The news had spread quickly the next morning. The mayor was dead. The news came as a huge shock to the town. It was received with confusion as he had just given a speech the previous day and looked healthy. No one understood the cause of his death which was revealed to be severe burns. No one knew except two people.
Julian sat at his desk that morning with anger brewing within him. The news came as no surprise to him earlier that morning before he left the house. After all he had been through, he had come to expect something like that. What made him furious was the fact that Randal never contacted him or Nancy after that day. Julian had called him on his cell multiple times, but he didn't pick. Julian clenched his fists. The whole thing was putting a bit of strain on his mind and he needed a relief before he suffered a mental breakdown.
A knock was heard on his door, bringing him back to reality.
"Come in." He said.
The door opened and Nancy walked in. As she approached his table, they both shared a knowing look. Julian knew she had seen the news.
"I'm convinced now." She said, standing in front of his desk.
He nodded silently. He also detected the tiredness on her face and in her voice.
"Couldn't sleep?" He asked.
"Yeah," She nodded. "After you left my place yesterday, I had to do a deep research. I think I've found the answer to your problem."
Julian leaned forward in his seat. A glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes.
"I saw something on a site," She continued. " The origin of the tattoo you keep seeing."
Nancy stared at the door as if expecting someone to enter at any minute. Julian followed her gaze.
"I think it's best if I come over to your place later today." He said, turning his attention back to her.
"Alright," She replied, a small smile gracing her face. "At least you're giving me a heads up this time. I don't have to get any unexpected visits like last time."
Julian nearly shrunk in his seat in embarrassment.
"And the other time before—" she added.
"Alright, I get it." He muttered, cutting her off.
She giggled and walked towards his door. Julian suddenly remembered something.
"Hey, Nancy." He called out.
"Yeah?" She turned around.
"The tattoos were not the only thing I saw," He said. "That day at the fair, I saw something else. Someone to be precise. A dark figure. It looked like a monster."
"Julian, I don't care what you've seen so far," Nancy retorted, her eyes glinting in resolve behind her glasses. "I don't care if it's Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees or Pennywise, the dancing clown. We're going to beat this thing and we're beating it together. It’s time we stopped hiding and face this thing head on. We can win this, believe me."
Julian stared at her in surprise. This was the first time he saw her display such level of courage. He couldn't explain it, but the look in her blue eyes gave him a bit of confidence.
"Alright, Nancy." He nodded. " I'll be at your place this evening."
Nancy nodded in return and left his office.
Three hours later as Julian worked on the laptop, there was a buzz on his phone, signifying a message. He checked the screen and saw it was from an unfamiliar number. He clicked open the message and it read:
'The path you thread is a dangerous one. Desist from such fruitless quest if you desire to live long.'
Julian's eyes filled with fury as he read the message. Whoever sent it was trying to weaken him mentally. Someone was monitoring him. Well, it was that person's funeral.
"Whoever you are," He growled as he stared at the message. " You're going down. Bring on the fight. I'm ready."