307: The Scar (Chapter 1)

-- Chapter 1 --

 A scar. What’s a scar? Maybe you all think it’s just a mere mark on the skin. I had the same thought a few months ago. But no, I was wrong. Scars can be more than just a mere mark on the skin. They can convey things, irrespective of whether they’re physical or mental scars. They are capable enough to delineate something powerful, something shocking. Each scar has its own story. We all have scars, and at most times, we don’t even realize that. Speaking of scars, I’ve come across one. It’s that one scar that I can never forget. It isn’t mine but, it was surely life-changing. Well, I’m Cassandra Laurier. And, this is the story of the scar that changed my life.

It just seemed like another usual night. But, little did I know it was not. I was working late like most days and was sipping my coffee, sitting on my seat, and simultaneously viewing a few documents of the pending cases. Speaking of cases, I’m a Supervisory Special Agent at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I’ve been doing this job for a few years now. I’ve always loved my job though it’s sometimes extremely challenging. One such challenging case was going to come my way that night. While I was drowned in thoughts about the cases I was going through, I heard a voice that sounded concerned.

“Oh, you’re working late again, Sandra?” It was George, George Vandenberg. He and I were good colleagues and maybe even good friends, though we don’t talk much apart from things related to work.

“Um.. yes, George. I’ve got Fauxie with me so, I thought if I could work for some more time.”

“I see. Then, you won’t have to worry about going home early. And, she could even accompany you,” he gave me and Fauxie a genuine smile. Fauxinia is a German Shepherd. I’m a proud mom of her. She’s been with me for years now. We’ve got some great understanding and neither of us can go a day without each other. People at my office loved her too. So, I could always take her to my office along with me. And, that let me work late without any worries.

“Have you got some interesting work to keep you occupied?” he asked.

“No, not really. I was just going through the pending files. They seem simple and boring. Not exactly my type, you know.”

“Oh, I guess I can help you. There’s a case file on my desk that has been put on hold for around two days now. I’ve already been having a lot to do, and it was just another addition to my already existing heap of work. And..”

“And?” I asked, being curious as always.

“I read the title of the case file and knew that the case would be challenging and different. Just like how you like it,” he sounded as if he knew me very well. Maybe he did. If not, he wouldn’t have handed that case file to me that day and now, I wouldn’t be saying this story to you.

“Different? What’s the case about?”

“Um.. I’m not exactly sure. It’s about a scar, I guess. I didn’t really go through it. Why don’t you try seeing it for yourself?” he offered.

“A scar? Hmm.. it indeed sounds different. Can you bring me that file?” My curiosity level was at its peak, wondering what kind of scar it was.

“Of course, Sandra. Give me a minute. I’ll send you the file.”

“Sure.” Though I sounded imperturbable, my mind was already filled with thoughts about that case. George sent me the file in a few minutes. It had ‘307: The Scar’ written on it. For some reason, I felt like my intuition wanted to convey something to me when I held the file. However, it got concealed by my curiosity and I opened the file. The next second, I heard my phone ring.

(To be continued...)