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My Husband Solve My Murder - Hot engsubtitle fullmovie🔥🎥
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00:00My husband was America's best criminal psychologist. He never said I love you, until after my death.
00:06Then my body was found on a mountain north of the city.
00:09Philander stood over my corpse, cold and detached.
00:12He said,
00:13This is the work of a serial killer.
00:15He didn't know he was looking at his own wife.
00:17Then his phone rang.
00:21Your wife didn't come to work today.
00:23Philander frowned.
00:25She's fine.
00:26He hung up and went back to the case.
00:28The case he was solving was my murder.
00:33My husband never said I love you, until after my death.
00:36He was a criminal psychologist.
00:38The moment he texted,
00:40I'm sorry babe.
00:41I've been really busy.
00:42I'll come home for our anniversary.
00:44I was already bleeding out on the street.
00:46He didn't even know I was dead.
00:47He just kept working cold, perfect, brilliant, until the case he was solving, turned out to be my murder.
00:53My husband, Philander Wagner, was the most renowned criminal psychologist in America.
00:59He barely ever came home.
01:00After three years of marriage, we had hardly spent any time together at all.
01:04Today, his supervisor had kindly given him some time off.
01:08Your wedding anniversary is coming up, isn't it?
01:10Once this case is wrapped up, go home and spend some quality time with her.
01:14Behind his glasses, Philander's gaze was cool as ever.
01:17Since she chose to marry me, she chose this life.
01:20There's no need to celebrate something as boring as an anniversary.
01:24My spirit hovered beside him, lost and hollow.
01:27Indeed, we wouldn't be celebrating our wedding anniversary.
01:30Unbeknownst to Philander, I had died on my way home just now.
01:35It hurt like hell to have your throat sliced open.
01:38My windpipe tore under the force, air rushing in and out through the ragged gash.
01:42I tried to scream for help, but my mouth could only produce wet, gurgling sounds.
01:47The pain was unbearable.
01:49The ingredients I had carefully selected for Philander were scattered across the ground,
01:53stained a deep, glaring crimson.
01:55Tonight, I had intended to bring him soup.
01:58He loved clam chowder but was terribly picky he could tell with a single taste if it wasn't made just
02:02right.
02:03I had gone to several different markets to find the exact kind he liked.
02:06All of it was wasted.
02:08The night was pitch black.
02:09My vision blurred, my gaze dull and unfocused as it fixed on the flickering screen of my phone lying nearby.
02:15Philander had just sent a message.
02:17Don't bother coming.
02:18I don't have time for you.
02:20The next instant, the killer wrapped my entire face in a filthy, stinking cloth.
02:24He snarled viciously.
02:25You died because of Philander.
02:27Get it?
02:28Even if your ghost wants revenge, you should go after him.
02:31With that, the last of my strength drained away.
02:34I was gone.
02:37Perhaps the killer's curse truly took effect.
02:40Once my spirit left my body and I regained awareness.
02:43I found myself standing near Philander, in the vast office.
02:46Only the lamp on his desk was lit.
02:48Wearing his glasses, he was bent over case files, deep in analysis.
02:52The phone with which he had just sent the message lay dark and silent by his hand.
02:56Bathed in the warm yellow light, I observed him closely for the first time.
03:00He had a sharply defined face, eyes that held no warmth, and thin lips that never seemed
03:05to form a gentle sentence.
03:06The office was overly air-conditioned.
03:09Philander briefly curled his fingers against the chill.
03:12Instinctively, I reached for the jacket nearby to drape over his shoulders.
03:15My hands passed right through the fabric.
03:17I stood there frozen.
03:19It was then that the truth of my death truly hit me.
03:21When I turned to look at Philander again, I remembered our last meeting, back when I was
03:26still alive.
03:27It was near the end of June when he came home from the office without a word.
03:30When I opened my eyes, what I saw was his cool arm resting beneath my head.
03:34Years spent mostly indoors.
03:36Philander was unusually fair-skinned.
03:38The slightest movement from me woke him.
03:41Loretta.
03:42He said my name softly.
03:43Within the hour, pack what I need for the trip.
03:54Loretta.
03:55He only ever viewed things from a criminal's perspective.
03:58I changed out of my pajamas, feeling heavy-hearted.
04:01Do it yourself.
04:02Philander studied my face, intrigued, and sat up in bed.
04:06Inner eyebrows raised, corners of the mouth downward, eyed-lidded slightly swollen, faint
04:11redness in the eyes.
04:12He began his analysis, stating with certainty.
04:15You cried last night, more than once, for over 30 minutes.
04:18I turned away, avoiding his gaze, and started packing his luggage as he had asked.
04:23Philander, I don't like it when you do this.
