertaining to. He does not want anyone to be haunted by the past they already buried.

“We’re sorry for bringing that up.” Ryther blurted and threw Reina a sharp look.

“No, it’s okay. I’m the one who opened the topic in the first place.” Sophie said, waving her hand.

“If it’s okay, can I ask?” Reina bumped in and seeing Sophie nod her head, Reina scanned her gallery. In just a matter of seconds, she saw what she was looking for.

“Do you know this man?” She asked, pointing at Carter. “I mean, the whole world probably knows him since he was in the news. But what I mean is, did you or your sister ever cross paths with him before?”

Sophie frowned and tilted her head, trying to rack her memories. For a moment she did not speak, but the two waited patiently.

“Ah! I remembered!” Sophie exclaimed but groan softly when she felt her stomach ache. “H-he was the officer in charge of my sister’s case. He was the one who talked to me and my parents regarding my twin’s death.” Sophie explained thoroughly. Ryther frowned and Reina glanced at him.

“You mean, you did not meet him until your sister went missing?” Ryther asked firmly. Sophie looked up and think again. She then slowly nodded her head.

“Yes. The very first time I saw him was when my mom and I went to the police station to report that my twin is missing for three days.” She explained slowly. Reina bit her lower lip and Ryther clenched his jaw. “Wait, why are you asking me these questions?” Sophie suddenly asked.

“My best friend was the new victim of that psycho.” Reina answered swiftly.

“You mean the Head Nurse? Ms. Everleigh if I am not mistaken?” Sophie asked carefully. Her hands covered her mouth in disbelief. “That means you’re friends with Vander?”

Ryther and Reina nodded. “I see. I’m sorry for your loss.” Sophie said with a soft tone. Reina smiled sadly. “I hope that psycho will be caught as soon as possible so that he will not victimize another woman anymore.” Sophie wished sincerely.

“Yeah. We hope so too.” Ryther said. Reina became quiet as she analyzed Sophie’s words. They have now their first clue, but something feels wrong.

~ Not all we desire to accomplish are easy to get. ~