Ethan investigated the neighbours while Ivory was still in hospital.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmxVeCNn5C
"So, you've seen nothing?" Ethan sighed when another lady who lived near Ivory shook her head.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieBKYO8kwa
Ethan continued to question the neighbours about the stalker who had somehow managed to break into Ivory's house in broad daylight. But his hope started to fade when everyone denied having seen anything unusual.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEseK4TSB8Y
Ethan was about to return when a girl caught his eye. She looked barely out of her teens, and what grabbed Ethan's attention was the way she was looking at him: frustrated and scornful.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2Q377wQCF
Ethan took a step towards her, but she immediately turned her back to him, not bothering to hide the annoyance on her face.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpqDUnlRw8
"Please wait for a moment", said Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZqggruTRz
"What do you want?" the girl snapped back, her eyes narrowed and arms crossed across her chest.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfcRFxnuGd
"Sorry for the inconvenience. Could you please help me?" asked Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvckfgCIceL
The girl raised an eyebrow. "If you want to ask me about the 'mysterious shadow' that appeared and then vanished, then I don't know anything about it", she said, making air quotes.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPLICxNZ9F
Ethan approached slowly, smiling lightly at her attitude despite the situation. "And why do you think that I'm going to ask about that?"
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm54TDl2cC
The girl shrugged casually. "It's obvious. You asked everyone about that; I heard a few conversations."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzZjDZlAN9
"I see. What's your name?" asked Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvyShPAnR8
The girl narrowed her eyes again for a moment before answering simply, "Hazel."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW9O6jaq2c
"And why were you looking at me like that, Hazel?" asked Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP6gOCbtOB
"Like what?" she replied, annoyed.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08S4J9CuQj
"You know what I mean- like you hate me or something", said Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiWYjT2Nbi
Hazel rolled her eyes. "It's because I don't like you", she said bluntly.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycFXinjhkk
"Why? You don't even know me-"
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28QyWhoFvQ
Before Ethan could finish his sentence, she interrupted, "Because you're trying to find Mark's killer. He doesn't deserve justice!"
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb87QqoogR
"Why?" asked Ethan, confused.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUjxt04Td9
"Because that guy was a complete asshole, and he deserved what happened to him," she said and walked away, not sparing Ethan another look.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XnUcyRaZx
Ethan didn't immediately pursue her, understanding that going after an edgy teenager right after the tense conversation won't help him get any information out of her.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOYpEu1qGt
Instead, he began questioning other neighbours about something entirely different... About Mark's and Ivory's relationship, to get any hint of why Hazel hated Mark so much.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aOK1a8YyA
He questioned almost everyone he could find, but most of their answers aligned closely, stating that they were a sweet couple, which even Ethan used to believe based on their relationship back in college. Ethan himself had seen this dynamic when they were in college together.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVn6UROpVs
But while he was questioning a middle-aged woman, she let something important slip unconsciously.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPnVOX4i1r
"Heated moments?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd6wHIg82B
"Hm, though Mark was very charming and Ivory was so sweet, I have once or twice caught a glimpse of them arguing at the door", she said, pausing for a moment, thinking deeply. "Mark didn't like Ivory working overtime because it affected his sleep schedule. And he especially hated Ivory banging on the door late night. Once, Mark fell asleep, and Ivory had to bang the door for half an hour straight. Finally, when Mark opened the door, they had a heated argument."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcetIAPl5LG
"Hmm... Did you see it yourself?" asked Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoEuWNXopV
"Yeah, I live next to Ivory, and sometimes I'd wake up because of her banging on the door. But apart from that, they were a really nice couple. Besides, Mark always waited for Ivory like a good husband", she replied
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfVXdreDCM
"Mark always waited for her...", Ethan muttered to himself lost in thought when suddenly the looked up at the woman, his eyes slightly widening and mouth slightly parting as he realised something
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2RrC0MJOm
"Why did Ivory bang the door? Why not just use her own key?" asked Ethan
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd084wHM9X
"She told me she lost her key," said the woman
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaU9GptNlg
"Do you know when she lost her key?" asked Ethan almost immediately.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqE9TUT0RL
"I'm sorry. I don't know when exactly she lost her key", said the woman
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNhjo2F420
"Please try to remember ma'am. Any vague information would help me", said Ethan
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OvYRAWEUb
"I think... a month before Mark's death", she said thoughtfully, quickly adding "But I can't say for sure."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQIdOtrHBS
Ethan replayed the conversation in his head when he first met Ivory after Mark's murder. She had told him that she unlocked the door herself while entering the house, which meant she had the key on the day of Mark's murder. So, when did she find the key back?
