I put my books in the locker and took out the ones I will be needing for the homework. I stuffed everything inside my backpack and made my way outside the building. Mr Dorris hasn't arrived yet and I wouldn't blame him as my last lecture got cancelled so I got no other option but to wait at least for the next hour. I made my way towards the playground where groups of boys and girls are practising for the upcoming matches. I never took part in any kind of sports but I have always been in the audience. After all, they are equally important for the matches. I mean who will motivate the player with the shouting and make their game better? I chuckled at my own stupid thoughts.

I walked towards the benches and got seated looking ahead at the Football team practising. Aiden was the captain of the team. I didn't understand the game yet even after watching it for the years. Aiden explained me everything many a time but in the end, he just gave up on me. So yes, I am one of that useless audience who watch the game just for the players. Not players actually, but just one. The captain! I saw some girls sitting outside and giggling as they looked at the boys in their jersey. I know they drooled over Aiden as well and sometimes it made me insecure watching them getting closer to him or flirting but my boy always had his eyes for me just like now. He looked at me with a slight smile which I returned but he immediately got back to his coach who was explaining something with the ball in his hand.

The boys were nodding in understanding as the coach spoke. I looked around the surroundings. It was surprisingly sunny today though the air was kind of moist shouting it has been raining throughout the night. It felt good to see Sun shining above us after long. There was no wind today and sky was looking crystal clear but it's no guarantee that it won't rain in the next hour.

The humidity in the air was making me sweat like a pig and I was glad that I thought of tieing my hair into two braids. I removed the jacket and kept it to the side resting it on the backpack which I kept beside me before sitting down here. I adjusted my skirt and put one leg on another and kept looking at the boys as they got dismissed by the couch. I saw some stares coming by my side but I wasn't paying much attention to them. I am glad Emily wasn't here else she would have started with her flirting right away with anyone literally. That girl is just so easy when it comes to the boys while their stares make me uncomfortable most of the time. I become self-conscious.

"I didn't expect you to be here today," Aiden said taking a seat beside me. He was looking exhausted with sweat dripping from his forehead. I turned to my side and took a water bottle out.

I offered him and he took it giving me a thankful smile. I smiled back at him.

"Yup, Mrs Waters cancelled her class for some reason so I had an off. I was hoping to find you here," I said with a shrug when he finished my whole bottle which I filled just a few minutes back but it's okay, I don't complain.

Aiden handled me the bottle back as I closed it and stuffed inside my bag again.

"Are you free now or it is still left?" I asked again. He shook his head adjusting his band on the hand.

"Nope. I'm free," He said and looked at me. For the first time in days, they were full of warmth for me. I smiled unexpectedly as he raised his eyebrows questioning me. I chuckled at my stupidity and shook my head slightly.

"Jake?" I asked and he let out a sigh looking ahead.

"Don't worry," he said in a low voice. I am glad to hear that. I didn't say anything further and just stayed there looking at him. His blue orbs kept moving with unsurety. He had so much hidden inside him but he won't let it out. Something is bothering him and I would just pray to God that he hasn't entangled himself in something which is beyond my imagination.

Please Aiden, just tell me what is going on with you.

He looked back at me immediately as if he heard me. His eyes caught me off guard. I put a smile on my face.

"Let me get changed first then we'll see," He said getting up from his seat. I nodded at him and got up taking my backpack and jacket.

"I'm hungry. Let's grab something maybe," I said as he nodded.

"Okay," he said and walked inside towards the changing room of Football team.

**********

I thought of ditching the cafe or any restaurant for today as I wanted to spend some time alone with Aiden so I suggested to him that we should go to our hideout. He agreed in a single node to my surprise. He packed the burgers along with some drinks and stuffed inside our backpacks. Oh yes, I did call home and informed mom that I will be with Aiden and that he will be dropping me home before sunset. She agreed happily which wasn't exactly a surprise.

We walked our way back as he didn't bring his car today. The road from the school to my house was from the main market. Vendors around were in a hurry to gather their stuff and close the stall for today. We walked through the crowd as some people who knew us offered a smile which we returned.

