Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

At the Corner café.

I was tucked away in a nook, my cap pulled low over my eyes, waiting for Stella to show up.

So far, Stella was the only one I could trust.

Nobody else. Not completely.

“You needed to see me?” Stella arrived, plopping down across from me with a huff. She was clearly not in the best of moods.

“I caught the news online. They said the murderer won’t stop. There’s bound to be another victim.” I glanced around nervously. “I know who the murderer is, but I don’t have proof-

Stella eyed me skeptically. “You know who the murderer is?”

“He’s staying at Phoebe’s place right now.” My voice trailed off, worried Stella wouldn’t believe

1. me.

Stella’s face was the picture of disbelief. “You’ve lost it, haven’t you?”

I ran my hand over my face, taking a deep breath. “Just trust me on this one. It’s true. Have Robin keep an eye on that person. He’s bound to strike again.”

Stella looked at me, half convinced, half doubtful. “I was at Phoebe’s just yesterday. Didn’t see any murderer there.”

“Stay away from there.” I urged, locking eyes with her. “The murderer’s hiding in plain sight. You just don’t know it.”

Stella kept her guard tup. She didn’t trust me fully. “Why do you know all this? Who are you, really?”

“I told you, I’m Phoebe you wouldn’t buy it.” I sighed. “Look, I have no other motive. I just want to uncover the truth, clear the innocent, and bring the murderer to justice.”

I wanted to protect Stella, to keep her from harm.

Stella stared at me as if I were a lunatic before finally speaking. “Are you sure you’re all right in the head?”

I was a bit annoyed but could understand her perspective.

A stranger shows up claiming to be a recently deceased relative – it’s a lot to take in. “Believe it or not, just pass the investigation lead to Robin. Have his team watch Phoebe’s house. It’s a fact someone’s living there secretly,” I said urgently.

“I’ll look into it. But if you’re messing with me, I won’t let it slide,” Stella conceded.

I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks. I just can’t stand the thought of anyone else getting hurt.”

Stella slumped back in her chair. “This murderer’s too cunning. We’ve been at it for ages with no leads. It’s like chasing a ghost.”

I hung my head in defeat. “Yeah, he’s terrifying. So many lives taken

Even I, who had come back from the dead, felt powerless against this foe.

He operated as if leaving no trace.

“But I don’t believe in the perfect crime,” Stella shook her head.

“Neither do I,” I echoed.

“If you really want to help me catch this murderer, I’m grateful. But if you have any ulterior motives. I won’t let you off easy.” Stella warned me gravely. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“Anyway, don’t tell anyone about this. If you must inform the police, only tell Robin. The fewer people know, the better. We can’t afford to spook the murderer,” I insisted, fearing the murderer would catch wind.

Stella nodded.

I let out a sigh of relief and glanced at the time.

Colin had shut himself in his room for days, and God knows what he was up to. By now, I was almost certain Colin had some connection to the murderer, though he wouldn’t give them up.

The Langleys were in the hot seat, too, Henry and his son running the company. Breaking into their inner circle seemed like an impossible feat.