The suspicion over Caius is now a lead. They are very sure of his involvement but just don’t know to what extent. He is a qualified Parapsychologist and professor at Aetherium University of Psychic Phenomena and Mental Arts. Most importantly, Lara is getting help from him and Stygias is one of his direct students, so there are high possibilities that he can actually have some direct involvement in psychological manipulation too. This is the new factor in this case and Maya is now becoming certain that there can not be that many coincidences that relate Caius with almost every person in this case.

There are too many loose ends and too many unanswered questions. Up until this point, she felt like she was running in circles, getting nowhere. But this new information sheds light on many new possibilities.

Caius agrees to visit the bureau tomorrow. So she collects informational documents of Lara and Stygias. “It would be a sight seeing him answer all these theories. He can’t possibly deny and slip through these facts,” said Maya, and the day ended with the preparation for tomorrow.

Martha Murder Case Investigation: Day 25

Lara Murder Case Investigation: Day 5

The next day, Maya is hoping for a good start at the bureau, but activity starts from her home. She receives a package intentionally mailed to her. It is addressed to her, and the return address is anonymous. She analyzes the box for fingerprints and other traces, without any luck. The box is big enough to hold an iPhone, but there is just 1 piece of paper inside. And enclosed paper has just a few words in cursive. She analyzes it as well and then reads it.

It reads:

It is clear, that whoever is posting this mail to her is watching her every move, and knows that they are getting closer to the target. He is trying to intimidate her with these kinds of passive-aggressive threats. But she can’t give in. She won’t. At this point, she has no way of turning back. Her health is as bad as it could be. Her traumatic blackout episodes are becoming more and more regular. But still, she is aware of what she needs to do.

It had been 4 weeks since Martha’s Murder, and 1 week since Lara’s Murder happened. And the list doesn’t end there. As soon as she reaches the bureau, hears the news that a third murder has happened of similar kind. There is a clear pattern of murder. But why? What is the motive? No one published or mailed their unreasonable demands to the branch officer, nor was there any clear goal to it. Why is this happening? What is the end goal of these serial murders?

The heavy burden just becomes heavier when Rebecca shows her the file that reads, “Victim: Reyna Edevane, Occupation: Co-lecturer at Aetherium University of Psychic Phenomena and Mental Arts, Colleague: Caius…”

Maya also points out, “She is my… second client. This is way too targeted. It is like someone is trying to trace my life and destroy everything that I did. It looks much more personal than I thought.”

Rebecca agrees and indicates, “The victims are selected purposely to target you. So, you know…”

Maya nods and continues, “I will look into my background checks and profiling and submit the reports as soon as possible. I think we would need to look into my past to see what’s happening here. And maybe we would be able to see the ways to stop this spree.”

Rebecca agrees and informs Daniel to continue with Maya’s profiling, history, background investigation, and necessary questioning. Martha realizes that she would need to find the connection between the victims, her past, and herself, and that would lead her to the killer. Or at least leave some clues on the table.

Maya immediately signs the agreement, consenting to everything that is needed for her background investigations, and tracks back to her cabin, taking out the document printouts for Caius’ interview. 

Martha Murder Case Investigation: Day 25

Lara Murder Case Investigation: Day 5

Reyna Murder Case Investigation: 1

Maya and Daniel vs. Caius

Caius finally shows up and is sent to the interrogation room. Maya and Daniel enter the room, greet him and Daniel presents the question as he sits down on the chair. 

Daniel: Do you work in a university?

Caius: That’s correct. I am affiliated with many universities. But, collaboration occurs remotely and on an invitation-only basis.

Maya: Okay, if you don’t mind. Would you like to name a few?

Caius: I can do that. There’s the Academy of Esoteric Sciences and Parapsychology, the Spectral Institute of Demonology and Parapsychology, the Netherworld University of Supernatural Research, and a few more on the side.

Daniel: I appreciate it. But I don’t mind detailed descriptions. So, would you mind sharing what other universities are you working with?