I held his hand when we were away from the rush of the town and on the empty rough road along the bank of the river. It was quiet around by now as we were close to the evening. The breeze of wind hit us in between. We made our way inside the forest once we saw the rough path which will lead us into the dark. With the rumours still floating around, it was kind of risky to be inside but I didn't care. Aiden anyway doesn't believe me so it wasn't a big deal for him.

We walked further inside for a few more minutes and there it was. I smiled widely looking at that broken wooden house in front of me. I don't know who it belonged to but Aiden and I discovered this when we roamed inside out of curiosity as to what lies inside in the dark and into the woods. It was a small house with just three rooms inside it. There were insects, spider webs and whatnot. But still, we didn't care. There were no serial killers back then and we were just two kids trying to get the best out of our curious minds. We cleaned the front part of the house and made it our home. Our hideout where no one could find us. It just belonged to Aiden and Faith. I miss those days but these aren't worst either. I left Aiden's hand and ran towards the house and almost tripped on the wet floor of the stair but managed as I held the wooden handle tight in my hands. I heard the footsteps approaching me and I knew I'm in for some lecturing.

As expected he started with his advice and again finished on the same topic of how I shouldn't be reckless. I honestly don't get his deal. I ignored him and got seated on the surface after of course wiping the dust by tearing some papers from the notebook. We got settled beside each other and looked into the woods as the trees ruffled with the wind passing in between them. The roaring sound was making me kind of scared but I was glad he was there beside me looking into the deep dark with his fearless eyes.

It feels just yesterday when we would come here acting as a detective on inspection of the forest and this would be our office. I chuckled looking ahead. Aiden tilted his head as a small smile formed on his lips telling me he got what I was thinking. We looked at each other for a few moments and burst into laughter. My stomach started aching after some time. I tried to control the fits of laughter we were having discussing the old days. Aiden shook his head at the end and took a deep breath.

"We were so stupid," Aiden said with a small smile still lingering on his face. I smiled watching him and put my head over his shoulder with my hands holding his arm tight and close to me.

"I don't mind. I will call it as innocent," I said in a low voice looking ahead. Aiden put his head over mine and intertwined our hands together making me smile gently at that gesture.

It was screaming at me that nothing has changed and he is still the same no matter who in the world he hangs out with.

"Yup," he said and I snuggled closer to him. We stayed quiet for some time looking ahead of us. The leaves of the trees were falling down as the wind fasten its speed. The dark clouds started surrounding the sky making it dark again. The birds were making a way towards their home may be as they flew in flocks.

The parliament of owls was up for discussion today I suppose. I saw many of them sitting around the forest eyeing us and making those sounds. The bats were sleeping peacefully but they disgust me so much so I just prefer to ignore them all the time.

"Faith..." I heard Aiden as I was looking around the surroundings. I looked at him as immediately.

"Hmm?" I asked. I heard him let out a sigh as he stopped momentarily before starting again.

"Would you still stay by my side if I do anything wrong?" He asked out of nowhere. I moved to the side and gave him a worried look. My heartbeats were rapid as I anxiously looked back at him. He was looking down at his hands while he played with two stones he found lying somewhere around.

That was my biggest fear when he sided Tyler and Jake that he might end up being something he shouldn't. I don't want him to end up like that. I won't be able to hate him. I can't take this. I just hope whatever he is talking about is just another teenager thing and nothing big.

"What does that mean?" I asked with a frown. Aiden let out a small laugh and looked ahead. The crickets were starting with their singing session to go along with owls who were staring at us like some gossiping neighbourhood aunties.

"Just..." He said with a shrug. He looked calm and that's what was not going well with me. I wanted him to open up more but he didn't say anything more.

He picked up one stone and threw it into the dark making a noise in the dry leaves. I kept staring blankly at that direction before I moved my gaze back to him. Aiden was looking at me with blank eyes. I knew he might be wanting to convey much more but something is stopping him. I let out a sigh and gave him a small smile so he could at least feel at ease and maybe better if possible.

"If you accept your mistakes and are willing to change then then yes," I said meaning every word I spoke. Aiden let out a sad chuckle and looked ahead of us.

"What's wrong?" I asked with another frown. He shook his head slightly still looking in the woods.