04:25Ever since we married, I disliked how he used criminal psychology theories on me.
04:30It was as if I stood naked before him.
04:32Every emotion easily laid bare.
04:34But Philander never listened.
04:35This time was no different.
04:37He stepped out of bed barefoot and moved closer.
04:40I'm right.
04:41Philander took a few steps back, scanned the bedroom, walked to the living room to glance
04:45into the refrigerator, and finally leaned against the bedroom doorframe, looking down at me.
04:50Someone in your family died.
04:51A relative.
04:53Not immediate, but you were close to them.
04:55Probably over 40.
04:58Let me think.
05:00He was trying to recall a face from our wedding that matched his description.
05:05But I closed my eyes, cutting him off quietly as tears fell.
05:09You don't have to go to all that trouble.
05:11I had already texted him the news about my aunt's passing.
05:14My apologies.
05:15Philander paused, attempting to offer comfort, yet his professional instinct made his words
05:20come out detached.
05:21There's no need for excessive grief over someone who has passed.
05:24Psychology indicates that complicated grief severely impacts work and daily life.
05:29Besides, your behavior this morning affects my efficiency, interferes with my cognitive
05:34focus, and hinters my ability to save lives.
05:37I don't want my partner to be overly emotional.
05:41What a cold, commanding tone.
05:43I let out a humorless laugh.
05:45Finally, I finished packing and looked up at him.
05:48He was already dressed.
05:49The well-fitted suit framed him, giving him the air of someone cool, precise, and utterly
05:54cerebral.
05:55My heart sank at that moment.
05:56I asked, almost bitterly.
05:58In your life, is there only room for work?
06:01Philander took the suitcase and replied without hesitation.
06:05Childish, pointless question.
06:06The front door opened and closed.
06:08He didn't look back.
06:09That was the last time we ever saw each other.
06:14An elementary school teacher and a criminal psychologist normally had nothing in common.
06:18If not for a mutual acquaintance, we would never have met.
06:21On our blind date, Philander was two hours late.
06:24I was about to leave when he finally arrived.
06:27His face and clothes were stained with blood, as if he'd just come from a crime scene.
06:31It frightened everyone who saw him.
06:33It frightened me too.
06:34Even after he sat down, it took me a while to process.
06:37We stared at each other in silence.
06:39I tried to break the ice, offering him a few napkins.
06:42But he was already getting up to leave.
06:44Skip the introductions.
06:46Two strangers reciting their identical life stories is a waste of time.
06:50I already know the basics.
06:52He held my gaze, took the napkins, and wiped the blood from his face, revealing cold, sharp features.
06:58He called the server over and took out his wallet to pay.
07:01As it happens, I'm willing to marry you.
07:04Philander handed me the receipt with his contact information written on it.
07:07Assuming nothing comes up, you may reach me after 10pm.
07:12Later, we actually got married.
07:15It all happened in a blur.
07:16My best friend said I was insane.
07:18What do you see in him?
07:20He has nothing going for him except his looks.
07:23At that time, I was at the mall picking out a coat for Philander.
07:26His previous one had gotten stained with brain matter at a crime scene.
07:29He'd wanted to just wash and keep wearing it.
07:32I insisted he throw it away and said I'd buy him a new one.
07:35Outside of work, Philander wasn't much different from the mischievous kids in my class.
07:39I can't tell you.
07:41I selected a coat and answered my friend softly.
07:43I couldn't tell her I'd once seen Philander on campus during college.
07:47Or tell her I'd obsessively searched for his profile online.
07:50And I definitely couldn't tell her how fast my heart raced the moment I saw him at that cafe.
07:54When he said we could get married, I felt completely weightless with joy.
07:58Perhaps only Philander knew how much I loved him.
08:03Every time I tried to sneak a kiss while he slept, he'd notice.
08:07Those cool eyes would lock on me, his hand resting over my heart.
08:11Loretta, he'd say, your heart rate is unusually high.
08:15It matches the rhythm of an adolescent during their first homicide.
08:19Outside the window, heavy rain began to fall.
08:22My thoughts returned to the present.
08:24Philander had, at some point, put on the coat I bought him.
08:27Tired from work, he rubbed his temples.
08:29He reached for his phone.
08:31But his supervisor, Lorenzo Burnett, came in just then carrying a food container.
08:36Long night, Proffer Wagner.
08:37Lorenzo smiled warmly and opened it, revealing creamy clam chowder inside.
08:42Your wife mentioned you should take better care of yourself.
08:44Said you like this.
08:45Took the liberty of having my wife make some.
08:48Try it.
08:48You need to keep your strength up during a case.
08:50Philander took a spoonful, frowned slightly, set the spoon down, and looked up.
08:55Is there something you need?
08:58Lorenzo didn't beat around the bush.
