My Husband Solved My Murder is a gripping mystery thriller filled with shocking twists, hidden secrets, and emotional revelations. When a seemingly impossible murder case shatters an ordinary life, one determined husband refuses to give up until he uncovers the truth. As the investigation deepens, every clue reveals new lies, unexpected suspects, and secrets that were meant to stay buried forever.
Packed with suspense, crime investigations, emotional drama, and thrilling discoveries, this captivating short drama keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
Watch the full episode and uncover the mystery behind a crime that changes everything.
#MyHusbandSolvedMyMurder #MurderMystery #CrimeDrama #MysteryThriller #SuspenseDrama #DetectiveStory #InvestigationDrama #PsychologicalDrama #ShortDrama #DramaSeries #ShortFilm #ShortMovie #FullEpisode #ThrillerDrama #MysterySeries
Packed with suspense, crime investigations, emotional drama, and thrilling discoveries, this captivating short drama keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
Watch the full episode and uncover the mystery behind a crime that changes everything.
#MyHusbandSolvedMyMurder #MurderMystery #CrimeDrama #MysteryThriller #SuspenseDrama #DetectiveStory #InvestigationDrama #PsychologicalDrama #ShortDrama #DramaSeries #ShortFilm #ShortMovie #FullEpisode #ThrillerDrama #MysterySeries
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Short filmTranscript
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 life.
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.
00:29The 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.
00:48He just kept working cold, perfect, brilliant, until the case he was solving, turned out to be my murder.
00:54My 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.
01:36It hurt like hell to have your throat sliced open, my windpipe tore under the force, air rushing in and
01:41out 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, stained 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.
02:26You died because of Philander, get 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.
03:22When I turned to look at Philander again, I remembered our last meeting, back when I was
03:26still alive.
03:26It 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.
03:48His time was too valuable to waste on mundane tasks.
03:51He was always thinking, analyzing, and weighing pros and cons.
03:55He only ever viewed things from a criminal's perspective.
03:58I changed out of my pajamas, feeling heavy-hearted.
04:02Do it yourself.
04:03Philander studied my face, intrigued, and sat up in bed.
04:06Inner eyebrows raised, corners of the mouth downward, eyelided slightly swollen, faint redness
04:12in 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.
04:36This 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 into the refrigerator,
04:46and finally leaned against the bedroom doorframe, looking down at me.
04:50Someone in your family died.
04:52A relative.
04:53Not immediate, but you were close to them.
04:56Probably 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 come 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 focus,
05:34and hinters my ability to save lives.
05:38Loretta, I 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 cerebral.
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.
06:25I 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 10 p.m.
07:13Later, 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,
08:12Your 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.
08:30He 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.
08:46Took the liberty of having my wife make some.
08:48Try it.
08:48You need to keep your strength up during a kiss.
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.
09:20Being with a cold and distant person would slowly cool the most passionate heart.
09:24Philander was unmoved.
09:25She 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.
09:59By 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.
10:31Not that there was much to see Daw, our conversations were sparse because he was too busy to reply often.
10:35Right after we married, I used to share bits of my day with him every day.
10:40A 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.
11:03Later, I contacted him less just checking in 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.
11:14His 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.
11:24It 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.
11:39Philander sighed.
11:40He told me many times he disliked this ringtone and wanted me to change it.
11:43Always adding a polite disclaimer.
11:46Just 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.
12:37Eye 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.
12:58Cause 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.
13:33Finally, 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.
13:45As 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,
13:56and an intensely personal hatred toward 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 Genstry.
14:41She lived in Dunwoodyear at a tutoring center.
14:43To see her at the men are full and work 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.
14:59We'll proceed by examining the victim's personal circumstances,
15:01hoping 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.
15:25Philander 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.
15:42He 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.
15:46I don't have time for sales calls.
15:49Every minute you waste is a minute.
15:52Someone remains in danger.
15:54Starting now.
15:55Is this Mrs. Palmer's husband?
15:57It 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.
16:05Didn'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.
16:37Almost 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 ligue, HD 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.
17:16Criminal intent, and childhood trauma.
17:19He kept using professional terms I couldn't understand.
17:21I 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.
18:06Where 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 date, a sort of pet-friendly area.
18:18While we were strolling, Philander took a work call.
18:21Now, wanting 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.
18:54Tyric 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 this fest.
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 you're F-trotted Experian Otracissary.
19:11He's so foul no mince 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, Cloud Crest 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.
19:53You 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.
20:04Philander, the 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.
20:48Hi.
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.
21:02Not 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.
21:10On 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 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.
21:44Philander 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...
22:20...docile 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.
22:44Even 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.
23:09Philander 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.
23:20I 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.
23:31Why 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.
23:44Why couldn't he just tell me he loved me as much as I loved him?
23:48The 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 unshipped 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.
24:54Crawford 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.
26:44The 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.
28:45She 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.
29:24But 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 in-kind directed at me.
29:41Officers quickly pulled them apart.
29:43Philander shut his eyes, forcing himself to be calm.
29:47Tatum grinned triumphant.
29:49Looks 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.
30:08Philander 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 lowyer 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.
31:13It 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,
31:25I'd get oddly excited.
31:26I'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.
32:57I didn't know how to help.
32:58It seemed I'd be leaving soon.
32:59A 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.
33:21Struggling 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, figured 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, and 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, to summon a reason, an excuse, a way to justify himself.
36:12But he couldn't, I 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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