C24 Chapter 24

Detective Thompson's team fanned out across the streets, scouring the darkness for any sign of Jules. Finally, a call crackled over the radio. "Detective, we've got her! She's on Elm Street, passed out."

Detective Thompson's face was a mix of relief and worry as he rushed to the location. His team was already there, Jules crumpled on the sidewalk, a white cloth lying nearby.

Emily's eyes widened as she saw Jules' still form. "Is she...?"

Detective Thompson checked Jules' pulse, his expression grim. "She's alive. Get her to the hospital, now."

As the paramedics loaded Jules into the ambulance, Detective Thompson's phone buzzed. A text message flashed on the screen: "She’s just the beginning."

Detective Thompson's eyes narrowed. "It's him. He's watching us."

Jules woke up in the hospital with her head throbbing like a bass drum in a nightclub. She opened her eyes to meet the worry mixed with a hint of anger face of Emily. The sterile hospital smell hit her like a wave, and the beeping machines sounded like a countdown to something big. Detective Thompson stood beside her, his expression intense, like he was trying to crack a tough case

"Jules, what do you remember?" Detective Thompson asked, his voice firm but concerned.

Jules' eyes darted between Thompson and Emily, a shiver running down her spine. "I...I saw someone," she whispered. "Someone I don't believe is supposed to be alive."

Emily's anger faded, replaced by concern. "Who was it, sweetie?"

Jules' voice barely came out. "Alex."

Emily's eyes widened. "Jules, are you sure? Alex died two years ago. It's not like a dead person can suddenly come back to life."

Jules' gaze locked onto Emily's, a cold sweat breaking out on her skin. "I'm positive, Mom. “

Detective Thompson's expression turned skeptical, his eyes narrowing like he was trying to solve a puzzle. "Jules, are you sure it was Alex? We investigated his death thoroughly. The poison in the letter..."

Jules' gaze hardened, like she was daring Thompson to doubt her. "I'm positive, Detective Thompson. It was him. I saw his eyes."

Emily intervened, her voice soft but firm. "Thompson, maybe Jules needs to rest. This is a lot to take in."

Thompson nodded, his expression unreadable. "Alright, Jules. Get some rest. We'll talk about this later, when you're feeling better. Try to remember every detail about the face, okay?"

Jules' jaw clenched, but she nodded.

As Thompson called Emily outside to talk, Jules' eyes narrowed, her mind racing. What's so important that they need to talk outside?

Thompson stepped out into the hospital corridor, Emily following closely. "I got a message," he said low, showing her the phone screen.

Emily's eyes scanned the text: "She's just the beginning." Her gaze snapped up to Thompson's. "What does this mean?"

Thompson's expression was grim. "I think it's him. The one Jules saw. He's watching us."

Emily's voice dropped to a whisper. "Alex? But that's impossible. He died from the poison in that letter..."

Thompson's jaw clenched. "I know. But Jules is insistent it was him. And now this message."

Emily's eyes widened. "You think someone's playing a twisted game?"

Thompson nodded. "Could be. But either way, we need to keep Jules safe."