Five Murders: By Jean Dulles, #1

By Jean Dulles

Can the murder be prevented if the identity and methods of the murderer are known in advance?
Charlotte encountered a murder while on vacation at the Dark House with her friends. Although the identity of the murderer was revealed and he was arrested by the police, the murder left an indelible shadow in Charlotte's heart.
Next, a mysterious remote control takes Charlotte back in time - before the murder. Charlotte, who already knew the identity of the murderer and his methods of committing the crime, decided to prevent the murder from happening.
Unexpectedly, while Charlotte prevented this murder, it triggered another murder. Just like the butterfly effect, every change brings unexpected results.
In order to save everyone, Charlotte conducted in-depth investigations again and again, and finally caused the situation to get completely out of control!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jean Dulles
• Release date: May 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224670291

Book preview

Five Murders

Chapter 1 Dark

1

A black BYD F0 was speeding on the highway.

The flowers, trees and billboards on both sides of the road recede rapidly, forming a moving world.

In contrast, the space inside the car is still, the air seems to be solid, and the radio is quietly playing the program of L City Radio Station - Urban Zero Distance.

Dear listeners, I believe many of you are aware that the 'Broken Hand Demon' has appeared in our city recently. It specifically targets young women between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four. Not only does it kill people, but it also cuts off the palms of the deceased and takes them away. Very perverted.

The female host's words were tactful and cordial with a hint of objective coldness.

According to the police, six women have been killed so far. The successive killings have made citizens panic. Why did the 'Halfhand Madman' kill people? After killing people, why did they take away the hands of the deceased?

The hostess paused for half a second before saying, Today, we invited a psychological expert, Professor Gemma, to analyze the inner world of the 'Dead Palm Maniac'. Hello, Professor Gemma.

Hello everyone. Hello host.

It was the voice of a middle-aged man, low, slightly hoarse, but pleasant to the ears. It was even like a professional announcer rather than an expert professor.

Professor Gemma, let's get straight to the point. What do you think is the reason why the 'Handbreaker' cut off the hand of the deceased?

Ahem, the professor cleared his throat, According to my speculation, the criminal is likely to have a fetish and will be extremely excited about the palms of young women. However, most patients with general fetishes It mainly collects inanimate objects. Occasionally, some patients will obtain satisfaction from touching certain parts of their own or other people's bodies. In this case, the patient actually killed people to satisfy his hobby, which is a psychological distortion.

Professor Gemma's analysis is very in-depth. By the way, the host was not satisfied with the current entertainment of this topic, Now many citizens are speculating on the gender, age, occupation and other information of the 'Devil of the Half Hand', and some even The citizens suspect that the 'Devil of the Broken Palm' is someone they know. So, Professor Gemma, according to your speculation, is the 'Devil of the Broken Palm' a male or a female? What age group should he or she be?

The host's clear voice was a little sly.

Theoretically, he is a male, but we cannot say for sure. As for his age and occupation, we cannot jump to conclusions without sufficient clues.

The professor was not fooled and gave an ambiguous answer.

Before the host could answer, the professor added, In fact, the police said they have enough clues and will be able to arrest the criminal in a short time, so there is no need to panic. Just avoid going to remote places at night.

Thank you, Professor Gemma. Now it's time for commercials. After the commercials, we will continue to explore the inner world of the 'Hand-Severed Demon'.

The host's mechanical lines temporarily ended the discussion about the broken palm maniac.

2

How terrible.

Although called scary, Charlotte's tone was quite calm.

driving this BYD F0 at the moment.

Sitting in the passenger seat is a long-haired woman in her twenties or threes, with fair skin and a delicate face, like Xiaojiabiyu.

Gemma, before this 'Halfhand Maniac' is caught by the police, please don't go out alone at night.

When Charlotte said this, the concern on her face blended with the worry in her voice.

I rarely go out at night. Every time I go out, I'm almost always with you.

The long-haired woman who was called Gemma smiled sweetly after speaking.

Is it safe to be with me? Charlotte smiled solemnly, Maybe I am the 'Dead Palm Madman'!

Gemma was stunned and said slightly: Have you read too many mystery novels? Don't make such boring jokes!

hey-hey!