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDqjSCRo1E
"Do you remember the last time they fought over this, or anything you might have witnessed? Anything at all?" asked Ethan, desperation evident in his voice.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UGh341hwV
"Umm... I can't say for sure, but I think maybe a week before the incident. I was woken up by Ivory knocking down the door when Mark fell asleep", she said.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcITPguY38
"A week ago...", Ethan muttered to himself. "Thank you for your help, ma'am", he said to the lady before walking back to his car.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVxZKA1lWB
"Ivory lost the key a month before Mark's death... and she didn't get it back even a week before he died. But somehow, she had it on the day he was killed", Ethan muttered to himself, the thought nagging at him.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi7G1ehtU8
Ethan drove to the hospital to meet Ivory. He entered and enquired about her, but was met by a nurse.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI4KBecqYh
"I'm sorry, sir. You can't meet Ms Ivory yet", said the nurse.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnAZk27sfr
"Why? Is she alright?", asked Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlAcCVSDlP
"Yes, sir. She's not critical, but she's under observation", said the nurse.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNJsIgCkOA
"But it's been nearly four hours now. What's the issue?" asked Ethan, this time more firmly.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMewZ9c9vh9
"She underwent a minor surgery, sir", said the nurse.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduH3juTAbU
"A minor surgery shouldn't take this long. Was she injured?" asked Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpKcIaHGhA
"No, sir. I don't think she was badly injured, but her heartbeat was fading. Surgery has been completed, but the doctor said she shouldn't meet anyone right away, or it may trigger trauma", said the nurse.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BER3eFlI6
"Can you give me the exact reports?" asked Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtngOjDmsb
"I'm sorry, sir, I can't. You can ask Dr. Natalie later", said the nurse, her voice shaking slightly under Ethan's gaze.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvfhyWy3Mp
"Why later? I want to meet her now", said Ethan, narrowing his eyes.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHThLL4nHp
"She's very tired after the surgery. Besides, she was really worried. You can meet her in a few hours", said the nurse.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw66ZDsUjLK
"Fine then, I'll come back later," Ethan said, and he turned to walk away, but paused, looking back, "You said she didn't have any injuries or wounds, right?"
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0IwWbfTub
"Y-yes, sir", said the nurse.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxVsuDtIVR
"No cuts or wounds? Nothing at all?" Ethan asked, his voice sharp.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QszOxREN3
"I don't know all the details", the nurse replied, swallowing hard. "She was unconscious when they brought her here."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU47ySnJDqo
Ethan turned to face the nurse again, looking directly into her eyes.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl7zSZMkkp
"But you said she wasn't injured. Did you see her yourself?" asked Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlqpvUSclD
The nurse shifted uncomfortably, clutching her hands together.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx681Ttup6c
"Yes, sir, I did see her. But she was taken to the operating room immediately, which is why I don't know the details."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXMZwJ2uzD
Ethan nodded slowly, a deep frown etched on his face. He turned and walked away, the unspoken questions still hanging in the air.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xKwBHC4Ql
Ethan drove back to Ivory's house, but he didn't go in. Instead, he stayed in his car, pulling out a suitcase that was always kept there. As a detective, he had a whole month of experience, skills, and gear ready for whatever came his way.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxAgsXhMwB
