Ava walked into her apartment, gazing over at Ryan, who was fast asleep on the couch. She gently shook him awake, telling him he could leave, that she was fine. But Ryan rubbed the sleep from his eyes, insisting he'd rather stay, just in case she got scared. He made a point to mention it wasn't because of the creepy messages she'd been receiving, but Ava wasn't convinced.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Ava reassured Ryan, trying to sound calmer than she felt. "You can go."
Ryan hesitated for a moment before nodding and standing up. "Alright, if you're sure..."
Ava nodded, and Ryan headed out, closing the door behind him. Alva let out a sigh, feeling a mix of relief and unease. She busied herself preparing a bowl of cereal, then settled into the couch to watch TV.
But just as she was getting comfortable, the lights flickered and died, plunging the room into darkness. Alva let out a frustrated sigh, thinking to herself, "Oh great, they've taken the power again."
She stood up, feeling her way through the darkness to grab a flashlight. But as she shone the light around the room, she noticed something odd - the houses around her still had power. A shiver ran down her spine as she approached the window, peering out into the night.
That's when she saw it - a shadowy figure lurking around her house, its presence seeming to fill the darkness. Alva's heart skipped a beat as she froze, her eyes fixed on the ominous figure..
Ava's heart racing, she slowly peeked around the door, her gun at the ready. But the shadowy figure was nowhere to be seen. She let out a shaky breath, wondering if she'd just imagined the whole thing.
But then her phone buzzed, making her jump. She hesitated for a moment before slowly reaching for it. Her hands trembled as she read the message on the screen:
"I'm watching you"
Ava's blood ran cold. She knew she had to get out of there, fast. She quickly typed out a reply, trying to keep her hands steady:
"Who are you?"
The lights in her apartment flickered back to life. The sudden brightness made her blink.
Ava let out a deep sigh, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. She had been so worked up, and now...now she just felt drained.
She put her gun away, trying to shake off the lingering sense of unease. Without the energy to do anything else, Ava decided to call it a night. She went to bed, hoping that tomorrow would bring some answers...
***********************
Ava walked into the office, exchanging morning greetings with her colleagues. But her attention was quickly diverted to the chief, who was standing by the conference table with a stranger.
"Listen everyone, this is Agent ethan," the chief announced, nodding towards the newcomer. "He's been assigned here to help with the shadow killer case."
Ava's eyes narrowed slightly as she took in Agent ethan's appearance. He was tall, with piercing blue eyes and a chiseled jawline. But it was the air of confidence that surrounded him that really caught her attention.
"Welcome, Ethan," Ava said, extending her hand.
Ethan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thanks, Detective. I'm looking forward to working with you."
"Ethan,she's your superior" the person you will be working with.
Ethan's eyes widened slightly as he turned to Ava. "Ah, Detective ," he said, his voice tinged with surprise. "I didn't realize...I mean, it's an honor to be working under your supervision."
Ava smiled graciously, trying to put Agent ethan at ease. "The pleasure is mine,ethan," she said. "I'm looking forward to seeing what skills you bring to the table."
The chief nodded, seeming to approve of the exchange. "Good, good. I'll let you two get acquainted. Agent ethan I've assigned you to work with Detective Alva on the Shadow Killer case."
"I will do my best sir!"
**************
Ryan couldn't stop glancing at Ethan,Just then, Ryan stood up, clearing his throat. "Ehm, ehm, have I...I want to bring some...I want to get some papers and I need help. I want Agent ethan to help me out."
Ava looked at them, not suspecting a thing. "Okay, sure. You two go ahead."
Ethan stood up following Ryan out.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Ryan's demeanor changed. He stopped and turned to face ethan his eyes narrowing.
"Why are you here, Jerome?" Ryan asked, his voice low and menacing.
Jerome's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Well, you told me she was suspecting you, and she wasn't minding her business, so I came here to...like...watch her myself."
Ryan's eyes flashed with anger. "You've been the one sending her those messages, right?"
Jerome shrugged. "Yeah, of course...
Ryan answered "But she's not the only one involved in this case."
Ryan's gaze turned icy. "Jerome, why are you here under a false identity?"
Jerome shifted uncomfortably. "I just wanted to keep an eye on things."
Ryan's voice dropped to a whisper. "Besides, yeah, I told you she was suspecting me. I agree to that, that's fine. But it won't be long before your cover gets blown."
Jerome's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. "Why don't you just mind your own business?" he snapped. "Why don't you just do your part and let me do mine, okay?"
Ryan's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.
Jerome continued, his voice dripping with malice. "Your part is to watch them, make them trust you, gather information, and send it to me. That's your part. And of course, you should also help them out, so they don't suspect you."
Ryan's face twisted in disgust, but Jerome just smiled.
"My part is to get contracts and kill," Jerome said, his voice dripping with relish. "So, call me ethan not Jerome. For now, I am ethan"
With that, Jerome - or better still ethan, as he now called himself - turned and walked away, leaving Ryan to follow him back to the office.