A Web of Lies

Brendon sat still, the dim glow of the library's reading lamp casting long shadows over the stacks of aged newspapers and history books. His fingers tapped absently on the yellowed paper before him, his mind spiraling into the depths of uncertainty.

Judith's words echoed in his head.

"But the most confusing part is that there was no one around with such an object. There was no sign of the attacker. As if he just disappeared into thin air."

He exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face.

Could it really have been Bronson all along?

The pieces were fitting together too well. Bronson was the son of Theodore Smith, the same man who had been accused of lynching two black men during the protests. If Bronson was carrying his father's grudge, then his motives were clear. Revenge, retribution, carrying on the legacy of a man who had walked away unpunished.

But then, where did 'The Hunters' fit into all this?

Why would a secretive underground organization be involved in a personal vendetta? And more importantly—why was Bronson doing all this for a father who had been nothing more than a racist murderer?

Brendon clenched his jaw.

This wasn't just a vendetta.

It was a web—one he was getting tangled in with every step forward.

He sighed and leaned back, trying to push the suffocating weight off his chest. But before he could collect his thoughts, a subtle movement in the dark corners of the library made his instincts sharpen.

Someone was here.

His muscles tensed as he slowly turned his head. "Who's there?"

A smooth, amused voice responded from the shadows.

"Isn't it a pretty odd time to be here?"

A figure stepped forward, emerging from the dim lighting between the towering bookshelves.

A tall anthro fox with sleek, crimson fur and sharp, green eyes. She adjusted the cuffs of her tailored jacket, her fluffy tail swaying slightly as she smirked.

Devina.

Assistant Mayor of Ridgecliff.

Brendon's brow furrowed. "The same goes for you too."

Devina let out a small chuckle. "It's all over the news. Your little incident at the station. So… I thought I'd pay a visit in place of the mayor. Obviously. It is mayor's job but he is busy to attend a meeting, so I came." She tilted her head, eyeing him. "Huh… so I heard you were injured pretty bad back there. Already back at work?"

Brendon exhaled, rubbing his injured shoulder. "Yeah. Justice can't wait, you know."

Devina hummed in response, her gaze flicking over the mess of papers and books scattered across the library table. "Hmm... so why are you here anyway? Looking for some clues?"

Brendon tapped a finger on the newspaper cutout in front of him. "More like looking through Ridgecliff's history. And look what I found."

He slid the newspaper over to Devina.

She picked it up, scanning the old article with an arched eyebrow. Her ears twitched slightly as she read aloud, "Constable Theodore Smith accused of lynching two black men during the protest against racial behavior of society…"

Her eyes flicked back to Brendon. "And his son is…"

Brendon leaned forward, his voice low. "Bronson Smith. The current constable at Ridgecliff Police Station."

A brief silence stretched between them as Devina processed the revelation. She leaned against the desk, folding her arms.

"Wow," she muttered. "That's quite a find." Her tail flicked behind her. "So you think…?"

Brendon shook his head. "Not yet. I still lack evidence to prove it directly. I need something solid."

Devina tapped her fingers against the newspaper. "And what now?"

Brendon glanced over his shoulder at Robert, who was still sound asleep, his face buried in an open book.

He turned back to Devina. "Well, I have to go out for a walk. Alone."

Devina raised an eyebrow. "Alone? You sure that's a good idea?"

Brendon was already pushing himself up from the chair, grabbing his coat. "It won't be long. Plus I have beaten those guys twice into a pulp. They are not coming back now. And if they dare to, then I will kick their asses real hard."

Before she could press further, he stepped out of the library.

---

The Cold Night Air

The night air was crisp, biting against Brendon's skin as he stepped outside. He pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips before flicking open his lighter. The small flame danced briefly before catching onto the tobacco, sending a slow burn through the filter.

He took a long drag, letting the smoke curl in the air as he leaned against the wall of the library. His mind was still racing, but the cold night and the familiar taste of nicotine helped ground him.

He pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts.

He needed help.

A name flashed across his screen.

Ricci.

A taxi driver who had given him his number a couple days ago, offering help if he ever needed it. At the time, Brendon hadn't thought much of it. But now? He could use every lead he could get.

He dialed the number.

Ring. Ring.

The line clicked. Ricci's voice came through, casual but curious.

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite detective. What can I do for you, Mr. Wolf?"

Brendon exhaled, his breath visible in the cold air. "I need your help tracking someone down."

Ricci whistled on the other end. "That so? Who's on the list?"

Brendon flicked the ash from his cigarette. "Bradley Norman. A student at Ridgecliff Academy."

There was a short pause.

"Bradley Norman, huh?" Ricci murmured. "That's a name I've heard before. What's the urgency?"

Brendon narrowed his eyes. "I think his life is in danger, he definitely knows who killed that Jacob kid, and most importantly one of our constables is behind his life. And if he's smart, he's already gone into hiding."

Ricci let out a thoughtful hum. "Holy shit!...Man. Alright, I can ask around. A kid like him—someone's bound to have seen him."

Brendon took another drag. "Good. Let me know as soon as you find anything."

Ricci chuckled. "You got it, detective. But you owe me a drink for this one."

Brendon smirked slightly. "We'll see."

The call ended.

Brendon leaned back against the wall, staring up at the night sky.

If Bradley Norman was out there…

He was going to find him before Bronson does.