Charlotte glanced at Gemma, admiring her flat- mouthed, slightly angry look, amusing herself with a smile.

By the way, you said the person who organized this event was the crown prince of your company, Maude?

Gemma changed the subject.

Um.

Charlotte's reaction to this question was a little strange. She didn't know whether it was indifference or unwillingness to answer.

Are you familiar with him?

Gemma, who is attentive and sensitive, notices something strange about Charlotte. Normally, she would not ask further questions as she is considerate. But this time, she actually got to the bottom of it.

It's okay.

Charlotte's tone was already a little impatient.

But I'm not familiar with him, Gemma licked her lips and looked at Charlotte seriously, Would it be weird if I go too?

No way! You are my girlfriend!

Charlotte just wanted to get this topic over with as quickly as possible.

Gemma didn't mean this, and moved her lips slightly, trying to ask again.

arrive!

Charlotte nipped Gemma's next question in the bud.

Gemma was a little unhappy. But she didn't have a seizure. When she looked up, she had arrived at her destination - Vega Happy Resort.

3

Weijia Happy Resort is located in the suburbs east of L City. It is a natural attraction integrating leisure, entertainment, vacation, sightseeing and culture. The resort is a paradise on earth with strange peaks and rocks, beautiful mountains and rivers, singing birds and dancing swallows, and jade-like buildings, making tourists linger.

The resort consists of a villa area, an entertainment area, a dining area and other parts. The villa area has more than 50 villas of various types and sizes for tourists to rest and entertain.

Charlotte drove directly to the door of Xingqing Western Restaurant in the dining area . After parking the car, he called Maude, the organizer of the event .

Hello?

The voice of a young man. Although he is the general manager of the company, in fact, Maud is one year younger than Charlotte.

Maud, I'm at Xingqing Western Restaurant.

Perhaps because she was her boss, Charlotte spoke to Maude in a somewhat reserved tone.

Is your girlfriend here too?

There was a hint of anticipation in Maud's voice.

Yeah. Charlotte's voice was low.

I'll be there soon, you guys go in first. By the way, I have a friend who's already in there. She's the pretty girl who often comes to the company to see me these days! You guys go meet her first.

good.

After hanging up the phone, Charlotte took a deep breath, took Gemma's hand, and walked into the western restaurant.

Because it was afternoon, there were only a few customers in the restaurant, some were chatting, some were reading books or playing with laptops. Charlotte stood in front of the door and looked around, and finally her eyes fell on a woman who was playing with her mobile phone in the corner of the restaurant.

She was a woman with long curly hair, about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with a pair of big eyes as bright as crystal. Although her nose was a little flat, her lips were like blooming peaches , almost perfect. As soon as people saw her, they would have the urge to kiss her.

Charlotte recognized her as the woman who often came to the company to look for Maud these days, so she took Gemma to her. The curly-haired woman heard the footsteps, and she looked up at Xia and Sun with a puzzled look.

At this moment, a strong perfume smelled deep and faint. Charlotte took a deep breath and felt an inexplicable excitement in her body.

Most men are not immune to women wearing perfume.

He calmed himself down and smiled: You are Maude's friend, right? Do you recognize me?

As he spoke, he looked at the curly-haired woman, and found that she was wearing heavy makeup, with darker eyeshadow on the inside of her eyeliner, slightly curled eyelashes that looked like they were pasted on, the blush on her cheeks was a little unnatural, and her face was a little weirdly pale. Was it a thick foundation or a thin mask?

I may not be able to recognize her after she takes off her makeup, Charlotte thought.

I recognize you!

The curly-haired woman's voice interrupted Charlotte's thoughts. Her voice was a little hoarse, like the cry of a crow.

The face can be concealed, but the voice cannot be changed.

oh?

You are the...executive director of Mod Company, right?

Well, my name is Charlotte. Charlotte nodded with a smile.

She's my girlfriend Gemma, he then introduced the curly-haired girl.

Hello.

The curly-haired woman showed the two of them a sweet smile like a flower.

Compared with the petite Gemma, this woman exudes a kind of wisdom and intellectual beauty.

Maude said he was going to pick up a friend and would be here soon. You guys should sit for a while.

As the curly-haired woman spoke, she took out two business cards from her pocket, stood up slightly, and handed the cards to Xia and Sun respectively.

