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Lightbringer
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The idea is crime fighting in the late 1880s/Victorian Era England. Something along the lines of Ripper Street/Sherlock Holmes. There would be a string of murders that one detective is working and with the help of an unknowing colleague, the pair works together to find the missing bits of evidence. You are welcome to follow along but please do not post unless you are Tenebris Umbra or Rustyk. Thank you.
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Darkseeker
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Tene's Character Name: James Douglas Burton. Age: Twenty-five. Gender: Masculine. Appearance: James stands at 6'3, something that's considered fairly tall among his family. He's considered a muscular man that has a sophisticated look to him. He has a defined, sharp jaw and a deep gaze that makes him appear menacing or intimidating, but upon further looks, they're nothing more but gentle and soft. He eyes are a mixture between green and brown. The inner circle near his pupil is a light brown, and the remainder of his eyes are green. The masculine has dark brown hair that stands short on his head and curls at the tips. He has a nose with a bump near the ridge due to breaking it when he was younger, but it gives him a distinguished look. He is usually seen in a Victorian coat or vest. Personality: James is a sophisticated lad with a mind of knowledge that could hold more than a library. He is very professional, always seen nose buried in his work. In his free time, James reads, walks, or does anything that makes him look mildly sophisticated. The man is known to be a gentleman, always showing manners to anyone he sees, even if he receives none back. It's a different story with respect. James prefers it to be a two-way thing, rather than being solely one-sided. James is intelligent, very wise, and very confident in everything he does. He is able to crack things in a moment, and is very swift on his feet. Able to talk himself out of dire situations, he is a mastermind, and many know it. Being a detective, one has to be. He is extremely selfless. James would try to save one in any possible way that he can. He is equipped for any possible outcome when it comes to solving a case, and is usually calm. It's not easy to anger him, as he's an overall quiet and peaceful man. However, he can get angry, though it's rare. Edited at October 2, 2020 12:31 PM by Tenebris Umbra
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Lightbringer
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Rustyk's Character Name: Catherine Donnaugh or Caite Age: 24 Gender: Female Appearance: Caite knows she has curves and she uses them to her advantage. She has shapely hips and rump that melt into long athletic legs. Her upper body has a slightly larger than normal but not over large chest with a flat stomach that many have envied her for. Her mother’s family has strong cheekbones that make Caite’s dark gaze look even more intense when she isn’t smiling. Her eyes are a more almond shape with a little button nose that gives her a more natural beauty. Caite has emerald green eyes that seem to pull people in when she talks. Her lips are full and plump and has waist length dark brown hair that carries a natural wave when she is fresh out of the water. Some scars litter her skin due to fights she has gotten into. There is a particularly large one that runs from her right collar bone down to her left thigh. Caite stands at 5'8" flat footed and weighs 170lbs of solid muscle, mainly from spending so much time working in the saddle and to keep in shape for policing. She wears clothes that are common for the Victorian Era, though sometimes she will wear pants if she is doing something more physical. Personality: Caite is headstrong just like her Irish father. Her mother died shortly after her birth so she doesn’t know very many manners fit for a lady. She loves to be out in the dirt and working with the streets as much as she can. Caite thinks through the crime scenes and tries to get into the mind of the criminal to figure out their next move. Caite doesn't fit the quiet, womanly mold with her love of being in the trenches to solve crimes. The young woman has a firey temper that makes her Irish accent thicker when she gets frustrated. She spends some of her free time reading or drawing the different people of the city. Caite has fought to get in the position she is as a female detective for Scotland Yard. She is newer to the White Chapel area but is excited to start the new chapter in her life. Many have looked down on her for not being wed and working in a man's position. (May add more) Edited at October 2, 2020 11:13 AM by Rustyk Pack
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Lightbringer