09:00I'm here to talk about you taking some time off.
09:03Your anniversary is coming up, isn't it?
09:05Once this case is wrapped up, go home and spend some quality time with Laura.
09:09I'd almost forgotten I really had asked Lorenzo for this favor.
09:12For our fourth wedding anniversary, I needed Philander to come home.
09:16Not just for the occasion, but also to discuss divorce.
09:19Being with a cold and distant person would slowly cool the most passionate heart.
09:24Philander was unmoved.
09:26She chose me, knowing full well what that meant.
09:29She chose this life.
09:30We do not need meaningless anniversaries.
09:33The words clearly shocked Lorenzo.
09:36Out of his depth, he could only sigh.
09:38You'll regret this one day.
09:40Philander tapped his finger lightly on the desk, confident.
09:43In my professional judgment, regret is the least useful emotion.
09:48I won't have any.
09:49I watched him quietly, remembering how my mother had asked me the same thing before the wedding.
09:53For a man like Philander, you'll regret marrying him.
09:57My answer back then had been just as confident.
10:00By now, the weight of it all was slowly crushing me.
10:05A clap of thunder split the sky, lighting up the room.
10:08In that quiet, softly lit office, my vision blurred, and I whispered so faintly.
10:14Philander, I really do regret it.
10:18After Lorenzo left, Philander stood up to get a glass of water and rinse his mouth.
10:23Remembering what Lorenzo had just said, he let his gaze rest on his phone for a few seconds.
10:28Then he opened our chat history and scrolled through it.
10:30Not that there was much to C-Daw, our conversations were sparse because he was too busy to reply often.
10:36Right after we married, I used to share bits of my day with him every day.
10:39A student gave me flowers today.
10:42Said she really likes me.
10:43Had broccoli and steak for lunch.
10:46Remember to eat yours?
10:47The evening sky looked amazing on my way home.
10:50What was it like over there?
10:52Are you very busy lately?
10:54Text me when you have time.
10:56Philander, are you okay?
10:58When are you coming home?
11:00I sent to many.
11:01He found them annoying and blocked me a couple of times.
11:04Later, I contacted him less just checking and occasionally.
11:07Until finally, our chat sank to the bottom of my list.
11:10But I never expected Philander to pin my contact to the top.
11:13His finger paused on the time stomp of our last message tonight.
11:17He thought for a moment, typed something, then deleted it.
11:21I'll make time to come home for our anniversary.
11:23It was seven days away.
11:25After he sent the message, there was no response at all.
11:28A dead person couldn't reply.
11:32Philander thought for another moment, then called me.
11:35My ringtone played through the receiver.
11:38Philander sighed.
11:40He told me many times he disliked this ringtone and wanted me to change it.
11:43Always adding a polite disclaimer.
11:45Just a suggestion, of course.
11:47It's your choice.
11:49I'd asked why he didn't like it.
11:50He never answered, and I never changed it.
11:52The song played to the end, and the call went to voicemail.
11:55Hi, this is Loretta.
11:57I can't take your call right now, but leave a message and I'll get back to you soon.
12:00So have a message.
12:01It's not touching you, Gabe or Batley.
12:02Loretta.
12:03Philander started to speak, but the landline on his desk rang.
12:06He hung up without another word.
12:08A hiker had discovered a woman's body on the mountain north of the city.
12:11It had been buried deep, not easy to find.
12:14But last night's heavy rain washed away the loose topsoil, exposing the corpse's decomposing fingers.
12:20Philander took the call and went out with the police immediately.
12:26He put on shoe covers and a mask and soon arrived at the scene.
12:29The area was cordoned off with police tape.
12:31An officer nearby was calming the person who'd reported it.
12:35Philander shot a cold glance there.
12:37I as he passed, then ducked under the tape to approach the body.
12:40Condition.
12:41He said flatly, then began rapidly observing the corpse.
12:45It was the first time I'd seen him at work focused, meticulous, no different from his demeanor in daily life.
12:50The medical examiner briefed him promptly.
12:52The body is in the bloated stage of decomposition.
12:55Time of death is approximately within the last 72 hours.
12:57Cause of death, slash throat.
13:00Weapon likely a small blade, 5 to 10 centimeters.
13:03The victim is an adult female, between 22 and 30.
13:06No signs of assault.
13:07I moved closer to look and was immediately startled by the state of the body.
13:11It was gruesome.
13:13Around me, detectives covered their noses and averted their eyes.
13:16A younger officer turned away, leaning against a tree and retching.
13:20Only Philander showed no reaction, circling the corpse without hesitation.
13:27He pulled on rubber gloves, examining and analyzing, his eyes cold and utterly detached.
13:32Finally, he delivered his conclusion in an icy tone.
