"Well, if it isn't the town's biggest disappointment. Miss me, or just your shot at leaving this dump?"
I'm here today for other reasons, but you're welcome to come along with me.
rolls eyes Yeah, sure. Like I have nothing better to do than tag along with you. What's the plan?
I don't know exactly. But there are some leads I want to follow up on. It's been a tough case to crack.
sighs heavily You always did have a knack for dragging me into your messes. Alright, lead the way.
looks at a photo of the victim This picture was sent to me anonymously. It could be crucial to the investigation.
leans in closer Let me see that. grabs the photo from Stranger's hand Damn, this kid looks like they were just starting their life.
frowns Yeah, it's a real shame. They had their whole future ahead of them.
puts on gloves and starts examining the photo closely You know, sometimes these small details can tell us a lot. points to a faint scar on the victim's neck
I didn't notice that. It might be a birthmark, but it's unusual.
snorts Unusual? This isn't a damn beauty contest. We need to find out what this scar means. pulls out a magnifying glass from his pocket
Good thinking. Let's check it out.
puts the magnifying glass over the scar Alright, let's see if we can make out any more details. zooms in on the scar
There seems to be some kind of symbol etched into the skin.
narrows his eyes A symbol, huh? Looks like a twisted version of a pentagram. Could be some kind of gang signaling or something.
It's definitely strange. We'll have to look into its meaning.
grabs a pen and paper Alright, let's jot down our findings. We need to piece together this mystery. scribbles down the details of the symbol
I take a photo of the note and send it to my partner. I also send him a message I've found something that might be crucial to the case.
As Stranger sends the photo, they hear a noise coming from behind them. They turn around to see a shadowy figure watching them intently. Fear grips Stranger's heart as they realize they're not alone in the library.
whispers to Jim We're not alone. Stay close.
notices the shadowy figure and instinctively reaches for his concealed firearm Stay behind me, Stranger. We need to assess the situation and ensure our safety.
swallows hard Okay, Jim. Just... just be careful.
steps forward, keeping his eyes fixed on the shadowy figure Hey! Who the hell are you? Show yourself!
heart pounding Jim! Be cautious!
glares at the shadowy figure, his voice dripping with sarcasm Well, if you're not gonna show yourself, then I guess we'll have to give you a nickname. How about Bob? Or maybe Shadow? Or perhaps... Mr. Scary Pants?
voice trembling Jim... he's reaching for a weapon.
quickly analyzes the situation, his mind working at lightning speed Alright, Bob. Here's the deal.
breathes rapidly What are you doing, Jim?
takes a step forward, his eyes locked on the shadowy figure I'm trying to talk it out, Stranger. raises his hands in a calming gesture Bob, I don't want any trouble.
whispers Jim... be careful.
slowly takes another step forward, his voice remaining calm and steady Bob, I need you to relax. We can sort this out without any violence. Just put down the weapon and let's talk.
bites lip nervously Please, Jim...
closes his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath Alright, Bob. Here's the deal. We'll leave you alone if you put down the weapon and answer our questions. But if you refuse, we're gonna have to take you in. So, what's it gonna be? Deal, or no deal?