Dog?

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

In that beginning, the protagonist is looking for the landlord's lost dog and falls into the killer's trap step by step.

Thinking of this, Jason said half-jokingly.

"You're not going to be my landlord, are you?"

"Hmm."

"I'm your landlord."

An affirmative answer came from the earpiece, causing Jason to frown.

Such a coincidence?

No!

Not a coincidence, but an arrangement!

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

And the guy who arranged it all?

Naturally, it was the guy who caused the murder according to the description in the book!

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

But......

Recreate the content of Crossstreet Stalker!

Jason's mind flickered, and he had a rough guess, but his brow furrowed even tighter.

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

He was here as soon as he appeared.

Previous memories?

Not at all!

Even the cats and dogs that 'him' raised, he doesn't know the names of them now.

And as Jason pondered, the voice on the other side of the microphone continued.

"I'd like to meet and talk, is that okay?"

The other party asked.

"Yes."

Jason replied in the affirmative.

He wanted to know more, and as such, he had 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—

Knock, knock!

"It's me, John."

The knocker declares himself to be at the door.

Jason habitually did the inspection, and then opened the door.

This is a man who seems to be thin, but full of strength, with a very handsome face, but a scruffy beard, and long hair, which is so long that it is scattered on the sides of his cheeks and shoulders, making the other party look a sense of decadence, and the clothes on his body are even simpler, a pair of jeans and an off-white long sleeve, and there are some stains on it, which makes the already decadent other party look more lonely.

"I'm sorry, but I had to do something superfluous to keep people from seeing."

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

Jason nodded noncommittally.

However, their eyes were still fixed on each other.

Jason could clearly feel the dangerous aura of the seemingly decadent, lonely, and 'depressed' man in front of him.

In the 'City That Never Sleeps', Jason has seen a lot of such people.

Each one is a famous lone ranger.

Of course, he didn't have any dealings with these people, but he had met them when he was making deliveries.

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

Would someone steal such a person's dog?

Jason was silent for the other party from the bottom of 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 is not provoked.

But...... It's not going to die.

While Jason was looking at John, this John was also looking at Jason.

It was the first time he had met Jason.

Before, when Jason moved in, the administrator of the apartment reported to him, but he was in no mood to pay attention to this at the time.

He had never seen a writer look like this.

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

The writer holds the pen and should be suave.

Jason in front of him with a pen?

It just makes people nervous and worried!

Because, they are afraid that Jason will poke the pen into their body!

Is the pen a writer's weapon?

John couldn't help but think of a famous quote.

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

Then, silently, he took a step back.

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

It's an instinct given to him by his former profession.

You can't go wrong with your intuition!

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

After a full ten seconds, the two moved together.

In this process, the eyes of the two have never left each other, staring at each other's eyes, and looking at each other's arms, legs and feet, even after standing next to the sofa, the two have not changed this action, and even, unconsciously pinched the back of the sofa with their hands.

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

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

Squeak, squeak!

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

It wasn't until they touched the wall behind them that the two stopped.

Then, at the same time, I sat down on the sofa.

John's body bowed slightly, like a leopard with strength, capable of erupting at the slightest movement.

Jason, on the other hand, was much more normal, sitting up straight, his legs slightly apart, but his feet were slightly moved back inside the slippers, and the upper of the slippers was used to cover the bent, buttoned toes.

Jason assured that if he pressed his toes, he would be able to bounce up as soon as possible.

When an accident happens, he is not only able to react immediately, but also to complete an effective counterattack.

The two fell silent again.

All that's left is the voice on the TV—

"According to reports, this time the murder took place in a remote alley, where the poor lady had her arms cut off and hung upside down, and the body was written: boring, boring, not fun."

"Friends who have watched "Cross Street Stalker" must be familiar with this scene."

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

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

"We were fortunate enough to interview the author of the book......"

The TV was showing a mosaic, but it seemed to make people want to peep more.

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

Irritation, fear.

When the two are combined, the curiosity is enough to attract people's attention.

Especially the interview with Jason inserted at the end.

Jason's voice didn't come out, just a picture.

And this one picture is still shaking up and down.

It's as if something has happened

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

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

The moderator continued.

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

He turned off the TV.

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

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

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

"I've read your book."

After Jason turned off the TV, John suddenly spoke.

"How does it feel?"

