17th september..

It is a rainy day,

the clouds have taken the sky and I feel numb as usual. Drinking my rum daily, even if I am not a pirate of any kind. I wish I was. But not the only thing that I could steal on earth as a detective, is the time of somebody else.

And I do that quite alot.

Since my childhood, I have dreamed to become a detective. Which I am good at doing to the most part, I arrested a man 2 months ago who killed his wife for adultary. That poor bastard never should have married her from the beginning..

And I remember his words. "I loved her, I swear."

Then I handcuffed him, and he now rots in jail.

Ahh.. The life of a man is never safe from prejudice and horror. We have to be strong from the beginning, or else.

We become the monsters we sworn to never be.

I fear the moment where I could find this part of myself in the darkest place.

Since I arrested so many men for doing the unthinkable.

I never killed someone in cold blood like they did, but what if?

What if I turn out like them..

I wish that never happen, and that I have a moment of pure safety from everything of that world..

But, this world is cruel from the get go.

No one is safe.

So, I better stop to hope for the impossible.

Simple but good!

28th september..

The darkest night you could imagine.. And a little more foggy than usual.

Found a dead man in the river.

Poor guy was pale as milk, the fishs might have eaten his flesh for a while.. The coroner told me he died for around 3 days priory. One shot in the head, that's what killed him for sure.

I looked up in his wallet.

Name is Clarence Fisher.. Mmmh.

No criminal record, not even a speeding ticket. Guy is clean.. A little bit too clean to be honest.

Man worked in cars insurances.

Something tells me he got problems with a bigger fish, and that one got rig of him.

This is just a theory.

I will investigate his work place and talk to his spouse soon.

November 1st..

It's getting cold..

I wear my trench coat now, and the wind blows like a silent messenger.

Telling me the case I am on is a dangerous path.. Or.. I might be just crazy..

The spouse of Clarence explained to me she didn't saw him for a week, I went to his car insurence business.

Asked questions.. If he got any trouble with some people, got any enemies?

And they told me a certain man named Frank Davichie had an argument with him once and said he wanted him shot dead.

Here is my lead..

I went straight at the building of Frank Davichie's business. But the secretary told me he left the business for a trip

to go see his family members.

Mmmh, how strange..

I asked when he left town, and she said..

25th september.

The same day Clarence got murdered..

This couldn't be some coincidence, isn't?

Anyway. I don't have cash to go in the airport..

Case closed.

very interesting its gonna be a good one

Night of november 1st..

It's 2 am..

I went to the bar and drink alot..

I figured I needed a treat or two. Didn't calculated that much of what to do now. Since I dropped the case of the murder of Clarence Fisher.. There is time in life where you just know you couldn't do anything..

But..

It wasn't one of those time. Because there was 3 men waiting in the corner of the bar, and strangely looking at me.

They seem to expect me to leave and they were impatient..

I know that..

And they were not taking any drinks..

Just food and water.

I was very aware that drinking alot seemed a bad idea. But I though, maybe they are gonna leave?

No.. They didn't even go to the bathroom and I sure didn't go there too.

Which my bladder was full now.. And it was kinda annoying.

So I step up, the men stop talking and when I finally get outside.

They get out too.

I start walking in the street, where there was light of course.

Not looking behind me, but I hear the footsteps of these bastards on the distance.

It went like this for about 20 long minutes.

My heart pumping faster and faster.

My brain working a plan for this sort of situation..

Then, soon I turn on my right and get out of sight

They quickly start running.

I heard them getting closer and closer.

I grab my gun, and hide somewhere in the darkness.

Wait for the moment of truth.

And the first guy ran in that back alley, completely in the dark. But I can notice his silouette..

I headlock him, and snap his neck.

Then, I wait for the other two to get near on sight.

When they arrive infront of the back alley in hurry.

I heard one of them saying "Phil..?"

The other says "No, get your gun. He's dead."

I suddenly realise that I don't have the upper hand, when I see that the back alley is a dead end.

They point their guns and start shooting.

I drop on the ground..

They shot and missed me.

I shot at them both.

And now, I stand up and go look at their bodies. Check what they got and found a handwritten note with a picture of me.

"Kill that son of a bitch. 50,000$ each."

Well, I guess I need to go to that airport after all.

Interesting progress!

Dang this is pretty good. Get your popcorn folks. ALSO I DARE SOMEBODY TO MAKE THIS INTO AN ANIMATION.