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The wheels of the carriage creaked along the road carrying the young woman and older male towards the center of town. "Now Miss Donnaugh, I know this isn't what you were thinking of when it was told to you that you were going to be getting a promotion." More like a demotion...where th'ell are we? Her chin was resting in a gloved hand watching out the little window. Her companion's words a muted annoyance to her thoughts. Her dark green eyes took in the state of the buildings and people as they passed. Many glared at the carriage while others looked with wonder at who the possible occupants could be. Caite finally tore her eyes from the scene outside to rest on the Captain after he spoke her name a few times. "Were you listening Miss Donnaugh? You will need to be on your best behavior while working here in White Chapel." She nodded her head as she placed her hands in her lap. Caite had chosen a simple pair of riding pants, boots that laced up to her knees, and dark grey blouse that covered most of her shoulders, stopping where her neck met her shoulders. "Of course Captain. I only have the best intentions." Her Irish accent danced with each word wanting to be more prominent. She pulled her braided dark brown hair over her shoulder after adjusting the cape that was about her shoulders. "Do you know how much longer until we arrive? It feels as though we have been sitting for so long that I fear my legs will go numb." This caused a small chuckle from her companion as he looked out the window. "Well Miss Donnaugh, it appears we have arrived." The carriage had stopped before he even finished his statement. The male opened the door to climb out first following the rules that society has had in place for many years and offered his weathered hand to his companion. Caite stuck her head out for a moment taking in the large stone building before ignoring the man's hand to step out of the carriage. She offered a smile to the carriage boy that handed her bag to her. "Thank you." Her eyes finally landed back on the Captain and she kept the smile. "The rest of my things will be delivered at the address you have given me correct?" He nodded and motioned for her to walk up the stairs with him to the wooden doors. "You are the first female detective these gentlemen have ever seen or worked with. Do not let us down with any word of your temper getting out of control." His threat low enough for the two of them as Caite placed a hand on the door. "I would never let my temper get the better of me Captain. A woman's touch is what this agency needs." She pushed open the door getting hit with the scents of smoke, sweat, gun powder, along with some undesireable scents. The pair walked up to the reception desk that was manned by a male who didn't look to be much older than 18 who stood and promptly addressed the captain. "Sir does she need to report a crime?" His dark brown eyes looked over Caite for a moment before looking back at the captain. The only sign of annoyance at his statement was a flare of the woman's nostrils as the older male held up a hand. "No, she is here to join your detectives." The whole office seemed to stop what they were doing at his words. Caite could feel the weight of their stares as she stood beside the man but held herself up with professional pride before looking around the building. "Shouldn't you all be working or will I have to do it all?" The Captain clapped a hand to her shoulder with a laugh. "This is Miss Donnaugh. We have a meeting with your Chief to discuss who will be partnered with this fine detective. You asked for one of our best and here she is." Caite bowed her head slightly in greeting and would have preferred walking around the station instead of meeting with another Chief or captain. She followed behind the two males as they walked towards the Chief's office, hearing a few snide remarks as she walked passed. Once inside the office, she stood by the door waiting to be introduced noticing that there was more than just the Chief waiting to greet them. "Chief Matthews, I would like to introduce to your team Miss Donnaugh. Don't let the gentle nature of her gender fool you. I have seen her solve cases that many men have failed at."
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Darkseeker
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╔═══ ═══╗ James ╚═══ ═══╝ James was busy, his expression oscillating between something grim and muddled as his large fingers flipped through the thing papers upon his desk. "You know anything about the new recruit?" A fellow detective and good friend, Henry, asked, infiltrating his personal space. The man stopped what he was doing and stood up, brushing off his dark hued vest. "No, but we'll know soon enough. The Captain headed out earlier, so I assume that he's on his way back with the new lad," James mumbled, scratching his head as he gazed at the paper before suddenly blurting: "For the life of me, I can't figure this case out." Smacking his hand against the desk, he glanced up at his companion, Henry, who motioned James to move over so he could take a look. "I think the burglar was the neighbour," Henry finally spoke, nodding his head in determination. James only released a deep huff. "It can't be the neighbour. He was off with his wife on some business trip. If you ask me, I'm torn between the wife or the son." James had recently been assigned a case that had to do with a robbery in a neighbourhood considered quite elegant and high-class. The victim, an older man by the age of sixty-four and name of Victor McHugh, had lost a valuable watch. The robber, whoever it may be, stole the watch but nothing more. "Do you think he had a mistress?" Henry asked, hand reaching up and stroking his sad excuse for a mustache. "Could be, but I think that it was an inside job. Whoever did it touched nothing else. Henry, do you think you can round him and his family up again so I can ask more questions? I'd like to see where the son was." Henry offered a simple nod before the two of them turned at the sound of the Captain's return. "What's a woman doing with ol Capt'n there?" Henry joked, nudging James, who only rolled his eyes. James and Henry went way back. They knew one another