Chapter 1: Getting to Know Each Other

My name is James White, and at the age of 37, I finally secured a job with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, before that, I went through an emotional investigation that I can't seem to forget even now. It all began when I was sitting in my office at the Homicide Unit of the police station, investigating yet another crime related to robbery. Suddenly, I received a call on my work phone from my Division Chief, Steve Harris.

"Hello, James. What are you doing? Why haven't I received any report from you on the last case? Why are you stalling? It was clear that it was a robbery gone wrong. Write that it wasn't premeditated murder during the robbery and send me that report. If you get a new case, I won't take any excuses from you." The phone call was abruptly disconnected, and he didn't even give me a chance to respond.

He just wanted to close the case, but why do we work so hard when all we have to do is label it as involuntary manslaughter during a robbery? This was the fifth murder that he wanted to label as "Unintentional Robbery." However, I already had a hunch that it wasn't just a robbery but something much worse. All of the victims had a tattoo on their face, and we couldn't dismiss those facts. During the investigation, I also discovered that they were all members of a society of spiritualist worshippers. But why would anyone want to kill them? They were already crazy enough to believe in paranormal nonsense.

"F*** you, Steve. I'm going to investigate this case. You worthless piece of sh*t, I don't believe you can ban an investigation if I go to the FBI." I gathered all the records I had on these murders and sent them to the FBI director's mailbox.

As I walked out of the police station building, I felt indescribably disappointed. I believed in the system and thought that people were given complete protection from all the evils of this world. I took an oath to serve and protect, but the system wouldn't let me keep my promise. Even if he throws me out of the police, I will leave with a clear conscience, even though I couldn't keep my oath.

I arrived home at around 9 p.m. As I approached the house, I saw an unfamiliar picture. Although I was used to coming home after sunset, she was always there to greet me. She gave me a reason to smile in this world steeped in vice, but now she was gone. I failed to protect my family from disintegration, and I was the one who promised to serve and protect.

Upon entering the living room, I threw off my jacket and sat down on the couch. As I opened my laptop, an email with a video titled "The Doll" immediately caught my attention. I didn't understand what the title meant, but when I opened the video, I was left speechless. I saw a bound girl in a hospital bed. Her hands, feet, and even her body were tied up with straps, and she couldn't move. Then, I saw the smiling face of the psycho, who was enjoying the fear in his victim's eyes.

- Well, well. Don't be afraid. It'll be over quickly. You don't have to be afraid. The sponsor of this video asks that I gently amputate your limbs. And to remove your scalp at the end. If you can take the amputation without screaming, I'll give you anesthesia. So don't be afraid. It'll be over soon. - No, please. I have money, let me pay you. Let me go. I won't tell anyone. Please, I have a family. They're waiting for me at home. - At these words a black screen appeared.

After the black screen, I was greeted by the next scene: something that looked like a human being, with no face or hands. The remnants of his head were held, and his throat was slit. This scene made me vomit. I couldn't hold back the urge to scream. I screamed like the world was falling apart. I couldn't calm down. This poor girl was being skinned like some kind of animal. The world, which in my eyes was already full of vices, was completely devastated. She was killed for someone else's pleasure, the pleasure of a so-called sponsor.

There was rage in me, a rage that knew no rest. I was literally provoked by a police officer; either they knew me or they had sent this video to all the officers. In the first case, I should be wary of them because, in this case, he or they were targeting me. In the second case, it meant he or they were not afraid of being captured by us.

It wasn't until a few seconds later that I realized I should be afraid of them. They might grab her, Kate, a name I treasured. My hands seemed to move on their own. I grabbed my phone and frantically searched for her number. I pressed the call button, waiting for my call to be answered. Seconds felt like years to me. Each dial tone felt like it was pounding my heart. My heart was pounding like crazy. It was as if it was falling down and crashing back together, continuing this maddeningly agonizing cycle all over again.

"Bib... bib... bib... bib..." "Hello, James," I heard her voice. For me, who felt like time had stopped, time kept moving. "It's late. What do you want?"

