"Why the hell do you want to know about this guy?!" Faye's voice erupted the moment I answered the call.
"What's going on?" I straightened up, sensing her agitation.
"I—" She was out of breath, her voice strung tight with frustration. "The so-called expert who can track Queen Elizabeth's car in under two hours took nine goddamn hours to find this guy you asked about, nine fucking hours"
"So... did you find him?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued.
"Eventually," she huffed, "but I'm telling you, Rei, whoever this guy is, he's dangerous. Proceed with caution."
"Just give me the details, Faye," I said, my impatience barely contained.
"Alright, here's what I've got: Name—Keith Antonio. Age—36. Occupation—unknown. Family background—unknown. That's all I could dig up. However, I can track the vehicle's location for you anytime you need," she stated, her tone deliberate and clear.
"That's more than I was expecting. I'll call you tomorrow for the tracking," I said, relieved but still focused.
"Got it... But can I ask—" she hesitated, "—is this all because of a love interest, or...?"
I cut her off abruptly. "Faye, I don't cheat."
"Right, only have eyes for Denver," she teased. "But seriously, your taste in men is odd. He hardly pays you any attention, while someone like Jade would shower you with nothing but affection." Her words triggered memories of the last time Denver and I almost kissed- ALMOST.
"People have preferences," I replied tersely, trying to ignore the pang of regret that followed.
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"REI!!!" Cyra's voice cut through the air, her car horn blaring insistently.
"Coming!" I shouted back, casting a final glance in the mirror. My hair was styled half-up, half-down, and I was dressed in my favorite pair of jeans and Kaius's jersey. The excitement of the morning had me buzzing with anticipation.
As we pulled into the stadium's parking lot, I couldn't help but notice how different it was from the last time I'd been here. The stadium was teeming with people. I remember the days when the stands were barely half full, but today, the place was packed.
Cyra and I weaved through the bunch of excited fans, navigating past rows of cars and banners. It was clear that Kaius's matches had gained a lot more attention since the last time I was here.
We made our way inside, the sound of cheers and the smell of popcorn filling the air. We found our seats in the front lines, just a few rows away from the action. The seats were cushioned and had a great view of the field, making it the perfect spot to watch the game.
Kaius was across the field, engaged in an animated conversation with his instructor. His focus and determination were evident even from a distance. He was lost in a discussion about strategy, his brows furrowed in concentration. I watched him for a moment, taking in the sight of someone who had become so dedicated to his sport.
As the stadium lighted up with shaded of colours,the crowd's roar grew louder, I felt a rush of adrenaline. The excitement in the air was electric, and I couldn't wait for the match to start. The anticipation was almost as thrilling as the game itself.
"Can you believe how packed it is?" Cyra said, leaning over. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I know," I replied, my gaze fixed on Kaius. "It's amazing to see how far he's come. I remember when this place was practically empty."
The roar of the crowd surged as Kaius and the other opponents began to line up for the opening of the game. Kaius finally glanced in our direction, his face breaking into a broad smile when he saw us.
He gave a quick wave before turning back wearing his helmet and checking the geers of his bike.
The energy in the stadium reached a fever pitch as the whistle blew, signaling the start of the match. Cheers erupted around us, and I could hardly contain my excitement.
Watching Kaius on this grand stage, surrounded by the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the game, was a reminder of how much things had changed. It was a moment of pride and joy, and I was grateful to be here to witness it.
As the match progressed, every pass, every tackle, and every twist and turn had us on the edge of our seats.
The intensity of the game mirrored the fervor of the fans, and it felt like the entire stadium was holding its breath with each play.
As the final whistle blew and the crowd erupted in cheers, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and pride.
Kaius had raced brilliantly, and the victory was well-earned. It was a day to remember, and as I looked around at the happy faces in the stadium, Afetr all his efforts didn't go in vain.
Kaius, flushed with exhilaration.
"You were amazing out there!" Cyra yelled over the din, her voice tinged with excitement.
Kaius heard it as he laughed, the sound was almost inaudible.
"Thanks! It was a tough game, but I pulled through." He yelled back.
We made our way down to the field to join him.
The grass underfoot was damp, As we reached the edge of the field, Kaius introduced us to his friends and coach, in which I knew most of them.
