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Chapter 8-2

"Do come in." The mayor announced in his chair across the glass table.

Louise apologized for the late notice and sat down opposite him. She told him about the dogs, the children, and the undeniable similarities that made it an even more bizarre case than it already was before.

"I had told Mr Henderson about it, but he didn't want to take it seriously. I don't know exactly what happened to Asher, but I know for a fact that something wasn't right. His behavior, gestures and mannerism were altered dramatically, and I could tell that it was not simply because of post-traumatic disorders."

"I understand. And are you sure about the dogs as well?"

"Yes. I am certain. Mr Denaheim, something- or someone, is doing the same thing to the children that they did to the dogs. I stayed up all night trying to figure this out," Louise added.

"Were you able to get enough sleep lately?" asked Mr Denaheim, noticing the dark circles around Louise's tired eyes.

"What- yes. It doesn't matter. I just think that we should investigate this further, Mr Denaheim. I would not be here if this was just a random, midnight thought. I truly think that someone was after the kids." Louise tried to stay as calm and level-headed as she could. She knew that the mayor could deny her claim just as Henderson did, but he was her only hope to get the investigation into the right direction. With the authority as an honorable, longest running mayor in town, he could convince Henderson to look into this link.

"I have to admit, Louise, that this theory is a bit far-fetched. Don't get me wrong, I see the effort that you've given, especially when you just moved here a few weeks ago with no prior knowledge of the town. I've seen your reports, and they were exceptionally written. That is why I believe you. I would try talking to Henderson about it." He nodded as he spoke, and looked at Louise with his understanding eyes.

That was all Louise wanted to hear. "Try" was better than "not trying" at all.

"And Louise? Do not stress about it too much. The children are in good hands."

She grabbed onto this little bit of reassurance from the mayor, thanked him again for his time, and left to do more thinking.