“This press conference was arranged to address a serious concern and threat within our beloved city.”
His name appears in view.
Atreus Foley.
I suck in a breath.
Criminal investigator.
“For years now, our beautiful city has been overrun by drug dealers, violent gang members, and traffickers. They seem to believe they run this place, and that they can just do whatever they want without repercussions.” Cameras flash all around him.“As you may have seen on the news, several new homicides were reported, which are still under investigation.”
I’m listening to the words coming from his mouth, but nothing really registers except for the way he speaks them so eloquently, the frown on his face so … serious. Haunting.
“I come to you, the public, to ask for any and all information you can give us that will lead us to the offenders of these heinous crimes.”
Heinous crimes? Nonsense. Necessary eradications are more like it.
“Crescent Vale City is fraught with dangerous criminals, and we have all had enough of the harm they cause to our beloved city. Theymustbe stopped.”
More camera flashes ensue as he pauses for a moment.
“Considering the gravity of the situation, I feel like it is my job to inform you all of the truth.” He looks directly into the camera. “There is a killer among us.”
Audible shocks erupt in the crowd, but my focus is entirely on him and those bright, icy eyes.
“We will do everything in our power to find them.”
He’s still staring straight into the camera, and I can’t help but gravitate closer to the screen, enamored by the way he’s almost looking right at … me.
“And bring them to justice.”
Justice.
But what exactly is justice?
The one privileged White men entertain?
Or the one women like me seek?
“Make no mistake, we will no longer be terrorized by these mobs that refuse to obey the law. Enough is enough.”
He pauses again.
“We’re opening up a tip line and advising people to stay away from the docks and the outer parts of the city. If you see something, call us. We are stronger together. United, we will defeat this evil.”
I can practically see the divine judgment dripping off his face, and my nipples instantly harden.
“And renew the fate of our city. Follow the law, and you will be rewarded.”
An immoral smile slowly forms on my lips.
Rewarded?
“The tip that leads to the arrest of the individuals responsible for these murders will yield five thousand dollars. Thank you for your time.”
“Sir, sir, one question please!” The crowd of journalists erupts with requests for more information, but he grabs his papers and walks off the stage and ignores everything else, while I’m still clambering for more.
When he’s gone, my heart is racing in my throat.
