Chapter Four: Monsters is a Monster

MOMENTS AFTER THE TRAGIC INCIDENT THAT BEFELL ELIZAH HARTMAN

"I heard there's a young and beautiful girl working at your place," said a man with a mustache and a repulsive gaze. 

"There are plenty of young and beautiful girls working at my factory. So what if there is? What's your point, huh?" The stout man retorted with a sneer, clearly displeased.

"No, I didn't mean anything by it. I was just asking. Besides, why doesn't she work here instead? You know, in a place like this, they'd make much more money than working—"

"Ah, you're such a scoundrel! From now on, don't ever meet me again. The girls working at my factory are good girls; that's why they chose to work there! Now, leave me alone." The stout man stood up and walked away, exiting the bar with its well-preserved classic ambiance.

"I was just complimenting his workers," the mustached man muttered before moving to sit with a group of middle-aged men. Even after being rebuked by the factory owner, they continued their discussion about the girls working there. They even started betting on who could approach one of the factory girls that night. With wads of cash placed on the table, the mustached man and the others quickly agreed.

They drove an old car toward the factory and saw a young man waiting for someone. They approached him and told him that no workers were left inside the factory, suggesting he leave. 

"But Elizah just texted me saying she’s still in the factory," the young man, looking anxious, replied. However, the mustached man assured him that no one was left inside, leaving the young man, Liam, with no choice but to leave. Shortly after Liam walked away, a girl emerged from the factory and tried to call out to him. Unfortunately, before Elizah could utter a word, a rough hand suddenly covered her mouth.

"Come here, sweet girl, come back into the factory." She was dragged back inside, and the factory door was partially shut. Elizah struggled to see who was holding her, but it was futile. The sound of greedy laughter filled her ears, though she continued to resist.

"Hit her if she fights back!" one of them shouted.

A heavy punch landed on Elizah's delicate face, causing her to faint. About four middle-aged men then began to strip her of her clothes. However, before they could completely undress her, the sound of police sirens outside the factory made them panic.

"Did we get caught?"

"Ah, that fat old man must've reported us to the police!" They hastily put their pants and shirts back on and scrambled to escape through a broken window. One of them even injured himself on the shattered glass while jumping out.

"Is anyone here?" A deep, masculine voice echoed through the factory. "Hello?" With no response, the man turned on his phone's flashlight and found a girl lying on the floor. His eyes widened, and he walked back to the door, pulling out a red cloth from his pocket.

"Those stupid bastards. They're in for trouble," he muttered before locking the factory door from the inside. He then walked leisurely toward the girl lying unconscious on the floor

Kneeling beside her, he touched her cheek and said, "Poor thing. Don't worry, though. I'll give you heaven tonight." He tied the red cloth over her eyes and began touching her body. By dawn, he abandoned her lifeless body, leaving it exposed on the factory floor.

---

Mark Roberson woke up as sunlight hit his face. A girl wrapped in a towel opened the window curtains, letting the light in. He opened his eyes to see Julie turning toward him.

"Oh, sorry, did I wake you?"

Mark shook his head, smiling. "Well... I wouldn't mind if you woke me up every time, Julie. Come here, back to bed." Julie smiled and immediately dropped herself beside Mark.

"Have you found the other culprits?" Julie asked softly, her voice weak.

"Yes, I will find them. I promise. Oh, by the way, my colleague contacted me last night. You should know, at the factory, there  was a broken window. Bloodstains were found there, besides Julie, your sister's—"

"Really? Oh my God, that blood will be evidence!" Julie exclaimed enthusiastically, looking at Mark with hope and determination in her eyes. 

"Yes, that's right. I'll find those bastards," Mark replied confidently with his gaze directed at the ceiling and giving a warm hug to Julie who was caught in the trap.