Before Lys could stop him , Cassius walked over and smacked Alaric on the head.
" Wha…. Who... What ?!? " he woke up startled. Alaric looked around and he saw Cassius glaring at him.
" Wake up you pig , Lys has to eat ."
Alaric rubbed his eyes grumbling, " Okay okay you brute , you could've just asked me to wake up."
" Yeah right , like that's possible," Cassius shot back.
" You damn- " Alaric began.
" Alright alright , let's not fight . Alaric the food got here like an hour ago but I didn't want to wake you two up so it might be cold. Do you want me to order something else for you ? "
Alaric shook his head , " It's fine I ordered some fried rice, I'll just microwave it , " he said, grabbing his box and heading outside.
Lysandra and Cassius also followed him out.
Victor and the group were chatting when the door to Boss's office opened and Dr. Tolliver walked over to the lounge area , he went over to the microwave to reheat his food. Close behind him were Boss and Dr. Valmont. Boss had already eaten half of his sandwich while Dr. Valmont settled down on a chair to eat her food..
She opened the lid and took out a small container. She poured the dressing in the container onto her salad before closing the box and shaking it well.
Cassius pulled up a chair and sat down next to her while Alaric joined them after his food was heated, " What do you have there Lys ? " he asked, peeking into Lys's food.
" It's her usual salad , " Cassius answered without even looking up.
Alaric grumbled , " Lys you should really eat something else you've been having that salad for the past year now. "
" Oh come on Alaric , I'm having a balanced meal .Besides you almost completely devoured the whole salad bowl yesterday," Lysandra pointed out.
" That's different , this salad is just sad."
" It's healthy for you, and it allows me to eat whatever I want without worry about gaining weight." Lys replied.
" Yeah ,unlike what you stuff your face with, " Cassius added, smirking.
The others were watching their interactions curiously , " Boss loosened up alot , I've never seen him joke around like this before ," Thorne whispered.
The other nodded back , " Dr. Tolliver too , I've never seen him be this childish."
The objects of their conversation were all blissfully enjoying their meals.
Cassius finished up first followed by Alaric.
" Why did you two eat so fast ? " Lys grumbled.
" Sorry Lys , force of habit, " Cassius replied meekly.
" Yeah , next time we'll eat slower ," Alaric added.
Lys grumbled to herself and focused on finishing her food up soon.
After she was done , she pulled out a napkin from her purse and wiped her mouth.
" So Lys did you notice anything ? " Cassius asked.
Lys nodded , " I did notice a few things and so far they can be used to develop a profile of the criminal. First of all based on the strength needed to carry this out , and based on how both Father Donovan and Sister Mary saw one figure ,it should be man , medium build and height , he should be someone with a criminal record , likely crimes towards women or children. These were all well planned murders, not crimes of passion. The killer likely chose the victims carefully , he should be someone close to them. An older female figure in his life , likely his mother or a female relative that looked after him might've been quite neglectful and abusive towards him. But his modus operandi shows someone who is extremely straightforward. He did not hesitate at all , normally even the cruelest of killer's hesitate, but not this one, he was determined to kill them. But except for the stab and slashed wrists , both of which resulted in small but deadly wounds, he didn't dare lay a hand on the victim , this shows that his relationship with women is far more complex than simple hate. He appreciates the beauty of the female , and he did not want to destroy it, instead he wanted to enhance it , hence the dramatic staging of the crime. He used white roses , and soaked them with blood to make them red roses. Now usually white roses symbolize purity , innocence and new beginning , and red roses symbolize ? "
" Easy , red roses symbolize passion and love ," Alaric replied.
Lysandra nodded , " Yes you are right but in Christian customs . The red rose symbolizes martyrdom as it is associated with the blood and sacrifice of martyrs and Christ's passion towards humanity. "
" So you're saying this bastard sacrificed these two girls to be martyrs ? " Cassius asked.
Lysandra shrugged , " Either that or he wanted to 'absolve' their sins by making them die for God. "
Alaric and Cassius were both frowning .
" He also should be someone who visits the two churches often, or they should be related to someone who does. Another likely scenario is that he has a job involving the two churches. He should be someone very silent who keeps to himself most of the time , he also has to be someone observant , when he enters a place he should be someone who observes the whole place marking down the locations of thighs such as exits and cameras."
Cassius and Alaric nodded.
" The other thing I noticed is that his relationship with religion and god is somewhat complicated. He admires God , but he is going about showing his devotion and admiration in the wrong way. "
" What do you mean ? " Cassius asked .