Nevember 2th morning..

I went back to my home after this fight.

Didn't sleep..

Grabbed few stuff and took my saving.. As I was packing up my bag and a bunch of bullets.

I heard a knocks at the door, and suddenly got this weird feeling it wasn't a friendly face on the other side.

I waited..

Another knock knock..

Then I walk close to the door and look in the doorhole.

It was a woman, a pretty one.

Who was she? I though. I almost open up the door and though I needed to find out when..

I hear a man whispiring to her..

"Keep knocking"

Mmh, that guy is using a decoy to remove my guard down.. Damn, now how the hell am I going to get out?

My appartment is in the fifth floor of this building. So I look of the possible options.

I open up the window and look down if there is a ladder or something.

Found out there was one.

I grabbed my bag, my revolver and my bullets. Then soon as I was out and close the window.

The door blast open and two men enter to look around.

I was tired, but my mind still clear some how. I drop down the ladder and finally reach the ground.

Then run to my car, and get out of here.

I drive away from this town, go far and arrive to a forest 500 miles from the big city.

Now what?

I take a moment to lit a cigarette and think of my situation.

I sure got some enemies now..

Somebody who wants me dead for sure, and I ain't gonna let that slip.

Must be somebody in the mafia..

That Davichie..

No, he works in insurance..

Most be someone that he have connection with, who just can do anything in this town..

Fuck..

I am homeless now.

At least I got my car and it's full of gas.

And I can relax in the woods..

I decided to sleep here for now, my energy is way too low for more efforts.

Alright, time to rest alittle.

November 9th..

It's starting to get cold out there..

My time outside of town was painful, didn't try to make any move since I got away. Knowing that the mafia is waiting for me

to make some noises..

They want to know where I am, so I don't even call anyone.

I hate doing that, because it is not my sort of hobby.

I am a man of action, a guy that work hard..

But right now.. I am just a man waiting in his car, eating a sandwich he bought at a gas station.

Well, it is better than be dead like Clarence Fisher..

Still, it piss me off.

I need to figure what to do next.. And manage a plan.

Something that will work..

I guess visiting a old friend of mine will be a good thing.

I am loving this. Usually we would go through a case with a detective's monologue. A diary though, is quite a neat approach.

November 20th..

It would have been our anniversary..

Maria..

Sadly, she died from cancer 5 years ago..

I never though of moving on from that moment.

But things drastically changed when the mafia decided to hunt me down.

And I got to admit it, I kinda wanted to face my enemy and die for it.

But..

My wife would have tell me to never do such a thing though.

To care for my life and etc..

My wife.. She always though it was better to live the best of what you could do..

When I though about that now and then..

She wasn't wrong at all..

I miss her, she was my light through all this darkness.

My only hope..

And even if cancer took her away from me..

She is still permanently present in my memories.

"Happy anniversary Maria.."

I say in the car, as I look at our photo we took together.

The snow started to fall that night..

I was calm..

I was sad..

I needed a hug..

And I needed her now..

I fall asleep after that..

November 22th..

I decided to make a move finally..

Went to see a friend, his name is Garry Woods.

He lives in a mountain far from everyone I know.

My car cannot go in there, since there is no one to remove the snow from the road. I lock it and left my beloved car behind

a large pile of snow.

I walk in the deep forest and feel stranded from everything, pure darkness and only the wind whispering make noise here..

Damn, Garry sure love being alone..

I arrive on the other side of the forest after an hour..

When I see the cabin in the distance, I feel alittle bit more happy.

As I walk in the snow that reach almost all my legs..

I hear a heavy crack noise from behind.

My eyes turn in my back, my heart beat faster than ever.

I look in the dark, but see nothing.

Was I followed?

No.. I would have noticed..

Humans are predictable..

Or.. Was it even human..?

I don't take time to figure it out.

I just keep moving forward and try to forget what was behind me..

Another crack noise..

"Damn.." I say out loud.

I take my revolver and crouch on the ground..

I look in the deep dark of the forest..

I wait..

And wait..

Then..

I see two shiny eyes..

My heart stop from beating for a second..

What the hell is following me in there..?!

I don't make any movement now..

But after 5 seconds my reflex start to take over..

My thumb move to cock the revolver..

I was ready for it..

Ready to shot..

But then..

The two small shiny eyes closed in the darkness..

Gone.

I uncock the revolver, and I wait.

