Chapter 24: Reflections On The Fallout
A bright, sunny day dawned in Adelaide, and people went about their daily routines. However, the headline flashing on the Global News Network channel and the front page of their newspaper sent shockwaves through the entire city, causing chaos.
On TV, a news anchor was delivering the report. “Investigative journalist Kate Miller unveiled a chilling revelation today: the deceased man discovered on Somerton Beach goes by the name Ryder. Once a thriving businessman, he led a content life alongside his sister and girlfriend. Tragically, fate led him into the clutches of a psychopath. Miller disclosed that after Ryder's demise, the perpetrator inserted a torn page from an ancient book, Rubaiyat, into his coat, then etched symbols of life, death, and continuity around his belly button. Those symbols are now being displayed on your screens.
Ms. Miller emphasized the importance of vigilance among the people of Adelaide until the killer is apprehended. She revealed compelling evidence suggesting that the same individual responsible for Ryder's death also orchestrated the supposed accidents that claimed the lives of both her parents. Ms. Miller concluded by promising imminent revelations about the killer, expressing confidence that she was closing in on him.”
News of Kate's revelations spread like wildfire, dominating conversations across Adelaide. Meanwhile, in a room at the Global News Network office, Rodrick, Henry, and Kate sat together, tuned into the news bulletin detailing Kate's intentional disclosures, approved by Rodrick.
Henry, visibly disturbed, turned to Kate, raising his voice, “What on earth is all this?”
“This is a news bulletin,” Kate replied calmly.
“Kate, you know what I'm asking. Why didn't you inform me before making these revelations?” Henry inquired.
“I consulted Rodrick, and he gave his approval. You know nothing gets published online or in print without it,” Kate explained.
“Hold on, Rodrick, did you lose your mind? Why didn't you inform me before approving her questionable plan?” Henry turned his attention to Rodrick, seeking answers.
“I knew it was necessary,” Rodrick asserted.
“Rodrick, the commissioner will be calling soon, and how am I supposed to calm him down? You're well aware of the sensitivity of the case, yet you allowed Kate to reveal its details,” Henry expressed his concern.
“I decided this because I knew that without doing so, Jason would never agree to work with Kate, and she needs his cooperation to catch the killer before he strikes again,” Rodrick explained seriously.
“Listen, I had three reasons for revealing parts of the case. First, to provoke Jason. Once the police commissioner sees this bulletin, he'll call Jason, urging him to solve the case before me. Jason knows it's not feasible to beat me to it, so he’ll join forces with me to save face. The second purpose was to send a message to the killer that I've deciphered the message he left on my wall and I'm closing in on him. The third reason is to alert the people of Adelaide to stay vigilant because if the killer could take out my parents and Ryder, then he could strike again,” Kate explained.
“Why do you want the people of this city to live under pressure?” Henry asked.
“Henry, he’s going to strike again soon. The note he left on my wall contained a symbol of murder, the circle of continuity, and a quatrain from the Rubaiyat, which Aussie translated for me. Here it is,” Kate said, placing the paper in front of Henry and Rodrick.