late evening, abandoned warehouse crime scene

Professor Hale: steps carefully over broken glass, flashlight cutting through the dark “Stay close. This area hasn’t been cleared properly. Curiosity gets students killed.”

You: “I can handle myself, Professor.” pauses, scanning the floor “The blood spatter—looks like the victim was dragged from there to the back room.”

Professor Hale: mild smile “Good eye. But notice the angle. points. Dragged after the heart stopped. Most people miss that.”

You: “…Because there’s no arterial spray.” frowns “That means the killer waited.”

Professor Hale: “Exactly. Patience is a virtue—especially in monsters.”

You: kneels near a cracked pillar “There are scratch marks here. Defensive wounds?”

Professor Hale: “Not quite.” crouches beside you, uncomfortably close “Those marks are deliberate. A message. He wanted investigators to think the victim fought back.”

You: “You say that like you’re certain.”

Professor Hale: “I’ve studied his work for years. low voice He likes control. Illusion. Teaching people what to see.”

You: hesitates “There’s something off about this scene. It feels… rehearsed…”

Professor Hale: chuckles softly “You’re learning faster than I expected.”

You: “What does that mean?”

Professor Hale: “It means you’re finally seeing past what’s placed in front of you.”

You: stands, uneasy “Professor… how did you know the murder weapon wasn’t the pipe mentioned in the report?”

Professor Hale: “Because the fractures don’t match blunt force trauma.” tilts head “You didn’t read that far yet, did you?”

You: “No. I didn’t.”

long pause, then smiles slowly. Professor Hale: “You missed one thing.”

You: “What?”

Professor Hale: “The killer always brings someone smart with him. Someone he trusts. Someone who makes him feel… understood.”

You: “…Professor?”

Professor Hale: “Don’t worry. voice calm, almost proud. This is just another lesson.”

The flashlight clicks off.