The New Addition

The next morning, I woke up feeling really good and happy. I believe it's because of the lovely dream I had the night before. I woke up a bit earlier than I usually do, which gave me some extra time to plan my day. I felt refreshed.

I kicked off my day with a hot cup of black coffee to help me feel more awake. Then, I followed my usual exercise routine to stay fit and healthy. After that, I took care of my laundry and made sure my room was neat and tidy. A relaxing shower was on my agenda this morning, and I took my time to enjoy it, feeling even more refreshed afterward. Life felt extremely fresh for the first time in my boring and continuous routine. I was glowing more than before and I could sense my aura radiating even better.

Still, in my cozy bathrobe, I prepared a tasty breakfast for myself. Usually, I would toast some bread in the toaster and it always ends up getting burnt. However, this time I managed to make myself pancakes with freshly cut fruits on top of it along with whipped cream and maple syrup. I savored the meal while reading the morning newspaper, taking in the news, and enjoying my morning routine. It was a delightful way to start my day, and it put me in a great mood to face whatever lay ahead.

After finishing breakfast, I dressed up to meet Aman at our agency. Before leaving, I made sure to turn off all the lights and double-checked the gas to ensure it was off. I wanted to be extra cautious to avoid any forgetfulness. Usually, I'd leave the air conditioner on at home during the day, but today was different. I aimed for a day with no room for errors. With a clear mind, I headed to work, feeling rejuvenated. I absorbed the positive energy around me, ready to share it with others. It was like I was soaking up good vibes from the universe, and I was eager to pass on that positivity to everyone I met that day.

When I arrived at our agency, I found Rajesh sir and Aman already waiting for me. They had been busy collecting files related to all the cases involving the mysterious cult from the local police department. Both our team and the police department suspected a potential link between these cult cases and the serial murders that had occurred in the past. There was speculation that the cult case might be a ploy by the serial killer to divert our attention away from their true intentions.

We all came together to discuss our findings, diving deep into the case files we had and trying to make sense of everything. This investigation was of the utmost importance, and we knew we had to stay on track and work hard. The safety of our community relied on us uncovering the truth behind these cases and putting an end to the fear.

With our minds focused and our determination unwavering, we were prepared to take on the mystery and deliver justice to those impacted by these troubling events. There was just one issue – we didn't have enough materials and case files to move forward as we'd like. However, we didn't let that stop us. Instead of sitting idle, we decided to begin the investigation with the information we had, making the most of what was available to us.

At this point, I was open to all suggestions and theories. I realized that the more theories we had, the more files we had to work with, and the more we could study and investigate. Everyone on our team agreed that more information was better in our situation.

As we discussed how to approach these cases, we were aware that they had already attracted a lot of media attention. We decided that we needed a special team to be dedicated to studying these cases and determining the best way to approach them. Meanwhile, the rest of our team could focus on their regular tasks and assist us by gaining access to places or resources as needed.

We weren't sure yet about who to recruit for this special team. While we were in the middle of this discussion, I received a text from Taeri, saying she and her friend were ready to meet with us. It was an unexpected message, and I had to cut short the discussion to attend to this new development.

"Aman, remember Taeri?"

Aman nods his head while Rajesh sir stares at us in confusion.

"Sir, Taeri, is one of the survivors from that day and she is here at the camp, the other day she told me what exactly happened to them and wanted to help us."

"And how do you think a victim can help us? you know we shouldn't really be taking their help"

"Yes, sir, I understand but, Taeri majored in criminology and almost completed her studies. She had to drop out because of the sudden death of her mother" and I explained to him everything that Taeri told me.

"So, she is willing to help us when almost every other victim refused?" Aman asked

"She herself is willing to volunteer along with a friend," I said

"Friend?" Rajesh sir looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Co-victim" she answered

"Okay, so when are they meeting us?" Aman asked

"They are actually ready to meet us, we just have to say the place and time"

Aman punches his hand in the air almost as if he achieved something huge.

