"Sim, take these men downstairs and question them thoroughly. See if they know anything useful."
George scrutinized the four workers with a piercing gaze, making them sweat profusely before finally signaling for the officers to escort them out. Despite Eren's explanation about their presence, George wasn't willing to overlook any potential lead.
Eren sighed but didn't stop him.
These four were just unlucky to get caught in this mess.
Eren resolved to have Doug compensate them later for their trouble.
With the workers taken care of for now, Eren led George and a group of officers upstairs. As they climbed toward the third floor, the oppressive stench of decay seemed to grow heavier, permeating the air even more than before.
When they reached the bedroom, Eren opened the door fully, releasing a wave of foul odor that hit them like a wall. The stench was several times stronger than when Eren had first discovered it.
Flipping the light switch, the grotesque spider specimen arrangement on the wall came into full view, illuminated starkly by the overhead light. The countless, lifeless eyes seemed to glisten with a malevolent aura under the artificial light.
"Ugh..."
A young female officer behind George turned away, clutching her mouth as she retched. Several male officers also looked pale, their expressions betraying their discomfort.
Only George and two senior detectives seemed unaffected, their seasoned composure allowing them to hold steady.
After ensuring the young officer was cared for, George stepped into the room with his team. His gaze landed on the blood-written note on the bed, and his expression darkened further.
"You destroyed my favorite bride; I will destroy your most beloved bride! That damned line again. If I find you, I swear I'll kill you," George growled, his body trembling with rage.
Seeing George's fury, Eren spoke up. "Mr. George, I recall that the humanoid spider case, along with the creature's body, was handed over to the FBI. Has there been any update from them in the past day?"
George's expression soured further. "Not only have they failed to make progress, but the culprit has now blatantly threatened us. Is the FBI utterly incompetent? Are they just wasting taxpayer money on early retirement?"
Eren's frown deepened. "So they've said nothing useful?"
"They've withheld everything. Joaquin, the FBI agent in charge, claimed it was to prevent leaks while they pursued leads. He refused to share any details," George said, his tone dripping with frustration.
"What about now? With Helen's abduction, wouldn't they reconsider?"
George opened his mouth to reply but then closed it, shaking his head in silent fury.
Eren sighed internally, recalling how affable Joaquin had been when he initially took the case from George. Yet within a single day, his attitude had shifted entirely.
George's wife was in danger, possibly facing death, yet Joaquin refused to share critical information. Unbelievable.
Eren's thoughts drifted to the note.
Helen is George's wife, so the culprit kidnapped her. But who, in their mind, is my "bride"?
Eren replayed the events in his head. He and George had killed the humanoid spider in the underground parking garage of George's neighborhood. The culprit was likely someone connected to that area, having observed them closely.
Helen had been present at the scene, tending to George after the fight, so the culprit identified her as George's wife.
As for Eren, the only person who had been near him at the time was...
Gwen.
A chilling realization struck Eren.
Could the culprit have mistaken Gwen as his bride?
"George," Eren began cautiously, "I think the culprit might view Gwen as my bride."
George's face paled.
"Gwen is an intern at Osborn Corporation. Today is Sunday, and she's likely still at their offices. I didn't tell her about Helen to avoid worrying her, so she should be in Osborn Tower right now."
The gravity of the situation hit George immediately. He pulled out his phone and dialed Gwen's number.
The ringtone felt interminable, each ring like a hammer pounding against George's chest. He couldn't bear the thought of receiving another devastating blow after Helen's abduction.
Finally, the call connected. Gwen's voice came through the line, light and unbothered.
"Dad? Are you coming to pick me up? Norman Osborn announced today that he's calling a board meeting tomorrow, so my department head was pulled into a meeting. I've got some unfinished work, so I might be working late tonight."
Hearing her voice, George felt a wave of relief wash over him. For a moment, he even felt grateful Gwen was at the well-secured Osborn Tower. If she had been at home, she might already have been abducted like Helen.
However, George remained cautious. "Gwen, listen to me carefully. I'm sending someone to Osborn Tower to get you. Stay there and don't leave under any circumstances. Be vigilant of everyone around you."
Gwen immediately picked up on her father's tone. Lowering her voice, she asked, "Dad, did something happen?"
"There's been an incident. Someone might be targeting you. Trust me—I won't let anything happen to you. Just stay at Osborn Tower and wait for the officers I'm sending. Do you understand?"
George deliberately avoided mentioning Helen, fearing that Gwen might panic and leave the safety of Osborn Tower, giving the culprit an opportunity to strike.
(End of Chapter)
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