Chapter 56: The Source.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Captain Bright quickly returned, holding the identification card that belonged to Miles and presented it to the young man.
Trying to project an image of innocence, Mall Manager Li immediately questioned Captain Bright’s action after seeing no arrests were taken: “Captain, what’s going on here? It’s this security guard who’s tried to extort money from me. He needs to be detained right away. Once that’s done, I’ll get my lawyer to put together all the evidence. I expect justice to be served.”
From his demeanor and tone, it seemed as though Manager Li genuinely believed he was the one who had been wronged.
Captain Bright began calmly, “Manager Li, we’re here to investigate the accusations you’ve made. But let me be clear, we can only take further action if there’s solid evidence backing your claims. And to address the matter of detaining Miles – his position in our organization is significant. We can’t just arrest him without getting approval from higher-ups in the chain of command. If you are certain about Miles’s wrongdoing, I invite you to cooperate fully during our investigation.”
Manager Li genuinely looked shocked and questioned, “What do you mean you don’t have the authority to detain him? He’s just a security guard, isn’t he? Is there some sort of misunderstanding here?”
Miles began to connect the dots. He recalled that after he had secured Right’s satellite-enabled phone, Rain had facilitated his profile into the computer database. But the question that confused him was, did his position at HQ really hold such a high rank? He was not well-acquainted with the organization’s hierarchy and didn’t understand what authority he held to warrant such treatment.
Captain Bright replied firmly, “There’s no mistake here. I’ve already consulted with my superiors. Manager Li, I suggest you come with us to give a full statement at the station.”
With growing suspicion, Manager Li carefully inquired, “Captain, what if there is no concrete evidence after the investigation?”
Captain Bright looked at him sternly, “If the evidence turns out to be weak and it appears that you’ve falsely accused someone, you might find yourself under arrest for compromising national security.”
Throughout his tenure as a captain, Bright had developed an astute ability to judge people’s intentions. From his observations, he could sense that Manager Li was not as innocent as he claimed. This entire situation might just be a smokescreen.
A bit flustered, Manager Li sought clarification, “You mean I could be arrested?”
Captain Bright replied, slightly sarcastically, “Arrested? That’s putting it mildly. Based on your accusations, you’re bordering on committing treason. I would advise you to consult with your lawyer. They’d be able to provide a clearer picture.”
The weight of Captain Bright’s words left Manager Li pale. “Is it really that serious?” He thought, sweat forming on his brow.
Turning to Miles, fear evident in his eyes, he recognized that this ‘security guard’ was not ordinary.
“What’s the matter? Why are you looking at me now? Carry on with your performance,” Miles said with a smirk.
Trying to defuse the situation, Manager Li stammered, “Young man, I may have overreacted earlier. How about we just forget this whole thing? I could make it up to you, maybe buy you dinner as an apology. What do you think?”
Miles shot back, “A minute ago, you were accusing me of extortion. Why the sudden change of heart?”
Manager Li tried to clarify his earlier comments, his voice shaky and full of anxiety, “It was all just a big mistake. I was joking around earlier, but I guess I got a bit carried away. My mind wasn’t clear, and my words just tumbled out without any filter. Didn’t you see how happy I was to act as a caterpillar?”
He continued, looking somewhat desperate, “Honestly, I feel like I’ve been put under a spell or something. Like someone cursed me to say those things. I’m also a victim here.”
Miles looked at him with a blend of amusement and respect, saying, “That’s an impressive way to play it. But we have a responsibility to see things through, especially in the middle of an investigation. Don’t you think so, Captain Bright?”
The police captain responded with unwavering authority, “Absolutely right, Miles. Officers, take Manager Li for an interrogation.”
Manager Li’s facade crumbled, and fear consumed him. This fear was palpable, even more intense than when he’d encountered a ghost earlier.
Miles, with a hint of sardonic humor, waved lightly, saying, “Goodbye for now, caterpillar. Just remember, this wasn’t my doing. You’ve brought this on yourself. When you’re finally released, let’s say in about twenty years, I hope you won’t harbor any hard feelings.”
“You… how could you be so cold-hearted!” Manager Li exclaimed, tears streaming down his face, his expression a blend of bitterness and hopelessness.
After the guy was taken away, Captain Bright immediately turned to Miles with a more serious look, “Miles, you were inside that mall earlier. Can you give me any insights about what’s going on? These mysterious disappearances have become a significant concern for us. But if the matter is related to Ghost Tamer HQ’s secrets, then never mind.”