It was a pure black business card with the name and occupation written in white in the middle:

Sabrina the Magician

The lower right corner of the business card contains information such as mobile phone number, email address and Weibo URL .

Xia and Sun took the business card, looked at it, and sat down opposite the curly-haired woman Sabrina.

Sabrina. A magician?

Charlotte was a little curious about someone who specialized in magic performances, and was a woman at that.

By the way, you are Maude's girlfriend, right?

Charlotte asked after a few seconds of awkward silence between the three of them.

No, we're just good friends. He and I met when we were drinking in a bar, and we felt like we were compatible, so we often hang out together .

Is it a fleeting romance? Only a rich second-generation like Maude has the time and money to develop fleeting romances, right?

Charlotte thought about this, not knowing whether she felt disdain or a little bit envious.

By the way, you are a magician? That's great! How about performing a magic trick for us now?

Okay. I'll show you a magic trick of penetration.

Seeing her boyfriend chatting so enthusiastically with another woman , Gemma frowned and looked a little unhappy.

She didn't want any woman to interfere in her and Charlotte's love world, even if the other person was just a passer-by.

Do you have any coins?

Charlotte was looking for coins, and Gemma had taken out a one-dollar coin from her purse and handed it to Sabrina.

Although Gemma didn't like her very much, seeing that Charlotte was very interested in the magic she was going to perform next, she was willing to actively cooperate. Gemma couldn't bear to let Charlotte down if she liked anything.

Sabrina placed the coin in the center of the table, then picked up the salt shaker on the table with her left hand, picked up a napkin with her right hand, wrapped the salt shaker tightly in the napkin, and finally held it in her right hand.

What is she going to do?

Charlotte watched intently. Gemma was also a little curious.

Next, I just need to tap the salt shaker on the coin a few times, and the coin will penetrate the table and fall off the bottom of the table.

impossible?

Charlotte didn't believe it. Gemma also looked forward to it.

Then please look carefully!

Sabrina said, tapping the coin gently with the salt shaker.

Ding-ding-ding-ding

The coin didn't move at all.

It's just a mystification. This is simply impossible. Charlotte laughed in her heart.

Oh, by the way, I forgot, you have to turn the coin over to the side with the pattern on it.

Sabrina licked her lips and smiled faintly at Gemma: Miss Sun, please help me turn it over.

Gemma did as she was told and flipped the coin. Somehow, she felt a little less hostile toward this intellectual beauty.

Okay, thank you. This time it will work.

Sabrina placed the salt shaker wrapped tightly in a napkin on the coin, took a deep breath, and suddenly raised her right hand and pressed her palm against the salt shaker. With a bang, the salt shaker was flattened.

Ah? Gemma exclaimed softly.

Charlotte was also surprised with her mouth half open.

Sabrina lifted the napkin and the coin was still on the table, but the salt shaker had magically disappeared!

I'm sorry, the beautiful magician said with a smile, I used too much force and pushed the salt shaker down.

As she spoke, she stretched out her left hand from under the table and caught the salt shaker.

Charlotte was stunned. Gemma was also surprised.

How, how did you do that? Charlotte came back to her senses, Can you perform it again? It seems like you guys were having a great time chatting.

Before Sabrina could answer Charlotte's words, a man's voice came from behind her.

It was Maud who had arrived.

4

This Maude dyed all her hair golden, and her hair was long and covered her ears, fluffy but still beautiful. Not only did he wear black gemstone earrings on his ears, he also had a star-shaped nose stud on the bridge of his nose. Various elements combine to form a shining head, eye-catching, but a little different.

It's not so much a trend as it is a cover-up of inner emptiness. Charlotte thought.

Behind Maud stood a girl. That was naturally the person Maud went to pick up just now.

I thought Sabrina was his current girlfriend, but I didn't expect him to bring another girl with him. She's so lucky.

This time, Charlotte knew that she was more jealous than disdainful.

But in a flash, his thoughts changed again: Even if there are many beautiful women around him, what does it matter? None of them are sincere to him. And I have Gemma. That's enough!

Thinking of this, my heart felt quite sweet, but at the same time, a hint of self-mockery infiltrated into it.

