Chapter 2

A couple of phone rings and people talking were the main sound sources in the office. Chief Edward was currently doing work on his computer, until that was interrupted by his ringing phone. "Chief Edward, what can I do for you?" "Hello Chief, it's me, Officer Louis speaking." "Oh, Officer Louis. Any news about the current situation?" Edward turned his computer off and waved another officer away. "Yes. I do have news." He stopped for a bit. "I'm sorry to tell you this... The victim is your son, Connor.." Edward felt his heart drop. His son? "..It would be the best if you come here yourself." The officer hung up and Edward slowly put the phone away. He was shaking and couldn't believe what he just heard. Connor was the only child in the family. Edward and Connor's mom Emma had gotten a divorce, when he was about 10 years old. Edward would wait till he tells her about it. Because it was winter, he grabbed a jacket and his keys, before leaving he spoke to his officers. "I will be heading off for a while. If you need something,call me." Some nodded and Edward made his way to the mountains.

The car was parked next to the two cars from Jenny and Mika. He didn't need to go to the crime scene, because the important people all were inside of Connor's house. The chief entered and the mood was pretty down there. Jenny and Mika were upstairs,with an officer to write a protocol. Two other officers and one forensic pathologist. Edward sat down and cleared his throat. "I hope that you three can give me answers.." The forensic pathologist bit her lips and looked slightly away. "..We couldn't find his head or any clue about another person being there." The redhead officer decided to answer for the woman. He got out some pictures of the crime scene, handing them towards the Chief. "..." Seeing the body of his own son, made his blood freeze. The officer didn't lie. There was no head. "I will go look myself later. Maybe I find something.." Edward slid the pictures back to the officer. He nodded. "We will go now, Jim and Harper are done questioning the two teenagers." The redhead stood up, followed by the forensic pathologist. The chief waved at them before they left. Just a few seconds later, Jenny and Mika came back down. "..I'm sorry.." Jenny said while giving Edward a small hug. Mika just sat quietly down. "It wasn't your fault." Edward answered.

An hour had passed and the mood had gotten better. Edward had prepared some coffee for all three and so they sat at the table and drank it. The three mostly spoke about stories they had about Connor. Jenny and Mika would stay overnight at least. "I think I will go to sleep... Mika? Are you coming too?.." Jenny looked at Mika, who nodded. "Okay. Sleep well." Edward watched as the two went upstairs. He waited ten more minutes,before he put on his jacket and got his flashlight. Chief wanted to check the scene himself. He made sure to lock to the door, so no one could get in so fast. It was dark outside and the only natural light source was the moonlight. Edward couldn't get lost,as the whole forest was full of police tape, including the path to the crime scene. It took him about twenty-five minutes to arrive at the scene. The body was obviously already gone and only the-by now dried out- blood was left in the snow. Many officers had suggested him, to stay more in the background while the investigation. It may would be too much for his own mental health. Edward didn't listen though, he wanted to find the culprit himself. With his flashlight he carefully inspected the area. Edward sighed. There wasn't anything that would help him. Or was there? He kneeled down and saw a footprint. It wasn't from a human. The print was maybe 40-50 centimetres big. The shape looked similar to a birds foot. A creaking sound echoed through the trees around the empty area. Edward quickly made a picture from the footprint, and started to make his was back to the house. It wasn't safe out there. Especially alone. He knew who 'murdered' his son. It did it.

Back at the home, Edward started to gather the facts and information on a office table, which was located in Connor's room. His room was upstairs, so he tried to be quiet,to not wake the two up. It all made sense, it only could have been it. The footprint, the missing head, yes. It was it. Edward went with his right hand through his hair. Why Connor? He felt guilty. He had known that it existed and could have warned him. Edward had told Connor, that he should've stayed at Emma's house. Maybe he would still be alive then. He let out a sigh and started to write down the informations about the thing. Jenny and Mika need to be careful the next days. As well as his officers. He didn't want to risk any more victims.

Do not go out alone in the forest (especially at night), avoid the forest at all costs. It likes to hide in the darkness, so always take a flashlight with you. Do not, under any circumstances follow footprints, leading into the forest. Do not panic if you hear a scream; call 911 immediately and get away from the area. If you see "the trees move", make your way to the nearest house or shop and call 911. Do not let your kids go outside alone. If possible, move to other family members.

Edward would copy this a couple of times and will hang these up in the area. By the time he was finished, the clock showed "01:28", his sign to try to sleep. He didn't bother standing up and just laid down on the table.

Mika and Jenny had been awake first and decided to make breakfast. Edward was probably still really exhausted by the events from yesterday. They still couldn't believe that he was gone. Jenny was taking care of the eggs in the boiling water. "If Connor was here, he would have drawn faces on the eggs, and name them after his favourite people.." she laughed a bit. It sounded forced. "Yeah, or he would make the characters shapes with bread." Mika replied while toasting two slices of toast. Edward came downstairs. He was wearing a jogger and plush socks. "Morning.." Jenny and Mika greeted back. "We made breakfast!" He smiled a bit and sat down at the table. Mika had drawn faces on the eggs, to have the feeling,as if Connor was still here. "I know this maybe isn't the right time to talk about it, but I know who the culprit is." Edward didn't really look at the other two and just started peeling his egg. Mika and Jenny both raised their brows. "Really? Who??" Jenny nearly stood up. "It doesn't have a name. I have a picture of it somewhere. Also,please read this." He passed the paper from yesterday evening over to them. "What do you mean by that?" Mika asked after reading through the letter. "It's complicated. I will explain it later more." Edward had finished the food already and stood up. "I apologize. Please excuse me. I need to go." Jenny just nodded and Mika waved him off.

Edward started his car and drove off to his police station. He got greeted by some officers and some wished the best for him. "Meeting in 20 minutes. I need everyone there."