Miles responded with gravity, “It’s fine, I can tell you. All those missing individuals are inside the mall. But they’ve transformed; they aren’t human anymore. That mall is a death trap now. My advice would be to seal it off and not allow anyone inside. It’s highly likely that anyone who goes in might not come out alive. Responsibility for this falls under the jurisdiction of Spear City’s ghost tamer. There’s a leadership vacuum with Right’s demise, but once the new city ghost tamer takes over, you should pass on the case. In short, our primary goal should be to prevent more casualties at this point,” Miles concluded.
Captain Bright, processing the information, nodded in acknowledgment. “Understood.”
He immediately directed his team to encircle the mall, making sure to close it off to the public.
“Now that we’re done, I still have some unfinished business in there. I’ll reenter the mall and ensure my actions won’t hinder your investigation,” Miles said.
Captain Bright chuckled lightly, “You’re being too humble. From what I’ve seen, you’re the main investigator here, and I’m just providing support.”
Having thoroughly reviewed Miles’s records, Captain Bright was now convinced of Miles’s authenticity as a representative of the Ghost Tamers HQ.
Miles, with renewed vigor, said to his companion, “Ethan, it’s time. We need to head back into the mall.”
Miles moved forward, ready to confront the mysteries within. Determination had settled in his mind.
“In our profession, opportunities are rare and crucial. If we don’t seize them, we become mere targets, vulnerable to the lurking threats,” Ethan voiced out, his stance echoing his readiness for the forthcoming confrontation as well.
Miles nodded in agreement. “You’re right, we don’t have the luxury to sit this one out.” He cast a final, lingering look at the eerie, darkened mall facade. The weight of the night seemed to intensify the mall’s foreboding atmosphere.
Meanwhile, back inside the mall, River had huddled into a ball inside the surveillance room. Terror gripped her, rooting her in place, making her unable to leave her hideout.
She couldn’t shake off the macabre sight of Strong’s decapitated body. His corpse lay haphazardly, head detached and a few feet away. The scene was chilling.
Trapped in this unsettling environment, River felt cornered. The longer Miles took to return, the more she felt the weight of her isolation. The creeping thought that he might’ve used her as a pawn in some larger plan and then left her to her fate intensified her fears.
She muttered anxiously, scanning the monitors, “Where is Miles? It’s been an uncomfortably long time since I last saw him.”
She was painfully aware that all other survivors had been escorted out, which only amplified her sense of vulnerability. Doubts began to emerge, making her wonder if Miles had truly used her and was now leaving her behind.
Desperation evident in her voice, River pleaded, “Miles, if you’re out there and can hear me, please come back. I’ve done everything you’ve asked. You can’t just abandon me here.”
A familiar voice crackled through the phone, exasperated, “Would you stop your whining? Even a child would show more composure. For someone your age, your behavior is shockingly childish.”
Relief washed over her as she recognized Miles’s voice. He continued, “Have you found out anything about the ghost’s identity? I’ll come to get you, just be patient.”
A small smile formed on River’s lips, and hope began to fill her. “I haven’t precisely identified the ghost,” she answered, “but I’ve found footage that seems to suggest it came from a clothing store here on the fifth floor.”
On her screen, the video from the store played. The store, locked up for the night, appeared silent. Suddenly, a door creaked open, releasing only an ambiguous shadow. This shadow then moved to a mirror, where the surrounding mannequins inexplicably toppled over. The shadow began a peculiar ritual, reassembling mannequin parts in various configurations. None seemed to satisfy whatever intent it had.
The chilling assembly continued for hours, each mannequin being taken apart. Finally, an unusual figure was formed—a tall mannequin with a petite body and elongated limbs. However, it ominously lacked a head.
The surveillance video continued to unfold a haunting narrative. The ambiguous shadow appeared to meld seamlessly with the tall, headless mannequin, animating it with a chilling semblance of life. The mannequin then began a peculiar ritual of trying on various heads from the pile of dismembered mannequins, yet none seemed to fit right or satisfy its inexplicable desire.
As the first light of dawn began to filter into the mall, early-rising shopkeepers started trickling in, getting their stores ready for another day of business.
A female storekeeper entered the clothing store, seemingly oblivious to the oddly tall mannequin positioned near the storefront window. As she moved about, tidying up and arranging garments, the headless figure made a spine-chilling movement. Its head, or rather its neck, began rotating, following her every motion. The rotation was so complete that it turned a full 180 degrees. Unable to sustain this unnatural position, the makeshift head it had donned fell off, clattering onto the floor.
The woman, surprisingly unfazed by the unusual occurrence, threw a cursory look at the fallen head and resumed her chores. But the moment her back was turned, the eerie mannequin came to life. With uncanny agility, its unnaturally long arm reached out, stretching towards her, its intentions clearly malevolent.
River, observing all this through the recorded footage, felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Her heartbeat quickened, and her thoughts raced. “Was this woman the first one to fall prey to this sinister entity? If that’s the case, then that ghost’s main body must be inside that shop.”