back when James first began working, and that was a few years now. Ever since then, the two had been close friends. The two men listened in, watching the woman. James in perticular was rather puzzled at the sight of her. Hadn't the Captain spoke of picking up this new member and bringing them to White Chapel? If so, then what was a woman with emerald eyes and long hair doing in here and- "She's the new recruit," James whispered, putting the pieces together just as the Captain confirmed his words. Just like that, everything went silent, that is, until the woman voiced her own opinion. Was she Irish? Scottish? "A woman doing a man's job? It just doesn't sit right with me," Henry whispered, leaning over to James, who only stared with disbelief. "How could the Captain allow this?" He finally mumbled back to Henry before shaking his head. Immediately, the two were glaring at the Miss Donnaugh. "You asked for one of the best, and here she is," Henry mocked after the Captain, doing miniature air quotes before scoffing to himself. "This is a downright insult!" The two were whispering back and forth, and from the sounds of it, they weren't the only one. "James old pal, I wager twenty dollars that she'll be out by the end of the week," Henry said, reaching out his hand. James gladly took it, and the two shook on it. "I say she lasts two weeks," James replied before snorting. "Men, stop your whispering. You sound like gossiping women!" Chimed Chief Matthews. Immediately, James and Henry silenced. "Now, into my office at once. We have some introductions to do." The Chief walked off, and like small puppies, Henry and James followed. Once inside, they waited, along with a few other members who would apparently work with this.. This woman. "Do you think that-" James was soon interrupted when the Captain entered with Miss Donnaugh. Once more, everyone went silent, until the Chief spoke up. "It's a pleasure to have you on our team, isn't it, gentlemen?" Everybody knew not to upset Chief Matthews, and so reluctantly, they all responded, all but James. However, when a glare was thrown his way, James crossed his arms over his chest. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance." No, no it wasn't a pleasure at all.
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Lightbringer
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♥Caiti♥ Caite's eyes wandered over each of the males, pausing for a moment longer on the male that hadn't spoken up until the end. She raised an eyebrow before smiling as she walked over to him offering her hand. "Pleasure to meet you as well. I am looking forward to working with all of you." Her gaze sweeping over the group before landing on the man to whom her hand was held out to. Of course she wasn't pleased with the snide remarks she had heard but it wasn't anything new. She had learned to expect that from her peers and she got enjoyment out of seeing the shock on their faces when she figured something out that they hadn't thought of. The young woman also knew that it was going to be another uphill climb with these men and she had better hit the ground running in order to make her move. Caite pulled her hand back after releasing his after the shake. Captain Harris was watching her movements and looked over at Chief Matthews before clasping his hands together. "Well I must be on my way. Do not worry about sending a message to us if you need another detective, though I am sure you will be more than pleased with Miss Donnaugh." With that he nodded to everyone and exited the room. Caite stood for a few more moments in the awkward silence that followed the man's departure before placing her hands on her hips. "So are we going to sit and stare at me all day, or is there something that we should be doing?" Her eyes moved over to Chief Matthews before continuing. "Who will I be working with Chief Matthews? We are wasting our time the longer we sit in here gabbing like hens." A bit of her spunky personality shining through after the Captain had exited. Caite was never one to enjoy small talk, and her words were partially correct. The longer they stayed in the room doing pleasantries, the less daylight they had to work with. She also wanted to get to work. Her father also pushed the saying of "idle hands are the devil's workshop" as she was growing up, especially if she wasn't doing the work she needed for church. Her gaze moved around the room once more before landing back on the man that she had shaken hands with. She felt as though it would be horrid luck if she was partnered with him since he was the last to voice pleasantries. It was also the way he was standing with his arms crossed that steeled her resolve to show them all what she could do. "And just so you know, I will be taking in twenty dollars from the two of you that thought I would be out before two weeks. You guys aren't the first that thought I wouldn't make it longer than that. If I don't then whoever was right I will..oh wait, I don't lose." She pushed open the door looking around the various desks before speaking over her shoulder. "Whoever's desk I get to first, that is mine." Was it childish? Yes very much so, but it also was a way for her to see which men don't want her working on her case. Her steps were slow and calculated as her eyes scanned over documents on the various desks, but stopped when she noticed the one about a stolen watch. She moved over to that desk and picked up a few of the papers skimming over them before sitting in the seat crossing her legs. Well it looks like she found her seat.
