Chapter 3 Imitation? Reproduce!

dog?

Jason was startled, and he subconsciously thought of the beginning of "Stalker in Cross Street" he had just watched.

In the beginning, the protagonist entered the killer's trap step by step just because he was looking for the landlord's lost dog.

Thinking of this, Jason said half-jokingly.

"You're not my landlord, are you?"

"Um."

"I am your landlord."

A positive answer came from the receiver, causing Jason to frown.

Such a coincidence?

Do not!

Not a coincidence, but an arrangement!

Most likely, when I stayed here, everything was arranged!

And the guy who arranged it all?

Of course it was the guy who made the murder as described in the book!

What the other party wants to do is not just to create murders!

Rather...

Recreate the content of Cross Street Stalker!

Jason's thoughts flashed, and he had a rough guess, but his brows furrowed even tighter.

Because, he has no memory of how to rent here.

He was here as soon as he appeared.

previous memory?

absolutely not!

He doesn't even know the names of the cats and dogs that "he" keeps.

And while Jason was thinking, the voice over the microphone continued.

"I want to meet and talk, can I?"

The other party asked.

"Can."

Jason gave an affirmative answer.

He wants to know more, so he has no reason to refuse.

And the landlord named 'John' came faster than expected.

Just five minutes after Jason put down the receiver, there was a knock on the door—

Boom, boom, boom!

"It's me, John."

The knockers report themselves on the door.

After Jason habitually checked, the door was opened.

This is a man with a seemingly thin body but full of strength. His face is quite handsome, but his beard is unshaven and his hair is so long that it falls on the sides of his cheeks and shoulders, making the other party look decadent. It's even simpler, a pair of jeans and a gray-white long sleeve with some stains on it, making the already decadent counterpart look more lonely.

"Sorry, in order not to be seen, I had to do some extra things."

The other party walked in directly, and after Jason closed the door, he pointed to the stain on his clothes.

Jason nodded noncommittally.

However, his eyes were still fixed on each other.

Jason could clearly feel the dangerous aura of this seemingly decadent and lonely man in front of him, whose whole body was full of 'depressed'.

In the City That Never Sleeps, Jason has seen many such people.

Each is a famous loner.

Of course, he had nothing to do with these people, just met them during delivery.

But this does not prevent Jason from remembering the "old man" and giving him advice: don't mess with such a person, you can't mess with it, if you don't want yourself, including your relatives, friends, and subordinates to be killed, then the old man Honestly stay away.

Would someone steal this guy's dog?

Jason mourned for the other party in his heart.

It was clear that the dog was important to John in front of him.

To put it simply, this is no longer a relationship that has not been provoked.

But... not dying.

As Jason looked at John, this John was looking at Jason.

This was the first time he saw Jason.

Before, when Jason moved in, the administrator of the apartment reported to him, but at that time he was not in the mood to pay attention to it.

He had never seen a writer look like this.

Nearly two meters tall, with strong muscles, his arms are thicker than normal thighs, and he looks more like a wrestler than a writer.

The writer holds the pen and should be suave.

Is Jason holding a pen in front of him?

It will only make you nervous and worried!

Because, they were afraid that Jason would poke the pen into his body!

Is the pen the writer's weapon?

John couldn't help but remember a famous quote.

At this time, he felt that this famous saying was quite reasonable.

Then, he silently took a step back.

Not only was he worried that Jason would violently hurt people, but also because he keenly discovered a sense of fatal danger in Jason's body.

It was an intuition given to him by his former profession.

Intuition that can never go wrong!

Jason and John, the two of them just stood in the hallway looking at each other.

After a full ten seconds, the two moved together.

The two people began to move sideways, and moved to the sofa one step at a time. During this process, their eyes never left each other. They stared at each other's eyes and watched each other's arms, legs and feet alertly. Even after standing beside the sofa, the two of them did not change their actions, and even unconsciously pinched the back of the sofa with their hands.

The sofa can not only be used for sitting, but also for swinging.

Of course, it can also be used as a shield.

Squeak, squeak!

With the sound of the sofa legs rubbing against the floor, Jason and John each dragged the sofa back.

The two didn't stop until they touched the wall behind them.