13:36In criminal psychology, death by throat slashing is considered one of the most brutal.
13:40The victim experiences acute pain and suffocation first, followed by dissociative symptoms.
13:44As blood enters the trachea, they suffer uncontrollable coughing reflexes until cardiac arrest leads to brain death.
13:51Perpetrators who use this method typically display high antisocial traits, a strong desire for control, and an intensely personal hatred
13:57toward the victim or someone connected to them.
14:00Philander grew more animated as he spoke.
14:02Finally, he removed his gloves and offered a cold, thin smile.
14:06This is the work of a serial killer.
14:07The reality of death lay so starkly before me.
14:10Even as a spirit, I couldn't bear the shock of it.
14:13I backed away, and a thought suddenly struck me.
14:16When they found my body, I would probably look like this, too.
14:20And Philander would probably be the same as he was now.
14:25The Bureau formed a task force to investigate the case.
14:29Philander, as expected, became a core member and began working around the clock.
14:33In just two days, they had thoroughly uncovered the girl's identity and personal connections.
14:38The victim's name is Lindsay Gentry.
14:41She lived in Dunwooger at a tutoring center.
14:43To see her at the men are full and worked as a teacher's a talk, her social circle was simple.
14:47Also, surveillance shows she went missing on her way home from work.
14:52The suspect has strong counter-surveillance awareness and knows the blind spots.
14:57Identifying him visually is difficult.
14:58We'll proceed by examining the victim's personal circumstances, hoping to find leads related to debt disputes or crimes of passions.
15:06After the officer finished his report, Lorenzo nodded and turned to Philander.
15:11Proffer Wagner, what led you to conclude this is the work of a...
15:14Philander crossed his legs and gave a faint smile.
15:17This is clearly a random homicide.
15:19He was cut off by his ringing phone.
15:24Philander frowned, declined the call, and set his phone to silent.
15:28But moments later, it began vibrating insistently.
15:31He was about to power it off when Lorenzo gestured for him to take it.
15:35Might be urgent, Proffer Wagner.
15:36Handle it first.
15:37Philander left the conference room with his phone and finally answered.
15:40Ten seconds.
15:41He glanced at his watch, his voice icy.
15:44You have ten seconds to state your purpose.
15:45I'm busy.
15:46I'm and busy.
15:47I don't have time for sales calls.
15:49Every minute...
15:50You waste...
15:51Is a minute...
15:52Someone remains in danger.
15:54Starting now.
15:55Is this Mrs. Palmer's husband?
15:56It was the school principal on the line of thorough and responsible lady.
16:00She didn't take Philigen's opening words personally.
16:03Her tone remained steady.
16:04Didn't come to work today or submit any leave or resignation request.
16:08Her phone goes unanswered, and she hasn't replied to messages.
16:11We're very concerned.
16:12I had died on Friday.
16:13It wasn't strange for the principal to call Philander now.
16:16A flicker of impatience crossed Philander's eyes.
16:22If an adult has been reachable for 24 hours, you should call the police, not the family.
16:27Involving relatives only increases the potential scale of...
16:29His unfinished words were a tragedy.
16:32After being married to Philander for so long, I could read his subtext.
16:36Yet now, he paused, almost as if he didn't want to analyze my absence in his usual way.
16:41He simply sighed.
16:42Never mind.
16:43I'll reach out to her later.
16:45Don't worry.
16:46She'll be fine.
16:47Before hanging up, he emphasized again.
16:50Don't call the police.
16:51I'll contact her.
16:52She'll be fine.
16:53Saying it again was not his style at all.
16:57Yet, he still didn't try to reach me.
17:00As soon as he hung up, he was called back in to conduct a criminal psychological profile.
17:04In the briefing room, the projector lig.
17:07HD flickered brightly.
17:09Philander dismissed all the anxious eyes fixed on him.
17:12He immersed himself completely in his analysis of the victim's behavioral patterns.
17:15Criminal intent, and childhood trauma.
17:18He kept using professional terms I couldn't understand.
17:22I stood below the podium, watching him intently.
17:24This version of Philander, so fully in his element, was why I had fallen in love with him.
17:32Later, based on Philander's assessment, two more female victims were discovered within three days.
17:38All killed with identical methods.
17:40The case was officially classified as a serial homicide.
17:43As public attention rapidly grew, the higher-ups started pushing.
17:47Saying the case had to be solved without delay.
17:49Everyone at the bureau was swamped, barely finding time to eat.
17:53Philander was no exception.
17:54Right up until the day before our anniversary.
17:57His phone remained inaccessible to unknown callers.
18:00Day and night, he stood before the evidence-covered map, muttering to himself.
18:04There's another body.
18:05Where would it be?