Jason asked casually.

He wanted to break the silence between the two.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to ask anything, let alone get some useful information.

"The description of the corpse is very good."

"Professional!"

"I wondered how you could write something so professional, but now?"

John said and glanced at Jason again, and said no more.

I didn't say it, but it couldn't be more obvious.

"I'm a writer."

Jason emphasized.

Then, in the bottom of my heart, I added: 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 with."

John also emphasized.

"Your wife?"

Jason asked appropriately.

"The disease took her life."

John said gloomily.

"I'm sorry."

Jason said sincerely.

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

Naturally, he will also love the pets left by his wife.

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

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

"The disease took her away before."

"There's nothing I can do."

"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'm sure you can do it."

Jason nodded.

"So, we need to get the bastard who stole my dog out now - I'm worried about Daisy getting hurt, and I don't want her to get hurt in the slightest, even if it's a little."

John said, taking a deep breath.

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

"Hmm."

Jason didn't refute.

Then, he asked curiously.

"How did you lose it...... Her? ”

Jason was going to say it.

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

Jason doesn't mind respecting the pet owner's claims, as long as the other person has no malicious intent.

"This morning, when I was going to see my wife, Daisy stayed in the car, and when I returned, Daisy was gone, and my car was pried in, very professionally."

"There were no fingerprints, no footprints and all the other traces."

"Then, the radio came to the parody murder of Cross Street Stalker, and I naturally thought of you as the author, and besides, I am also your landlord."

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

He was waiting for the copycat to call.

And then?

He will send the other person to repentance.

"Imitation?"

"I don't think it's a parody."

Jason said after adjusting his sitting position slightly.

Immediately, John's attention was attracted.

"Since I've lived here and you happen to have another dog, it's no longer an imitation."

"It's ......"

"Reappear!"

Jason accentuated his tone, his eyes unblinking, looking at John.

"The other party wants to recreate what happened in "Cross Street Stalker", and what happened in it is synchronized, 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 that murder!"

As soon as Jason's words fell, John stood up and prepared to walk out.

John couldn't wait to get his Daisy back.

But at this very moment-

Jingle bells!

The phone rang.

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

Jason picked up the earpiece directly.

"Hey."

"How does it feel to regain attention?"

A deliberately changed voice appeared.

The other party suppressed that mischievous smile.

Both smug and sarcastic.

"Not how?"

Jason replied lightly, his tone very calm.

And this calmness made the voice on the other side pause, the other party didn't seem to expect Jason to be so calm, and the other party expected Jason to be angry even if he didn't show uneasiness.

Can now?

Calm.

"Interesting! Interesting! It's so much fun! ”

"That's the 'writer' I'm looking for!"

"Come on, come on, the game is on!"

The other party let out a laugh mixed with excited gasps, the kind that was hoarse but extremely excited.

It took a full four or five seconds for the laughter to stop.

The other party's deliberately changed voice came again.

"You've already guessed where the dog is, right?"

"That ......"

"Let's move on."

When the words fell, they hung up.

Jason maintained his initial composure and hung up the phone.

As for the perverted behavior of the person on the other side of the earpiece?

Jason wasn't surprised.

How could such a thing be done if it didn't change?

It's just that......

Why would such a 'pervert' target him?

Or to be precise, there are so many excellent ones, why choose him, an author who is about to pass away?

Just to get him noticed again?

This thought appeared in Jason's mind, but Jason immediately shook his head and denied it.

He looked at John.

"Together?"

Jason asked.

He needs to go to the scene and 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 take a look.

After all, he has an unusual way of searching.

He used to be an unqualified 'detective'.

When he thought of his former career as a 'detective', he suddenly wanted to eat the pastry that had just been baked.

"Yes."

John didn't refuse.

Jason's performance made him have no reason to refuse.

Moreover, this incident also started because of Jason.

"I've done some preparation, and the police who are staring at this place should be distracted."

When he went out again, John told Jason.

And, as soon as I went out, I bent down directly.

Outside the apartment is a one-sided hallway, and through the concrete fence on one side, you can directly see the street below.

John was walking against the fence at the moment.

Then, when he looked back at Jason, he realized that Jason had appeared on his side without knowing when.

Silently!

John's heart sank.

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

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

A rhinoceros, perhaps?

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

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

John tried to remind Jason, but in the end he didn't say anything.

