Eldritch Noir

Part IX

At 8:11 that morning, John Romano's manager, Clint Flatwood, posted the news on social media. The 12 o'clock news then announced it once more. Social media soon became flooded with mourning fans.

"I can't believe he's gone," one Tweet read. "I grew up watching reruns of the bigger they are. The man was like a second father to me."

Others were not so saddened by the actor's death. TMZ released footage of Romano's mansion with police officers milling about. It was such a big story that their article about Layla Montague kissing Reneé Rose's unnamed bodyguard hardly gained any traction.

Rumors began to surface. On Reddit threads, people speculated on the person responsible for the killing. Some considered a C-List actor who starred alongside Romano in a movie a few years ago. Others suspected it was drug-related, with possible ties to the mafia.

On streaming platforms, an image of Romano's smiling face would appear with the caption "Remember John Romano." Beneath, there would be a collection of the actor's work.

Former co-stars of Romano would share a melancholy post on social media.

"He was my friend..."

"Fly away, King..."

"In another life, brother..."

"Rest in peace, Johnny..."

The 13th precinct received dozens of calls every minute. Most of them were put on hold while the receptionist and the officers worked through each one, dotting down information. Some of the callers were journalists, though most of them knew enough to call the higher-ups. Most calls were from people insisting they knew something about the investigation, but none panned out.

"I had a dream about John Romano last night..."

"He died near water, didn't he?"

"I know who killed John Romano."

Detective Rose Bollock had taken the last call. She was absentmindedly scribbling on her notepad.

"You do, huh?" Bollock sighed.

Her hair was pulled up into a loose bun, and she was slouched in her chair, gearing up for another five minutes of pointless bullshit.

"I know who killed him," the caller repeated. It was a woman whose voice was hushed as if hiding from someone.

"Who?"

"It was his child," the caller said. "His child murdered him."

Bollock frowned.

"Ma'am," she said slowly. "What did you say your name was, again?"

The line died. Bollock stared at the phone for a moment, then began to dial Lieutenant Marlboro. She called him three times before he answered.

"For the last goddamn time, no comment!" His gruff voice shouted in her ear.

"It's Bollock, Lieutenant," Bollock said.

"Oh." He calmed down a bit, though there was still a bit of annoyance in his voice. "What do you need, Bollock?"

"It could be nothing, but I got a strange call. It was a woman. She didn't leave any information."

"What did she tell you?"

"She told me that John Romano's child killed him. Are you sure nobody knows about Reneé Rose?"