My heart slowly goes back to a normal beat..

That thing was there the whole time..

I feel it..

And now, it leaved me there..

Alone..

With the wind howling..

And..

So, I just moved on..

I keep walking in the snow and when I was far from the forest.

I heard one last cracking noise that echoes from afar.

But I didn't care now.

Then I arrived near the cabin. I give a long sigh of relief.

I walk close to the front door and finally knocks.

The door open up at the same time I knocked.

"John, come in!" Says Garry.

I look down and notice him.

I completely forget Garry was 5'3 tall..

"Hey.. Long time not seen." I throw as I enter and he closes the door behind me.

We sit down close to the heart, were a fire was warming me up instantly.

My feet were cold..

"You must have some bad news for coming here. Tell me John." He says without any hesitation.

"How.. huh yes." I say feeling nervous to answer.

"Now, now.. Tell me everything." He says and give me a warm coffee.

"Well, I think there is someone who wants to kill me." I tell him right away.

"I am not surprise, your job sure doesn't make the bad guys happy about you." I says with a smile.

We both laugh..

I tell him everything, Garry was a good little guy. Old but with a heart of gold.

"Mmmh, sounds like you need a place to rest a bit."

"No, I don't-"

"Come on, you didn't come here just for 5 minutes.. Here, lemme give you a pillow and a blanket." He says and give

me a pillow covered in fur of a wolf and a blanket that was in fact a bear fur.

I look at those thing and cover myself.

Then felt warm and better than ever.

We talked for awhile than I fall asleep.

In the next day, I wake up.

Garry made breakfast and it was delicious.

"You sure sleep well. Want some coffee?"

"How long was I asleep.. And sure." I said.

"Until 4 in the afternoon my friend." He said.

I take the hot coffee and drink it fast.

Then, I ask him.

"Is there anything in the forest?"

"Oh, you mean Charlie?" He says.

"Who is Charlie..?" I look at him puzzled.

"He is the guardian of the forest.. No need to worry about that." He said calmly.

I keep looking at him and says.

"Tell me.."

"One day I will.." He said..

And we never talk about it ever that day.

Guess I will stay here for a time.

Which, is fine by me.

John W. Colts

57 years old.

December 1st..

My birthday..

Garry made a cake for the event, I couldn't be so happy.. 

It's was the first time since Maria died that I received a cake from somebody..

Garry put music on and we both relax while the snow falls.

It was a quiet time, no one was there to kill me. 

No one..

I realise that I was so stressed from the Big City after all that time with Garry.

That place eat people alive, and I was away from that.

For at least a moment..

"Are you thinking about anything stupid, John?"

I frown to Garry.

"No.." I said feeling alittle insulted.

But that was Garry, always around to care about me and make sure that I was in the present time.

"You better go cut some logs, the night is gonna get cold.

"Okay mamma.." I said and we both laugh.

I never hated Garry, we just know life was short and we got to live every second of it.

It's just, it happen that I was the one who overwork himself a tad too much..

After I cut the logs and started the fire.

We talked, about our memories.

"You know, William really pisses me off. He always says that one day I might become the sherif of Big City."

"Yeah.." I nod.

"But you know who is better in that position?" Says Garry.

"Not me, come on." I reply with disbelief.

"Yes John, you are way better than that clown." Keep saying Garry.

I nod and than finally I waited the right moment to ask the question I wanted the answer.

"Garry, tell what is in the forest." I bluntly tell him.

Garry sigh and look outside through the window.

A moment of pure mystery seems to happen now, and I was ready for that.

"His name is Sungmanito"

I listen to him without interrupting.

"He is the last dire wolf on earth.."

My eyes open wide when he said that.

"Are you kidding?" I say all surprised.

Knowing that dire wolves are instinct and this was far from what I could imagine being real.

"Are you making a fool out of me John?" He reply insulted.

"What, no no.. I was"

"Sungmanito is the spirit of hunting and war. He is not a being to mess with."

I remember my encounter with that wolf, knowing that I almost shot a round.. But didn't..

Then I ask.

"But why am I still here then?"

"Oh, Sungmanito does not harm those who wait for their death or.." Start saying Garry.

"Or what?"

"Or those who have soul of a warrior.." Says Garry thoughfully.

A moment pass without both of us saying anything, then I cut the silence.

"What did you mean those who wait for their dea-" 

"Good night John." Cut Garry before leaving me confuse near the fire.

