Those green eyes were haunting her. It was strange at how they only stood out to her alone. Such a minute detail that only she could see. Gwen showed Pauline the video, and she could not see a thing, besides the vague shadows of a figure.

It was not solid proof that she knew. However, it was her very first tangible evidence. She needed to get help from a professional, but it would be impossible. No one would believe her ridiculous tale.

Gwen stood before the Everdeen Foster Home once again. It was high noon this time, and morning sun did nothing to bring the foster home to life. It was as gloomy as ever. She intended to pay a visit to the young boy from last night. She needed information, and she was genuinely concerned. The entire situation must have terrified the child.

The house's condition perturbed her as she stepped into the yellow-bricked building. It was unkempt, households all over the place; she tripped a couple of times. Several rooms lined all three floors of the building. The house was cramped; it's ceiling a foot or two above her head. Stale air and countless unwanted scents caused her nose to scrunch.

The house mother was a grouch; it took plenty of convincing to get her to visit the boy. Gwen walked all the way to the third floor, feeling even more claustrophobic as she ascended. She knocked at the boy's door. It swung upon, and a little seven-year-old, peeked out.

"Hi, I'm Gwen," she said, mustering the friendliest smile. The boy eyed her with caution.

"I want to speak with you," she said, and revealed the small box of doughnuts she brought along with her. "I brought snacks."

The boy widened his eyes at the sight and shyly nodded. He opened the door and let her in. She entered his tiny room, it had nothing much, a thin mattress on the floor, a few pairs of clothes littered around and an occasional old toy here and there. Gwen opened the box of doughnuts and allowed the boy to eat before she talked. He first took the doughnut with hesitation, but soon he was gobbling it down. He was so thin. Gwen felt her heart her ache.

"I don't know if you remember, but I was here last night," she started.

The boy stopped eating and eyed her with wide-eyes. Gwen placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"If you don't mind, I would like to ask... What did you see last night?" she asked. The boy placed his doughnut back into the box and glanced out of the window. He shook his head.

"Who did you meet?" she rephrased. The boy shook his head again.

"You can tell me... I... Met him too," she said, trying to get him to talk. The boy hesitated but spoke, nevertheless.

"He was... Friendly, at first... He said, he would help me. I... Believed him." He was having a hard time putting his thoughts into words. Gwen waited.

"T-Then, I heard you shout. I... suddenly woke up." The young boy's eyes glistened with tears.

"He... became scary... All of a sudden... Then, he vanished," he said.

"He never helped. No one ever will... What was I thinking?" he said, as tears rolled down his cheek. Gwen's mind was whirling with information and possibilities, but the sight of the child crying before her pushed her thoughts away for a moment.

She hugged him, patting his back. Why was this murderer going around killing helpless children? They did nothing wrong.

--------------

After her visit, she sank in her thoughts as she drove back to her apartment. What should she do now? Staking out would only worsen her mental health. Deciding to push her luck, she turned the car and made her way to the town's police station.

"Sandera Rue's files," was what she replied when the plump officer asked her what she came for. The officer grunted and munched on his chips. Gwen knew her efforts would be futile, but she thought of just giving it a shot.

"You do realise that we can connect all these recent suicide cases, right?" she said, still refusing to leave. The officer gave her an eye roll and continued to ignore her.

"I won't leave till I get what I want," she said adamantly.

"Listen, kid. It's either you leave, or we have to do this the hard way," the officer said scratching his beard.

Gwen stood up straighter and shook her head, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Try me."

-------------

"Oof!" Gwen grunted, as her bottom hit the concrete floor of the front of the police station. She heard the officer chuckle before reentering the station.

Gwen stood up and brushed off the dust on her pants. "Well that went well," she muttered to herself. She realised her unzipped bag had littered her stuff on the floor. Cursing to herself, she picked them up in haste and made her way to her car. She rummaged for her keys and noticed their absence.

"Excuse me, but I believe these are yours," a voice spoke from behind her. She turned to see a tall man standing before her, her car keys in his hand. He was dressed in a casual shirt and slacks and a dark brown overcoat. He gave her a wry smile as he handed over her keys.

"Thanks," Gwen said, mustering a smile. She turned away and unlocked her car.

"Um, I don't mean to pry, but I would like to know why you wanted Sandera Rue's files," said the man. Gwen furrowed her brows.

"I'm James Hardwing, an intern forensic detective," he said, extending his hand. Gwen stared at his hand for a moment before shaking it.

"Gwendy Larson," she introduced.

"Nice to meet you. Now back to the point. I'm intrigued to find out the reason behind your insistent demand for Sandera Rue's files," he said with an arched brow.

Gwen shook her head, "It shouldn't concern you," she said. Then a thought occurred to her. What if it did? A forensic intern. It was her best shot at getting a professional to help, given he believes her crazy tale.

"You know what. I think I might, just tell you," she said, eyeing the young man. He grinned in response.

"Well then, why don't I buy you some coffee."

-----------------------

The strong scent of coffee beans soothed her. Her nerves had been in a bundle since last night; she was practically awake all night. A certain pair of green eyes kept haunting her in her thoughts. She needed another dose of coffee, or maybe a soothing cup of chocolate. And a nap.

They seated themselves at a table on the far corner of the restaurant, secluded. The waitress came by and took their orders. Once she left, James rested his chin on his palm and waited for Gwen to begin.

Gwen sighed, "My sister. She died two years ago," she said, she noticed his gaze soften, she continued, "I saw her fall from her window before my eyes. They said she committed suicide."

"But I... saw someone, at the window. I am sure of it. He made her jump." She did not bother to gauge his reaction, she continued.

"After her death, I started looking into a series of suicide cases. Many were connected. There is a pattern to it. But somehow the police are ignoring this. They close the cases so quickly," she said. James waited for her to continue.

"I began pursuing the case. And... I am getting closer." She took a breath.

"Sandera Rue. You suspect her to be a victim?" he asked.

Gwen shook her head, "I don't suspect. I know. I spoke to Sandera Rue before she died. She told me. Someone was there. He led her to her death. He failed his first attempt and succeeded in his second," she said.

"That's... Interesting. You're affirmative that someone was there?" he asked.

"He sent me a message. Two messages actually," Gwen said. James widened his eyes. Gwen pulled out her phone and showed him the picture of her pin board.

"He knows I'm onto him."

Their drinks arrived before James could respond. Gwen swiped her phone screen and her eyes landed on the picture she took yesterday. The steaming hot cup of hot chocolate turned unappetizing.

"I met him last night. For the first time," she said in a half-whisper. James was silent, staring at her, probably assessing if she was insane. She could not care less.

"I will find him," she said, looking at him straight in the eye, then shifted her gaze to her hot chocolate. She drank it quietly.

After a long moment he spoke, "Gwendy, allow me to assist you."

Gwen's head snapped up, her eyes wide. "Really?"

James gave her winning grin and nodded. Gwen smiled back.

"By the way, just call me, Gwen," she said.

"Well then, I guess we're partners now, Gwen."