Page 43 of Hunt me Darling

"Alright, if you think it could help, then we can consider it," Derek concedes with a hint of reluctance. "But let's not forget that we need to tread carefully when involving outsiders in such a sensitive case."

I nod, appreciating his concern and acknowledging the risks involved. "I know, Derek. We'll be cautious, but we can't keep hitting dead ends like this. We need all the help we can get."

Derek's demeanor softens, I know he also feels the stress of the case and understands my determination to find the truth. "You're right. Just promise me that if we bring Tristan in, you won't let him get too close to the sensitive details of the investigation. We don't want any leaks or potential compromises."

"I promise," I reply, though I know that keeping Tristan away from sensitive information might not be as simple as it sounds, especially if he's genuinely eager to assist us. "We'll be careful, and if it doesn't feel right, we can always reassess."

Derek gives me a half-smile, he can't control everything, but he seems to trust my judgment in this matter. "Alright, then.”

"Alright, then," I echo with a grateful smile. "I'll see you tomorrow."

With that, I leave the office, the weight of the case still heavy on my mind, but with a glimmer of hope that Tristan's assistance might provide a breakthrough.

As I arrive at my rental house, I'm greeted by the comforting silence. But the pressure of the unsolved case and the mystery files feels even heavier in the solitude of my home. I know I should take Derek's advice and rest, but my mind won't allow me to relax. I need answers, and I know the files Truth and Dare gave me hold the key.

I make my way to my sanctuary, where I have my desk and can be surrounded by the images of the case and crime scenes. I set up my laptop and connect the drive, watching as the various folders fill the screen.

The folders on the drive are organized meticulously, with each victim having their own folder containing relevant documents and information. I've already reviewed the files of the two most recent victims, but now, armed with the knowledge I gained from those files, I know what I'm looking for in these other folders.

I start by opening the folder of the victim before the last one I viewed, and as I suspected, there's more to the story than what was publicly known. The victim's public profile showed a clean record, but buried within the files are records of illegal activities and connections to dangerous individuals. Details about their connections to criminal activity and hidden aspects of their lives are meticulously documented.

It becomes evident that the killers are not just random psychopaths but targeting their victims for a reason. The more I dig into the files, the clearer it becomes that this is more than just a random killing spree with nothing connecting to each other. There's a calculated method behind their actions.

A mix of shock and realization washes over me. It becomes evident that these victims were far from innocent bystanders; they were entangled in really dangerous circles even if the face they showed the world gave no indication of it, and their deaths had nothing to do with their public actions but everything to do with what they did away from the public eye.

Continuing my investigation, I find that the files have been meticulously wiped from official databases, leaving no traces behind. Whoever orchestrated this cover-up knew what they were doing, and it suggests a high level of insider knowledge or support.

My mind races as I consider the implications. The killers somehow got this information also, whether it was before they were covered up or afterward I couldn't be certain, but it raises questions about how they obtained these files. The level of sophistication required to retrieve data wiped from public records indicates a level of expertise beyond that of ordinary criminals.

I take notes, trying to piece together the connections between the victims and the criminal activities they were involved in. It's a complex puzzle, and the more I delve into the files, the more I realize that these victims were part of a dangerous ring of murderers, drug dealers, child abusers and traffickers. Somehow, they were all connected, and their actions had remained hidden until now.

Creating a space on one of my walls I organize the information, creating a new board. It becomes apparent that someone or multiple people within the bureau itself might be protecting this criminal network. The extent of the cover-up is alarming, and I can't help but wonder how deep the corruption goes and who might be involved.

My hands shake as I continue to pin up photographs and connect the pieces of the puzzle. I know I'm getting close to the truth, and it terrifies me to think about what might happen if this case is blown open. The danger is real, but I can't let that stop me. The truth must be exposed.

I take a step back to survey the board, and the interconnecting web of criminal activity stares back at me, haunting and infuriating. The urge to confront the people responsible, no matter how powerful they may be, burns within me. But I know I can't act recklessly; I need concrete evidence and a solid plan to take down the network without putting myself or others in harm's way.

But that doesn’t stop the anger from coursing through my body.

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to calm down. I can't afford to let my emotions get the best of me. I need to think rationally and strategically. As I look at the board, a new plan starts forming in my mind.

First, I need to find out who within the Bureau might be involved in the cover-up and protecting the criminal network. To do that, I have to be discreet and cautious. I can't trust anyone within the office blindly, not even Derek. The corruption might run deeper than I realize, and I can't afford to let the wrong person know what I'm onto.

As I ponder my next move, I remember Tristan's friend, Max, who claimed he could get information otherwise unattainable. If there's anyone who can help me uncover the identities of those involved in the cover-up, it's him. But I need to approach this carefully and ensure that Max can be trusted.

With a plan forming in my mind, I decide that I'll reach out to both Tristan and Max the next day. I need to gather more information, and their assistance could prove invaluable. But for now, I also need to heed Derek's advice and get some rest. My mind is racing, and I know I won't be able to think clearly without getting some sleep.

After a quick shower to wash away the stress of the day, I crawl into bed, feeling mentally exhausted. As I close my eyes, the images of the victims and the complexities of the case haunt my thoughts. I can't help but wonder how many more lives are at stake and how deep the corruption within the Bureau runs.

Chapter 23

Dare

Ihavebeenwatchingher for hours. I could see as she made all the connections from the files we gave her, I watched her set up the new board in her office. Originally, we decided to allow her some time to herself tonight, but I couldn’t stay away.

Frustration and anger coursed through me for most of the day.

I always find myself watching her, so I saw as she smiled at him, I saw when they were in each other's personal space. She allowed him to be too close to her body and she needs to be punished for that.

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