Charlotte is the executive director of Skyworth Gaming Technology Co., Ltd. in L City. He was able to take the position of director 70% by strength and 30% by luck.

Maud is the only son of the chairman of the company. He is nominally the general manager of the company, but in fact he does nothing - he doesn't know how to do anything. He only comes back to the company occasionally to flirt with female colleagues.

Of course, it was all luck that made him become the general manager.

Luck of being born in a wealthy family - One night, Charlotte went back to the company to get something. She heard a noise coming from the manager's office. She walked to the door and peeked through the crack. She saw Maud hugging a female colleague who was usually cold and aloof naked. Charlotte was shocked and fled the company in embarrassment.

It was only after that that he realized that Maude's attitude towards the female colleagues in the company was not just flirting.

But this has nothing to do with me.

It's none of her business and Charlotte just wants to make more money and marry Gemma.

Maude's voice interrupted Charlotte's thoughts.

This is my friend, Louise.

Louise? Charlotte cried in her heart.

He looked up and saw that standing behind Maude was a woman one or two years younger than him. She had short broken hair, an oval face, eyebrows like willow leaves, and a slightly bulging nose. Although she was not the most beautiful woman in the world, she was still charming.

Hello everyone.

The short-haired woman named Louise has a warm attitude.

Charlotte looked into her eyes, smiled, and said nothing. There seemed to be some emotion mixed in that slightly complicated smile.

Hey, Charlotte? Is that you? Louise recognized Charlotte and looked excited.

Long time no see. Charlotte's reaction was relatively flat.

Know? Gemma whispered in Charlotte's ear.

Yeah, high school classmate.

Gemma heard some insincerity in Charlotte's tone, but it was inconvenient to ask further questions in front of outsiders.

It's been a long time! How are you doing? Are you okay?

Gemma was already a little unhappy, and Louise's endless greetings to Charlotte made her even more depressed.

While she was in a daze, Maude spoke to her: Hello, you must be Charlotte's girlfriend Xiao Yi, right? My name is Maude, it's our first meeting, please give me your guidance.

He then politely extended his right hand.

Gemma is not sociable and doesn't like to deal with strangers, but because the other person is her boyfriend's boss, she shook hands with him out of politeness. Unexpectedly, Maude held her hand tightly and kept smiling, with a lustful look on her face. Gemma panicked and looked at Charlotte instinctively, asking for help with her eyes. However, when Charlotte was looking at Louise in deep thought, she didn't notice that Gemma was in danger at all. Gemma bit her lower lip and struggled to free herself from Maud's hand. She felt aggrieved and her eyes were slightly moist.

By the way, I heard from Charlotte that your birthday is in a few days, right?

Maude just pretended that nothing happened just now. As she spoke, she took out a small box from her pocket, opened it, and handed it to Gemma: The diamond necklace is for you. Happy birthday.

Charlotte finally came to her senses , looked at Maud, then at Gemma, and although she immediately knew what had happened, she didn't know what to do for a moment.

Gemma took a deep breath and said seriously, I'm sorry, I'm superstitious. I can't accept gifts before my birthday. Otherwise, it's unlucky.

Maud was slightly startled, then burst into laughter: Interesting! Never mind, I'll find you again in a few days!

He paused, then said to Charlotte, Okay, let's go.

5

There were two cars parked outside Xingqing Western Restaurant , one was Charlotte's BYD F0, and the other was a red Porsche 911 Carrera. It was one of Maud's sports cars, worth nearly two million RMB.

Charlotte felt a little embarrassed to see two cars, which were dozens of levels different in price, parked next to each other.

Xiao Yi, can I give you a ride? Maude looked a little proud.

No thanks.

Gemma's answer came out of her mouth without any room for hesitation.

Although Maud had expected the other party to refuse, he did not expect him to do so without hesitation, and he could not help but frown.

Gemma didn't even look at him and took Charlotte's arm: Let's go.

Maude hummed softly and said to Sabrina and Louise behind him, Let's go.

Next, Maud got in the driver's seat of the Porsche, Sabrina got in the passenger seat , and Louise looked at Charlotte again and smiled before getting in the car.

Charlotte sighed slightly and walked up to the BYD F0 with Gemma. As they were starting the car, they heard Maude's