Caius: Right, of course. Apart from those, there’s Covenant College of Demonology and Parapsychic Research, Celestial Coven College, and…

He stops in the middle of the sentence, contemplating something, and looks around for a moment before going to his description.

Caius: Three’s Aetherium University of Psychic Phenomena and Mental Arts as well.

They are glad to hear him at least admit that he is part of that university. Maya takes another question to dig a bit deeper into the topic.

Maya: So, what do you teach in these universities and colleges? 

Caius: Mainly elements, science, history, and myths of Ancient Demonology. 

Maya: Is telepathy and telekinesis also part of the syllabus?

Caius: It is a separate study. Not related to the studies of Ancient Demonology.

Daniel: So, you don’t teach that in the university or colleges?

Caius: I do. But those are on-demand courses mostly. I teach professionals how to improve; I don’t teach them from scratch. Mainly, I assist people with telepathy and telekinesis. As I mentioned earlier, it varies from case to case. It can involve tests of hypnosis, telepathy, psychic abilities, telekinesis, out-of-body experiences, etc. I help people with these tools. Not directly related to what I teach at the university.

Maya: Got it. So can I ask you if you know these two people?

Maya then shows the picture of Lara and Reyna. But to observe his expression, she shares the picture of a corpse. It does usually creep out most of the people. Especially, when you have any positive connection with them, it will trigger an emotional response on a subconscious level. But that did not happen with Caius at all. He casually glances over the pictures and continues with his talking.

Caius: I do think so. Yes. I believe I do know both of them.

Daniel: Do you see that these are pictures of corpses? Not living people. Don’t you have any questions regarding that?

Caius looks at the picture again and then nods in agreement. His emotion changes a bit as if he is trying to think what to ask. He takes a couple of seconds to analyze the situation and then proceeds.

Caius: Of course, I apologize for not asking that earlier. It was rude of me. They were dear friends of mine. What happened?

Daniel: Well, the murder happened. Any comments on that?

Maya nudges him a little, seeing that he is visually annoyed but trying to hold his anger. And rephrases the question a bit.

Maya: So, how were your relations with them? Details will be appreciated.

Caius: Of course, I would love to share the details but I don’t have much to add. Lara was someone I knew from university. She needed a scholarship, so I helped her in the process of obtaining it. And that was the end of our meetings. Reyna was a colleague, a lovely woman. She used to assist me during my lectures and preparations. 

Daniel: And now she is dead. You have a mellow response to tragic things, right?

Maya and Daniel look at Caius for his response to their last remark. However, it is just that, a mellow reaction.

Caius: Well, I must admit that I am a bit less empathetic towards the people around me. Sometimes people take it otherwise. But I assure you, I do not have any intention of such sort. It just happens subconsciously. I can be an uncompassionate person in my life, but it is just an individual feeling and capacity. Nothing else.

Daniel: You have a way with words. So let’s see how you will explain this.

Daniel shows him the picture of Stygias and gestures to look at it. As Caius looks at it, raises his brows a bit and then answers after a moment.

Caius: My student, that is.

Maya: Glad that you remember it. So, do you know his involvement with the murder has been revealed?

Even though it is a speculation at this point, she tries to bait Caius into some reaction. But it is to no avail.

Caius: I don’t think that would be true. He is a nice human being. There’s no possible way that he could commit such a heinous crime. 

Daniel: You seem to know him enough that you are claiming to understand his character.

Caius: I teach people. I can guess what they are like most of the time. And he is one of my regular students, or at least he used to be until recently.

Maya: You don’t teach him anymore?

Caius: No. He was facing some financial instability and couldn’t continue his studies.

Daniel: Didn’t offer him a scholarship? You did that to Lara.

Caius: That was out of the question for him. He is a man of ethics. He would never accept anything that he doesn’t deserve. I offered him, like Lara, but he refused. Strictly.

Maya and Daniel nod in agreement and there is nothing more to present at the moment. He is clearly breaking all his ties from the living and even from the dead. Somehow, he was able to polish his hands and make them shiny enough to slip away from these sticky situations. But let’s see how long it will stay that way. Let’s see.