I look in the flames, and realise this..

Was Garry waiting to die?

December 3th. 

I am no more worried by anything..

Somehow, with Garry and the dire wolf around.

I finally found some peace.

The life near the mountain makes me different, more serene..

My new passion was to look in the sky and watch the snowflakes.

I felt at home here, after all that happened.

My time wasn't wasted. But, I know.

I know somewhere, there was a war.. 

Waiting for me to happen.

"Stop standing there in the cold John, you gonna turn into a snowman." Says Garry.

"What if I want to be one?" I replied.

"You know, sometimes you remind me of an old story.." He says.

I stopped looking up and enter in the cabin.

"What kind of story?" I asked curious.

"It's about a boy, who seems to be dreaming, but to always know what will happen." He tells me.

"Mmh.. And?" I simply said.

"Then the boy become a man.." He continues..

And I let him explain.

"Strong, determined, and most of all.. He still knows what will happen." He says rising his finger in the air.

I nod, and wanting to know the outcome.

But Garry looked more serious now..

"Then.. He found himself into the most brutal war.. Survived.. Somehow.." His voice changed to a murmur.

My eyes closed.

"He was waiting.. In the middle of all this blood and bodies.." He keeps murmuring.

"He breathed deeply.."

"And let out a sigh.."

I was there, in that story..

"And he left.." Finally said Garry.

I open up my eyes.

"You are that boy John." Says Garry.

I look at him.

"And the day that boy become a man.. John, you will know." Says Garry and he stand up.

I nodded, feeling different.

"Alright now, boy. Time to eat." Says Garry.

I smiled, but I know that boy inside of me is now turning into a teenager..

I helped Garry to cook, we ate chicken. When he fell asleep, I looked up into the moon..

And knew what will happen.

December 14th..

I wake up early, made breakfast for me and my friend.

Garry wakes up and said.

"Oh, finally I am not the one who does the work."

"Yeah, I am tired of your black burned toast.." I replied.

"You like them. Huh.. Coffee is ready?"

"It's on the table."

We eat it all, drink our coffee and don't say a word after that.

Then, I prepare to go outside, putting on my coat.

"Don't forget to go get some wood. John."

I nod and closed the door.

I took the time to rethink my situation. I though, maybe I could stay here the whole winter?

Mmh, it's an option. But my car.. I need to remove the snow on it. 

And make sure it can start again.

Don't want my beautiful car to broke because of this cold weather.

So, I finally decided to went back to where I left it.

The ice under the snow prevent me to sink in it.

The wind blows, and the sky is grey.

As I approach the forest, I look at the cabin in my back.

Not sure if I want to venture again in this place, but without thinking too much.

I go in.

Nothing seem to happen as I walk in the forest, then..

A white rabbit stop infront of me.

I look at it, not sure if I should continue or watch.

But suddenly a beast runs in and bite the rabbit..!

Then it goes away as soon as it came out from no where.

I almost panick, I look at the direction where that legendary beast goes out..

But no sight of it.

The blood where the poor little rabbit was, is still fresh on the snow.

I go around the blood, and keep going somehow.

After that, I reach the end and look where my car was supposed to be.

But can't see it.

"Damn.. I should have bring a shovel.." I said out loud.

My car is under that snow now, and it sure will break if I do nothing.

Then I decided to check somewhere I though maybe there was a shovel.

I remember when I was driving, there was an abandoned barn.

And walk to that place.

It was not very far, but still alittle trip to come by.

When I got there, I open up the broken door and it fell off.

*Crack*

I inspect the place and step in the only room where I see a large locked chest.

The lock is rusted, I look at my right and see a big old wrench.

I precise my swing and strike the lock.

*Bing*Bing*Bing*

*Snap*

The lock is down on the floor, and I open up the chest.

Feeling like a pirate.. I found what I was looking for, and smile.

A good well preserved large shovel.

And there was other tools, but I didn't bother.

I take it and go out of there.

Then as soon as I walk where my car was.

I see a truck coming in the distance, I hide instantly.

I wait, for around 5 minutes..

The truck pass by, and didn't notice me.

I dunno why I hided, it's just my instincts told me to do so..

And now, time to dig up my car.

Ahh.. Alright.

Half an hour and I am almost done. I make sure to not dig every spot, so nobody could saw where the car was.

And then, I open up the car to get inside.

As I close the door, I have this feeling. Like if it seems as I was ready to go..

