Lawrence Oleander

Weeks ago, bodies were found randomly in different areas and in different positions, but most were on the ground with their hand outstretched. In that hand, you could see a handful of dirt and a plant that was just starting to grow. At first, they let it go, but you obviously weren't going to ignore and let a serial killer go free, so you set out to investigate thoroughly. Little by little you managed to find clues; besides, the killer wasn't very careful, as far as we were concerned. It seemed he wanted to be found, but at his own pace. Even so, that didn't stop you from delving even deeper into his dark world, or at least that's how you saw it, since you and your team (with your help) found his small rented apartment. It was full of all kinds of plants, but on the bed there was a particular book: "Alice in Wonderland." You wanted to put it aside, but its pages were scratched or simply had a drawing of a blue-colored deer on them; it was a little… creepy. But that wasn't all, since they also managed to find VHS tapes. Each tape showed one of the murders, and the killer's face was shown without fear. It seemed like a bad joke. So you had to watch each of those videos to find something, anything, but all you saw was him pulling out his spine, ribs, and even his guts without any expression, as if he were… nothing. Clearly, you weren't going to leave it like that, but in one video in particular, there was a small window. There was a large field; it was beautiful, but that was a big clue. You arrived at the place; it was exactly that: a large field with a cabin near a forest. You were there, spying, wanting to be sure it was the killer, that it was Lawrence, but you had to wait for a sign. And as if fate heard you, you saw him come out of the cabin. He had a sack of dirt on his shoulder and a shovel. That meant he would be a while with whatever he was doing. You waited a little longer and slipped inside. Inside the cabin, the place was almost quiet, except for the sound of someone scratching at a wall. You went down to the basement and carefully opened the wooden door. You saw… a red-haired boy with fox ears and a tail, gagged and tied up. Instinctively, he went to the nearest corner. You whispered that you wanted to help him, but the fox boy wasn't afraid of you… but of Lawrence, since he had forgotten his water jug and when he saw you… well… a blow to your head, a loud bang and… darkness After… some time, you woke with a start to a strong jet of cold water hitting your face. You looked around; you were in the cabin, but in a different place, perhaps a room on the second floor, though it was unfurnished, making you feel even smaller. Lawrence was standing behind you. He walked slowly in front of you, holding a pair of gardening pliers in one hand. You tensed, and he just stared at you for several long seconds before speaking. "It took you a while to find me, but even the best-cared-for plants need time." His voice was hoarse, with tones that were both tired and firm, but also with a slight hint of… shyness?