Then, he sat on the sofa at the same time.

John's body bowed slightly, like a leopard that was charged, and it could burst into flames with the slightest disturbance.

Jason is much more normal, sitting upright with his legs slightly apart, but his feet are slightly moved back in the slippers, covering the curved and buckled toes with the upper of the slippers.

Jason promises that if he pushes his toes hard, he will be able to bounce the first time.

When an accident occurs, he can not only react immediately, but also complete an effective counterattack.

The two fell silent again.

All that was left was the sound from the TV—

"It was reported that this time the murder took place in a remote alley. The poor lady had her arms cut off and was hanged upside down. The body was written: boring, boring, not fun."

"A friend who has watched "Cross Street Stalker" must be familiar with this scene."

"However, this time it is no longer in books, but in reality."

"Someone is imitating the killer in 'Cross Street Stalker' and committing murder."

"Fortunately, we interviewed the author of this book..."

Mosaic pictures are broadcast on the TV, but this seems to make people want to peep.

Then the parsed pictures appeared, with the host's explanation, which made people suddenly have a creepy feeling.

Thrill, fear.

After the combination of the two, the curiosity born is enough to attract people's attention.

Especially with Jason's interview inserted at the end.

Jason's voice did not come out, only a picture.

But this picture kept shaking up and down.

as if something happened

Then, as soon as the screen turned, he returned to the studio.

"We met the 'Cross Street Stalker' writer, but the signal doesn't seem to be good..."

The host continued to speak.

Jason, on the other hand, was not interested in listening.

He just turned off the TV.

A bunch of guys for ratings, what can't be made up?

Even if the other party said that he killed someone, Jason would not be surprised.

After all, it is reasonable for a past author to take risks in order to gain attention.

"I have read your book."

After Jason turned off the TV, John suddenly spoke up.

"how do you feel?"

Jason asked casually.

He wanted to break the silence between the two.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to ask anything at all, let alone get some useful information.

"Description of the corpse, very good."

"Professional!"

"I wondered how you could write such a professional thing before, but now?"

John looked at Jason again as he spoke, and said no more.

Although he didn't say it, the meaning couldn't be more obvious.

"I'm a writer."

Jason emphasized.

Then, I added a sentence in my heart: at least the identity is this.

"I'm just a landlord too."

"A guy who just lost his wife and then got rid of the most precious thing she left me."

John made the same emphasis.

"Your wife?"

Jason asked rightly.

"The disease took her life."

John said sadly.

"Feel sorry."

Jason said sincerely.

He could see that the man in front of him should love his wife very much.

Naturally, he also loves the pets left by his wife.

Listening to Jason's sincere apology, John seemed to open up the conversation.

"After meeting my wife, I chose to retire. I hope to live a simple and peaceful life with my wife, but accidents always happen."

"The illness took her away before."

"I can not do anything."

"Because I'm not a doctor."

"But now that someone has taken away the most precious thing she left me, I think I need to do something."

John said slowly.

"I believe you can do it."

Jason nodded.

"So, we need to find the bastard who stole my dog ​​now - I'm worried about Daisy getting hurt, and I don't want her getting hurt even a little bit."

John said, taking a deep breath.

Then, he continued: "Since he imitates everything in your book, he will naturally call you."

"Um."

Jason didn't object.

Then, he asked curiously.

"How did you lose... her?"

Jason originally meant to say it.

But when the words came to his mouth, he changed it to her.

Jason doesn't mind respecting the pet owner's claims, as long as they're not malicious.

"This morning when I was visiting my wife, Daisy was in the car, and when I returned, Daisy was gone and my car was pried, very professional."

"No fingerprints, no footprints or anything."

"Then, the "Cross Street Stalker" imitated murder case came on the radio, and I naturally thought of you as the author, and I'm also your landlord."

John explained, looking at the only phone in the room.

He was waiting for the impersonator to call.

Then?

He will send the other person to repent.

"imitate?"

"I don't think it's imitation."

After Jason adjusted his sitting position slightly, he said this.

Immediately, John's attention was drawn.

"Since I've lived here and you happen to have another dog, it's not imitation anymore."

"But..."

"Reappear!"

Jason increased his tone and looked at John without blinking.

