~Book 2 from the series's 'Sentinel of light' ~
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A serial killer is spreading fear and terror throughout the city ... or so the police say, but I know they are hiding it, the killer is one of them.
I am a journalist and soon I will unmask the culp...
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The city is spectacular at night, with all its lights, the moon high in the sky, the drop in temperature, and the hum of people working or partying until the early hours. But like every beautiful thing, there is always a darker side—crime, poverty, abuse, and death.
Today was my day off—one of the few I get. Tomorrow, it's back to work. Being a journalist is never easy; dealing with certain types of people can be exhausting and stressful. But right now, my focus is elsewhere.
As usual, when I have a rare moment to rest, I relax quietly on the couch, a big TV in front of me, and a glass of whiskey in hand. I'm not an alcoholic, but the way alcohol dulls my stress is incredible. My body feels lighter, my mind at ease—just for a little while.
Just as my movie was about to end, the screen suddenly switched to breaking news. Instincts kicked in—both as a journalist and as a natural-born stalker. The news anchor’s voice filled the room:
"Good evening, viewers. We have just received shocking news! We now have video footage from law enforcement as they raided the home of the alleged serial killer."
Of course, they only showed a small, controlled portion of the footage—just enough to broadcast a dramatic scene where ten officers tackled and beat the suspect before cuffing him. Just enough to convince the public that the killer, an unknown man, had finally been caught.
Yeah, right. None of this has ever convinced me. And a conveniently "discovered" video isn't going to change that.
The segment ended with the mayor’s typical speech, reassuring the citizens that the dangerous murderer would spend the rest of his life behind bars.
This city doesn’t have many strict rules, but the few that exist are the most important:
1 - Always carry some kind of protection (even if it’s just pepper spray). 2 - Stay out of other people’s business. 3 - Never trust the police or the government.
Simple rules. And yet, there’s one I can never follow—rule number two. As a journalist, my job is to uncover the truth, to dig up the most exciting stories, the juiciest scandals.
So if I see something suspicious—if a celebrity is in trouble, if shady figures are lurking—I rush in, ready to be the first to break the news. Some people appreciate my work. Most don’t. They know that when I start asking questions, it’s best to keep their mouths shut.
That’s why, when I do get a day off, a glass of alcohol is always welcome. It takes the edge off after days of running around the city, chasing stories. But people can be cruel, selfish, and downright evil.
Still, even in a place as dark as this, there are good people. Not many, but enough.
Poverty rules this city. Families abandon each other, kids and teenagers get lost in the world of drugs and crime, and prostitutes line the streets. The weak always lose, and the strong take everything.
