Lorien didn't bother entertaining Hermann any further. Instead, he took the stack of paper files handed to him by Hastings' assistant and flipped through them.
These reports were far more comprehensive than the ones Chief Greve had shown him earlier.
Not only did they detail the exact time of death for each victim, but they also included black-and-white crime scene photos and autopsy reports.
đź“Ś A Small Yet Crucial Detail
The London Metropolitan Police Department actually had a forensic division, housed under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Most people didn't know this, but…
Forensic examiners were paid significantly more than regular officers.At its peak, their salaries were nearly three times higher than those of a typical detective.
And considering the gruesome nature of these murders, forensic specialists had been working overtime to get these reports done.
Lorien skimmed through the files—
For the gang members that were killed, the autopsy results matched exactly with what Jack Arnold had reported to him.
But the other victims?
The ones outside of Jack's known targets?
🔹 Something felt off.
Across the room, Inspector Aaron Hastings finally spoke up—
"I am Aaron Hastings, Inspector of the Whitechapel Enforcement Squad.
I am the lead officer in charge of handling the 'Jack the Ripper' case."
His voice carried the calm authority of someone used to being in control.
"By now, I'm sure you're all familiar with the name 'Jack the Ripper.'
I won't waste time repeating what you already know.
What matters is that this is a highly dangerous individual.
For the sake of public safety and order, Commissioner Douglas has ordered us to solve this case within two weeks."
đź‘€ Tension filled the room.
The deadline was aggressive. Two weeks.
A bold commitment—
One that wouldn't have been made unless the department had some level of confidence in catching this killer.
Hastings then shifted gears—
"After conducting an initial investigation,
we've compiled a list of suspects based on the crime scene evidence and victims' personal connections.
It may not be 100% accurate, but it provides a useful starting point."
Before anyone could respond, Hermann raised his hand.
"Yes?" Hastings acknowledged him.
"Inspector Hastings, shouldn't we just head straight to the crime scenes for investigation?
We won't catch a killer by staring at documents."
The remark was pointed—
A not-so-subtle dig at Hastings' procedural approach.
Hastings, unfazed, remained calm—
"No need to rush, Detective Hermann.
We will visit the scenes shortly.
But before that, I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on the case."
Hermann shrugged, leaning back in his chair.
"Fine. Whatever you say."
đź‘‚ Soft murmurs filled the room as detectives exchanged theories.
Lorien flipped to the final page of his report—
The suspect list.
đź“„ "Persons of Interest"
Elric Marsha: Former butcher, ex-boyfriend of one of the victims (Gianna Liz), known frequent customer of brothels. Josef Spin: A former psychologist committed to an asylum due to psychotic episodes; released last year, now working as a dock laborer. (Other names followed, each carrying their own sordid histories…)
After scanning the list, Lorien cleared his throat, drawing attention to himself.
His voice was steady, measured—
"From the reports we have, the killer's targets were originally focused on known criminals and gang members.
Yet, last week, he suddenly shifted to murdering Whitechapel prostitutes.
Has anyone considered the possibility that we're dealing with a copycat killer?"
đź“Ś The room fell into silence.
Aaron tapped his fingers on the table, nodding slightly.
"That's a fair assessment."
Then, breaking down his reasoning, he continued—
"Looking at the victims' wounds, it's clear that 'Jack the Ripper' is someone with considerable physical strength.
All his targets were killed instantly.
This suggests he's a well-built adult male, likely around six feet tall (180 cm).
That being said, we can't rule out disguises.
Using this as a baseline, we narrowed the suspect list down to these seven individuals."
đź“Ś Logical. Precise. Analytical.
It was classic Hastings—
Cutting through speculation and focusing only on what could be proven.
Suddenly—
Hermann chuckled, his tone half-mocking—
"So why not just arrest them all?
Throw them into interrogation, rough them up a little—
I guarantee one of them will confess."
đź“Ś The room went dead silent.
Lorien side-eyed him.
Was this guy serious?
Hastings exhaled sharply, his lips pressing into a thin line.
"Detective Hermann…
We are not the Inquisition.
The use of torture in police interrogations was abolished during the First Law Enforcement Reform."
đź“Ś Of course, that was only "officially."
But even so—
Going around openly suggesting it?
A bold move.
Or a stupid one.
With that, the meeting continued for another half-hour before breaking for lunch.
Hastings announced—
"Since we've had time to familiarize ourselves with the case, it's time to visit the latest crime scene."
đźš” The convoy split into two police cars.
Hastings, Superintendent Kuhn, and three officers shared one vehicle. Lorien, Hermann, and Chief Greve took the other.Inside the Car
Hermann let out a dramatic sigh—
"So, I take it you're not backing out of this investigation?"
Lorien gave him a sideways glance—
"Why would I?
Even if 'Jack the Ripper' is strong, he's still just a man.
He only targets people who are alone.
We have numbers."
đź“Ś Hermann stared at him.
Then, he smirked—
A knowing, condescending smirk.
"You still think we're dealing with a human?"
đź“Ś Lorien's pulse didn't change.
He feigned confusion.
"What else would he be?"
Hermann leaned in slightly, voice dropping to a low whisper—
"The world is not as simple as you think.
There exist forces beyond ordinary comprehension.
And all those forces—
They originate from one thing: Spirituality."
đź“Ś Lorien's eyes narrowed slightly.
He kept his expression blank.
📌 Hermann continued, almost boasting—
"'All supernatural abilities stem from the world's spiritual gifts.'
This is a fundamental truth."
"While supernatural forces manifest in different ways, the most common profession among practitioners is the 'Mystic.'"
📌 Then, with unmistakable arrogance, he declared—
"And as it so happens… I am one."
Lorien stared at him for a long moment.
Then, with a slow nod, he responded—
"Impressive.
And this relates to 'Jack the Ripper' how?"
đź“Ś Hermann's smirk faltered.
For a brief second, he hesitated.
Then, gritting his teeth, he explained—
"Because Jack the Ripper is likely using his murders for a supernatural ritual."
đź“Ś Lorien's thoughts raced.
Spirituality. Mystics. Rituals.How much did Hermann really know?Had Jack left behind clues Lorien wasn't aware of?
Yet, on the outside, he maintained a perfectly neutral expression—
One of mild shock and carefully controlled curiosity.
đź“Ś Hermann was watching him closely.
Waiting for any sign of recognition.
Seeing none, he relaxed slightly.
For now.
TO BE CONTINUED…