Cases Uncovered

43 | Tick Tock

"I'm sorry. I'm about to lose you because I'm about to drive into a tunnel in a canyon on an airplane while hanging up the phone."

- Dr. House, MD

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Chapter 43:
Tick Tock

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RAINE

Even though we had apprehended the mysterious man, my mind remained restless. It felt as if an eerie presence lingered around, silently watching me.

One of my readers must be behind these events. With the three others already incarcerated, I couldn't tell if they ever read my blog or stories.

I continued documenting the happenings, taking care to alter the details and names to protect the identities of those involved. I'd known from the start that this would be necessary.

In the hospital, I understood that Mrs. Hernandez's chances of survival were slim. Her condition was deteriorating, and prolonging her life would only cause her more suffering.

I was ready to leave when Zane insisted on my return for a final consent. Upon returning to the room, I was met with a scene I had hoped to avoid.

I stood there, emotionless. When my parents passed away, I wasn't allowed to see them in the hospital. They were already gone by the time their bodies were displayed at the funeral home.

I saw something I wasn't meant to.

"Clear!"

My body froze in place, immobilized by an inexplicable sensation coursing through me. I struggled to catch my breath as I noticed the light flashing on my phone. The same message from the number that had disturbed us yesterday appeared again.

You know where to find me. Innovation.

I didn't wait for another wave of trauma and fear to strike. I broke free from the chains of dread and left the hospital.

It seemed the game was far from over.

I walked to the tricycle stand and told the driver the place I knew matched the message. "To Innotech, please," I said.

As we made our way there, my curiosity about the significance of the location grew stronger.

I took out my phone and allowed my expansive Memory Palace to open once more.

███████████

"Innotech," I muttered as I delved into the world of the internet.

Before me appeared the company heads, Jerick de Viejo and Loraine Garcia. Both were dressed in formal business attire befitting their enterprise.

"My parents and Mr. De Viejo's father, who was a close friend of theirs, founded this company," explained Ms. Loraine, clad in black high heels and a white cotton dress beneath a black trench coat.

"We manufacture Filipino-made appliances and devices of excellent quality!" added Mr. Jerick.

"But when was this company established?" I inquired.

"Five years ago, we erected this building after purchasing the land," replied Ms. Loraine. "This site was formerly home to a renowned dressmaking fac–"

"Wait!" I interrupted, extending my hand to signal her to stop. Instantly, she and everything around her froze. With a swift swipe of my hand, I rewound time slightly.