"The other party wants to reproduce what happened in "Stalker of the Cross Street", and what happened inside is synchronous, the protagonist is lured into the trap step by step by the killer, and the killer also kills the innocent at the same time, And now?"

"Your dog should be near the murder just now!"

As soon as Jason's voice fell, John stood up and was about to walk out.

John couldn't wait to get his Daisy back.

But at this time-

Jingle Bell!

the phone is ringing.

John's footsteps paused, and he looked at the phone.

Jason just picked up the receiver.

"Hey."

"How does it feel to regain the attention?"

A deliberately altered voice appeared.

The other party suppressed that mischievous smile.

Both proud and full of ridicule.

"not so good?"

Jason answered lightly, with a very calm tone.

Such calmness made the voice on the other side pause for a while. The other party didn't seem to expect Jason to be so calm. The other party expected that Jason would feel angry even if he didn't show unease.

But now?

calm.

"Fun! Interesting! So much fun!"

"This is the 'writer' I'm looking forward to!"

"Come on, the game starts!"

The other party let out a laughter mixed with excited gasps, hoarse but extremely excited.

After a full four or five seconds, the laughter stopped.

The other party's deliberately changed voice came again.

"Have you guessed where the dog is?"

"That……"

"We continue."

The voice fell, and there hung up.

Jason kept his initial calm and hung up the phone.

As for the perverted behavior of the person opposite the receiver?

Jason is not surprised.

If it doesn't change, how can it be possible to do such a thing.

only……

Why would such a 'pervert' stare at him?

Or to be more precise, there are so many excellent novels, why choose the novel of his soon-to-be-expired author?

Just to get him noticed again?

This idea appeared in Jason's heart, but he was immediately denied by Jason shaking his head.

He looked at John.

"Together?"

Jason asked.

He needs to go to the scene to see.

Although the police had already been there and most of the valuable clues should have been collected, Jason still wanted to go there and have a look.

After all, he has an unusual way of searching.

He used to be an unqualified 'detective'.

Thinking of his former 'detective' career, he suddenly wanted to eat the cakes that were just baked.

"Can."

John did not refuse.

Jason's performance gave him no reason to refuse.

Moreover, this incident also started because of Jason.

"I've made some preparations, the cops staring here should be distracted."

When going out again, John told Jason.

And, when he went out, he bent down directly.

Outside the apartment is a single-sided corridor, and the line of sight passes through the cement fence on one side, and you can directly see the street below.

John is walking against this fence at the moment.

Then, when he turned to look at Jason, he found that Jason appeared on his side at some point.

quietly!

John shuddered.

He had tried his best to overestimate Jason, but at this time, he realized that he still seemed to underestimate Jason.

At first glance, Jason was the kind of person who was strong and suitable for frontal assault, but at the moment he was as dexterous as a cat... No, no, not a cat, but a strong leopard.

Maybe a rhino?

John looked at Jason's strong figure and quickly changed the adjective.

Then, he looked at Jason's big pants, pajamas, and slippers again.

John tried to remind Jason but ended up saying nothing.

At this time, finding Daisy is the most important thing.

Jason and John go hand in hand.

The two easily came to the parking lot behind the apartment.

There is an outdated vintage car parked here.

Not a classic car.

It's a sedan with a three-color strip, but it looks more like a muscle sports car.

"The car is nice."

Jason commented.

He is a qualified 'postman' and knows a lot about cars.

Although he couldn't name the brand of the car in front of him, he could see that the car in front of him was not only well maintained, but also refitted in many places.

For faster modification.

After Jason opened the passenger's door and sat in, he confirmed this even more.

The front row remains the same, and all unnecessary things in the rear row are removed.

Including, seat.

This is for weight loss.

However, just after Jason got in, the car tilted slightly.

Jason is bigger than he appears to be.

John glanced at his car with a little heartache, then stepped on the accelerator.

hum!

Suddenly, the whole car broke out with that unique roar, just like a beast on land, rushing straight out with a roar.

Without further inquiries, John, who had already investigated clearly, drove straight to the scene of the murder: Olive Street.

Olive Street, located in the North District of Cherry City, is a street in the old city.

It used to be brilliant here.