Ethan made a call to a number he had stored, requesting a check on Ivory's phone locations for the whole month before the murder. He began to see patterns, knowing that he didn't need hourly data, just the overall picture would suffice for now.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjgmsCC7tr
Under normal circumstances, this task would have taken days. But over the past five years, Ethan had built a solid network of contacts, and he knew exactly who to call.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtPXg9tSnt
Within a few hours, he had the data he requested, but it wasn't very helpful. It simply replayed the same story everyone had told: Ivory went to the office and came back late, just as she had said. Nothing seemed unusual. Everything was, in a word, perfect. Too perfect.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDaMICK6fR
Meanwhile, the police continued their own investigation. They questioned Mark's colleagues, and others who worked in the theatre and Ivory's colleagues as well, to determine if any of them had connections to the stalker.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp4SqtXwrH
Ethan used his influence and authority to gain the trust of the police force, and made them share their investigation data with him. They respected his intellect and past accomplishments. And Ethan was hired by Ivory herself which also made it look like some sort of obligation. Besides, the pressure was growing, and the police, desperate to solve the case, were eager to find the solution quickly.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gRFJIUoNp
The police shared their investigation reports with Ethan. No one seemed suspicious, as everyone had proof of their whereabouts, their activities, and who they had contacted.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRqj8tlk9D
The police had also checked who had been contacted by both Mark's and Ivory's colleagues in the last two days and if there was anything suspicious about that but that didn't help either.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYxJPP0yoW
Nothing seemed out of place, apart from one small detail. Mark's colleagues were more familiar with Ivory because she often visited him at the theatre. In contrast, Ivory's own colleagues didn't have much information about her personal life, they said that she was mostly quiet and didn't talk much.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IDP0bUpg9
Neither the police nor Ethan found anything disturbing at either of the workplaces. No one who knew Mark or Ivory had left their office that morning. The locations of all their colleagues were confirmed by their coworkers and the essential attendance data kept by the office. This meant that none of them could be the stalker, because the stalker had appeared that same morning while they were all still at work.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3iJ7jrnU7
It was too dark by the time Ethan visited the hospital again. This time, he was able to meet Ivory, and a police officer accompanied him.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddpeBzNazW
"Hey... are you feeling better now?" Ethan asked gently.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTDL2FuHH9
"Yeah, I feel much better now", Ivory replied, smiling slightly. Her voice was still a little hoarse.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObiLFbNRhz
Ethan sat beside her. "Ivory, can you tell me what happened today?"
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2wMTYQAlx
Ivory nodded. "I was about to leave for the hospital when I spotted him in my front yard. I was too scared to think, so I ran back, dropping all my things while frantically trying to call you. In my panic, I didn't realize I'd left the door open. The last thing I saw was him closing the distance between us, and the next moment, everything went black. I can't even say for sure if he was walking towards me way too slowly or if my mind just played a trick on me."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKI1eWH3zY
"Hmm... did you see his face?" Ethan asked.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ1TqqILfm
Ivory shook her head. "His face was covered; even his head was covered."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuYoDM41wZ
"I understand. Get some rest and let me know if you need anything", Ethan said softly. "I'll go see the doctor", he said, heading toward Dr. Natalie's office. The police officer followed behind him.