"Ask them to come after lunch"

"Sure sir"

We kept discussing our strategies for the case, working out how to approach it. After an hour of brainstorming, we decided it was time for a lunch break. I sent Taeri a message, inviting her and her friend to the agency after lunch, and she agreed to join us.

About an hour and a half later, Taeri arrived at the agency with a tall man, standing at around 6 feet. He had a fit physique, although he wasn't overly muscular. He dressed casually in a t-shirt and trousers, and he had a polite and gentle demeanor.

On the other hand, Taeri seemed somewhat nervous. I could understand her feelings, given all that she had experienced. Sharing her story with two more people must have been overwhelming. I wished I could comfort her and ease her anxiety, but I respected her natural unease in such a situation. We were there to listen and support both Taeri and her friend as they shared what they knew. Our hope was that their insights would bring us one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of the case at hand.

The man confidently approached us, offering a firm handshake, and introduced himself.

"Good noon gentlemen, I am Austin"

"Austin is it okay if we ask you a few questions?" Aman asked and looked at us, me and Rajesh sir nodded in agreement.

"Yeah sure" he replied.

"May we know your full name Austin?" Aman questioned and we let Aman handle all the questions.

"Austin Smith" he replied

"Where are you from Austin?"

"My home country?"

"Yes"

"I am from Brooklyn, United States"

"Where and how were you abducted?"

"I was out with few friends, we were at a local bar and we were celebrating..."

"What were you celebrating?"

"That was the final day of our exam, final semester"

"Go on"

"As I told you we were celebrating, I was the only one in senses that day, I had a couple of shots, and looking at my friends drinking too much I had to stop drinking"

"How old are you?"

"I am soon going to be twenty-two"

"So legal age drinking, go on"

He simply nodded and continued

"I had to be the responsible one, staying with my friends until the very end of the night. I ensured everyone got safe transportation home, booking cabs and making sure they were on their way. When it was finally my turn to head home, there was still time for the last bus. I walked to the bus stop, but as I was waiting there, someone struck me from behind with an unknown object. I felt an intense, sharp pain, and the world around me faded to darkness.

The next memory I have is waking up in a locked room, disoriented and frightened. It was a place I couldn't recognize, and I had no idea how I'd ended up there. It wasn't until the day you rescued us that I realized it was an underground tunnel. The sense of relief at being found was indescribable, but the whole experience left me with so many questions about what happened during those lost hours and who was responsible for it. It's a memory that still haunts me to this day."

"Are we talking about Brooklyn here?"

"No sir, I was in Thailand "

"Thailand?"

"I am a student of journalism and I enrolled at Chiang Mai University "

"You do know that we are going to check your background and also the information you gave us right?"

"Yes sir I do"

And then both Taeri and Austin explained what they went through. There was a question lingering around in my head and I knew I had to ask about it...

"Guys, I know it's hard on you now more than ever...but we need to know..."

"We do understand and that is why we are here" Taeri replied.

I nodded my head and then continued...

"You guys said you were locked in different rooms right?"

Both nod in agreement.

"Can you describe what was the place like? Why were there those many rooms?"

"They seemed like houses, more like destructed houses" Austin answered

"Destructed houses? What would have been the cause?"

"looks like they were bombed" Austin replied

"How sure are you Austin?" Rajesh sir asked.

"Sir I know a case study that happened in the 1960s, apparently people were lured to work with an agency, where they promised luxury and all they had to do was work for them."

"Yes we do know about it" I replied.

"This tunnel could be the same one, the case study said there was a blast underground once enough uranium was extracted. The houses seemed burnt and covered in ashes".

As our conversation progressed, the details of the case began to blur in my mind. I found it challenging to understand why this particular case had such a profound effect on me. Expressing my emotions became a struggle, leaving me in a state of confusion. Aman, perceptive as ever, noticed my distress and kindly proposed that I step outside for a breath of fresh air. It was a considerate gesture, one I wholeheartedly embraced. Stepping out provided me with a chance to clear my thoughts and regain my composure, helping me make sense of the swirling emotions within.