Lysandra placed the report on the table and she took out two photos: the two crime scenes.
" Both of the bodies were found in ' holy grounds' , and they were sacrifices and based on how decorative he made them , this was not a challenge to God , it was more of an offering. This is strange considering that in Christianity , while there exists the concept of 'sacrifice' they don't directly refer to human sacrifice. Historically there were records of animal sacrifices conducted , but when it comes to humans , 'sacrifice' often refers to giving oneself up in a more spiritual and symbolic sense, not physical. But that's not all. "
" What else ? " Cassius asked, rubbing his chin.
" He seems to consider himself a resolver of sins sent down by God himself, some sort of priest."
" Why do you say that ? "
" In the Old Testament , sacrifice is a primary responsibility of the priests , they were in charge of conducting ' sacrifices' to resolve the sins of the people , they are the so-called ' mediator' between God and the community. But then again , these 'sacrifices' were metaphorical. And based on home setting the crime scene up , I believe he is practicing a hybrid religion."
" Hybrid religion ? "
" Yes , as I said , sacrifice is metaphorical in Christianity. But there are other religions that conduct human sacrifices , and one such religion would be the polytheistic ancient Mayan religion. Practitioners of this religion used to sacrifice human captives on raised altars , they would decapitate ,dig the heart out of the sacrifice or slash the major veins allowing the victim to bleed to death letting the blood pool around the altar , as they believed that this blood would nourish the god. This pooling of blood is also seen in our case , so I'm assuming he's practicing a religion that combines multiple religions together, it's likely a cult."
Cassius and Alaric both felt shivers run down their spines..
" Have you found out the identities of the victims ? "
Cassius shook his head , " We didn't find any ids and they aren't listed on the missing persons reports. "
" Cassius , I want you to look up something ."
" Sure , what is it ? "
" When I was studying sociology , I found out about the rise of new religious cults in our city. Can you check if there are any cults that act as a sub branch of Christianity ? "
" Should I keep a look out for any specific details ? "
Lysandra nodded ," Claims to be a 'true' branch of Christianity but is a combination of multiple religions. Both genders must be present but men would be considered 'higher' than women. Leader should be a man, likely in his 40s . The name might insinuate that they are God's disciples or servants. Also a hierarchical structure might be present , and it might be very similar to that of the Church."
Cassius nodded , turning around he asked Victor and the others to come forward.
" What is it Boss ? " Victor asked.
" I want you all to check all the religious cults in our city , " Cassius repeated all the characteristics to them , " Check to see if there are any cults like that ."
" Also some members might have criminal records , likely crimes towards women and children, " Lysandra added.
They all nodded and rushed to complete their tasks.
Suddenly Alaric's phone went off , " The autopsy report is done , Senior asked me over , I'll be back."
Lys waved at him as he rushed out.
Victor was scrolling through the list of cults when his phone vibrated, checking it he turned to Alex , " Alex go take the file that just arrived at the reception."
" What is it ? "
" The client list of the pharmacy."
Alex nodded , he rushed downstairs and grabbed the file before racing back , he burst into the unit panting .
Cassius spotted the file in his hand , " Is that the client list ? Give it to me ."
Alex handed it over and Cassius began to flip through it , Lys joined him.
They read through the records . A strange name caught Lys's attention. She stopped Cassius , and pointed to the name .
" Benedict Goel ? What's wrong, Lys ? "
" Goel means ' Redeemer' in Hebrew , check if there's a Goel family in our city. "
Cassius understood , he moved over to a computer and accessed the database to check.
Cassius shook his head , " There's one , a certain Paul Goel , he has a record and you're right he was arrested multiple times before for abusing his wife and children. "
" Try to see where he is."
" There's an address here."
" Captain , I found one ! " Julien yelled.
Cassius and Lysandra rushed over .
" Here , they're called Vindicati Dei, and I had to translate , then name means-"
" Avengers of God," Lysandra completed the sentence.
Julien nodded, " The founder is someone that goes by the name Paul Goel."
Lys and Cassius glanced at each other.
" And just as Dr. Valmont said , members believe that they are the reincarnations of God's disciples sent here to cleanse evil and redeem humanity. The founder is at the head of the organization and the rest are apparently divided into a hierarchy similar to the Catholic Church, with women usually at the lower levels. When you join the organization , you are given the chance to change your surname to Goel , supposedly it's done to leave behind the individual's old life. This is the address of their headquarters. It seems to be very inclusive , often only accepting people high up in society. And you have to have an invitation to join them. No one is allowed inside except for members."
