After loafing around as a petty thief for two days, Mahong finally got his first case in New York.

In the conference room, Hughes, Mahong, Jimmy, and Philicia were in attendance. Philicia had already organized and distributed the case information to everyone, and surveillance footage was playing on the television.

Philicia, "It's a case transferred from the NYPD: two rape-murder incidents."

She switched the screen, "The first one happened four days ago by the Hudson River. Someone walking their dog in the morning found the body; the dog had discovered it. The victim was a sex worker, whose main area of activity was in the Clinton District, Hell's Kitchen, but she died in the Hudson River Park next to the Upper West Side.

The victim was completely naked; no clothing or other personal articles were found nearby. The fatal injury was a heavy blow to the back of the head. Judging by the wound, it's likely caused by a wooden object, suspected to be a baseball bat or similarly sized rod. No murder weapon was left at the scene, and no other unusual tissues or fluids were detected on the victim's body, which was very clean. However, according to the forensic doctor's report, she indeed had sexual intercourse before her death."

Philicia switched the screen again, "This one was reported yesterday morning: another sex worker, in the same Hudson River Park, just quite a distance from the location where the last body was found. Like the previous case, no murder weapon or clues were left behind."

Philicia, "Due to the consistency between the two cases, the initial assessment is that they were committed by the same person. NYPD has already reviewed the park's surveillance footage, but so far, no anomalies have been spotted."

Mahong, "Now that the case has come to us, we need to conduct another investigation on the scene. Jimmy, you should be somewhat familiar with the area; let's head out."

Hughes didn't say a word; it seemed he was just there to listen in. Jimmy nodded, "I live in the Upper West Side; I've been to that park a few times."

Mahong closed the folder, "OK, let's head out." He nodded to Hughes, and the three of them got up and left the conference room.

Mahong really was decisive. With Jimmy driving in front, Mahong and Philicia followed in the same car towards Hudson River Park.

Due to the second body that was discovered just yesterday, the crime scene was still cordoned off. Although NYPD patrol officers were no longer guarding the place, no one had crossed the police line, at least indicating that the scene appeared undisturbed.

Mahong walked around the scene twice, carefully examining the surrounding grass before he looked up towards the Hudson River not far ahead. The river was wide, separated by only a thin railing, easily scalable. If one wanted to dispose of something, it would be very convenient—plus, the area was not heavily trafficked and lacked surveillance, truly a headache-inducing place.

Jimmy was also somewhat perplexed by the scene. In New York, not to mention parks, even street corners aren't completely covered by surveillance. If someone acted normally upon entering the park, who would know what they did inside? This wretched place lacks not just surveillance; sometimes at night, there's not even a shadow to be seen, and one could also come in directly from the Hudson side if so inclined.

Mahong walked to the railing and looked around; he couldn't find any useful clues, "Let's go check out the location of the first incident."

The distance wasn't far, they went there on foot. The caution tape had already been removed from the first spot; after all, it was a park, and keeping the tape up for days on end would be too disruptive.

This location was similar to the previous one, close to the river and on the grass, but more secluded due to tree cover. If it weren't for the person walking their dog, it might have taken longer for someone to check behind the trees.

Several days had passed, and any footprints at the scene were too jumbled to be of any use, so they could only observe the surroundings and guess the possible routes taken by the perpetrator.

Mahong, "Philicia, once you get back, contact the New York Port Authority and ask if they've found any women's clothing or bags in the Hudson River."

Philicia, "Understood."

Mahong, "Jimmy, you're more familiar with this area; go check the surveillance situation around here first."

Jimmy, "Understood."

Mahong stared at the Hudson River, lost in thought for a moment, then he spoke up, "Look into the yacht clubs and see if anyone rented a boat for a river cruise over these two nights."

Jimmy glanced at Mahong, "Alright, I'll get on it right away."

Mahong turned to leave, "Alright, that's all we can do for now, let's get to work."

Jimmy watched as Mahong and Philicia left, his brow slightly furrowed. Since they had arrived at the crime scene, Mahong's expression had barely changed, remaining very serious. Was it his personal style, or was something weighing on him? He hadn't been like this back at the precinct, seeming burdened with heavy thoughts.

Was he concerned about this case? No detective could guarantee solving every case; surely not, right? Was his sense of responsibility that strong?

Jimmy didn't stay idle, heading off to handle the surveillance matter. The park was extensive, and it would take quite some time to make a full circuit. Jimmy was already well-versed in the process of acquiring surveillance footage; it was always a priority in every investigation to inspect the site and collect surveillance, as technology changes lives, making surveillance the quickest way to find leads.

Unfortunately, Jimmy's expectations were too simple. After spending over an hour circling the perimeter of the park, he found only three usable surveillance cameras, none of which, due to their angles, captured images inside the park. The remaining cameras, whether traffic or shop ones, only showed roads and entrances, completely irrelevant to the case.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.