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Darkseeker
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╔═══ ═══╗ James ╚═══ ═══╝ James was a gentleman, that was what he liked to tell himself, and yet, he couldn't bring himself to raise his hand as the woman offered her own. However, with the Chief and Captain present, and all his peers watching, James had no choice but to take it, his own rough hand taking her much lighter one and shaking it. "Yeah, we're excited to work with you as well," Henry remarked quietly to the woman, earning him a few muffled snickers from men nearby. The Chief only coughed, a small warning for everybody to silence. "Thank you, Captain," the Chief responded to his farewell before turning his head to peer outside of the window within his office. "Gentlemen, as we do with all new members, I'd like you to welcome Miss Donnaugh, is that understood?" Reaching for a cigar upon his desk, the Chief placed it in his mouth, but didn't light it. "Miss Donnaugh, I've heard that you're very experienced, I hope that you won't let me down." The Chief was known to be a stern fellow most times. It was his idea of maintaining an orderly workplace. However, James and Henry only glared at the woman, who spoke to them about their bet. "How did you hear that?" Henry grumbled, and James only shook his head. He opened his mouth, ready to say something, but it clamped shut as the Chief released a chuckle. All eyes were upon the new woman at first, but now, they were upon the Chief out of curiosity, James' included. Everybody silenced when she spoke of doing something, even the Chief, who turned to her before releasing a bellowing laugh, causing James to flinch. "Not yet five minutes here and she's already proving to be a better go-getter then half of you men here!" He roared, his voice muffled with his rumbling laughter. "I like the spirit and confidence, you know who could use some of it? Mr Burton here." James paused, Henry paused, everybody seemed to pause. As Miss Donnaugh suddenly left the office, the Chief waved everybody else away. When the room was silent, he turned to James. "What do you mean, sir?" James managed to speak, turning towards the Chief. "You," the Chief pointed to James, "are too serious, and you've spent too long on that robbery case of yours. What has it been, over a week? Back in my day, I would have cracked it in less than three." James furrowed his brows. "With all due respect, Chief, I'm working on it. I've come a long way and-" He was cut off by Chief Matthews' words. "You got the brains, son, but you lack the confidence and determination. I think Miss Donnaugh there can help you with that." James only grunted. "You're giving me a partner? Chief Matthews, I've been working alone since I got this job. I don't need a partner," James protested. "Everybody here has a partner but you, James. I think it's time you learn what it's like to work with others. You're too independent, son." So, he needed more confidence, more determination, and now he needed to be less independent? How rude! He believed that he was a fine detective. He solved more cases then anyone here! "Calm down, Mr Burton. Think of it as a trial run. You're going to need a partner." The Chief paused, ruffling through some papers before grabbing a stack and throwing it on his desk. "What's that?" James asked, leaning forwards, but the Chief was silent until he sat down at his chair, his hands clasping together. "There's been a series of murders, one after another. It's assumed that it's by the same individual. You are going to take this case and work with our new recruit, is that understood? All the information is in the file, you know the drill." James nodded, grabbing the enlarged file and leaving when the Chief motioned him out. Shaking his head, he hadn't heard what Miss Donnaugh had said, and so he was surprised to go to his desk and see her there, sitting in his chair. His chair! "What are you doing?" He asked, rather angrily at that. "You can't sit there, that's my desk," he grunted, grabbing at the case about the stolen watched, ripping the papers out of her hands. "You can't just walk up to a desk and ruffle through the files. That's completely unprofessional, now get out of my seat." Frowning, James stood there, his gaze stern and a frown upon his face, making him resemble that of a boy who had just thrown a tantrum. "You want a desk, go find an unoccupied one." As if the timing was bad enough, the Chief popped his head out of his office. "Miss Donnaugh, your partner is Mr Burton there. I see you already found his desk." Without another word, Chief Matthews closed the door to his office and vanished, leaving James scowling even more, and everybody's eyes upon him. "That doesn't mean we're sharing a desk." Pausing, James' eyes landed upon a desk right next to his, noting that it was empty. He couldn't have her infiltrate his space. It was bad enough that she was his.. His partner! Oh, he couldn't wait to leave work for the day. It couldn't get any worse. "Out," he pointed to the free desk next to his, one hand holding stacks of paper, the other in a firm knuckle with one finger pointing to the other desk.
