Saturday, October 15th - 5:30 pm
The day after the heist, Edmund was deep in thought. Edmund sat motionless in his leather chair, one hand rested across his lap, the other tapped the desk's edge in a slow rhythm.
On desk lay a folder marked Aeries -
Case file : The Red Ouroboros.
"Truly frightening...." Edmund muttered under his breath
He leaned back staring at the ceiling
"This was probably one of the easiest tricks he could pull off. Now that I revealed myself he's going to raise the stakes. I don't have any idea on his motive. It's best if I stay on the defensive side for another heist and learn about him."
Someone knocked on the office door. "Mr Hale? It's Elias."
"Come in"
Elias stepped in quickly, his hooded eyes scanning the room before sitting on the chair opposite Edmund. He looked better than he had the first time, healthier and steadier. His hands still trembled as he sat down
"So how's everything?" Edmund asked in a gentle tone.
"Better than before." Elias didn't meet his eyes
"I see that's wonderful, so what's the matter today?"
"I... I had a nightmare today." Elias said in a frightened tone
Edmund nodded slowly and asked "Are you comfortable sharing the details?"
Elias hesitated, then exhaled - a long, ragged breath.
"I almost never talked about this with anyone. But.... Maybe it's time."
He leaned back, eyes unfocused. His face paled beneath the room's light.
"My parents died in an accident when I was a kid and I was left all alone. I don't remember much afterwards but after that incident I have felt a shadow not just in dreams. Alway near me, watching me, following me..."
Edmund didn't interrupt
"I moved around a lot. Got chased away more times than I can count. But then.... This man, Fredrick David, took me in. Treated me like a son. He was the first ever person who didn't look at me like I was broken." Elias smiled faintly
Edmund saw this micro expression and smiled in his heart.
"But a few months ago, he passed away. Since then.... I've had no one. My town was also destroyed in a disaster. I don't have any friends, relatives. I don't know anyone."
His smile faded. "I was thinking about letting go of everything, then I came here. You talked to me. You.... listened. Your words made me have the spirit to live."
He paused for a moment and added softly
"After that my life got better. I met a man named Damian Lewis. He runs a shelter. He took me in, there were many people just like me young and old. Now I am currently in their care. It was all thanks to you."
Edmund exhaled slightly. The weight of Elias' words landed heavy, even on him.
"I'm glad you found someone who sees you," he said "And I'm glad I could help you"
The two sat in silence for a moment.
Elias broke the silence. "That shadow feeling... it's not just in my dreams anymore. Sometimes I see it out of the corner of my eye. And it never leaves."
Edmund pondered and said "Don't worry about it. The shadow will go away after a while."
Then Elias stood up, shook Edmund's hands firmly and left.
The door clicked shut behind Elias. Edmund reached for his tea, still warm and untouched.
The room was silent and calm, when another knock broke the silence.
The door opened again
A man in his 30s entered in a wrinkled coat, visibly anxious. "Please, mister... help me."
Edmund gestured to the chair across him and said. "That's what I'm here for. Speak."
The man introduced himself. "My name is Alex Cameron, It's actually regarding my mother. My father died last year and ever since that my mother has been unwell and became extremely religious and is afraid of dying. She speaks as though she will die the next day." The man explained his case.
"I see" Edmund said, his voice calm "Where is she?"
"Outside"
"Bring her in"
The door opened again and this time an elderly woman with sharp eyes and trembling hands entered the room. Her gaze darted around the entire office.
"This is Christina Cameron." Alex said
Edmund studied her and folded his arms.
"I heard that you are religious and afraid of dying."
"So what?" The woman snapped
"You fear death," he said to the grieving mother, "yet call yourself religious. Do you truly believe, or merely wish to?"
The silence was immediate and heavy
Christina paled. Her lips parted slightly. She opened her mouth many times but to no avail as no words came out. Then without another sound, she stood up and left.
"Well... That was direct." Alex blinked and said as he processed the entire situation
"I apologize if I was harsh." Edmund said to Alex
"No worries. I think she needed that. Thank you."
Alex handed over the payment, shook Edmund's hands and left.
Edmund stood and walked up to the window
He stared out the window. The sky was overcast. The clouds hung low. He could see the distant silhouette of St Argon Museum. Somewhere out there, a thief prepared his next act—and Edmund Hale wasn't sure if he was the audience or antagonist.
Even now it felt like the ghost of Aeries hovered over the place.
Same time - A Penthouse Window
The city shined below like an open circuit board.
A man sat in a leather chair, sipping red wine, staring at the city, Looking at the direction of The Royal Exhibition Hall
"A throne is nothing but a chair made of corpses." He said calmly in a deep voice
He swirled the wine. No mask. No disguise. Just quiet satisfaction.
"Some men wear masks to hide themselves. I wear mine to speak louder."
"Time For Act One" he said while laughing elegantly
7:46 PM — Sunday, October 16th
London, Special Division Bureau — Royal Exhibition Hall Outpost.
A letter arrived.