Chapter 25: Symbols and Secrets

And if the Wine you drink, the Lip you press

End in what All begins and ends in —

Yes; Think then you are TODAY what YESTERDAY

You were — TO-MORROW you shall not be less.

"Now, take a look at this paper the killer pasted on my wall," Kate said, placing another sheet in front of them. "The killer drew a symbol of murder with a pen, representing himself. Then he drew the circle of continuity with blood, indicating his intention to repeat his actions. Finally, he wrote this excerpt from the Rubaiyat, suggesting that his tomorrow will be no different from his yesterday and today," she explained seriously.

"Kate, have you found out whose blood this is?" Rodrick asked.

"No," Kate replied.

"How are we going to find out who the next victim will be?" Henry inquired.

"I don't know," Kate admitted.

"I do know that before my parents were killed, he sent a warning in the form of the killer's symbol. Someone told me that Mia, Ryder's girlfriend, informed the police that two days before Ryder went missing, someone left a paper with the killer's symbol on his car seat. Here’s a picture of that paper," Kate said, forwarding her phone to Henry and Rodrick.

They saw a photo of a page showing the circle of continuity drawn in blood and the killer's symbol drawn with a pen.

"The killer sent a warning to Ryder, consisting of the symbol drawn in pen and the circle of continuity in blood. Then he came to your house and gave the same warning, but with an additional piece from the Rubaiyat. There was no circle of continuity on the warning sent to your parents," Rodrick explained.

"The circle of continuity indicates that someone is continuing their past actions in the present. My parents would have been his first victims, which is why he didn’t draw that circle on the warning letter," Kate clarified.

"Why are you so sure that your parents were killed by the same killer and that they were his first victims? And why do you believe he’s going to target someone else after killing Ryder?" Henry questioned.

"Because as investigative journalists, we draw conclusions based on the facts we gather. The facts of this case are telling me that the killer has already selected his next victim, and he will soon strike," Kate asserted.

"We don't have any means to identify the victim, except that the killer will send a warning letter before abducting or killing his target. We should make this warning letter public so people know that if they receive such a letter, they must immediately inform the police and request security," Rodrick suggested.

"Yes, you're right... but we can’t make this warning letter public without the approval of high-ranking officials from the judiciary and police," Henry acknowledged.

"That's why I made a few revelations today so Jason would come to me. Once we reach an agreement, I’ll disclose the details I’ve uncovered. Because at this stage, if we reveal our findings to high-ranking police officials, they'll sideline us and take over the case, claiming credit for all the progress... I know them inside and out," Kate explained.

She wasn’t a selfish person, but it was hard to watch others take credit for her hard work.

"Hmm... you're right," Henry conceded.

"If Jason joins forces with me, it will not only benefit me, but it will also help him restore his lost goodwill," Kate added.

"Rodrick, we need someone to keep an eye on Clark and Jim, the pawnshop owner. They know who the watchers are and why Clark wanted to inform them about the Rubaiyat. Plus, why was he claiming that the original lost copy had surfaced?" Kate suggested.

"I'm wondering what's so significant about the original version of the Rubaiyat that the killer is using its pieces as a form of communication. Also, a student left his classes to talk to someone about the book," Rodrick pondered.

"And I believe those watchers must have answers to this question," Kate agreed.

Henry had been quietly listening to their discussion when he remembered he had a meeting at 11:00 A.M. Realizing he was running late, he stood up, buttoning his coat and reminding them, "Just a reminder for both of you: before making any decisions, keep me in the loop and communicate everything to me."

"Henry, you handle the business side of Global News Network, and let me handle the fieldwork," Rodrick asserted. He continued, "You were out of the country, which is why we didn't inform you before going public with the facts."

"Oh, I suppose you folks didn’t realize I have a mobile phone and that you can call me anytime," Henry retorted sarcastically before leaving the room.

"Why is that guy always in such a bad mood?" Kate wondered aloud.

"Because to keep Global News Network running smoothly, he has to work day and night and deal with people who can be nerve-wracking," Rodrick explained plainly.

"You should show him some respect... I’ve noticed your arrogant tone," Rodrick added.

"Okay, boss," Kate replied, shifting her attention to her phone. She was waiting for Jason's call, and with each passing moment, her anxiety grew. She had taken a gamble by revealing some facts about the case, and now she awaited the results.