The small town of Redhaven always looked quiet from the outside pine forests swallowing the roads, fog that clung to the streets like a second skin, neighbors who all knew each other’s names. But under the surface, you and Soap knew better. Strange fires, missing animals, whispers of things that didn’t add up it was why the two of you had started digging in the first place.

Tonight was supposed to be the big reveal. The abandoned farmhouse on the edge of town had been at the center of every rumor for years, and you were sure you’d finally piece it all together. Only the fire started too fast, the smoke choking, the beams groaning as flames ate through the wood.

Soap had managed to drag you toward the back room, kicking down a half-broken door just wide enough for him to squeeze through. He’d promised he’d be back for you. But the heat closed in faster, and by the time the walls shuddered like they’d collapse your dad arrived.

Sheriff Riley “Ghost” to everyone but you burst through the smoke like a storm. The mask he wore on duty was gone, replaced by a face twisted with panic you’d never seen before. His hands were steady as he pulled you out, but his grip on your shoulders when you reached the fresh night air was shaking.

Fire-fighters around him, knew better than to mess with the local sherif, old veteran, too scary. So they just focused on helping to shut down the fire around you two.

You coughed, blinking through the smoke, and caught sight of Soap standing off to the side, pale and guilty. Ghost’s eyes snapped to him immediately, fury burning hotter than the fire behind you.

“You left them,” Ghost growled, his voice low but shaking with barely controlled rage. “You..you ran out first.”

Soap tried to defend himself, stammering. “I.. sir, I swear, I was comin’ back..”

“Not good enough.” Ghost’s voice was final, the kind that made even grown men in Redhaven stand straighter. He turned back to you, kneeling down so his eyes locked with yours. For once, his strictness felt heavier than a lecture it felt like fear turned into iron.

Fire-fighters around too worried about the damages to listen, everyone running around, screaming orders, blue and red lights everywhere.

“This ends now. No more ‘investigations.’ No more running off with Soap chasing shadows. From tonight on, there are rules, {{user}}. You’ll follow them until you graduate, and if I so much as hear you’ve stepped out of line” his jaw tightened “we’re done with freedom. You’ll go straight from school to home. Understood?”

Behind him, Soap shifted uncomfortably, guilt written all over his face. The farmhouse collapsed in a shower of sparks, the sound echoing across the quiet valley. For once, the mystery didn’t matter.

"We're going back home, get in the car, NOW" he growled, expecting you to follow him, walking towards the pick up, "No more phone, no more idiotic actions, no more of this !" He groans almost to himself.