The Shadow's Hunger: Unveiling the True Demise

Chapter 2

"Alright," Kara says, "there've been a few murders the last few weeks. All the victims' fat was missing. We know what they are, thanks to Ellie, but do we know how to kill them?"

"Yes," Ellie answers, "they're vulnerable to silver or we can cut off their sucking appendages."

"Okay, do you know where this thing could be hiding?"

"Well, I'm assuming that all the victims were found in or around the spa."

"Yeah, how did you..."

"It's probably working at the spa. You're supposed to be relaxed when you're at the spa, so nobody would notice it."

"I guess that would make sense."

"Thomas and I can go. It shouldn't be too hard."

"Alright, just be careful and don't push yourself."

"Okay. Come on, Thomas."

"Don't worry," Thomas says, "I'll keep an eye on her." Thomas leaves the building. He finds Ellie waiting for him in the car.

"Hey," he says, "are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," she answers, "I'm just a bit tired. That's all."

"Are you sure you'll be able to work this case?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine."

"Alright, let's go." Thomas drives them to the Daybed Spa. They walk in and look around the lobby.

"May I help you?" the receptionist asks.

"Yes," Thomas answers, "We would like to use the spa today."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No, we don't. Do we need one?"

"Yes, you do."

"Oh, we didn't know that. Uh, hold on..." He pulls a few hundred bucks out. "What about now? We were really looking forward to a spa day."

"Um, I'll have to ask my boss. I'll be right back. The receptionist gets up and slips into a different room. She comes out a few minutes later. "Uh, this is my boss. You'll have to talk to her."

"Hello," Thomas says, "you've got a nice place here."

"Yes," the owner answers, "I do."

"Well, my sister and I wanted to have a spa day today. We weren't aware that we had to have an appointment. We can pay for whatever we want. It's up to you, of course."

"Alright, show them to their rooms."

"Of course, miss." She points to Thomas. "You come with me."

"What?" Thomas answers, "Aren't we going to the same room?"

"No, you aren't."

"It's okay," Ellie says, "I'll just wait out here."

Thomas nods and follows the receptionist into a room. Shortly after Thomas leaves, a young woman comes out and says, "Please follow me." Ellie quietly follows her to a room. "Lay down and relax."

She lays down and tries to relax. "Something is off about this woman," she thinks, "I can't let my guard down."

"You're very tense."

"Er, sorry. My job is very stressful."

"Don't apologize. Lots of people have stressful jobs." The woman gently presses her hands on Ellie's back.

"Oh! That feels good."

"Your muscles are so tight!"

"Yeah, I know. I have really bad anxiety. I tense up so much that I don't even notice that I'm doing it." She continues to ramble on about other things.