"That's what I wanted to hear I guess," He said and moved his gaze back at me. I smiled a little along with him.

"I know you won't tell me no matter how much I pester you so I'm just going to leave that up to you," I said. The expressions on his face harden but he didn't say anything more neither do I bother to speak.

We just sat there for some more time until raindrops started pouring on the leaves-filled ground making everything wet. The trees smiled as the water poured on them. The birds were in a rush finding their homes somewhere in the trees. The water was dripping from the creaks of the broken roof of this house making the floor wet as well but we knew all of the spots here and have already found on safe place for us.

Aiden suggested we should head back home but I was reluctant. I wanted to stay for a little longer but he was right too. So we settled that we would finish the burgers and will head right back to home. We ate chatting about upcoming exams, his football practice, my current reads and just random stuff while finishing the burgers. I jumped out of terror making Aiden lose his shit as he laughed his ass out when the grasshopper jumped on me. Yes, I'm scared of most of the bugs or insects or whatever. I don't even like butterflies.

I threw at irritated glare at him only when he got up and helped the poor grasshopper, that's what he called him, to get out in the grass out. He said I might have freaked out that poor soul which made me roll my eyes.

By the time we were out of the woods, the rain was pouring heavily. I was glad at least one of us is sane. Well, calling him sane at this moment is a little doubtful but yes he brought an umbrella with him. Though we both couldn't fit properly he let me have 3/4th of it while he took the rain. He has always been sane amongst both of us then where did it go wrong? I felt sadness engulfing me but I didn't let it show. I walked slowly holding his arm tight. I just wanted us to stay like this forever but it's a long way to go, no matter how bitter it sounds but it's better to go along with reality instead of living in a fairytale.

Aiden dropped me home and he turned around leaving me on the porch. I offered him to come inside but he refused saying he is dripping water. He looked in a hurry when he looked past me at the giant ancient clock hung on the wall inside the living room. I didn't question him nor he said anything. We just waved bye to each other. I stayed looking at his treating figure standing on the stairs until he was out of my sight. I let out a sigh and made my way inside.

************

The morning was bright and sunny but there was the coldness in the air making it perfect weather. I was happy as I had a good sleep last night without any scary thoughts or nightmares. The killer seems to be on halt now as there is no news of him neither do I saw him in the woods again after the last time with Aiden. I wonder what happened? Is he gone but it seems to be weird or it is just the silence before the storm? I shrugged the thoughts away and made my way towards my cupboard to select something for the day. 

I was going to meet Emily and her dad today along with Edmund. She said his research is on full swing and we might find something useful for us in there. I was happy to see the interest those two are showing into finding the killer just for me. Edmund as well agreed readily when I telephoned him at his home. I know it's kinda risky but just a little search won't trouble anyone. I didn't tell Aiden anything about it as he is acting weird. Besides, he knows Mr Moore too well considering his family holds a high position in this town. So I don't want to take a chance there.

I took a quick shower and got changed into a black skirt and a white T-shirt. I put on the yellow jacket above to save myself from the cold. I braided my hair and adjusted my necklace which mom gave me. I smiled down looking at the red beautiful stone. I hurriedly put my notebook and other necessary stuff into a backpack. At last, I put on the black stockings and the same coloured socks above it which came up to my knees. I put on my black sandals finally and I was ready.

I made my way downstairs hurriedly and saw my mom and dad on the breakfast table having their morning tea and breakfast. I greeted them with a big smile and informed them about my adventure. Well not exactly. I just told them I will be out with Emily. They didn't ask any questions further gladly. Dad anyway doesn't talk much as he is always too busy with reading the news. Mom inquired about Emily as well as Edmund. I told her about the school, upcoming exams, sports, and Aiden. Dad took an extra interest when Aiden was mentioned but he refrained from saying or asking anything more. Dad put the newspaper beside on the table folding it and took his glasses out letting it hang in between bound by the chain around his neck. He took out his round clock and looked at the time and put it back inside the blazer pocket. He always looks at his round clock as if the giant clock which is just a few meters away from us doesn't show the correct time.

