CHAPTER 1: JOHN SINCLAIR'S MURDER.

Robert peered through the glass window of his hotel room 798 to take a last glimpse of the city's view from up there. His outfit blended perfectly with the striking darkness of the night. A necessary evil was a few moments away from being achieved. His phone began to buzz on the bed. The time was fast approaching and everything moved as planned. He walked to the bed and tapped the receiver.

" Hey Jack. You sounded like you were already here. "

" I'm close by. Just a few moments. " He said with an unsuspecting voice.

" You should not keep us waiting, you know."

" I don't need to be reminded. Besides, the resthouse is a cool place to play Romeo and Juliet with John. " He chuckled.

" Whatever…" She hung up. Robert smiled knowingly. His prey was already trapped in his net . Just about forty-two minutes ago, he was in room 799 dressed as a butler, serving the soon to be wedded lovers. He flipped the phone on the bed and walked to the human body size mirror that was on the wall. A tall man of thirty-five years still looking twenty-five. Black pants, black pairs of sneakers and a thick black jacket were a perfect outfit for the night. Without any further delay, he picked a black cap and covered his bald head. In a few minutes, he was already out of the room and descending through the closed space beneath the elevator. The elevator clicked and he found his path to the garage and settled in his car. The engines came on . Through the side mirror, he could see a security personnel loitering about.

" Good for nothing fellows. " He muttered and drove off.

Claire and John were alone in the rest house that was sited in the outskirts of the city. Claire's father owned it . A place where the family used to visit together momentarily. But it's been two years since anyone last visited it. Why then was Jackson requesting to meet her there? Not just her but John too. It made no sense. He was with Jack just three days ago , discussing the progress of her upcoming wedding ceremony. Even if he desperately wanted to discuss a secret with her, it could have been done anywhere else. The resthouse was just out of the equation. She was still wallowing in thoughts when her fiance's voice interrupted her.

" What is wrong with my angel?"

She turned from the window to see John holding a tray in his hands.

" Nothing. " She managed to reply.

" Come on, my dear. I know it is not nothing. " He gently placed the tray on the bed. " I know that look. What is troubling you? Are you nervous? Is it about the wedding?"

" Hmm. " She exhaled weakly. " I can't say what it is but I know there is something wrong. "

" What do you mean?"

" It is Jack. Why on earth would he want to see me in a place no family member has visited in two years? "

" You worry too much. Maybe he just wanted the property to feel life for some moments. "

" You think so. " Claire said, still not relaxed.

" It has to be. "

" Are you sure we should not leave?"

" What? And where exactly?"

" We were lodged in a hotel, John. We could simply invite him over. "

" We already honored his invitation. Besides, he'll be here soon. Now, don't bother anymore. In that tray, is something sumptuous. Scrambled egg. "

Claire smiled. " You are so sweet. "

" I know. Come here." He took her to the bed and made her sit.

Robert's car came to a stop many meters away from the resthouse. From.his car, he could see the rays of light traveling from different corners of the resthouse to the darkness of the night. He looked at his watch.

01:00am

The task should be done soon. He stepped down and started making his way to the resthouse. The lightning flashes accompanied by drops of rain gave more life to the night.

Claire and John were done with the small meal. Time had passed. It was already an hour and thirty minutes since they arrived at the resthouse. Yet, not even the scent of Jack was anywhere around the vicinity. She felt troubled. But the water splashing on her body from the shower made her rising anxiety calm. The thunder rumbled above the house. Nearly at the same instant the thunder rumbled, she heard murmurs. Nearly inaudible voices whispering in the room. Was John with anyone? She smiled. That must be Jack. Silly Jack. She thought in her head. But no. The voice she heard sounded like that of a person pleading for mercy. A prey before its predator.

"Ahhh!!!" A helpless cry erupted in the room. She knew whose voice it was. It was John.

" John!!!!... " She called out from the bathroom. " Are you alright?!!!"

No response was coming. Something was definitely wrong. She quickly tied her towel and rushed into the room. But it was the opposite of what it was. Every other thing seemed to be perfect. But John was nowhere around the room.

" John!! Oh my God!! John!! " No response was coming. She remembered that John was calm throughout the delay of her brother. " John, if this is a joke, stop it. I have no idea what it is you must have planned with Jack. But I beg you in the name of God. Please, come out of your hiding place. It is too late for that. " No response was still coming. Her eyes then traveled to the window. It was wide open. She was sure neither her nor John had opened that window. Fear of the worst gripped her feet as they sluggishly carried her closer to the window. It was now raining heavily outside. A flash of light accompanying a thunder clap broke the sky. Within those seconds, her eyes captured a figure some meters away . It was definitely a human being. The flash came again. John was wearing a white shirt. But the figure was dressed in black with a cap covering his face. Her body went cold. She reached out for her dress and quickly put it on. Then, she groped to find her phone. It was nowhere to be found. Why would Jack bring them here ? She glanced at the figure. But nothing was there. Just a few minutes after locking up the window, a knock landed on the door. It was at this point she knew that her end might have come. Behind that door, Robert smiled knowingly.