Chapter 4.

Cruel Realities.

The investigation into the Renové Ripper crimes had taken an unexpected turn with Iraide and Jared's supernatural speculations. However, not everyone was convinced by this theory. Marissa, the coroner, listened patiently as Iraide and Jared discussed their ideas in the morgue room.

So, you're saying that you think the Renové Ripper could be a vampire, a merman, or a werewolf, Marissa said with a raised eyebrow, as she cleaned her tools. ¿Really?

Iraide nodded, somewhat embarrassed. I know it sounds far-fetched, Marissa, but we're considering all possibilities. We've found legends and myths in local history that could be connected to these crimes.

Marissa put down her tools and crossed her arms, staring at Iraide and Jared. Listen, I know these cases are disturbing and legends can be fascinating. But we have to keep it real.

The stories of vampires, mermen, werewolves, mermaids, furies, and fairies are exactly that: stories. Tales of old created to scare young people and keep them away from certain dangerous places.

So, ¿you think these are all just stories? Jared asked, trying to reconcile his theories with Marissa's words.

Exactly, Marissa said. Back in the day, technology didn't exist and people needed entertainment. They made up these stories to explain the unexplainable and to scare children. But in the real world, such beings do not exist.

Marissa pointed at the body lying on the autopsy table. This crime, like the others, was committed by someone very human and very aware of what he was doing. Unfortunately, there are people who feel a sick attraction to continuing a bloody legacy, perhaps to ensure that the name of the Renové Ripper is never forgotten.

Iraide and Jared exchanged a knowing look. They knew Marissa was right. Legends and myths could be seductive, but their duty was to find the truth based on facts.

You are right, Marissa, Iraide admitted. We have been carried away by stories. But we must focus on what is real and tangible.

Jared nodded. So, back to what we know. If these crimes are the work of copycats, we need to find someone who is obsessed with the Renové Ripper.

Marissa smiled slightly. That sounds more reasonable. And remember, while the stories may be entertaining, our job is to unearth the truth. No matter how dark it may be.

With Marissa's words echoing in their minds, Iraide and Jared redirected their focus. They went back to investigating the connections between the victims, looking for any hint of a possible copycat. They delved into the darkest archives of Renové's history, trying to find patterns and connections that could lead them to the culprit.

Although the supernatural theory had been dismissed, the mystery of the Renové Ripper remained as enigmatic and terrifying as ever. Iraide and Jared knew that the truth was out there, hidden in the shadows, and that this copycat in this modern time was likely someone like any other person who led a normal life.

They thus came upon the possibility that the extraction of fat from the human body was sold on the black market to some industry that would process it to create cosmetics or some medicine that worked for skin rejuvenation.

This was easy to understand, because Iraide herself, at 28, had her own facial fat harmonization done by a plastic surgeon. Now, at 35, she remembered how they extracted the fat from her body and processed it to then apply it to her face to make her look younger.

So this could be a possibility: that the first Ripper had found a perfect source of income because, in any era, beauty always hurts.