I took a bite of the apple. I always prefer fruits for light breakfast especially when I have a long day ahead. I chewed on it getting reckless as I wanted to go out of here. I said my goodbyes when some police officer made his way into the house. He gave me a gentle smile which I returned and made my way out. I took out my cycle as I don't want to walk all the way up alone. The cycle won't be of much help but it's better than walking maybe or maybe not. Who cares! I will think about it later. I adjusted the backpack on my back and got on the bicycle. I finally started my journey to Emily Moore's house down the hill. Her house if just about 20 to 30 minutes away from where I live if we walk. 

I drove the bicycle through the empty hilly road. The trees on either side were adding to the coldness of the air with a slight tint of the water droplets on their leaves which was speaking about the rain which might have showered on them somewhere around the dawn. There was so much greenery around which made me smile widely. The road was sloppy and on top of that, the road was full-on small stones so I kept the speed of the cycle a little slow. I purposely braided my hair today else they would have easily distracted me from enjoying freely in his clear morning air. I took deep breaths taking it inside me. The birds were singing their songs and the leaves were falling from the trees in between. I looked up in the sky making my way through the rough soil path. The breeze hit me as I took a turn on the main road and shoved myself through the busy crowd of the market. 

I took the circle of the library and made my way towards Emily's house. I purposely took a long route as I wanted to enjoy my morning ride. The fountains in the central town square raised the water up in the sky throwing the sprinkles on me. I laughed loudly moving the paddles slowly. I took a couple of turns of the round fountains in the middle of the square and turned the direction towards the government office area. The women and men were hurrying up inside the buildings and some were outside with a large set of files. Everyone was formally dressed with men in their suits. Some with round hats and others without it. The women were with big hats, gloves, and beautiful looking bright outfits. The cars and horse rides were most seen in this central area of the town. The atmosphere in this area is always kind of tense up. I sped up my cycle taking myself out of the area.

The smell of the freshly cooked dishes hit my nostrils making my mouth watery as I paddled through the line of restaurants and food market. It's most specifically known as the meat and fish market. You will get fresh raw as well as cooked meat in the best quality from this market. Even the neighbouring town people give Northwood a visit for the same purpose and it's always busy here. I pressed the ring asking people to stay off my way. The crowd and horses and car horns made me crazy. I rode for a couple of more minutes and finally, Emily's house was visible. 

I stopped in front of the gate and parked my bicycle on the roadside. I opened the small gate which led me to her small and cosy house. The smoke was coming out of the chimney. The small garden around the house was exactly same as I saw it the last time. I smiled walking along with the stoned path. I took a deep breath reaching the front door. The lamp hung above me was still lit stating people forgot that it's bright outside but it's okay as it might rain anytime making everything dark again. I knocked on the door with the help of doorknocker and waited for someone to take me in. 

The door was opened after the wait of a few more minutes. Mrs Moore peeked through the creek as a wide smile formed on her lips. She opened the door wide and engulfed me in a big warm hug. It was warm. Just like her. She is a housewife and makes the best food out there. I made all kinds of excuses in the past just so I would get to eat at Emily's place. She was thinking of running her own business but dropped the idea for some personal reasons which I have no clue about. I gave my widest smile to her once I was out of her hug. 

"I am angry as I don't get to see you much often lately," she complained but I chuckled looking at her trying to be grumpy face. She chuckled along with me and we made our way inside. I took out my sandals in the entryway and got inside to see Edmund already present. He waved at me awkwardly which I returned with a confident smile.

The living room was darkly lit with couches on one side and television on the opposite wall. The fireplace was adjacent to that arrangement with the window opposite it. The curtains on the window were kept down refraining the sunlight from coming inside. It was a small room but was giving cosy vibes. 

"It's good that this lazy girl finally called you people home," Mrs Moore said going towards the fireplace to place more woods into it. I smiled looking at Emily who came downstairs.

"I have been telling her the same since days now," she said further making us chuckle. Emily rolled her eyes.

"Are you done with complaining?" she asked raising her eyebrows in a not so pleasant expression. Her mom hit her to which Emily rubbed her hand with the complaining face. The banter they share make me remember my mom. Will we have shared the same bond if she still was here with me?

