Ava's eyes scanned the precinct's parking lot, her instincts on high alert. She spotted Ryan's car and made her way towards it.
As she approached the car, Ryan got out, a look of excitement on his face. "Ava, I've found something big," he said, holding up a small evidence bag.
Ava's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. "What is it?" she asked, her voice cautious.
Ryan handed her the bag, and Ava's eyes widened as she saw what was inside. It was a small piece of fabric, torn from a black hoodie.
"This was caught in the window lock at Langley's office," Ryan explained. "I think it might be a piece of the Shadow Killer's clothing."
Ava's eyes locked onto Ryan's, her mind racing with questions. Was this a genuine clue, or was Ryan trying to throw her off his trail?
Ava's eyes remained locked on Ryan's, searching for any sign of deception. But his expression seemed genuine, his eyes shining with excitement.
"Let's get this to forensics," Ava said finally, tucking the evidence bag into her pocket. "See if we can match the fabric to anything."
Ryan nodded, falling into step beside Ava as they headed towards the precinct's entrance.
As they walked, Ava's phone buzzed again. She glanced at the screen, her heart skipping a beat.
Another text from the unknown number.
"Look closer at Ryan," the text read.
Ava's eyes snapped up to Ryan's face, her mind racing with doubts. Was she trusting the wrong person?
Ava's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. She glanced around the precinct's lobby, ensuring they were out of earshot.
"Ryan, can I ask you something?" Ava said, her voice low.
Ryan looked at her curiously. "What is it?"
Ava hesitated, unsure how to phrase her question. "Where were you last night, between 10pm and 11pm?"
Ryan's expression changed, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "I was... uh... working on some paperwork at home," he stammered.
Ava's eyes locked onto Ryan's, searching for any sign of deception. Was he telling the truth, or was he hiding something?
Ava's gaze intensified, her instincts screaming at her to push for more information. "What kind of paperwork?" she asked, her tone firm but controlled.
Ryan shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact. "Just some... reports. Nothing important."
Ava's eyes narrowed. She knew Ryan was hiding something. The question was, what?
Just then, Chief Michaels appeared at the top of the stairs, his expression grim. "Ava, Ryan, we've got another victim."
Ava's heart sank. The Shadow Killer had struck again.
"Where?" Ava asked, already moving towards the door.
"Abandoned warehouse on 5th and Main," Chief Michaels replied, following her. "Victim's ID hasn't been confirmed yet, but it looks like another ritualistic murder."
Ava's mind was racing. The Shadow Killer was escalating, and they were running out of time.
As they arrived at the crime scene, Ava's eyes scanned the area, taking in the details. The warehouse was dimly lit, the only sound the hum of the police lights.
Ryan fell into step beside her, his expression grim. "This is getting personal," he muttered.
Ava's eyes locked onto his, a spark of suspicion igniting within her. Was Ryan more involved than she thought?
Ava's gaze lingered on Ryan's face, searching for any sign of deception. But his expression seemed genuine, his eyes filled with a deep concern.
She turned her attention back to the crime scene, her eyes scanning the area. The victim was lying on the ground, a small symbol carved into their forehead.
Ava's heart sank. This was the same symbol they had found on the previous victims. The Shadow Killer was sending a message, but what did it mean?
Suddenly, Ryan spoke up, his voice low. "Ava, I think I found something."
Ava turned to him, her eyes narrowing. "What is it?"
Ryan hesitated, his eyes darting around the crime scene. "I'm not sure if I should show you," he said finally.
Ava's instincts screamed at her to be cautious. What was Ryan hiding?
Ava's eyes locked onto Ryan's, her expression firm. "Show me," she demanded.
Ryan hesitated, then pulled out a small piece of paper from his pocket. Ava's eyes widened as she saw what was written on it.
"It's the same symbol we found on the victims," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ryan nodded. "I know. But look at this."
He flipped the paper over, revealing a handwritten note. Ava's eyes scanned the words, her heart racing.
"Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight. Come alone."
Ava's eyes snapped up to Ryan's. "Where did you find this?" she asked, her voice firm.
Ryan's expression was grim. "In my car. Someone must have left it there."
Ava's mind was racing. Was Ryan telling the truth, or was he involved in the murders?
She decided to ignore it, and headed home.