The Dread Piranha

Chapter-9: A Reawakened Passion

As Adam entered, he was offered a seat and a glass of water. He took a moment to drink, then inquired about Dr. Henry. Serena informed him that Henry was busy setting up the observatory to study the piranhas. Adam looked around the room, noticing a board labeled "Agenda Board," meticulously detailed with photos and notes—a sign of meticulous planning, as expected from an elite team.

Returning to the main hall, Adam observed his surroundings. Everyone seemed absorbed in thought. When he asked what was happening, one of Serena's teammates explained that they needed to catch a live piranha for further experiments. Despite offering rewards, local fishermen had declined to help.

Adam then mentioned that his uncle, a well-known angler, might be able to assist. When asked what an angler was, Adam explained that anglers are people who catch various marine animals, including fish, for research and other purposes. They have the necessary equipment to handle even the most dangerous creatures.

Serena instructed Adam to contact his uncle immediately. Adam dialed the number, and a grumpy voice answered. After a brief exchange, Adam explained the situation. His uncle agreed to meet and discuss the details further.

At his uncle Samuel's residence, Adam and the team were greeted by an elderly man in his sixties with a prosthetic hand and leg. Samuel, who had been an angler for 35 years, welcomed them warmly. Once they were seated, Samuel introduced himself.

Samuel said, "I've been in this job for about 35 years. I've seen it all, and I'm quite experienced."

When asked about catching a piranha, Samuel hesitated and then began recounting his past experience. "Piranhas are the most aggressive fish. If one drop of blood is mixed in the water, a swarm of piranhas appears from nowhere. I've caught many marine animals, but I never dared to catch a piranha."

Samuel then shared a harrowing story. "I had a friend named George who always dreamed of fishing. One day, George asked me to accompany him to the southern portion of South America to catch a rare species of fish. We went and camped near a lake. George took out all the required equipment and asked me to rent a boat. We set sail, and after an hour, George's fishing rod suddenly tugged violently. He couldn't get a grip and let the rod go. His thumb got scraped, and he put it in the water to rinse it. That's when I saw a shadow underneath. Before he could react, something jumped out of the water and bit his leg. He fell in, and I saw a swarm of piranhas rushing towards him. I tried to help, but I couldn't reach him in time. A big piranha bit into his neck and separated his head from his body. I was lucky to escape with only minor injuries. I've never wanted to fish for piranhas again since then."

Before Serena could respond, Adam stood up, visibly upset. "This isn't like you, . The uncle I knew was passionate and always full of stories about the sea. But now, the old Samuel seems to be gone. I admired you before, but now..."

Adam stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Samuel, observing Adam's reaction, turned to Serena and her team. "You're welcome to stay at my residence and you can leave tomorrow morning as it is already late."

The group agreed and went to bed. The next morning, Adam was woken by the sound of commotion. He found Samuel directing his team to pack equipment. When Adam asked what was happening, Samuel, patting him on the back, said, "Of course, piranha hunting! What else?"

Samuel chuckled and added, "Who would have thought this foolish nephew of mine would bring me back to my track? I've decided to help the FBI after all."

Serena asked about the equipment they would use. Samuel explained, "Piranhas are typically caught using a medium to heavy-duty rod with strong line and live or cut bait. You cast into slow-moving rivers or lakes where piranhas are found, making sure to follow safety measures and local fishing regulations."

Samuel then inquired, "Where exactly are we going to catch these piranhas?"

Serena replied, "We're going to Marina Bay, where many of them have been spotted."

With that, the team prepared to head to Marina Bay once again.