"FK, it's the first time I've seen such a disgusting way to die."
When members of the forensic team arrived, their expressions ranged from surprise to disgust; they were clearly overwhelmed by the ghastly state of the deceased.
Dean's old acquaintance Holz was among them.
He immediately spotted Dean dangling from the racks and quietly moved forward, intending a surprise grab. But just as his hand got close, Dean caught it.
"HISS. Stop it, it's me, Holz!" Holz winced in pain, pleading for mercy.
Recognizing the familiar voice, Dean let go, turned, and greeted him with a smile, "Long time no see, Holz. Found yourself a girlfriend?"
As he spoke, he looked Holz up and down.
Holz had always been short and skinny, but now he looked even thinner. His cheeks were sunken, his eyes bulged, and beneath his loose collar were patches of red, bruise-like strawberry marks, giving the impression of physical weakness from too much nightlife.
At the mention of a girlfriend, Holz perked up.