18:07My heart ached as I saw his red-rimmed eyes from exhaustion.
18:10I reached out and pointed toward the park closest to our home.
18:13Philander, I'm right there.
18:15That park was where we had our first data sort of pet-friendly area.
18:17While we were strolling, Philander took a work call.
18:21Wanting him to relax, I pulled him over to play with a puppy nearby.
18:27The puppy got too excited, lunged, and knocked me off balance.
18:32Philander, phone still in one hand, caught me easily with the other.
18:36During that moment, my lips lightly brushed against his cheek.
18:39Our ears both turned bright red.
18:41Ahem.
18:42Philander hung up, clearing his throat awkwardly.
18:45If you like dogs, we could get one.
18:47I pressed my lips together, happiness nearly overflowing.
18:50I just nodded slowly.
18:53Got it.
18:53Tyric Wright, an officer, burst into the office with a still from a surveillance video,
18:58announcing the good news excitedly.
19:01Following Prof. Wagner's predicted activity zone for the Thysfest.
19:04We've identified his face on camera.
19:05We're requesting an arrest warrant now.
19:07Professor Wagner's prediction is awesome.
19:08I see your F-trotted experience, Otrocessary.
19:11He's so foul no mints the Sherlock home.
19:13Move! Move!
19:14Don't let him get away!
19:15Coordinate with other units for the arrest!
19:17Philander rarely participated in field operations.
19:20The noisy crowd of officers streamed out, leaving him alone behind.
19:23He stood there alone, his back held rigidly straight.
19:29He picked up the suspect's photo from the desk.
19:32His eyes still locked on the evidence board.
19:34His phone rang.
19:36Hi, are you the resident in room 1502, Cloudcrest Estates?
19:40Your dog hasn't been out in days.
19:42It's barking non-stop.
19:43We've had several neighbor complaints.
19:45Are you out of town?
19:47We've tried calling.
19:48Please have someone handle this.
19:50Philander glanced at the suspect's photo, annoyed.
19:52You should contact Loretta.
19:54Philander, who always lost himself in his cases, suddenly remembered the one person he should never have forgotten.
20:00His voice grew quieter, the words fading into a murmur.
20:04The last trace of color drained from his face.
20:06Slowly, his gaze shifted to the surveillance photo in his hand.
20:10There, he saw a face that looked both indifferent and defiant.
20:14Outside, thunder cracked.
20:16Philander, forever composed and calm, raced home like mad.
20:22It had been five months since Philander last came home.
20:26Rain pounded the car's windscreen, blurring his vision.
20:29He didn't care.
20:30He floored the gas, running for red lights in a row.
20:33He didn't even close the car door before rushing upstairs.
20:36Like a drenched bird, he was soaked to the skin.
20:39Desperately dialing my number again and again.
20:42Hi, this is Loretta.
20:43He hung up and redialed.
20:45Hi, this is Loretta.
20:46He hung up again.
20:47Hi.
20:48Philander finally snapped, hurling his phone against the wall.
20:51When he reached our door and fumbled the key into the lock, I saw his hand trembling.
20:56Philander, who faced the most gruesome corpses with calm, was shaking.
21:00He pushed the door open.
21:01Not a single light was on.
21:03In the entryway sat my silly dinosaur slippers, the ones I always changed into.
21:07My plaid coat hung, as usual, on the crooked coat rack.
21:11On the sofa were clothes I hadn't gotten around to washing.
21:14Unopened packages I'd brought home sat piled in the corner of the living room.
21:17The range hood in the kitchen still had the recipe notes I'd stuck up for Philander.
21:21I'd even labeled where every spice jar belonged.
21:27All our photos together were displayed on the shelves.
21:30I was always beaming.
21:31He always looked reluctantly amused.
21:33I used to joke that he looked as if I'd dragged him home against his will.
21:37Everything looked the same as usual, except that I wasn't there.
21:40Only the lily of the valley on the balcony had died from lack of water.
21:43Philander flipped the light switch and winced at the sudden brightness.
21:47For a second, he thought he saw Ambie curled up in the living room.
21:50The dog's food bowl was licked clean.
21:52He looked thinner.
21:53The moment he caught Philander's scent, he went on guard, baring his teeth with a low growl.
21:58I stepped between them, speaking softly.
22:01Shh.
22:01Good boy.
22:02Easy now.
22:04I'm here.
22:04Ambie was a border collie I'd found on my way home after Philander agreed we could get a dog.
22:09He was utterly blind.
22:10When Philander found out, he had a very serious talk with me.
22:14Time, money, and energy are finite resources.
22:18I believe you could have chosen a healthy-
22:20Docile pet that's easier to manage.
22:22The return on investment for this dog will be disproportionate to the effort required.