Lys glanced at Cassius , who nodded back.
" That's the place , but how can we search the place without a warrant? They won't give us a warrant if we don't give them enough evidence suggesting the criminal is hiding inside."
" Do they have a list of members ? "
" No Boss , but I can try to find out."
Cassius turned to see Lysandra massaging her temples.
" What's wrong, Lys ? "
" That cult , it sounds familiar. "
Cassius tilted his head , waiting for her to continue.
" I think Nero joined it last year and he's been donating to it."
Cassius inhaled sharply.
Nero was Lysandra's cousin : the son of her father's younger sister. He's always been a problematic child , throwing tantrums here and there and getting involved with the wrong crowd. But surprisingly he really liked Lysandra following her around.
" Let me call and ask him." Lys picked her phone up and dialed Nero's number, just after two rings he picked up, Lys increased the volume of the call allowing Cassius to hear they're conversation..
" Sissssssss " he squealed, " Oh my god it's been forever since I last saw you. Why haven't you visited me"
" Hi dearie , I'm sorry , I was busy with my studies , listen Nero I want to ask you something. I remember you telling me that you joined a church last year , what is the name again ? "
" Oh sis you remembered ! Yes I joined it with Andrew , it's called Vindicati Dei, sounds so cool right !"
" Listen , I'm curious about it , can you tell me more about it ? "
" Sure sis , I usually always sleep there , but they're super nice to me. Andrew told me that his father was promoted to be a bishop. The leader is this jolly old guy , he told me last time that he saw potential in me , and I was so stoked. " he squealed again.
" That's wonderful honey , but can you tell me more about what they teach you over there ? "
" Sure Sis but why ? Oh My God , don't tell me you want to join me ! " he shrieked.
Lysandra felt her eardrums popping while Cassius flinched.
' Not really dearie , I'm doing some research about the newer sub branches of the church and your organization is on my list."
" Oh , I can show you around sis ! "
Lysandra glanced at Cassius who showed her thumbs up.
" That's wonderful dearie , do you mind me bringing a friend along ? "
" A friend ? Is it those two idiots ? "
Lysandra almost laughed and Cassius's face grew dark.
While he loves Lys , Nero has always seen Cassius and Alaric and thorns. Two toads follow his precious, pretty sister around.
Lysandra pointed at Julien and Amélie , " No no no , they're busy with work dearie , these two are my research partners."
" Oh then they're welcome Sis ! " Nero's voice sounded much brighter
" Thank you honey but this won't cause you any trouble right ? " she asked, making her voice sound softer.
" Not at all sis , they should be grateful for your visit, let's see who dares to say anything." .
" Okay then dearie thank you , I'll meet you tomorrow. "
" Sure sis ,I'll pick you up from your apartment . "
" Okay but remember dearie , I have two friends with me."
" Hmm okay. Baiiii . I love you sis ! "
" Bye bye , I love you too " Lys replied before hanging up.
" You can't come along , I'll take those two , Nero wouldn't mind them."
Cassius nodded, he then turned to the others , " Everyone gather here ."
" Tomorrow , Lys will be going to the Vindicati Dei church and you two: Amélie and Julien you two will join her , posing as her research partners. "
Julien and Amélie looked at each other before nodding." We will set up base at Lys's apartment today. Victor get the necessary equipment ready. "
With a loud ' Yes Boss ! " all of them dispersed.
" Are they always this efficient and well behaved ? " Lys asked turning to Cassius who almost burst out laughing.
" Efficient ? maybe . Well behaved ? No way. They're just like that because you're here. I'll go and get permission from Chief Lys."
" I'll come along ! "
Cassius nodded and the two of them made their way over to the Chief's office.
" Chief , I want to request permission for a covert investigation," Cassius informed Chief Jung while sitting down. Lys followed him and sat down next to him.
" What are you two up to ? "
" I believe our perpetrator is from the cult called Vindicati Dei , but we don't have enough evidence to get a warrant so tomorrow two officers and Lys will go on a 'research trip' to see if he's there."
" That was fast , looks like Lys joining you was really good. But why would she join the operation ? "
" Well , Nero would be the one 'showing ' us around. So I have to go ."
Chief Jung felt a headache coming , he pinched his nose bridge , " Okay so I have many questions and you two will answer them all."
Lys and Cassius nodded.
