The Phantom Conspiracy

4. The Revelation

Giana looked at her watch; it was almost 2 am. She had been waiting in the alley for inspector Hash to arrive for the past fifteen minutes. She guessed that he didn't want her to be accompanied by Riccard only because of how rude Riccard had previously been to him. A couple more minutes passed. All the noise had died down and the lights were being switched-off. The crickets screeched and insects crawled out of the crevices. Fog accumulated on the glass panes. An owl perched on a street lamp pecked at a free wire hanging from it. 

Giana's eyes fell upon the blood stained area of the wall. A murderer had snatched someone's life right there. She was caught in the mess of it all, but as compared to the family of the deceased, her pain was only a tiny speck. A shiver ran down her spine as she imagined what it would've been like if she was the one to be murdered. Would this other Giana have attempted to fight for her justice, or would she have run away? However, in the current reality, the universe had kept her alive and brought her here. She had been chosen to bring justice to the dead Giana. The Guardians, or whoever they were, could wait. The only priority right now was the dead Giana Hades. 

'So you did come down alone Giana?' Inspector Hash stepped out of his car and approached her. 'Why, don't you trust your... whoever Riccard is to you. He seems to be a really close acquaintance of yours.' 

'Fiance. Of course I trust him. You were the one who wanted me to come alone, so I just assumed it was because you were annoyed by his behaviour before.' Giana stated. 

'So I was right, you do have a weakness. You trust people too easily.' Hash stepped closer to Giana, his tall body towering over her petite built. His attempt at intimidating her into only speaking the truth seemed to be working as he watched the resolve in Giana's eyes slowly trickle away. 

'Are we here to play mind games? If yes, I don't think I am up for one right now. I have a splitting headache.' Giana took a step back and leaned against the wall. 

'I am not the one playing the game here. Your fiance is.' Hash shrugged. 

'What do you mean?' Giana asked, puzzled. 

'First answer my question. Why did you decide to come stay here?'

'Oh, just like that. For a...'

'No,' Hash interrupted, 'no stories. I want the truth. Tell me what you are hiding before it's too late,'

'A le... letter.' Giana fumbled. 'I swear I don't know where it came from. It was in my backyard and I picked it up, texted on this number and now I am stuck here. And I find out that a girl has been killed. And I have no clue why I am here.' Giana burst into tears and plopped down on her knees. 

'And why did you hide that from me all this while?' Hash inquired. 

She sat sobbing on the concrete, clutching her hair in her hands. 'I... I didn't know what to do. I thought telling you about it would make things even more complicated. Everything is just a big mess.' She sniffled. 

Hash sat down beside her. 'And that's precisely why I'm here to help you. I understand you are a little overwhelmed Giana, but life isn't that hopeless. Stay strong, help yourself and before you know you'll cross the river safely.'

'Aren't you ever overwhelmed? You might be having several cases of this kind.' Giana whispered through her sobs.

'Of course I do, but crying has never gotten me anywhere. Only a composed mind can help you come out of your misery.' Hash said softly.

'You are right. I should... I should think logically and I'll find a way.' Giana wiped her cheeks and stood up. 'Thank you inspector.' She smiled.

'Ok now ma'am,' Hash said while getting up and dusting his pants, 'back to the business. Will you please show me the letter?'