"Where is Aiden?" Mrs Moore asked again taking my attention away from those thoughts. The thoughts of my mom always disturbs me. I just don't believe a few things I witnessed about that day she was taken away from me.

It was said she committed suicide but why would she? She loved me and she was planning a trip to Atlanta with me then what happened that made her do what she did? This is the thing that will remain a mystery for me forever. My dad tried everything to get deep inside her death but people called him a maniac. That he has lost his mind because he loved his wife too much and he did. No doubt about that.

"Umm..." I said getting my mind back to reality and focusing on Mrs Moore who was looking at me. "He was kind of busy," I finished putting an uncomfortable smile. The look on her face told me that she is not convinced with my answer but I can't think of anything at the moment.

I should have thought about it before coming here. Now I have gone blank and the boy sitting on my left who calls himself as Aiden's best friend won't take his side as he is furious.

"Of course, as you guys are now growing up so being busy is the only excuse?" She asked with a known smile. I smiled back awkwardly looking at Emily who didn't pay attention to me.

"No, he was actually busy with... things," I said nodding my head. Mrs Moore let out a hearty laugh hearing me.

"It's okay. I will prepare something," she said and I gave her a smile.

"We will be in my room, mom," Emily said and gestured us to come upstairs.

"Okay," Mrs Moore shouted back going into the kitchen which was sided to the living room and had a door to the backyard.

We climbed those short staircase which leads us to the three bedrooms upstairs. One of Emily, one of her parents and last one of her sister who went to Cambridge for higher education. We made our way inside Emily's room.

It was the first one at the edge of the staircase. I wouldn't have taken that ever but she is brave. At least than me I can say. Her room is the same mess. Clothes on the bed which was in one corner. A study table with books on it and some notebooks stating she was doing her homework last night. It was kept beside the window which gave the view of the front gate and street. Her school bag lied on the chair in front of the table.

The wooden floor was clean with a small carpet at the centre and a cupboard sided by a wooden dressing table in another corner.

"Where is your dad?" I asked getting seated on her soft bed. Of course after moving her clothes which were spread across away.

"He hasn't come back yet and it's the perfect opportunity," She said with a shrug looking at me and then at Edmund. Edmund and I exchanged a look before I shifted my gaze to Emily.

"Are you sure?" I asked with a little worry. I have known her parents since I was a kid and I don't want to create any mess by doing something stupid. Besides, they know my parents well so the fear lies there as well.

"What if your mom comes back? I am scared," Edmund asked the most obvious question and he was right this time. She is just a few steps away from us.

"Shut up, Edmund," Emily raised her voice with irritation written all over her face, "You stay out and inform us if you feel anyone coming up."

"Are you crazy, Emily?" Edmund asked again and looked at me with so much hope. I let out a sigh. There is no point in making Emily understand our point because she won't. She is stubborn and does as she pleases. I am not pointing out anything because I am somewhat like her. That's how we go along well.

"Do you have any amazing plan?" Emily asked Edmund making an annoyed face. She is right I want to look into it but I'm a bit scared but it's okay as long as I have these two.

"Okay, stop. We shouldn't waste time," I said getting up and jumping between these two before they kill each other and me.

"Exactly. Dad will be here at any moment," Emily said holding my hand and pulling me out of the room.

"Okay, let's go. Ed, just keep a close eye," I said turning to look at Edmund who looked worried and helpless. I felt sad to put him in this spot but I just can't back off now after coming so far.

Edmund smiled and followed us out. He stood at the edge of the staircase looking down but made sure that he is out of the sight if someone is coming upstairs.

Emily opened the door to her dad's study gently and carefully without making any noise. We looked at Edmund for one more time before making way inside. We didn't shut the door fully so we can hear Edmund. This room was a little bigger and it was my first time coming here. Everything was neatly placed making it contrast with Emily's room. I could tell it's Mr Moore's workroom so that makes it even riskier.

I saw a pin board along with a blackboard covering the whole wall. There were pointers and pictures and articles all over. The notes were pinned onto the board and other things were written with chalk on the board. I was looking around with awe when Emily poked me from the side. I gave her a look to which she gestured me to hurry up. I nodded in understanding and followed her lead.

