Over the next few days, they delved deeper into the investigation, interviewing witnesses and analyzing evidence. Each time they worked together, the chemistry simmered just beneath the surface, but they kept it professional, each of them wrestling with their growing feelings.
Pandy and Do-Hyun later met with Kim at the precinct, their minds buzzing with the new information. The air was thick with urgency as Pandy briefed him on the latest developments.
“Axel might be our key to understanding the connection between Carla’s death and the recent murders,” she explained, pacing the small room. “Elise remembers him being at the memorial, and he has the same tattoo that we found on the victim.”
Kim leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed in concentration. “The Rusty Nail, right? Let’s check it out. If he’s still hanging around there, we might be able to catch him.”
“Agreed,” Pandy said, feeling a spark of determination. “But we need to be cautious. If he’s connected to the Order, he could be dangerous.”
“I’ll call for backup,” Do-Hyun replied, his voice steady. “We’ll go in, assess the situation, and see if we can get any leads on Axel without tipping him off.”
Pandy appreciated his levelheadedness. As they prepared to leave, she felt a flicker of anxiety, wondering what they might uncover at the bar. But there was also a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. This was their chance to unravel the mystery, and she was ready to face whatever came next.
.
.
The Rusty Nail was a dimly lit bar, the air thick with the scent of stale beer and smoke. As Pandy and Do-Hyun stepped inside, they scanned the crowd, searching for anyone who might resemble the man in the photo.
A jukebox in the corner played an old rock song, the upbeat rhythm contrasting sharply with the dark undertone of the place. The bar was lined with patrons, some lost in their drinks, others engaged in quiet conversations.
“Over there,” Do-Hyun murmured, nodding toward a group of men huddled around a pool table. One of them caught Pandy’s eye. He had the same tall build as Axel, and the tattoo on his arm was unmistakable.
“There he is,” Pandy said, her heart racing. “That’s definitely him.”
Do-Hyun’s expression hardened. “We need to approach carefully. Let’s not create a scene.”
They walked toward the pool table, keeping their voices low. Pandy felt her adrenaline surge as they got closer, acutely aware of Axel’s presence.
“Excuse me,” Do-Hyun said, stepping forward. “Axel, right?”
The man turned, surprise flashing across his face. “Who wants to know?”
Pandy took a step forward, her voice steady. “We need to talk to you about Carla’s death and some recent murders. We believe you might have information that could help.”
Axel’s expression shifted, a mix of defensiveness and curiosity. “I don’t know anything about that.”
“Then why were you at the memorial?” Pandy pressed, keeping her tone firm. “And what’s the meaning behind that tattoo?”
For a moment, he hesitated, glancing at his friends who were watching closely. “I don’t want any trouble,” he finally said, his voice low.
“Neither do we,” Do-Hyun replied, his tone calm yet authoritative. “But you’re in a dangerous position. You could be the key to solving this case. If you cooperate, it could help you.”
Axel’s gaze flickered between them, the tension palpable. “I can’t talk about it here,” he said finally, lowering his voice. “Let’s step outside.”
Pandy exchanged a glance with Do-Hyun, who nodded. This was their opportunity, and they couldn’t afford to let it slip away.
As they stepped out into the cool night air, Pandy felt a surge of determination. Whatever Axel had to say, it could change everything. They were one step closer to uncovering the truth, but she knew they had to tread carefully.
“Alright, Axel,” she said, her voice firm. “What do you know?”
Axel leaned against the wall outside The Rusty Nail, his posture tense as he glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. The street was dimly lit, the faint sound of laughter and music still audible from inside the bar. Pandy and Do-Hyun stood close, ready for whatever revelations he might offer.
“I didn’t want to be involved in any of this,” Axel began, his voice barely above a whisper. “After Carla’s death, things got complicated. People were asking questions, and I didn’t have answers. The Order of the Veiled… they don’t take kindly to loose ends.”
Pandy’s heart raced. “You know about the Order? What do they have to do with Carla?”
Axel shifted uncomfortably, the weight of the past pressing down on him. “Carla was different. She got too close to something she shouldn’t have. I tried to warn her, but she wouldn’t listen. She was convinced there was a story there, something big.”
“What kind of story?” Do-Hyun interjected, his voice steady. “You need to be clear, Axel. Lives are at stake here.”
Axel swallowed hard, glancing around again. “There were whispers about a ritual—a way to summon something dark. Carla was writing a piece for her journalism class about it. She thought it was just an urban legend, but…”
“But it’s real,” Pandy finished for him, her pulse quickening. “What happened next?”