But with the passage of time and the migration of the wealthy, the South District replaced the North District, and Olive Street became a lot more dilapidated. Those shops that looked quite fashionable at the time now represent backwardness.

The low-cost apartments one by one provide cheap accommodation for many civilians and migrant workers.

The body was found in the alley between the apartments.

As described in the book, here is a narrow, dark alley.

Even worse.

The sunlight was completely blocked by the apartments on both sides, and there was no light shining in, making it not only dark, but also a little cold, and the residual smell of blood kept penetrating the noses of those who approached.

Jason saw the cordon pulled up by the police in the distance.

Several police officers were standing there, guarding the scene and blocking approaching reporters.

The reporters buzzed around like flies that smelled blood.

And those who live here are worried and apprehensive.

Jason believes that more police officers are investigating, asking for confessions, and at the same time comforting local residents.

He glanced at John.

"Daisy? Daisy?"

John shouted impatiently.

Too bad no response was heard.

After John pointed his eyes at Jason, he immediately searched the surroundings.

He had also read the book Cross Street Stalker, and according to the description in the book, his dog should have been near the murder scene.

And Jason?

He slowly approached the crime scene.

Of course, the cordon was not crossed.

Jason stood behind the crowd, looking beyond the cordon and looking in, like a crowd of reporters.

However, compared to those reporters who leaned in their upper body and wished they could observe the murder scene more closely, Jason stood up straight.

He's tall, not crowded, and can see what's inside.

A blue plastic sheet.

This large blue plastic sheet not only surrounded the end, but also blocked everyone's sight, so people could only guess what was going on inside.

Jason subconsciously looked up at the apartments on both sides.

It was blocked in front of you.

What about high places?

Then, Jason saw a few people probing their brains in the apartment. Judging from the way these people dressed, they should also be reporters, and their faces were annoyed.

Obviously, this blue plastic sheet should completely block all sight.

Of course, not everyone.

Except for the police, at least two people will not be blocked.

The person who first discovered the crime scene will not.

and also……

Naturally, the murderer who set up the crime scene would not.

The former should still be recording statements in the police station at this time, while the latter?

Jason directly activated the sense of death!

His eyes glanced around.

Some murderers have a high chance of returning to the scene of their crime.

Especially the kind of conceited people do.

They are happy to see the police working in vain, and they prefer to see the horror of the people around them.

Even, some clues will be created to confuse the investigators.

In the phone call just now, judging from the other party's words, it is very similar to such a person.

It's just that Jason looked around for a week. Except for the police, he didn't see anyone who was infected with the death energy at the end, but the residue of death energy was very clear.

Undoubtedly, the end of the alley is not the first crime scene.

The other party just used it as a stage for self-show, and the real crime scene was elsewhere.

And what remains now?

It should be where John's dog was placed.

Jason walked along the remnants of death.

Soon, he walked from the murder scene to the alley next door.

Different from the alley just now, the apartments on both sides of this alley are one high and one low, and the sunlight just shines from the lower side, reflecting on the walls and glass of the apartment on one side.

The reflected sunlight brightens the equally narrow place.

Under the light, the darkness suddenly dissipated.

It's only one floor apart, but it feels like being in two worlds.

The alley just now was full of panic.

It's full of afternoon comfort here.

Jason, who was walking here, did not hide his whereabouts. He walked openly in the sight of everyone.

In the afternoon, a tall and sturdy man who could not completely hide his muscles even in pajamas, wearing big pants and slippers, walking in the dense apartment area, is undoubtedly conspicuous and eye-catching.

Many people stared at Jason, but no one went up.

Jason is tall and strong enough to scare most people off.

Therefore, Jason came to the end of the dead air quite smoothly: a cardboard box.

The cardboard box in front of him was stained with residues from before, and inside the cardboard box there was a stronger sense of death.

Jason narrowed his eyes, and he instantly guessed something.

At this time, John, who had searched the other side, came. When he saw the cardboard box, he immediately passed Jason and rushed towards the cardboard box.

Standing in front of the cardboard box, this depressed man stretched out his hands slightly trembling and slowly opened the cardboard box.

Inside the carton, a puppy is curled up inside.

There is no breath.

"Daisy!"