22:28I was picking out a leash for Ambie at the time.
22:31I just stroked his head and smiled.
22:33It's fine.
22:34I'm used to it.
22:35With Philander, I'd always given far more than I ever received.
22:40He just never knew.
22:41He'd said those words right in front of Ambie.
22:43Even though the puppy couldn't see, he could hear and hold a grudge.
22:47He never warmed up to Philander after that.
22:49Maybe Ambie really did sense my presence.
22:52His nose twitched.
22:53Then he slowly lowered his head and let out a soft whimper.
22:56Philander nearly stumbled, bracing himself on the couch as he took a few steps forward.
23:00Then his legs gave way, and he half collapsed to his knees.
23:03The clock's hands slowly moved toward midnight.
23:06Our fourth wedding anniversary had arrived.
23:08Philander reached for the silver chain around his neck and pulled it out.
23:13Hanging from the end were our wedding rings.
23:15I'm sorry.
23:19Stunned, I lifted a hand toward the rings, then drew back sharply as if scorched.
23:25Before I knew it, I was kneeling there too, facing him.
23:28I sniffed, my voice shaky.
23:30Why didn't you tell me sooner?
23:32Why didn't he tell me, when I was still alive?
23:36That he wore our rings close when we were apart?
23:39Why?
23:39Ambie shuffled over and pressed against my leg.
23:42I opened my mouth and sobbed like a child.
23:45Why couldn't he just tell me he loved me as much as I loved him?
23:47The downpour never let up.
23:49Philander walked Ambie to the park where I was buried.
23:52Stumbling through the rain the whole way,
23:54Ambie caught the familiar scent and began barking wildly.
23:58Straining against the leash, Philander stopped in his tracks.
24:02He realized the truth he never wanted to face.
24:04His predictions about crime were never wrong.
24:10Ripping the leash tightly, he called the bureau.
24:13The fourth victim.
24:14He had never imagined that announcing a death could feel this impossible.
24:18Every word felt like a cut to his chest, pain shuddering through him.
24:22Yet he forced the words out.
24:24The downpour felt like my own unched tears.
24:26A sorrow I could no longer offer him, now raining down upon his face.
24:30Soon, officers arrived with tools to excavate the site.
24:34They prepared to use a police dog to pinpoint the location.
24:37Philander shook his head and released Ambie from the hamburger-patterned leash I'd gotten him.
24:41In the next moment, Ambie shot forward, racing to a distant patch of grass.
24:46And frantically digging with his paws, desperate and whimpering.
24:50An officer moved to stop him, not wanting the scene disturbed.
24:54Cropper Fagner, is this your dog?
24:56Philander didn't answer.
24:57He picked up a shovel something he never touched during fieldwork.
25:02I'll do it.
25:04Officers exchanged glances, thinking how strangely Philander was acting today.
25:09He didn't stop Ambie.
25:11Instead, he joined the dog slowly digging up the earth.
25:13The officers didn't understand but offered to help.
25:16Philander sent them away.
25:18Little by little, the floral dress I wore the day I died gradually came into view.
25:23Philander's breath caught.
25:24He dropped the shovel and began digging barehanded, trying to lift me out.
25:29Professor Wagner.
25:30Tyrick stepped in authoritatively, leading Philander and Ambie away from the scene.
25:35We've got this.
25:36Fifteen minutes later, my body was fully uncovered.
25:39I was much like the other girls who had been killed the same way.
25:42The only difference was the timing being discovered later meant my body was further decomposed and the odor more pungent.
25:48And my head had been brutally crushed, beyond recognition.
25:52The medical examiner was ready to take me back for identification.
25:56Philander stepped forward and gently removed the wedding ring from my finger.
25:59That won't be necessary.
26:03I know who she is.
26:05The ring was stained with a stench of putrefaction.
26:08But Philander carefully wiped it with his sleeve and placed it in his inner pocket.
26:12His fair palms were marked with red lines from gripping the shovel.
26:16This is my wife.
26:19Loretta Palmer.
26:20Then, he took Ambie's leash and stumbled away.
26:23His figure grew more distant.
26:24I stood where I was, taking one last look at myself.
26:28Apart from the wounds, my limbs and chest were covered in deep puncture marks.
26:32The killer hadn't been satisfied with just killing me he'd kept stabbing long after, in pure rage.
26:38He hated me intensely.
26:39Or rather, he hated Philander, and Philander knew I died because of him.
26:43The news that Philander's wife was a victim in the case spread through the precinct like wildfire.
26:48But when everyone wanted to offer their condolences, Philander acted like an outsider.
26:53He buried himself in files, expressionless.
26:55Everyone whispered that Philander was cold, heartless.
26:59I perched on his desk and whispered in his defense.