________________________________________________________________________________
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrUVU0Icyq
In Dr. Natalie's Office :
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdFQFVSMQd
"What exactly happened to her?" Ethan asked. The officer stood behind him, jotting down every detail.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJZp2OF5ha
"Her heart stopped for a while, and she was lucky to be brought in just in time. She also underwent a minor surgery", the doctor said.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8d9nkQPzX
"You said it was a minor surgery, but it took more than nine hours?" Ethan asked, narrowing his eyes.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAYlPaBwJk
"No, the surgery was completed long before that. But given the trauma and shock she was in, it was important for us to keep her under observation. She was not in any condition to meet anyone- especially to answer any questions", the doctor said calmly.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kUIVzo3rA
"Did she have any other injuries, like a cut or a wound?" Ethan asked.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIollN8yxlr
"No, she didn't have any significant injuries. She likely panicked and passed out, hitting her head in the process. Thankfully, her head wasn't seriously injured", Dr. Natalie said.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFvgUwFl5s
"So, he didn't hurt her. Why, then, did he show up in broad daylight? Wasn't that too big a risk to take?" Ethan thought to himself.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90Z8iFZd5l
"Can you discharge Ivory?" asked Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPIGMwfzzx
"I'm sorry, I can't. She needs to be under observation for at least one or two weeks," Dr. Natalie answered.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mRjKUCBfi
"Why? Wasn't that a minor surgery?" Ethan asked.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDfNBFsR4x
"Yes, it was", she said calmly. "But given the circumstances under which all of this happened, getting back to the same place immediately may trigger memories or trauma. That's why she needs to be under observation. Besides, her heart condition has worsened over time and it's important for her to feel safe in such a sensitive situation", Dr. Natalie said.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqV1a30ddz
Ethan sighed partially agreeing with her.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH3RyGNoTq
"I understand. I'll visit her tomorrow", said Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8rZH7qSOC
Natalie nodded and Ethan walked outside along with the officer.
________________________________________________________________________________
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhE6mKN7hY
Outside the hospital :
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8sNTYIED8
"Ethan, do you think there's any chance this 'stalker' isn't real, but just a made-up excuse?" the officer asked.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh6oqo4nOI
Ethan sighed thoughtfully, as if fighting an internal turmoil. "I saw him myself last night, outside Ivory's window. It wasn't a clear face-just a silhouette. It was faint, but I'm sure someone was there. And he just disappeared in a few minutes."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqOOfsbykP
"He disappeared?" asked the officer confused.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwly2Qf2BY
"Yeah, kindof. When I wasn't looking. He was way too fast, almost like he wasn't human", sighed Ethan.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrzi1cxIjL
"It doesn't really makes sense. If this stalker wanted to hurt her, he has the perfect chance. But he didn't touch her. Not a scratch. Just stood there and vanished?" said the officer.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5lgzJp0n4
"I think he wanted to show us his power and presence by appearing like that in broad daylight. And that certainly shows his confidence and precision to pull off something like without anyone noticing or leaving a trace", said Ethan pausing for a second before continuing, "Or it could be worse... Maybe the stalker knows her. It could be someone from the past who's obsessed with her or maybe someone we're missing yet."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GuwFwP2oX
"So, you're implying that it could be someone we haven't investigated yet?" the officer asked.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLEMsAIT66
"Yes, there are too many people. Neighbors, many colleagues... hell, even friends we don't know about", Ethan said.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXMznfoJgp
"Then we cut the list down", the officer replied. "Start with those who live close enough to appear and disappear without anyone noticing."
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw28gTeCtto
Ethan nodded and both went on their respective ways.
________________________________________________________________________________
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJkfgMZ4Hj
Next day :
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn5j5VE1S4
Ethan visited Ivory in the hospital. He sat beside her.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNWZ5LJMLp
"Hey, how are you feeling?" Ethan asked softly.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARDDBUfeUR
"Better", replied Ivory, smiling.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8dVkMCiIA
"If you feel something off, you can tell me. I'm here to help you", Ethan said, smiling back at her.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k6JojCqFn
"I know. Thank you, Ethan", replied Ivory.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwGUBHVMkK
After talking for a few more minutes, they were both at peace when Ethan casually spoke out of nowhere.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pjUqf9o7z
"So, when did you find the key back?"
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv18LrK1usM
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSayQIlgGEy
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTIF7S8Z5K
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFux9ObnrEF
AUTHOR'S NOTE: IF YOU LIKE THE STORY SO FAR, PLEASE CONSIDER ADDING IT TO YOUR LIBRARY SO THAT YOU DON'T LOSE IT.🎀❣️ AND IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, THOUGHTS OR JUST WANT TO CHAT ABOUT THE STORY (OR ANYTHING WRITING-RELATED), YOU'RE MORE THAN WELCOME TO DROP A MESSAGE. I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. 💓❤️❤️
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjHP4e1478
and then Add to home screen.