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Lightbringer
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♥Caiti♥ The papers being ripped from her fingers brought her eyes up to the man. A slightly bored look filled them before she followed where he was pointing and leaned back in his chair crossing her knees and tapped her fingers together looking back to him. "It is not rifling if you leave it sitting out on your desk, Mr. Burton. If I wanted to rifle, I wouldn't have just sat down. You would be amazed what you can learn about someone by looking at what they keep in the drawers of the desk." Her eyes landed on the thicker file and she stood with a roll of her eyes. "By the way, the old man pawned off his watch. The wife or son would have wanted to add a few other items to the burglary to throw the scent away from them. No burglar or greedy family member only takes one item...The man made a bad business mistake which cost him the price of the watch and in order to not let his family find out, he pawned it but then claimed it was stolen." Her hands pulled the thicker stack of papers from his grasp and moved to the empty desk setting them down and picked up the top piece beginning to read over it. Honestly she was finding it amusing to watch the taller male get flustered at her simple actions. If he is bothered by such a little thing...this isn't going to end well for either of us. Her thoughts bringing a smile to her lips as she reached for another paper ignoring the men around her at least for a few moments. The comment about how she could have heard them popped back up in her thoughts and she looked over the paper looking over at the man that had asked the question. "You do have a brain between your ears don't you? Well I should hope so since you are a detective but please put a little more thought into your questions before you ask them. It doesn't take much to shut one's mouth and listen to what is being said around them." Her dark hues moved back to the paper reading the notes. Multiple murders in quick succession, that was never good and the fact that it appeared to be one person possibly behind them made it more serious. It definately wasn't a one man job, but did she really have to work with stick-in-the-mud Burton? She heard a couple of the snickers from her comments but now her mind was focused solely on the case in her hands. After setting the paper down, she quickly spread out the others on the empty desk looking for any descriptions of the victims and where they had been found. The cocky attitude from before seeming to get locked away as more focused look filled her features. If one looked closely, there was a light in her eyes that showed her excitement at having a new challenge. Her gaze didn't even look up when she started speaking. "You can finish that watch case and I will get this started since you were so keen on keeping that one to yourself." Her eyes following her fingers as she read line after line, only furrowing her brows at a pause. It didn't make any sense, why would someone be going after lower class people that had no ties to someone of wealth. She could understand the female victims as they offered services that many didn't approve of but the males on the other hand were what had her pausing. "A simple baker, blacksmith, and paper boy...There has to be connection between them...but where is it?"
