Whispers of a Monster

Chapter 3 : The Magic Show

Ryan's pov :
The sun hung high in the sky as I drove through the bustling streets, my mind swirling with thoughts of the latest wave of murders. The killer's brutality was haunting, and my focus was strained, caught between the urgency of my job and the weight of guilt I carried. My mind raced with the latest leads, but my focus was suddenly shattered when a figure darted into the road. I slammed on the brakes, the tires screeching against the road, and the car came to a jarring stop just feet away from a man hunched over on the road.

"What the hell are you doing in front of my car?" I shouted, throwing open the door and stepping out. My heart raced, adrenaline beating through me. "You could have been killed!"

The man looked up, his face pale and filled with urgency. "I'm so sorry! There was a little bird on the road, and I had to save it!" He gestured to a small, trembling creature nestled in his hands, feathers ruffled and dirtied from the road. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

I blinked, taken aback by his sincerity. Was he kind or just stupid? I felt a mix of frustration and intrigue as I assessed him. He had brushed hair and wore a simple outfit, which struck me as incongruous for someone so focused on a bird's safety. "Just be more careful next time," I muttered, shaking my head before returning to my car.

As I drove away, I couldn't shake the image of the man from my mind. He had seemed genuine, yet I was still trying to understand the kind of person who would risk his own life for a bird. The world was strange, and sometimes kindness felt misplaced in a city full of darkness.

Later that evening, I found myself at the police station, pouring over case files. To my surprise, the bird loving man, Edward, as I later learned, was also in the building, busy organizing a magic show for the prisoners. He was charismatic, his laughter carrying through the station, drawing attention to himself and the two friends who flanked him, both equally enthusiastic.

"Come on, guys! We're going to show these prisoners the magic of hope!" Edward grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement, lighting up the station.

His two friends, Luke and Helmar, shared a bond with him that was evident in the easy banter and playful teasing. They had been through their share of trials together, forming a brotherhood forged in the fires of their shared experiences as officers and were ready to give their lives for each other.

As they went through their routine, Helmar caught a glimpse of something shiny on Luke's wrist. "Hey, you're still wearing that watch?" he asked, a grin spreading across his face.

Luke glanced down at the watch, its silver band gleaming under the light. "Of course! It's one of the first gifts you guys gave me. I don't think I'll ever take it off," he replied, his tone a mix of pride and nostalgia.

Edward stepped closer, a warm smile playing on his lips. "I remember when we picked that out. We thought it was the coolest watch ever. I can't believe you still wear it after all this time."

Luke chuckled, a hint of embarrassment creeping in. "It's a reminder of you guys, of where we started. No matter how tough things get, I like having this little piece of our friendship with me."

He continued, a soft look in his eyes. "It's not just a watch; it represents our bond. It's proof that we've been through a lot together."

The moment hung in the air, heavy with meaning. They shared a brief silence, each lost in thoughts of the past, remembering the laughter and struggles they had faced side by side.

As the three of them prepared for the show, I could see their friendship shining through the mundane chaos of police work. They were not just colleagues; they were friends who relied on each other. It was a bond I had once shared with Dylan, now distant and fraught with unresolved emotions.