" First, how is that cult related to the case ? "
" We found traces of Scopolamine in the victim's system ,and amongst the people who purchased it illegally from the pharmacy , we found a certain man named Benedict Goel."
Then Lys took over and explained her analysis to Chief Jung, " And when we checked the leader of Vindicati Dei is called Paul Goel , and he serves as the head of the cult. And from what we heard , all members are given the opportunity to give up their name and take his surname as a form of ' letting go'."
Chief Jung nodded , " That makes sense , but since you don't have direct evidence , you thought of doing a covert investigation, I wont allow this usually , but I'll make an exception this time , the Superintendent just called and yelled at me to speed things up so you all get the green light to do this. Okay my next question , how in the world is that brat Nero involved with them ? "
Lys sighed , " His best friend Andrew's family joined that cult recently . So he joined too , he's been donating a lot of money to it too, causing Aunt a headache."
Chief Jung nodded , " Okay you have my permission to go. Lys I'm only letting you go because Nero will be with you , that brat ,no matter how bad he is , he won't let anything happen to you. And those mosquitoes would be eyeing for the money so you'll likely be safe."
" Thank you Lucas ! "
Chief Jung cleared his throat , " Oh come on Lucas , he knows. So it's fine."
Lucas looked at Cassius pleadingly , " Lys let's give Chief some face okay ."
Lys pouted and nodded , " Sorry Chief."
Lucas looked at Cassius, grateful , he's finally found someone who could handle Lysandra.
" Then Chief, we'll get going. "
When the two of them returned , everyone was ready to go .
" I'll ride with Lys , you all just follow us, " Cassius instructed while everyone walked out towards the police SUV's.
" Okay , but which car is yours ? " Alex asked.
Lys pulled out a keep and pressed a button , a flashy white sports car flashed . No one was too surprised , after all she was the heir to one of biggest corporations in the country.
Lys got in , and Cassius followed her and got in. Lys drove out of the police station smoothly , following her closely behind were multiple police SUV's.
On the way Lys called the guards and informed them about the guests she was bringing, while Cassius sent a message to Alaric about the new developments.
' We're heading to Lys's apartment , head over there when you're done .'
Meanwhile in the SUV behind them , everyone was chatting .
" It's been mere hours since she came and she already deduced that much , damn she IS a genius," Throne said.
" I know , she only read through the files for like an hour and she found all that , " Amélie added.
" Honestly I'm glad she joined us ."
" Yeah, my only complaint is that she didn't join us sooner," Victor complained.
'" Well technically she's always been a part of our team , she was just working behind the scenes," Throne pointed out.
" But say where do you think she lives ? " Amélie suddenly asked.
" Likely somewhere like The Elysium," Throne snorted.
Amélie burst out laughing with her, but Victor was just staring at something wide eyed.
" What's wrong Vic ? "
" You two sure have some super powers , look there," he simply replied.
Amélie and Throne looked and their mouth hanged open. Yeap they were heading right towards the Elysium.
Seeing Lysandra's car approaching, the guards quilt opened the gates for her . Lys nodded at them and continued to drive.
When they passed by the garden Amélie pressed her whole face against the window, " That's the famous garden ! I've always wanted to see it ! " she squealed.
Lysandra drove over to the entrance of the garage, the police cars followed behind . They went down 2 levels and Lysandra parked in a spot marked with blue lines. She got out of the car and walked over to the SUV's. Victor and Alex rolled down the windows .
" The spots marked with blue are allocated to me , so find a spot with blue markings.
Victor and Alex nodded , the both found a spot each , next to a massive black jeep and a dark green convertible.
" Hey Amélie, isn't that the jeep that we saw that day ? " Throne asked.
Amélie nodded , " Yeah that's it."
" Wow, she has a lot of cars."
" Yeah , all the cars parked in spots with blue markings are hers," Victor replied.
Amélie and Thorne looked at each other with their mouths hanging open . Ever since Dr. Valmont joined them , their mouths were hanging open often.
Cassius and Lys had walked over to the elevator , but seeing that no one was following, Cassius stopped and called out , " Come one keep up , or we'll have to come down again to get you."
Hearing this, they quickly grabbed the equipment and rushed over, they entered the elevator , and after making sure everyone was there , Lys pressed on her floor and scanned her finger print, the elevator started to move soon after. Once they reached the 20th floor , Lysandra walked over to her door and punched her code in .
" Welcome to my home," she said, turning to everyone else , " Please come in."