"I'm sorry to call you so late, Kate. I just wanted to see how you were. You're at your parents' house, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I'm at their house right now. I already told you we need to stop talking for a while. I think it's only by taking a break from the daily grind that we can try to be together again. I'm tired. I only see you at night, waking up to an empty bed waiting for me since you are already at work. I never thought I would live like this. I..." I interrupted her.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I know it was my fault. I'm thinking of quitting the force. Get a more stable job. Just give it some time. For now, just like you decided, stay with your parents. As soon as I've made up my mind, I'll be out of there. In the meantime, good night, Kate."

"You too, James," I heard her wish, followed by the sound of rhythmic humming. Finished talking, I turned my attention to my mail. There was a new letter, more accurately, a reply. I received a reply from FBI Director Daniel Nuts.

I opened the letter from Daniel Nuts. I was very surprised by the speed of the FBI director.

Hello James! I reviewed the information you sent me. Our agent Samuel Nuts is interested in your case. I look forward to your continued cooperation. He will contact you tomorrow. Sincerely, Daniel Nuts.

I'm not so much shocked as in a trance watching the letter. "Take that, Harriss," I thought. "Now the FBI is gonna take over the case." At 6 a.m. I received a call from an unknown number.

Hello, James speaking.

said I into the phone.

Hello, James. I'm Samuel Nuts. Yesterday you sent me a report on five victims with a hint of a series of murders. I was assigned to this case.

he said with a young but tired voice.

I'd like to meet you now, if possible.

No problem, where are you?

I asked, to which I received an immediate answer.

In front of your house.

When we opened the door, we exchanged greetings, and then I offered him a coffee and seated him in a chair in front of the sofa.

In hindsight, I would like to talk about his appearance. When I saw him, I was surprised by the big circles under his eyes, as if he had not slept for three or more days. His hair was long and curly, maybe 10-12 inches long, and it hung gently from his head. He was tall enough to be about 178-179 centimeters. His clothes were unkempt, and his general appearance was untidy. I wouldn't say he looked like an FBI agent, but anything is possible, the main thing is that he helped solve the case.

So, to sum it all up.

he said, and then he took a sip of coffee.

You don't think of it as a series of robberies, but as a series of murders with a maniacal streak. Is that correct?

he said, lowering his eyes to the papers in his hands.

Yes," I answered confidently.

Why do you think so?

Because these cases came directly into my hands, I know about all the victims. Also disconcerting is the fact that all the victims were members of an occult club. In addition to this factor, there is also one trait inherent in them, and that is facial tattoos. I checked the tattoos, and they're all related to occult magic or something like that.

I see.

He replied languidly.

You're right. This is a maniac. And these are not the first incidents with him. It's a pity, of course, that so many deaths occurred before the case was brought to our attention. If I'm not mistaken, you're supposed to report cases after three murders, but let's assume it wasn't your fault.

he said in a condescending tone.

Do you already have a record of this perpetrator?

I have some information, but not much. The main thing is that I'm getting close to him," he said, then turned his attention back to his papers.

Is that all?

I asked.

Huh?" he made a sound. Then he made a grimace of bewilderment on his tired face.

What did you expect? Did you think I'd come, and we'd catch him at once? If it were that easy, why would you have been there?

No, I thought we were going to take action right away, not end up just talking like this. After all, we don't know what this scumbag is doing now. Maybe he's killing a new victim at this moment.

I said with a more aggressive tone.

Don't be so nervous. He either has already committed another murder, or he'll do it late at night. It's best to go to their occult club later. He kills his victims either after their rites or during their rites. So, we have to find those who are going to perform the rituals and then just keep an eye on them afterward.

But wouldn't it be better to warn them?

James asked with a worried voice.

If all goes well, we can protect the potential victim. Because if we miss him, there will only be more victims in other cities or states. Do you doubt the matter as much as you do? -Said Samuel with a touch of anger in his voice.

All you have to do now is find their club and take me there. You'll find out the rest later," he said, after which James asked an unexpected question at that time.

Have you had breakfast yet?