“I don’t know everything,” he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. “But she found out that members of the Order were still active in town. They were planning something, and she got too close. She started receiving threats.”
“Threats from whom?” Pandy pressed, sensing the urgency in the air.
Axel rubbed the back of his neck, anxiety evident in his demeanor. “I don’t remember names, but I remember their faces. They were always lurking around, watching her. After she died, I couldn’t shake the feeling that they were involved. That it was no accident.”
“So the recent murders… are they connected to Carla’s case?” Do-Hyun asked, his voice calm but insistent.
“Definitely,” Axel replied, his voice barely audible. “There are patterns, similar symbols left behind. It’s like they’re trying to send a message. But I don’t know what that message is.”
Pandy felt a chill run down her spine as she processed Axel’s words. “You have to help us, Axel. We need to find out what they’re planning. If you know anything about their activities or their members, now is the time to speak up.”
“I don’t have much,” Axel said, shaking his head. “But I’ve seen them meeting in the old warehouse by the docks. They think they’re hidden from the world, but it’s a dangerous game they’re playing. I can’t go back there—I’m too exposed. They know my face.”
Pandy exchanged a glance with Do-Hyun, who seemed to be weighing the information carefully. “If you help us, we can protect you,” Do-Hyun offered. “But we need solid evidence to take down the Order. We can’t do it alone.”
Axel hesitated, the conflict clear in his eyes. “I just want to stay out of it. I’ve lost enough already.”
“Think about Carla,” Pandy urged, her voice softening. “She’s gone, but we can honor her memory by stopping this. By ensuring no one else suffers the same fate.”
Axel’s resolve began to crack. “Okay. I’ll give you what I know. But if I’m caught… I can’t go back to that life.”
“Just tell us what you can,” Do-Hyun replied, his tone reassuring. “We’ll take it from there.”
Axel nodded, glancing back at the bar before speaking again. “They hold their meetings every Wednesday night. I’ve seen some of the members; they’re always dressed in black—almost like they’re hiding from the world. But there’s one who stands out. A woman. I think she’s their leader. Her name is Selene.”
Pandy felt her stomach drop. “Selene. The same woman we’ve been investigating.”
“Exactly. She’s been involved with them for years,” Axel said, his voice thick with unease. “She has a reputation for being ruthless. If she’s in charge, this is bigger than I thought.”
“Do you have any idea what their plan is?” Pandy asked, her heart racing.
“Not for sure. But there’s talk about a ‘rebirth.’ They believe they can tap into some dark power,” Axel explained, his voice trembling with fear. “I thought it was just a myth, but now… I’m not so sure. I think they’re trying to complete a ritual.”
Pandy exchanged another glance with Do-Hyun, her mind racing. The pieces were starting to come together, and with them, a terrifying realization dawned.
“We need to get this information back to the precinct,” Do-Hyun said, pulling out his phone. “We can strategize how to move forward, and ensure your safety.”
Pandy turned back to Axel. “Stay close to your phone. If we find anything out or need you to identify anyone, we’ll reach out. But you have to promise me you’ll stay low for now. Don’t draw attention.”
“I promise,” Axel said, his voice barely above a whisper.
As they walked back to the car, Pandy felt the weight of the world pressing down on her. They had uncovered vital information, but it also meant stepping into a dangerous web of secrets and shadows. The hunt for Selene and the Order of the Veiled had just escalated, and they were now in a race against time.

---
Back at the precinct, Pandy and Do-Hyun entered the investigation room, determination etched on their faces. Livvy looked up from her computer, sensing the urgency in the air.
“What did you find?” she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
“We have a lead on Axel,” Pandy began, relaying everything they had learned. “He claims that Selene is the leader of the Order, and they’re planning a ritual tied to Carla’s death. They meet every Wednesday at the old warehouse by the docks.”
Livvy’s eyes narrowed as she processed the information. “If we can get surveillance on that warehouse, we might be able to catch them in the act. But we need to move quickly; they could change plans at any moment.”
“Agreed,” Kim replied, his voice steady. “Let’s prepare a team and gather as much intel as we can before the next meeting. We can’t afford any mistakes.”
As they strategized, Pandy felt a rush of adrenaline. They were on the brink of uncovering the truth, but with it came a heavy responsibility. Lives were on the line, and she knew they were stepping into dangerous territory.
“Let’s go over our options,” Frederick Hartson said, focusing on the task ahead. “We need to plan our approach carefully. If the Order is as powerful as Axel suggests, we have to outsmart them.”
With renewed purpose, they began formulating a plan. Pandy could feel the heat of the impending confrontation building, a mixture of excitement and dread. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to uncover the truth and protect those she cared about.