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Darkseeker
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╔═══ ═══╗ James ╚═══ ═══╝ "It is indeed rifling. My desk is my personal space, and I don't take kindly to others rummaging through my organized papers," he retaliated, brows furrowing. "It isn't professional to go through everybody's desk drawers, Miss Donnaugh, mine included." He stood there, waiting for her to stand up and walk away. He refused to allow his desk to be.. to be stolen from him, by a woman no less. "Tough luck," he heard Henry snicker as he passed by, carrying his own stack of papers. However, if the man wasn't frustrated before, he certainly was now. "How could assume the man pawned it off by knowing nothing about him? You took a simple glance and believe you've come up with the answer?" To make matters worse, she took, took the stack of papers from his grasp. Following after her with his long strides, he stood next to her, peering at the papers she had lay on the desk. "I also don't take kindly to having my own cases taken from me. If you wish to earn respect among here, then I do say, you're already failing." Placing his hands behind his back, he turned to the office, where he heard the Chief knock on the glass window for him. James began to reach out for the papers, preparing to snatch them back, but a sharp knock from the Chief made him halt. "I'll be back," he growled, making his way towards the Chief. Entering his office, the Chief shook his head. "The McHugh case has been solved. The old man called in and confessed to selling it and reporting it as a robbery. The family lost everything, house included. That, you can't claim was a robbery. He's been charged with fraud." James stood there, beginning to pace. "I knew it was an inside job, but I never suspected the old man. Chief, do you think I may switch partners as well?" The Chief snorted, the cigar still in his mouth. "This is your problem, Mr Burton. You have to learn how to work as a team. Now get," he waved James off, to which he obliged. Once returned to Miss Donnaugh, James stood over her, eyes darkening, indicating that he wasn't going to discuss why the Chief had beckoned him. "What's in the file?" He asked, haven't had the chance to read it over himself before she took it, his tone now deepening as he spoke next. "I wasn't going to keep this case to myself. I simply wanted a chance to read it over so I can gather my thoughts and voice my opinions when I share it. And if you mean the watch case, I did plan on keeping it to myself. It was assigned to me, after all, and stealing one's case is never admired here." Immediately, he found himself disliking this woman. Her attitude, her taking his cases, her walking around like she owned everything. Pah, it was unbelievable! Shaking off his growing annoyance, James peered over her shoulder, staring at the case and reading the words written on the paper. "Somebody is targeting the lower class.." He repeated to himself, listening to her words about a baker, blacksmith, and paper boy being one of the victims. "Do you think it's an act of revenge?" Why was he even asking for her opinion? He should be doing this alone. Picking up a single paper, he began to read it to himself before placing it back down. "The blacksmith was killed in his own home, and yet nothing was stolen." Granted, they were all lower class people and not much was worthy of stealing, but nothing was touched. "Is the killer leaving any signatures that link them all to him?" For now, James would bite. He would work with Miss Donnaugh, well, he had no other choice, but it didn't mean that he had to enjoy her presence.
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Lightbringer
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♥Caiti♥ "I never said I went through your desk drawers. You seem to boring to look into anyway. Plus I heard the Chief say you were my partner so I was looking over what you were working on." She lifted her gaze from the papers watching him walk into the Chief's office before looking back at the case in her hands. Her eyes were quickly scanning through for anything that was similar. "Also I have dealt with the son of the man that reported the watch missing. Not because I wanted to but because we both happened to be in the same bar where he was liquered up enough to let it slip that his father was having financial issues. And I would be more respectful if you showed respect back. Begrudgingly shaking my hand and looking disgusted at seeing a woman being able to do a man's job doesn't get you very far either." She glanced over in his direction when he leaned over her shoulder to read the files. "Also I wasn't going to take your case. Just pointing out a plausible outcome. If I wanted to take it, I would have blurted it loudly for everyone to hear." It was true, if she wanted to take someone's case, she wouldn't typically voice her thoughts to the person who originally had the case. Her eyes moved back to scanning the pages letting out a low growl escape her lips, a sign she was getting frustrated. "I don't think it is revenge. Why target two different groups of people? You have the women that walk the streets and then males that either have a barely survivable business or a kid." She offered a couple pieces of paper to him after moving to another one. "If you look at the women, they all have a weird symbol carved into their chest...Do you see if that is mentioned for the male victims?" Caite also had to work on working in a team setting. Many times her personality was too offputting and many just let her do her own thing. She sat back rereading the notes on the paper boy. "He was killed exactly in the middle of the baker's and blacksmith's home addresses. The baker was killed outside of his bakery just within a few feet of the last female victim." She picked up the woman's file and slowly read over her name. "Marylin or Mary Ringling. Sister to the wife of Fred Bergis. Mother of two and a widow. She ended up working on the street just to make enough to keep her two small children fed." She leaned back bumping into James but quickly readjusted by turning her chair a little more to give him room. "It probably wouldn't hurt to do a walk around in the area and see exactly how close each of the murders are. If they are all in a fairly close area, it means the killer is staying extremely close to home when killing. It explains how no one has been able to catch any hints of a person looking harried or covered in blood. He doesn't have to travel very far." Edited at October 22, 2020 03:39 PM by FrostyK
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