Macabre: Story Of Lucas

Chapter 11: Lost and Found

Paul and Aron pressed on with their investigation, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious case. Their latest lead had brought them to a clothing store, where they hoped to extract additional information from the worker present on the night of interest.

Paul approached the seller, displaying his badge as he introduced himself and Aron. "Good afternoon, I'm Detective Barrowfield, and this is my colleague, Detective Rustnikov," Paul stated professionally. "We are here regarding the case of the missing woman, Eva Melir. While we understand that our colleagues may have already spoken with you, we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss the events of Friday the 19th with the employee on duty at that time. Is that you, Ria Gerec?"

Ria's smile remained, and she replied, "Yes, that's me. I'm willing to assist you, although I have already shared what I knew with your colleague."

Paul maintained his composure. "We understand, but circumstances can change, and additional details may emerge. We kindly request a moment of your time to revisit the matter."

Ria nodded agreeably. "Of course, let's move to the back room for privacy and to avoid disrupting the customers."

In the secluded back room, Paul, Aron, and Ria gathered around a table. Aron initiated the conversation, referring to the report. "According to the information we have, you mentioned not recalling seeing Eva or the high school kid. Has anything come to mind since then? Have you remembered anything?"

Ria's head shook slightly. "No, not really. As I mentioned earlier, the woman's visit was brief, and I didn't register her presence. As for the boy, he entered the store and promptly disappeared into the back. The only trace we found was a bloodied uniform."

Paul interjected, his curiosity piqued. "A bloodied uniform? That detail was not included in our report."

Ria clarified, her voice tinged with concern. "I handed the bloodied uniform to your colleague. It was drenched in blood, predominantly on the left side. It gave the impression that the boy had suffered a severe injury."

Aron seized the opportunity to inquire further. "Ria, could you provide us with additional information about our colleague?"

Ria contemplated for a moment before responding, "Yes, I believe her name was Clara or something similar. I apologize for not recalling precisely."

Aron assured her, "That's perfectly alright. Can you describe her appearance and share the nature of her questions?"

Ria delved into her memory. "She was tall, had brown hair—I believe it was brown—and I think her eyes matched her hair, but I can't be certain. She presented herself professionally and showed genuine interest in the events here. Clara requested access to our surveillance footage, and I informed her about the bloodied uniform, which she promptly collected." Pausing, Ria's voice held a hint of uncertainty. "Do you suspect Clara's involvement? I presumed she was a bona fide police officer due to her badge."

Before Aron could reply, Paul intervened with unwavering confidence. "No, Clara is indeed our colleague. Upon closer examination, we have encountered challenges with some of the evidence, which may explain the discrepancies." Aron exchanged a knowing glance with Paul, comprehending the underlying motive behind the falsehood.

As Paul and Aron exited the clothing store, their conversation took a more cautious tone. Walking toward the parking lot, Aron couldn't help but voice his thoughts. "So, a bloody shirt and a mysterious woman," he began, his voice laced with intrigue.

Paul nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed. It appears that this case runs much deeper than we initially anticipated. Why would someone, who clearly has connections within our organization, withhold crucial information like a bloodied shirt?"

A small smile tugged at the corners of Paul's lips as he continued, his voice low and measured. "Perhaps our answers don't lie in chasing after those who have disappeared, but rather in those who have a vested interest in this case."

Aron understood the implications behind Paul's words. "Finding this Clara, even if it's unlikely that Clara is her real name, should be our top priority now."

Paul's eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced around, making sure they were out of earshot. "We won't report this. Our conversation with Ria will remain strictly between you and me. We don't know how deeply this extends within the police force, and we must proceed with caution in our next move. If anyone asks, we will stick to the story outlined in our official files. No mention of Clara or the bloody shirt."

Aron nodded, his face displaying a mixture of determination and wariness. "Of course, this stays between us. I suspected as much the moment you mentioned knowing Clara. I'll be vigilant and handle this with utmost care."

The atmosphere around them seemed to change, as if the weight of secrecy settled upon their shoulders. They reached the parking lot, where their car awaited. With a final glance over their shoulders, Paul and Aron climbed into the vehicle, the doors shutting with a soft thud. Inside the confined space, their words took on an even more guarded tone, ensuring that their conversation would remain confined to the safety of their private domain. As the engine roared to life, they pulled out of the parking lot, venturing into a world filled with unknowns and hidden agendas. With each passing moment, they understood the importance of treading carefully, navigating the treacherous path before them with calculated precision. The world outside their car window seemed both ordinary and deceiving, concealing the intricate web of secrets and manipulation they were determined to unravel. It was a world where trust was a rare commodity, and every word spoken could be a double-edged sword.