"You should have seen the way you handled that last cross,"Cyra said, her admiration evident. "It was like watching a gangsta at from a Jackie Chan's movie"
Kaius shrugged modestly, though his pride was clear. "It was a everyone's effort. Everyone played their part."
As the celebrations continued, Kaius led us to a quieter corner of the stadium where we could talk without shouting. The morning air was a refreshing contrast to the heated intensity of the game.
"I've been meaning to ask," Kaius said, looking at me with a playful glint in his eye, "how did you manage to get front-row seats? You must have some serious connections."
I laughed. "Let's just say I know a few people who know a few people." I winked at him. "But honestly, it's all thanks to Cyra "
Cyra grinned, giving a theatrical bow. "All part of the service. We wouldn't miss this for the world."
The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and reminiscing about past games and shared experiences.
As the crowd began to thin out, Kaius's coach approached us, his expression a mix of satisfaction and exhaustion.
"Kaius, you did an excellent job today" the coach said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You really stepped up."
"Thanks, Coach," Kaius replied, his tone respectful and appreciative.
With the stadium gradually emptying, we decided to head out. Kaius invited us to join him and his teammates for a celebratory lunch at a nearby restaurant, but I had plans.
"You guys go on ... I have missions to tackle"I said apologitecally.
"Im glad you even made it to the match I won't push you further" Kaius said patting my back.
I gave one last smile before I got in the car where Faye was already waiting for me.
"Ready?" Her tone apprehensive
"born to be"
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After several minutes of following the Mr.Cruel suspect Keith, the car finally went inside a bunch of trees , a forest which was a few minutes away from my home. I knew we could'nt drive further or else we would get caught. I asked faye to stay in the car.
Faye nodded, her face a mask of determination. "Got it. Be careful, Rei. This guy is dangerous, and we don't know what we're walking into."
With that, I slipped out of the car and into the embrace of the forest's shadows. The air was cooler here, damp with the scent of earth and decay.
I followed the trace of tire tracks, the faint imprint of rubber still visible on the underbrush.
The path was narrow and winding, the trees closing in around me as if trying to keep intruders at bay. I moved cautiously, every step calculated to minimize noise.
The forest floor was uneven, covered in a thick layer of leaves and twigs that crunched beneath my feet. My senses were on high alert, every rustle and snap making me pause and listen.
Suddenly, I spotted a white house through the trees—big. I approached carefully, the view more clear as I neared. It wasn't a house, it was a fucking mansion.
The car glided to a stop at the entrance, and two men stepped out, their presence immediately commanding attention. One of them had striking cherry-red hair, while the other's was as dark as midnight—an unmistakable pair I had seen at the airport. The recognition sent a shiver down my spine.
I edged cautiously along the perimeter of the mansion, the size of the estate towering above me. My eyes traced the upper windows, searching for any sign of activity.
Just then, the man with the crimson hair appeared. Instinctively, I pressed my back against the cold, stone wall, holding my breath. After a tense few minutes, he vanished from sight, and the rumble of the car's engine started up again, fading into the distance.
I quickly climbed the wall and jumped in when a guard quickly spotted me. I instantly tackled him to the ground pressing my fingers against the right spot that would make him go unconsious.
The guard crumpled to the ground, unconscious before he could utter a sound. I glanced around, ensuring there were no other immediate threats. I had to move quickly.
With the guard out of commission, I hurried through the garden toward the mansion's side. I could see the faint outlines of additional security cameras, and I ducked into the shadows to avoid their view. The mansion was more than just a lavish residence—it was a fortress with high-tech security.
I climbed on a pipe getting into the room in which red head was earlier. I scanned the room before closing the balcony door and the bedroom door but I didn't lock it.
I let out a sigh of relief as I glanced around the room . I spotted the newpaper articles regarding Mr.Cruel on the table, and hence my suspicions were confirmed.
I looked around the room for a proper evidence when I spotted a notice board filled with pictures. The photos of the victims but something else caught me eye.
My breath seized, a cold shiver racing through my veins as an icy dread settled deep within me.
It was a photo of me taken when I wasn't aware.
Which means the next victim is-