27:03He's not.
27:04As time passed since my death, my spirit had grown smaller enough to fit in Philander's pocket.
27:09So, only I could see Philander's grief.
27:12It came through in small signs.
27:14Unusual mistakes, unsteady hands, a drifting mind.
27:17And the pair of wedding rings, side by side, dangling from the chain around his neck.
27:22This wasn't like the Philander I knew.
27:24I sighed, drifted up to his face, and gently kissed his cheek.
27:29It's okay.
27:30I don't hold it against you.
27:33Philander hesitated, then touched his face.
27:36A tear had fallen.
27:37He looked like he might cow up blood.
27:39There was a saying in the investigative world,
27:41no case handled by Philander lasted more than ten days.
27:45This one was no exception.
27:46When Tyrick brought the first suspect in, Philander showed no reaction.
27:51It's a team.
27:52He didn't act alone.
27:55Ten days after the first attack, all three suspects were under arrest.
28:00Philander arranged to see the prime culprit first.
28:02He was the twin brother of a murderer Philander had helped convict years before.
28:06Tatum Sullivan sat cuffed in the detention center, grinning cockily.
28:10He even whistled.
28:12Well, Preffer Wagner, enjoy the present I left you.
28:18Philander sat back, glanced down at the pen in his hands.
28:21Pathetic.
28:22Tatum laughed out loud.
28:25Still playing the calm professor?
28:28Want me to walk you through exactly how she died?
28:33I just followed her through three or four grocery stores.
28:35She never even noticed too busy texting you.
28:39Then, when she turned into a blind spot, I slit her throat.
28:43Easy as that.
28:44She couldn't even scream?
28:46Couldn't even dial your number?
28:47Blood sprayed across my face.
28:49She grabbed her neck, trying to stop it.
28:51But the blood kept coming.
28:52Then she was just gone.
28:54Looked pathetic.
29:00A vein throbbed at Philander's temple as the last shred of his calm disintegrated.
29:05He lunged forward, grabbed Tatum by the collar, and landed a fist with all his strength.
29:10Why?
29:11Philander roared.
29:12Why her?
29:14You coward.
29:15You could have come for me directly.
29:18Used your methods against me.
29:20Why target her?
29:22I wanted Philander to stay calm.
29:23But the dead could do nothing.
29:25Tatum spat out blood, still smiling.
29:28Remember what you taught me?
29:30The worst way to hurt someone is to crush their will.
29:34Years ago, Philander had used Tatum to push his brother towards suicide effortlessly.
29:38This was just payback and kind directed at me.
29:41Officers quickly pulled them apart.
29:43Philander shut his eyes, forcing himself to be calm.
29:47Tatum grinned triumphant.
29:48Looks like I hit where it hurts, Proffer Wagner.
29:52After the case was closed, Philander requested a long leave of absence from work.
29:57He returned home and began putting things in order, following the instructions I'd given him long ago.
30:02Summer and winter clothes went into separate sections, jewelry and accessories into their own drawer.
30:07Philander remembered not to keep fresh food for over three days.
30:10To always buy the same brand of dog food for Ambien Advance.
30:14And to water the lily of the valley on the balcony regularly.
30:17He also observed that the television sound was unstable and needed servicing.
30:22Philander fumbled his way through these mundane tasks.
30:24But every time he finished one, he would just stare blankly for a while.
30:29That evening, when he tried to do laundry,
30:31the washing machine wouldn't start no matter how many times he pressed the power button.
30:35Philander frowned, pacing back and forth, until he finally lost patience.
30:40Loretta, come check this!
30:42His words echoed in the empty living room.
30:44I hovered nearby, anxious, wanting to help.
30:47But I couldn't respond.
30:52Philander shoved his hands in his pockets,
30:54looked down, and kicked the washing machine,
30:56simply forgotten to turn on the water supply valve.
30:59That night, Philander didn't sleep.
31:01In the bedroom, he found the divorce papers I'd asked a lawyer to draft.
31:05He read them for a long time so long that he almost memorized every word.
31:09His gaze settled on my signature, Loretta Palmer.
31:12It was rounded handwriting with soft edges the kind that showed real effort.
31:16As he looked, his tears began to fall.
31:19They flowed steadily, like blood seeping from a wound.
31:22When I used to see a man break down crying on TV, I'd get oddly excited.
31:27I'd even dare to ask Philander to try it just for me.
31:30I wouldn't tease you about it.
31:32I'd even dry your tears for you, okay?
31:35Philander was always holding a criminology book.
31:37He'd just snort and say he'd never cry in his life.
31:43I spoke, though he couldn't hear me.
31:46Was it that you couldn't cry, Philemer?
31:49Or was it that you never thought I'd be the one to dry your tears?
