Two Hunters, from different worlds.

Chapter 3

While I was waiting to see Race, hoping to meet him for lunch, I started to clarify some unexpected issues.

Point number one: I don't have a phone anymore. I must have thrown it somewhere last night-well, there's my excuse to go back to that building.

Point number two: I'm out of the police precinct. I really don't want to start arguing with a police officer today.

Point number three: I keep thinking that I've seen those eyes before, in my dreams. The presence I felt last night is the same one that appears in my dreams, so what exactly does that mean? Maybe if I go back to that building, I'll get some answers.

For now, however, I have to wait to see Race, hoping he has good news.

TIME SKIP

As always, right on time for lunch, I saw Race arrive. I motioned for him to come closer, and as soon as he was in front of me, I asked, "So, what's the news for me?"

"Come on, Chloe, won't you at least say hello first? And tell me why you left last night. Or why you yelled at me on the phone?" he said.

"You don't remember?" I asked, then shrugged. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. You know I have to get up early for work. But don't worry, I still had fun. I was high." I smirked, trying to give him a plausible excuse to keep him on my side. I even added a reassuring smile, and he seemed to buy it.

"You know, when you smile like that, it makes me want to kiss you so badly," he said with a grin. "But fine, I believe you. You're not wrong, either-I got home a little drunk myself. So, I beg your pardon. But come on, let's talk somewhere else. You know I can't give you case information right in front of my workplace."

He wasn't entirely wrong, so we headed to our usual restaurant. While we waited for our food, he started talking.

"The name of the arrested man is Roy. I heard he was a former soldier. A tough guy, with a lot of missions under his belt, and he was in charge of a team. From what I know, his comrades were reported missing. But Roy... well, he seemed to have gone insane. I don't know the details, but they believe he killed his entire team during that jungle mission. Now, it's like he's no longer aware of what he sees or does. I don't want to believe it, but he could very well be the killer we've been looking for. What do you think?"

Before I could answer, he added:

"Also, I haven't seen him in person yet, so I can't say for sure what his mental state is. But strangely, my colleagues haven't been allowed to see him either-not even to keep an eye on him. I don't know who's pulling the strings, but a lot of big shots are looking for him."

"That still doesn't explain the way the murders were carried out," I countered. "You know just as well as I do that the victims were hung upside down, skinned, or had their spines removed. How do you explain that?"

Race looked at me in surprise. "And how do you know those details? No one's released that information yet."

"Your job is being a cop. Mine is investigating as a journalist," I said smoothly. "I have sources you don't even know exist. So don't lie to me-those murders weren't committed by a human. Or, at least, not by any ordinary human. And I can assure you my sources weren't wrong. There's also something else to consider-the crime scenes were spotless. No blood splatter. No screams."

Race exhaled and leaned back. "Well, you have your sources, I have mine. And I'll tell you something no one else will. Roy has a family. If you want, you could go talk to his wife. See what she has to say."

"Absolutely, yes. Fuck! Why didn't you tell me that sooner? I'll head there right away. You coming with me?" I asked, though I was secretly hoping to go alone.