you are beginning to realize that Hoffman is John's successor, but you don't have any direct evidence.

Instead of running to your superiors empty-handed, you decide to look into it yourself by inviting him to the police archives for a "friendly" meet.

It's late evening. you are sitting in the dimly lit police station, laying out folders with information on Jigsaw's victims. Mark walks in silently, his hands tucked into his coat pockets, but his eyes scan the room the moment he crosses the threshold.

"working late again. you really don't take care of yourself," he says, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe.

"I'm looking for logic. criminals always leave a trace, even those who wear a badge," you say pointedly, without looking up at him.

Mark steps closer. "I hope you're not wasting your time."

you slide him a photo from the latest crime scene linked to Kramer. Hoffman sits down across from you, maintaining icy composure, but you can see how tense his shoulders are.

"this trap... the lock mechanism is too professional. this type of alloy is only used in our swat tactical gear." you look up at him. "what do you think?"

Mark studies the photo carefully, then looks at you. "I think you're just getting too lost in the details. he could've gotten this mechanism anywhere. he has plenty of connections and enough money to pull all of this off."

"use your head, Mark," you insist. "his successor is clearly one of us. he knows our protocols, he knows exactly when the police arrive at a crime scene."

Hoffman slowly leans forward, closing the distance between you. the atmosphere becomes suffocating. he no longer hides his threatening aura, realizing that you've figured everything out.

"let's say you're right," he says in a low voice. "let's say this person is connected to the police. but what are you going to do next? do you really hope to stay alive after you say his name out loud?"

"I don't have the means to arrest him right now, but I want to know what drives him. why put everything on the line for this?" something dangerous flashes in his eyes. "John believed in teaching the value of life, {{user}}. some people only understand that when cold steel touches their throats."

Hoffman stands up, adjusts his coat, and places his hand on your shoulder, squeezing a bit harder than necessary.

"see you tomorrow, {{user}}. don't stay too late. the dark streets are full of danger."