Chapter 51. Supplement to the first profile
The conference room door was sealed shut, with all blinds drawn completely closed.
Councilor Santos sat slumped in the innermost chair, tissues still protruding from his nostrils.
That single punch seemed to have deflated him entirely.
Ricky and Keller approached to communicate with him quietly.
Bernie stood nearby, visibly agitated.
He had just punched a sitting councilman!
Although the moment had felt satisfying, the potential consequences could be severe.
Theodore offered reassurance, but Bernie managed only a grim smile. "This time, we might genuinely have to participate in that FBI selection process."
Ricky and Keller's diplomatic efforts proceeded smoothly. Before departing, Councilor Santos approached Theodore and Bernie directly.
Bernie immediately snapped to attention, regarding Councilor Santos with obvious apprehension.
Councilor Santos first assured Bernie that receiving that punch was due to his own inadequate reflexes, and he had no habit of seeking retribution after losing a physical confrontation.
Turning to Theodore, he apologized for his hallway outburst and promised he would not interfere with the investigation, furthermore, he would ensure others wouldn't dare interfere either.
However, he demanded that the investigation proceed to its conclusion and the actual killer be apprehended.
After securing Theodore's commitment, Councilor Santos's mouth twitched slightly before he turned to leave.
Unfortunately, today seemed destined for continuous disruptions.
Councilor Santos had barely departed when another detective burst in, announcing that Little Howard and Paul Miller had been struck by a vehicle.
Keller was stunned, turning his head blankly toward Ricky.
Ricky appeared equally shocked.
In that moment, their minds filled with visions of Little Howard and Paul Miller's deaths, followed by themselves facing the monumental fury of Old Howard and Councilor Miller.
They even began seriously contemplating the possibility of fleeing the city.
Bernie inquired about specifics on behalf of the two men whose mental processes had temporarily crashed.
The detective simply shook his head, he lacked detailed information as well.
All four rushed to the hospital, only to discover they had been almost hit by a car, and only Little Howard was actually involved.
Little Howard had sustained minor scrapes on his back and limbs, which had already been bandaged, and he was getting dressed with a nurse's assistance.
Paul Miller sat leisurely nearby, absently plucking leaves from a potted plant one by one.
When he noticed Theodore observing him, he appeared somewhat embarrassed, quickly pocketing his hands, standing, and moving to Little Howard's bedside to check on his condition.
Theodore frowned slightly, studying this shy young man without obvious scrutiny.
Ricky learned the situation from two shaken patrol officers and discovered that Little Howard had rescued a small girl.
Following such an incident, Ricky and Keller refused to allow the two young men to continue their patrol duties, despite Little Howard's repeated protests that he enjoyed patrolling immensely.
They were confined to the precinct building.
Little Howard, having failed to resist effectively, pleaded with Ricky on behalf of the two patrol officers, insisting his injury was unrelated to their supervision, earning grateful looks from both men.
Paul Miller also provided testimony supporting them, confirming that Little Howard had independently rushed into the street to save the child and the officers bore no responsibility.
Several people regarded Paul Miller strangely, and the introverted young man returned their stares with obvious confusion, uncertain what he'd done wrong this time.
Ricky gestured dismissively, indicating the two officers wouldn't face punishment.
Both patrol officers appeared as though they'd received a gubernatorial pardon.
...
That afternoon, Theodore suggested that Helen Bennett was merely an assistant the killer had recruited and revised his psychological profile.
"The killer didn't commit murder due to personal vendetta, but rather derives satisfaction from disrupting established order. What he enjoys isn't violence itself, but the intoxicating thrill of manipulating others' destinies."
"The killer is likely a frequent visitor to police stations, with a criminal record extensively documenting violent offenses such as arson, animal cruelty, and assaulting law enforcement officers."
"These represent rehearsals preceding murder. Before the killing occurred, the killer obtained gratification through these preliminary acts."
"Until Teddy Santos, the most suitable target, appeared, the killer immediately focused on him."
"The killer utilized the hunting knife Teddy had given Little Howard, not merely to conveniently frame him, but as a deliberate mockery of their friendship."
"He chose to frame Little Howard not to escape punishment, that's merely the most trivial component."
"Watching him being falsely accused and struggling desperately, that constitutes his primary objective."
"James Carter often functioned as an elder brother figure because he was chronologically older, always protecting the others. The killer selected him as the eyewitness specifically to personally observe Little Howard committing murder and personally deliver his 'younger brother' to prison."
"Regarding Emily... this birthday will become a nightmare she'll carry for her entire life. Will she ever dare celebrate another birthday party?"
"Helen Bennett represents the scapegoat the killer meticulously prepared for himself."
"The killer probably frequents the police station or learns about investigation progress through various channels, purely to observe our reactions. He derives pleasure from our frustration."
"Beginning with the birthday party, the entire murder constitutes an elaborate opera the killer has orchestrated, and he's savoring every moment."
"To continuously enjoy this sense of control, the killer won't tolerate any disruptions. If anyone causes unexpected complications, he won't hesitate to eliminate them."
"Little Howard provides clear evidence of this."
Little Howard had nearly been struck by a vehicle while rescuing a small girl. To express gratitude for saving her daughter's life, the child's mother had accompanied him to the hospital.
While Ricky and the others gathered around Little Howard, Theodore went to speak with the mother and daughter.
The little girl remained traumatized, sobbing in her mother's arms. After Theodore's methodical questioning, she tearfully revealed that another 'big brother' had instructed her to run into the street.
That 'big brother' had warned her that if she didn't comply, he would tear the head off her stuffed rabbit.
The child's testimony prompted scolding from her mother, who repeatedly apologized to Theodore, insisting the girl was frightened and speaking nonsense.
Theodore presented the four-year-old's words as legitimate testimony, and the conference room fell into momentary silence.
The implications were overwhelmingly significant.
This was quickly met with skepticism.
Ricky raised the fundamental issue: "We screened all party guests, and only Helen Bennett meets the criteria you specified for the killer."
"Between 5 and 6 feet tall, right-handed, with medical background, knowledgeable about Anthony Howard II, and familiar with the villa's layout."
Theodore's suggestion that the killer employed an accomplice hadn't been rejected.
The critical problem remained, Helen Bennett possessed the capability to commit the crime but lacked the opportunity, while others had the opportunity but lacked the necessary skills.
He hoped Theodore could resolve this contradiction. Otherwise, the killer could only be an invisible entity, an extraterrestrial, some supernatural creature, or a time traveler with futuristic technology.
Previously, they had been similarly stymied at this juncture.
Theodore glanced toward the waiting area.
Little Howard appeared to have discovered some fascinating treasure and was bent over, sharing it enthusiastically with Paul Miller.
Paul Miller sat in his chair, smiling with reserved politeness, seemingly listening attentively with his head tilted.
Only when Little Howard erupted in hearty laughter, doubling over with amusement, did Paul Miller follow with a delayed, echoing laugh.
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