The brothel smelled faintly of incense and old wood, a mingling of perfumes that was almost sweet, almost cloying. Julian, Sebastian, and Wendy stepped carefully across the creaking floorboards, their boots making soft taps that echoed through the empty hallway. Every corner seemed to hide a whisper and every shadow a possible witness.
The older woman who had greeted them earlier now motioned toward a narrow staircase at the far end of the hall.
"Follow me," she said, voice low but commanding. "I think I can tell you something that might help with your… investigation."
Julian raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "Lead the way."
Wendy gave him a look. "Focus, Julian."
Sebastian followed silently, already analyzing the surroundings. Every lantern, every piece of furniture, even the placement of the mirrors on the walls could conceal more than just decoration. "Stay alert," he murmured.
The trio ascended the staircase to the second floor, their footsteps muffled by the worn carpet. At the top, the woman led them to a modestly furnished room, its walls lined with shelves of papers, ledgers, and small trinkets. A faint scent of lavender lingered in the air.
She gestured toward a chair. "Sit down, please. I'll explain everything I know."
Julian, leaning casually against the wall, folded his arms. "I'm listening."
"Yes," the woman began, her voice steady but tinged with disbelief. "That man… he told us he wanted to sell her daughter as a worker here. Of course, I would have bought her to work here if it were true. But someone intervened."
Wendy scribbled notes rapidly. "Intervened… how?"
The woman paused, sighing. "Someone paid money to us and left a letter. They canceled the transaction… and gave us what they called compensation."
Sebastian's brow furrowed. "Of course there's something off. I don't believe that man could have had that much money, not legitimately."
"Sadly," she continued, "I have no idea who left the letter. They came, handed the money, and left immediately. I didn't get a clear look at them. That's all I know."
Julian leaned forward, tapping a finger on his chin. "No description at all? Nothing about clothing, voice, height?"
"Nothing," she said solemnly. "I'm sorry. I wish I could give you more."
For a moment, the room was silent except for the distant clatter of voices and laughter from the first floor.
Julian let out a low hum, eyes narrowing. "Typical. Someone wants to hide but still leaves enough breadcrumbs to drive us insane."
Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose. "Dear Lord… please protect us from any danger while we're on duty."
Then, as if remembering something, the woman's eyes lit up. "Oh! I still have the letter! I almost forgot."
Julian, Sebastian, and Wendy leaned in as she carefully unfolded the paper. The writing was neat, deliberate, and chillingly calm. The edges were faintly smudged, suggesting it had been handled roughly before being delivered.
Julian's eyes widened. "Wait… this is the same type of paper that was left behind in the previous murder case!"
Wendy froze mid-note. "You mean… this isn't just about the daughter?"
Sebastian exhaled sharply, jaw tightening. "This ties everything together. Whoever did this isn't sloppy—they're careful, meticulous, and smart. They're playing a game."
Julian smiled faintly, though uneasily. "A dangerous game. But we're already in it."
Wendy bit her lip, glancing between the two men. "So… what do we do now?"
Sebastian's gaze was serious, calculating. "We follow the trail carefully step by step. Whoever left this letter knows we're coming. One wrong move, and it could cost someone their life."
Julian leaned against the table, twirling the paper in his hands. "Step by step, yes. But let's not forget why we're here to protect people, to find answers and I intend to enjoy the chase a little."
Wendy groaned. "Julian, please… this isn't the time for jokes."
Sebastian, his gaze sharp, reminded them both, "Be careful. Danger is inevitable. But we must survive it, together."
Julian's grin returned faintly, tucking the letter into his coat. "Then let's get started. The game is on, and we're already in play."
The three of them descended the staircase together, stepping carefully over the creaking boards. Outside, the mist had lifted slightly, revealing the narrow streets of Starkville. Somewhere out there, the person behind the letter was watching, orchestrating everything like a shadow in the distance.