Ralph's phone rang again, and he picked it up, expecting it to be the station. Instead, it was an unfamiliar voice; the voice of a woman.
"Hello, detective," she said softly.
"How did you get this number?" Ralph asked, controlling his voice, not wanting to sound uncomfortable.
"I don't think that's what's really important right now, detective Masters," she replied.
"So then, what IS important?" he asked, realizing that whoever she was, she knew SOMETHING about the case.
"There's more to this case you're working than what your wonderous forensics team can tell you," she said, a slightly teasing tone in her voice.
"And how would you know?" Ralph asked, baiting her. It was a calculated risk, but one he knew he had to take. Still, he had to play this one carefully. If she really was somehow connected, she could give him vital information....but she could also simply be insane.
"I think you know the answer to that one, detective, but I'll give it to you anyway," she cooed. "I was there."
"Uh huh....and exactly HOW can you prove that?" Ralph asked, feeling tired, and a bit manipulated. There had been no real trace of humans, only animals.
"Wolf...big cat...bear...and my masterpiece tonight, in case you hadn't already heard about it," she laughed.
Goosebumps ran over Ralph's body as she laughed. He'd heard that cackle before, in half-remembered dreams and nightmares. He shuddered. "Well...well...why are you doing this?" he stammered, suddenly feeling vulnerable.
"Look to the past, detective. Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it," she said, hanging up the phone with a final click.
Ralph put the phone back on its cradle, unable to stop shaking. He quickly went to the kitchen, pouring himself a scotch, slammed it down, and poured another. He suddenly didn't want to be on the case at all anymore.