I looked closely at the photos kept on the table and hung on the board while Emily started reading the documents and newspaper articles kept nearly in the files. The photos were of George as he lied on the ground in the forest. Whoever pointed out the resemblance to the old murders was right. It was all same. The tieing, the mark on the neck, the marks of a struggle, everything. It was scary to even look at those photos. I just wish it doesn't come into my nightmares adding to my scare. I still took the photos in hand as I wanted to see the main thing which will prove it's the same person. And it was there. The mark made by a killer with a pointed thing on the neck. It read as roman ten (X).

I threw the photos on the table and got back with fear. I can't look at them anymore. I don't want to. Emily put her hand on my arm asking me if I'm okay. I could just nod at her.

"Did you find anything?" I asked.

"It's the same research. Just these old case pictures are clear now. I can't look at them. Do you want to see?" Emily said moving her head away from the file so she won't be able to see the pictures. I can understand her. If I look at them for one more time them I'll throw up for sure.

I haven't seen this kind of cruelty until now. Whoever has killed them need no purpose as he might be doing it just for pleasure. Psychos are just like that. That's what I have read.

"No, I can't anymore. It's the same. George also has the mark. He is definitely back," I said as the photos moved right in front of my eyes making me sick. I shook my head to wipe out those images but I can't unsee it now.

"It reads here that someone with a great psychic and height can do it. He should be around 6 and a half feet or more," Emily said reading out one note of her father. I tried to remember what I saw in the woods and I can't point out. Both the times it was just for a few mere seconds. But when I was running after him, he looked big and bulky.

"No one has seen him so nothing is written more here," Emily said further. I let out a sigh.

"Why people can't see him? What he does? And why is he killing them so cruelly?" I asked with frustration.

"Only he can tell but this dude is so clever which makes me scared," Emily said letting out a sigh and putting the documents back. She moved further and took another file.

"Me too," I said when we heard the footsteps approaching the door. We exchanged a look of panic. Edmund peeked through the door with worry and looking frightened.

"Girls, Mr Moore is here. Hurry up," He said in a low voice and moved his gaze back to look towards the staircase.

"What?" Emily asked looking at the clock.

"Let's go," I said and stopped looking at the photos I just threw on the table. Emily put the file she took down at the same place carefully.

"But what about this?" I asked looking at her in terror. My heart was beating rapidly with the thought of Mr Moore discovering us here.

"He will suspect," I said losing my shit with panic. Emily took my hand and pulled me out of the room.

"Don't worry. I'll wing up," she said in a hurry but careful enough to keep her voice low.

"Let's go," Edmund said in a low voice as we hurried downstairs.

Our mission got halted in between as we couldn't even look around past one document and a few pictures. But it's enough for now I guess.

Mr Moore looked exhausted as he sat on the couch with his eyes closed. It's been more than 20 days and there are no traces of the killer so I can understand the pressure he has been going through.

Emily got seated beside him while I and Edmund settled on the other couch. He opened his eyes when he felt us and was shocked and surprised to see us around.

"Hello, Mr Moore," I said politely with a small smile but my heart was bursting into my chest. Mr Moore smiled wholeheartedly looking back at me. He straightened up and adjusted in his seat.

"What's up, kids," he said sounding cheerful even when he was looking drained out, "I haven't seen you in a while. Where is Aid?" He asked the same question.

"He is busy," Mrs Moore said coming out with a tray from the kitchen. Emily went to help her out and took it from her hand keeping the food on the front table.

"Busy boy," Mr Moore said laughing, "So hows everything going?"

"It's good," I said with a nod when Emily handed me the plate. It had sausages, streaky bacon, eggs and tomatoes, and potato bread. It looked yum making my stomach groan with happiness and water my mouth as I just had one apple in the morning.

I wasted no time and started putting one by one item into my mouth.

"Studies?" Mr Moore asked taking his plate into hand along with a fork and spoon. Emily got settled again into her seat as Mr Moore eyed me, "Especially Faith."

I chewed my food and send it down through my throat giving him a smile.

"It's going well. Anyway, I hate the subjects," I said with a shrug. That's why I was an average student unlike my smart boyfriend or clever friends.