At this time, the most important thing is to find Daisy.

Jason and John go hand in hand.

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

There is an old-fashioned car parked here.

Not a classic car.

It's a sedan with a tri-color stripe, but it looks more like a muscular sports car.

"The car is good."

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 modified in many places.

For faster retrofits.

This was confirmed after Jason opened the passenger door and sat in.

The front row is still the same, and the unnecessary things in the back row are all removed.

Including, seats.

This is for weight loss.

However, as soon as Jason got in, the car tilted slightly.

Jason weighs more than he shows.

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

Airplanes!

Suddenly, the whole car erupted with that characteristic roar, like a beast on land, and rushed straight out with a roar.

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

Olive Street, located in the North Side of Cherry City, is a street in the Old Town.

It used to be a glorious place.

But with the passage of time, the migration of the wealthy, the South Quarter replaced the North Side, and Olive Street became much more dilapidated, and the shops that used to look quite fashionable at the time now represent backwardness.

However, the cheap apartments provide cheap accommodation for many civilians and migrant workers.

The body was found in the alley between the apartments.

As depicted in the book, this is a narrow, dark alley.

Even, worse.

The sunlight was completely blocked by the apartments on either side, and not a single light shone in, making it not only gloomy, but also a little cold, and the residual smell of blood kept creeping into the noses of those who approached.

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

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

These journalists are like flies that smell blood, buzzing around.

And those who live here are worried and frightened.

Jason believes that more police officers are investigating and asking for confessions, while also reassuring local residents.

He glanced at John.

"Daisy? Daisy? ”

John couldn't wait to shout.

It's a pity that no response was heard.

John gestured to Jason's eyes, and immediately searched around.

He had also read the book "Cross Street Stalker", which described his dog as being near the scene of the murder.

And Jason?

It was slowly approaching the scene of the murder.

Of course, the cordon was not crossed.

Jason stood behind the crowd, his vision beyond the police cordon and looking in, like a crowd of reporters around him.

However, compared to the reporters who poked their upper body in, eager to get a closer look at the murder scene, Jason stood up straight.

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

A blue plastic sheet.

This wide blue plastic sheet not only encloses the end, but also blocks everyone's view, allowing one to guess what is going on inside.

Jason subconsciously looked up at the apartments on either side.

The front of the eye is blocked.

And what about the heights?

Then, Jason saw several people poking their brains in the apartment, judging by the outfit of these people, who were also supposed to be reporters, and their faces were full of chagrin.

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

Of course, not for everyone.

At least two people will not be blocked, except for the police.

The first person to discover the scene of the crime will not.

And also......

Naturally, the murderer who arranged this crime scene would not.

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

Jason directly turned on the perception of dead air!

His gaze scanned around.

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

Especially the kind of egotistical people who do this.

They are happy to see the futile busyness of the police, and they prefer to see the frightened scenes of those around them.

Even, it will create some clues to confuse the case-handlers.

And in the phone call just now, judging from the words of the other party, it is very similar to such a person.

It's just that Jason looked around, and except for the police, he didn't see a person who was contaminated with a similar death gas to the end, but the residue of death gas was very clear.

Undoubtedly, the end of the alley was not the first place of the crime.

The other party just used it as a stage for self-presentation, and the real place where the crime occurred was somewhere else.

And now the remnants?

It should be the place where the John dog is housed.

Jason walked along the remnants of the dead air.

Soon, he walked from the scene of the murder 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 happens to shine from the low side, reflecting on the walls and glass of the apartment on one side.

The reflection of sunlight brightens up the equally narrow place.

Under the light, the darkness suddenly dissipated.

It's just one floor apart, but it's like you're in two worlds.

The alley just now was filled with panic.

It's full of afternoon comfort.

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

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

Many people stared at Jason, but none of them went up.

Jason's tall, strong stature is enough to scare off most people.

Thus, Jason made it to the end of the dead air quite smoothly: a cardboard box.

The cardboard box in front of me is stained with the residue of the past, and inside the cardboard box there is a stronger dead air.

Jason's eyes narrowed, and he guessed something in an instant.

And at this time, John, who had finished searching the other side, arrived, and when he saw the cardboard box, he immediately crossed Jason and rushed to 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 cardboard box, a puppy is curled up inside.

There was no breath anymore.

"Daisy!"