31:54Now, no matter how much I want to, I can't.
31:58So please don't cry anymore.
32:01After his leave ended, Philander returned to work.
32:04This time, something seemed to have shifted.
32:06The man, who once thought no one could ever match his level, took on two young trainees.
32:11He began gradually passing on everything he knew to newcomers, holding nothing back.
32:16The rest of his time was spent at home, cleaning our photo frames in the living room.
32:21Then he'd clean the portrait from my memorial.
32:23He'd make a plate of food for me too, setting it across from his own, just like before.
32:28The professor, who once never lifted a finger in the kitchen, now made a decent clam chowder.
32:33Ambie passed away suddenly from a severe illness.
32:36Now, Philander lived in the house alone.
32:42The lily of the valley died again and again, so he stopped trying to grow it.
32:46He held on to the trinkets I'd crafted, keeping them close at hand next to his bed.
32:50As time went on, he began suffering from insomnia.
32:54He'd lie awake staring at the ceiling until morning.
32:56I didn't know how to help.
32:58It seemed I'd be leaving soon.
33:00A week before the new year, Philander submitted his resignation and went alone to a church in
33:04the mountains.
33:05He used to dismiss anything related to faith or spirits.
33:08Now, he started to pray.
33:10On the path up, some pilgrims knelt with every step, murmuring prayers.
33:14Philander followed their example, kneeling without a trace of his old pride.
33:18A curious passerby asked.
33:20Struggling with something too heavy to bear?
33:23Philander nodded.
33:24Something I can't live with.
33:26He was trapped in it forever.
33:27I walked beside him, step by step, until he reached the summit and obtained a good luck charm.
33:32Finally, he placed the charm before my portrait.
33:35Then he swallowed an entire bottle of sleeping pills.
33:39Good night, Loretta.
33:40He held my portrait, pressing his cheek to the cold glass frame, and whispered.
33:44Wait for me.
33:53After my death, while sorting through my things, Philander came across a faded diary.
33:58I had always preferred things I could touch, things that felt real.
34:03Even in this digital age, I kept the habit of keeping a diary.
34:08I said words written with a pen carried more feeling than those typed on a keyboard.
34:14Philander used to dismiss that.
34:18Now, holding the diary in his hands, he finally understood the weight of my words.
34:25He turned to page one and couldn't bring himself to read further.
34:32Written across it was, Philander must not read this.
34:40After a moment of hesitation, he made up his mind and turned to the pages that followed.
34:47Deep down, he already knew what he would find.
34:50My heart had never been hard to read.
34:53And sure enough, every entry was about him.
34:57In June 2022, a roommate accused me of stealing.
35:01I went to the cafeteria to confront her, and I met Philander for the first time.
35:05He was amazing.
35:07Figured out the real culprit in just a few sentences.
35:10Criminal psychology is so cool.
35:13I've watched his lecture videos over a dozen times tonight.
35:16I just can't help it.
35:19Even his name sounds lovely.
35:21Must be a righteous man.
35:22My longtime crush is my blind date.
35:24I'm so lucky.
35:26Gotta seize the chance.
35:27I don't regret marrying him, really.
35:29But I've seen enough of him walking away.
35:31I don't regret it.
35:32It's okay.
35:33I don't.
35:37As the diary went on, the entries grew farther apart.
35:40Until the final one read,
35:42I regret it.
35:44Philander froze like a statue, unable to move.
35:47He remembered the question I had once asked him.
35:49In your life?
35:51Is there only room for work?
35:53He had assumed I already knew the answer.
35:59Work occupied 90% of his life,
36:01and the remaining 10% was mine.
36:03But I had always had my place.
36:05Why hadn't he told me?
36:06He tried to marshal his intelligence,
36:08to summon a reason, an excuse,
36:11a way to justify himself.
36:12But he couldn't.
36:13I was gone.
36:14Against death, he was powerless.
36:16All he felt was that this autumn without me was unbearably long.
36:20And every autumn from now on would feel the same.
36:22In a daze, he drifted back to that day October 14th.
36:26A date he'd never forget.
36:30I had texted that I'd bring clam chowder over that night.
36:35Philander gripped his phone and rushed out of his office.
36:40Wind whistled past his ears.
36:44His heart pounded like that of a teenager committing their first murder.
36:50Philander dialed the number he could never forget.
36:53This time, it wasn't my voicemail that answered.
36:59Hello?
37:00My voice rose, bright with surprise.
37:02You're calling me?
37:04That's a first.
37:05I sounded so bright.
37:07He could even hear the crisp rustle of leaves under my feet.
37:10The soft sound of my breathing.
37:12I love you.
37:13He said.
37:14Then he repeated it, earnest and unwavering.
37:17I love you, Laura.
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