"I used to hate them too," Mr Moore said making me chuckle.

"What about you, Edmund?" He asked looking at the boy who looked like he has stolen something from the house. I swear if Mr Moore ever discovers about the change in photos position then he is going to point out this boy the first. Edmund adjusted in his seat and gave an uncomfortable smile.

"It's going great for me. I got first prize in the speech and academics are great too," he said cheering up a little which made me somewhat feel at ease.

"Yes, yes, Edmund, he got it," Emily said rolling her eyes making everyone around a chuckle.

I thought about asking how is the case going on but was reluctant. It won't look good if I directly jumped into the topic. I looked at Emily to ask her permission and she gestured me to go ahead. It's funny how we can speak in silence. Only best friend stuff huh?

I cleared my throat and moved in seat looking at Mr Moore carefully.

"You come often to my house though," I asked with a kind of unsurety. My sneaking into room plan succeeded just half way so yes let's try this way now.

"Yes, George Michelle, what a tragic story," he said shaking his head.

"Can we ask what happened there? Did you find any killer or anyone suspicious?" I was surprised when Edmund asked him. Emily gave some shocked expressions while I looked at him proudly. He ignored both of us.

"Not yet. There has not been any lead even after more than two weeks. No eyewitnesses, no traces. It's like the killer doesn't even exist," Mr Moore said with frustration.

"Isn't it odd though?" I asked. He nodded in agreement.

"Yes, it is. We searched the forest but there is nothing in there. But still, you need to be careful, Faith. Don't go inside those haunting woods," he said and his eyes conveyed how much serious he is.

The shadow flashed through my eyes making me shiver with surpassing fear. My heart started thudding inside my chest yet again.

"I won't," I said assuring him. Last time Aiden pulled me out but he is right when he says that I shouldn't be reckless.

Is it the reason why he says that? Because he knows that something or someone lies inside?

"So there has been nothing else?" Edmund asked again.

"Nope. Not a thing," Mr Moore shook her head. In the meantime, I made sure to fill my stomach.

"What about that serial killer theory? Is it true?" Emily asked.

"It looks the same so yes it can be," Mr Moore said as the three of us exchanged glances.

"Enough of those talkings. Eat something," Mrs Moore said who came out of the kitchen and gave all of us a glare. Mr Moore held his ears making us laugh.

We chatted randomly finishing our plates when the phone started ringing loudly. I don't know why but I felt scared of something. I started breathing deeply with the beats of my heart being louder. I looked at the telephone with anxiousness.

Mrs Moore received the call and looked a little worried as she looked back at Mr Moore.

"Hold on," she said and put the receiver to the side covering it's speaking part.

"Lucas, it's for you," she said. Mr Moore got up and walked up to the telephone. He asked about who is over the phone to which Mrs Moore shrugged.

He let out a sigh and put the receiver on the ear. The look on his face got changed drastically. I couldn't point out what changed but it made me even more scared.

"What? Where?" He asked calmly when the hurricane was going inside him looking at those expressions.

"Is it the same?" He asked again and waited for the caller to say something. He nodded in understanding.

"Okay, I am on my way," he said and cut the call putting the receiver back. He looked worried, scared and angry all at the same time.

"You are going again?" Mrs Moore asked with concern.

"Thomas Gracia was found murdered," He said as I widened my eyes. No ways in the hell this is happening. Mr Gracia?

What on the earth? I was right to feel that fear. I don't believe what is happening around me. All these are the people related to dad, to us. Are we next? I was breathing heavily when Edmund and Emily moved beside me.

"Oh my god," I heard Mrs Moore but whatever she said after that was out of my hearing capacity. I couldn't concentrate as there was so much going inside my head.

"In the same way. I am scared something terrible is happening around," Mr Moore said and took his coat making his way out of the house with a thud of the door. I was just staring blankly not understanding a thing.

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🥀a u t h o r ' s  n o t e🥀

That was all for now. Let us know what you all think about this.

Sorry for the late update as I was in no mood. Hehe. Sorryyyyy. I hope this made up for it.

We will be back on coming Friday with another update to make up for it. Promise!

Till then, bye.

Loads of love. ❤️