The Tragedy Of The Thumbs Down Pin

Chapter 8: Secrets And Lies

Frank stood motionless, his eyes locked with Edgar's. The forest was eerily quiet, the

tension palpable in the cool, pre-dawn air. Edgar stepped forward, his movements deliberate andcalm. Frank braced himself, ready for the confrontation."Frank," Edgar said smoothly, a sly smile playing on his lips. "I didn't expect to see youhere."Frank clenched his fists, his mind racing. "Edgar, I don't know what you're planning, butit ends here. I'm going to tell Mortis everything."Edgar chuckled, a sound that sent a chill down Frank's spine. "Oh, Frank, you really thinkyou can stop me? There's something you should know before you make any hasty decisions."Frank narrowed his eyes, suspicion gnawing at him. "What are you talking about?"Edgar's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. "I know your secret,Frank. I know that you created the thumbs down pin."Frank's breath caught in his throat. He had buried that secret deep, never intending for itto see the light of day. "How... how do you know about that?"Edgar stepped closer, his voice low and threatening. "It doesn't matter how I know. Whatmatters is that I do. And if you even think about telling Mortis about my plans, I'll make sure hefinds out."Frank's mind whirled. If Mortis discovered the truth, it would be disastrous. He had nochoice but to play along. "What do you want, Edgar?"Edgar's expression softened, though his eyes remained cold. "I want you to keep yourmouth shut about my plans. In return, I won't breathe a word about your little secret."Frank felt a surge of frustration and helplessness. He was trapped, forced into a corner byEdgar's manipulation. "Fine. I won't say anything."Edgar's smile returned, more triumphant this time. "Good. Now, there's one more thing Ineed from you."Frank's shoulders tensed. "What is it?""The X-Spray," Edgar said, his tone shifting to one of curiosity. "I know you created thattoo. I want to know where it is."Frank shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping him. "I don't know where it is. It was stolenby a cloaked thief many years ago. I haven't seen it since."Edgar's eyes narrowed, disappointment flickering across his face. "A cloaked thief? Howconvenient."Frank met Edgar's gaze, his frustration giving way to a steely resolve. "I'm telling you thetruth, Edgar. I don't know where the X-Spray is."Edgar studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright, Frank. I'll take your wordfor it. But remember, if you betray me, I won't hesitate to expose your secret."Frank nodded, his jaw clenched. "I understand."Edgar stepped back, his demeanor casual once more. "Good. Now, go. We both have ourparts to play in this game."Frank turned to leave, his mind heavy with the weight of the secrets and threats that nowbound him to Edgar. He knew he had no choice but to comply, at least for now. As he walkedaway, he couldn't shake the feeling that Edgar's plans were far more dangerous than he hadrealized.As Frank moved deeper into the forest, he couldn't help but glance back. Edgar was stillstanding there, watching him with a calculating gaze. Frank's heart sank as he realized just howprecarious his position had become.Frank trudged through the dense foliage, the early morning light casting long shadowsthat danced eerily around him. His mind raced, trying to find a way to protect Mortis and keephis own secrets safe. Each step felt heavier than the last, weighed down by the burden of betrayaland deception.Just as he thought he was far enough to breathe easily, Frank felt a sudden chill. Heturned around, his eyes wide with shock. Edgar stood there, not far behind, a smug expression onhis face.