Chapter 56: Whispers of the Watchers

"The leader of the Yarrabura tribe is also the leader of The Watchers," Jason revealed, causing Kate to jump in surprise.

"Oh... I wasn’t expecting that," Kate admitted, her voice full of astonishment.

"Me neither," Jason agreed.

"What else did you find out?" Kate asked eagerly.

"Oliver told me that from the tapped phone recordings, he found out The Watchers' cult had been around for decades. Their mission is to protect the original version of the Rubaiyat and keep it hidden from the public," Jason explained.

"Again with the Rubaiyat... What’s so important about it that a whole cult was formed to protect it?" Kate asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I don’t know," Jason admitted, frustration in his voice.

"Oliver also told me that Jira, the leader of the Yarrabura tribe, Jim, the pawn shop owner, and Albert, the businessman in Adelaide, are all elders of The Watchers. And there are ten other members, whose identities are unknown," Jason continued.

"Jim and Clark were discussing Ryder’s murder on the phone. It sounded like they’re both searching for members of the Pathway of Ascendants," Jason added.

"Wait… why are Jim and Clark looking for members of the Pathway of Ascendants?" Kate asked, confused.

"To find out, we need to investigate Clark. I’m sure he’ll give us information that will lead us in the right direction," Jason said.

"Hmm… you’re right," Kate agreed, her mind turning. "But I was thinking about something else."

"And what’s that?" Jason asked.

"We’re after the Pathway of Ascendants cult to figure out who killed my father after he started investigating their rituals. We assumed someone from the cult killed him to protect their secrets, and then the same person killed Ryder. We’re trying to connect my father, Ryder, and the killer," Kate explained, locking eyes with Jason.

"Got it. So, what's next?" Jason asked.

"Now, you’re telling me Jim and Clark—members of The Watchers—are looking for the Pathway of Ascendants cult. Why are The Watchers interested in them? And why are they so focused on Ryder’s murder?" Kate asked, clearly puzzled.

"Your questions make sense. I’m sure Clark has answers," Jason replied.

"Why are you so set on investigating Clark? Jim could give us answers too," Kate said.

"Jim won’t talk. He’s one of the elders of The Watchers, and he’d sooner die than betray his cult. Trust me, I know how they operate. Clark’s younger, more ambitious, and less tied to the cult’s rigid code. He’ll crack," Jason said firmly.

"Your theory sounds valid," Kate acknowledged.

"I’ve been investigating for over ten years. I can read people. Clark will crack. He’ll give us everything," Jason said with confidence.

"Then it’s time to meet Jira and Clark and get our answers," Kate said, her voice uncertain but determined.

"Oh, Kate, I almost forgot. I sent the warning letter Ryder found in his car, along with the two letters the killer left at this house, to the forensic lab. This morning, Dr. Agastya called and told me the circles of continuity drawn on the two letters you received had Ryder’s blood on them. But the circle on Ryder’s letter was made with blood from an unknown person," Jason said.

"I didn’t know someone could have such a twisted mind," Kate said, her fists clenching in frustration.

"Sending blood-soaked letters, then vanishing without a trace... What’s his game?" Jason muttered, his voice calm but heavy with the weight of it.

"He’s toying with us. Getting off on our confusion," Jason said, his eyes meeting Kate’s in understanding.

"You know, Jason, I’ve been thinking... The killer targeted my father first, sending him a warning letter before he died. Same with Ryder. Now he’s sending letters to me. Why the shift in targets? Why hasn’t he gone after someone directly like he did before?" Jason asked, urgency creeping into his voice.

"You said the killer was doing this for amusement. Who says he wouldn’t have sent the letter to his next victim in advance? He follows a pattern, and I’m sure he’s already sent the warning to his next target," Kate replied, her eyes sharp with realization.

"The killer’s playing a game. He’s showing off his confidence and intellect, flaunting his ability to stay one step ahead of us. By sending those letters to me, he’s not just warning us; he’s dropping clues. It’s a challenge — a taunt, showing us his next move and daring us to stop him."

"Maybe you’re right... But the bastard’s twisted everything so much, we’re still fumbling in the dark," Jason muttered bitterly.

"We’ll catch him, Jason. He’ll pay for everything," Kate said with a fierce determination.

"I hope so," Jason replied, his voice tinged with doubt.

"Give me five minutes. I’ll change, and then we’ll head over to meet Jira," Kate said, standing up, her resolve clear in her movements.

"Alright. I’ll make a few calls while you do that," Jason replied, pulling out his phone.

Kate walked out of the lounge, her eyes scanning the surrounding space. "Sometimes, it feels like there’s no one here, like that bloody monster has vanished… But then it lingers in every corner of the house," she thought, a chill creeping up her spine.

She felt a strange sense of relief that the monster hadn’t attacked her since morning, which made her all the more eager to leave the house. Lately, she’d been staying away more often, convinced the monster only targeted her when she was at home. Oddly, she never encountered it or had any issues when she was elsewhere.