Crimson Nights

Chapter 5 [THE MASK SLIPS]

Lennie's Dorm Room

Lennie sat at her desk, the folder from the shadowy figure spread out before her. She reviewed the information on Isaac and Isabelle, her mind racing. She knew the walls were closing in, and the facade she had carefully crafted was beginning to crack.

A knock on the door startled her. Quickly, she shoved the folder into a drawer and composed herself before opening the door to find Vincent Blackwood leaning against the frame.

Vincent: *(smirking)* "Lennie, long time no see. We need to talk."

Lennie: *(coolly)* "What do you want, Vincent?"

Vincent stepped inside, closing the door behind him. His eyes scanned the room before settling back on Lennie.

Vincent: "You've been getting too close to that detective. It’s only a matter of time before he puts the pieces together."

Lennie’s eyes narrowed, her voice icy.

Lennie: "And what business is that of yours?"

Vincent’s smirk widened.

Vincent: "Let’s just say my brother and I have a vested interest in keeping you under control. Don’t make us regret our alliance."

Lennie clenched her fists, but kept her expression neutral.

Lennie: "I can handle Isaac. You and Victor just focus on your end."

Vincent took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with menace.

Vincent: "See that you do. Or things might get... messy."

Isaac's Apartment

Isaac sat on his couch, poring over his notes from his conversation with Lennie. Her warnings about the dangers lurking beneath the surface had left him unsettled. He knew he was getting closer to the truth, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Lennie was holding something back.

A sudden knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. He opened it to find Isabelle standing there, her face pale with worry.

Isabelle: "Isaac, we need to talk. It’s about Lennie."

Isaac stepped aside, letting her in.

Isaac: "What’s going on, Izzy?"

Isabelle paced the room, her anxiety was showing.

Isabelle: "I’ve been hearing rumors around campus. People are saying that Lennie is involved in some dangerous stuff. And then there’s Vincent. He’s been threatening me, and I’m scared for you."

Isaac felt a surge of protectiveness for his sister. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Isaac: "Don’t worry, Izzy. I’ll handle Vincent. And as for Lennie, I’ll get to the bottom of it. I promise."

The Confrontation

Determined to confront Vincent, Isaac headed to the campus lounge where he knew Vincent often hung out. He found Vincent sitting with a group of his friends, his presence commanding attention.

Isaac approached, his voice firm.

Isaac: "Vincent, we need to talk. Now."

Vincent looked up, a cocky grin spreading across his face.

Vincent: "Detective Forester. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Isaac’s eyes burned with intensity.

Isaac: "Leave my sister alone. And stay out of my way."