𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 ❦ (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐝)

Chapter 11

I went through so much yesterday that, without any surprise, I didn't sleep well. But I still drag myself out of my bed early to sort out the leads I have of this mysterious case. I take my notebook out and start writing down the clues I've found so far.

1 I wrote an article about Emily's nightmarish life, I was then fired for unknown reasons

2 Someone was watching me as I was going home, right after I lost my job

3 I went back to the Metropolitan Hospital after receiving information from prosecutor Toro

4 I found out about Emily's death from pneumonia. She died 21 days ago

5 All her belongings were claimed by her father, except for a stuffed animal, a piglet

6 I found a photograph of Emily and her family inside the stuffed animal, and I was then confirmed that Emily's biological father was dead

7 Bob Bryar is Emily's legal guardian

8 Bob Bryar's license number is 50L973

Judging by everything that I've gathered so far, it seems that Bob Bryar is the man I was looking for. But considering how many people there are in New York City, it will be nearly impossible to find him.

I suppose it is time that I contact this informer whom Urie recommended. Let's give it a try. I have nothing to lose anyway.

I comb my brown strands with my fingers, grab my pants, shirt, shoulder straps. Once I'm ready, I step outside to make the call from the nearest phone booth. This 'Leo' person, or at least I assume that it's him, answers. Because of the complexity of my case and for safety reasons, we decide to meet at the Corner Café on the 26th street, today, at 4 p.m.

I arrive at the Corner Café at half past three, half an hour early. Never have I ever arrived so early at any appointment, but the perspective of discovering more about this mystery hypes me up.

After a little while, a man slides on the sit next to mine, his face hidden by a journal. "Mr. Way?"

"Are you Mr. Leo?" I ask back

"I am," he replies. "How can I help you?"

"Could you look at me? I need to tell you something and this is a bit unsettling – if you don't mind."

Leo hesitates and his journal drops a little, revealing a... boy. A blonde, thin boy. I am wondering if he is any older than 18. He is wearing a sober outfit somewhat similar to mine: brown pants, shoulder straps, shirt – except that his is a dirty, greyish blue. He is also wearing a black beret.

"I would like you to help me find a man. His name is Bob Bryar."

Leo tugs his beret a little lower on his face to hide himself better. He pouts. "So, you want to find him. I don't think that I can find a man with nothing but a name."

"I have other clues for you. He knows a man named George Taylor who most likely used to be a police officer, and his license number is 50L973. He is also Emily Taylor's legal guardian, and he paid her a visit at the Metropolitan Hospital a month ago."

Leo purses his lips a little. "Hm. That is enough. I will take 25 dollars right now, and you will pay me 25 more once I am done."

My eyes widen. It's too expensive! Even my rent isn't that expensive... But I'm out of ideas and Leo is my last hope at this point. I sigh and hand him the 25 dollars.

"Here is your money. Please begin as soon as possible."

"Of course." Leo grins confidently. "I wouldn't want to upset my client."