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The stream of reporters gathered around the room as the mayor made his entry into the pulpit. He was guarded by soldiers this time, because it was a creeping crisis.

Adjusting the microphone, he looked at the sea of innocent faces who were eager to know the truth.

The truth.

He thought about it. It could be dangerous sometimes because of the information it contains.

"It's a sad note we're here to witness the grief experienced by the Maurice family"

Silence reigned for a while.

" Moses Maurice was a dedicated senator, and a positive catalyst to the development of our city. His grief is no doubt our also"

The flashes of light and camera clicking continued.

Derek looked around. He had to end this essay soon.

" I would like to inform everybody present that the police and the investigation panel is doing their best to bring the killer to justice. Thank you"

The intensity of the light increased, so did the question by the reporters.

" Mr Mayor, can we know the specific cause of these deaths?".

" Mr Mayor, is the killer targeting political offices?"

" Mr Mayor, who is this some sort of revenge spree by the killer?"

The last question hit him hard. He signalled to Diaz to get the reporters away as he made his way to the car.

Diaz received the spotlight as he stood to represent the mayor.

" The mayor would answer all questions as soon as the investigation panel draws their conclusion " he said.

As for Diaz, Derek remembered their mini fight in the garden. His brain replayed accurately his side flip. It was too perfect for a normal person to perform.

That made him put Diaz on his number one suspect list.

....

Bay City General Hospital

The doctors opened the door as Mayor Derek walked inside. He came inside alone, not accompanied by government officials. This was because his visit was labelled confidential by Detective Roderick.

"Thank you for coming" he said, extending his hands for a shake.

That, he received.

"So, let's get to the point" he said. The doctors left, as Detective Roderick told the mayor about Mrs Stanley's mental issues.

"She woke up as expected, and she began to throw tantrums. Even with her disability, she managed to fall from the bed and swore to burn down the hospital if you didn't come."

"That was weird"Derek thought.

" All attempts to make her say something reasonable was in failure as the doctors prescribed she showing the signs of psychotic person "

They reached the ward, and Detective Roderick began to move backwards.

" Come on, why are you afraid? "

" I'm sorry I didn't tell you Mr Mayor, but that room is a horror ground. Don't bother, the security personnels are at your aid. Any small noise, and they'll barge into the room"

A horror ground? What was in store for him? He hoped nothing bad would happen. After all, she was just a woman.

He opened the door, to meet the unexpected.

The scent of blood was so strong, that for once, he had to cover his nose. The elegant Mrs Stanley he once knew wasn't the person he saw now.

Tattered hair, scratch marks and a variety of self inflicted injuries.

"Veronica" he called her by her name. He remembered last week when her husband hosted a conference meeting. Everyone complimented her for her beauty.

Every single one.

But now?

"Thank you for coming" she said, loud for him to hear.

"What do you want with me?" he asked, sounding stern. He wasn't sure if Mrs Stanley was in her right mind. But he saw something that caught his attention.

A shuriken