*~~Chapter Ninety-Seven~~*

{~~Avery Sterling~~}

I locked my office door behind me, feeling a wave of paranoia wash over me. My nerves were on edge, making me hyperaware of every sound and shadow. I checked the whole place, my eyes darting to every corner and crevice, ensuring that nothing was out of place. The window was next, and I peered through it, scanning the outside world for any signs of disturbance. Satisfied that everything was secure, I sat down and answered the call.

"Hey, Gareth—" I started, but he cut me off right away.

"I need your help. If you can stop by the station tonight, that would be fantastic. There isn't just a pattern to these killings. This man he's... I just feel like you might have the same assessment and it might disturb you even more. And I would also suggest a weapon to protect yourself. Just do as much as you can to stay safe. A press release will be coming out tomorrow morning."

“What? That’ll send everyone into a mass panic. Will you guys be telling them the depths of the crimes