I.. Put on the safety belt..

And start the engine, it took three times.

But it started for a short moment.

Then it stopped.

I sigh and go outside, I open up hood and check what doesn't work.

It might be the battery.. I hope not..

So I try to restart it..

Over and over..

Then it worked.

I put the seat belt and push the pedal.

*Vvrrrr*

"Good to see you too, my babe.." I say that to my car.

I move the car just a bit, to see if her wheels can go on.

And she does.

I stop the car, and think..

Is it time to go?

Should I get out of here?

Garry is waiting for me.. He can't live by himself..

Then my final though comes in..

Am I ready to go?

And I answer myself..

No.

I stop the engine and remove the belt.

I sighed deeply..

And finally get out of my car.

Another truck pass by, without seeing me.

Then, I return to Garry's cabin.

With the wood of course.

"Hey, it's almost night. Did you got in any trouble?"

"No.." I say alittle bit disappointed.

I put the wood in the container, and place some tinders in the fire that is close to die.

"Mmh, I see.." Says Garry a tad worried.

"The dinner is on the table." He says too.

"Thanks Garry."

And the night started soon after that.

I wasn't really sure if I made the right choice, but I dunno..

Maybe after the winter..

I will return in Big City.

December 24th..

Christmas..

I never liked it much..

But Garry loved it. He put an evergreen tree in the corner and enjoyed decoring it.

I help him out while I light a smoke.

"No cigarette in here, go outside."

"Sorry.."

"Now, give me the garlan."

After we finished, it was time to celebrate.

Garry check his attic and pick some stuff in there.

Then he climb down the ladder and hand me some old rum.

"Wow, for me?"

"No, for us."

He hand me a cup of glass and pour that rum in.

"Merry christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!"

We drink it up and the taste is way beyond what I ever tasted in my entire life.

"Oh, I almost forgot.." He says.

Then pick a box that was hidden behind the tree.

"Here.." He say and I tear up the gift garnement.

It's a wooden briefcase, and when I open it.. 

I see two Colts SAA. One silver and the other golden.

"They are yours."

"How did you get that Garry?"

I pick both and flip them around like a professional.

"Hey, boy. They are not toys.."

"Sorry.." I say little shy.

And I put the back in the briefcase.

"I have an holster for both too." He says.

"Garry, I don't have anything to gift you.."

"I don't care, the fact that you are here is enough for me." He says.

"Thanks.." I say a bit nervous.

I place the holsters on a hook near the door and go back next to the fire with Garry.

"So, story time?" Says Garry.

"I don't mind." I shrug.

"MMmh, I have a good one in this occasion."

"Once there was always a winter in this earth.. The world was covered in snow and ice. Then a warrior came out and

fought the king of this icy earth. They battled for days and nights.. Until that warrior won.. When the king died, the lands of

this world turned green and the four seasons begun.."

"I though you would tell a chrismas carol, but that's alright.." I say with a laugh.

"Ahh.. John, you are disrespecting your elder.." He say a tad disappointed.

"Sorry.." I say and try to light a cigarette.

"No smoking here!" He almost yell.

"oops, sorry.."

When it was all dark at night, the moon appeared.

Far in the forest, the dire wolf howls.

It was the first time I heard that howl.

"Good night John."

The two Colts SAA, gifted from Garry to John in christmas.

December 31..

The year is almost over.

Things are calm in here and nothing changed.

My friendship with Garry is one the rarest I ever kept perfect.

We.. Haven't talk about any serious subject.

But he keep telling me good stories.

He told that one about the dire wolf..

How one day, he saw that beast and give some meat.

And about why the dog is not bad at all.

The day run short of time..

The night is there, only 4 hours and the end of this year will be behind us.

"So, what do you plan to change for next year?" I ask the elder.

"Nothing, and you." He says.

I look at him and said.

"I guess I will return to big city.."

Garry doesn't look at me.

"You need to be ready for William.." He says all serious.

"Who?" I asked as I look at Garry.

"You don't remember him?" He asked back.

"Not at all." I reply.

"William Berkley, is the man you need to be aware of, John." He says.

"What is so important about him?" I ask and try to remember that person.. But can't.

"I met him 10 years ago, he was young.. Ambitious.. And reach the high ranks alittle bit too far in my opinion.."

"Why is that bad..?" I asked.

"John.." Said Garry a bit sad..

"William isn't the guy you must trust. He is the devil." Says Garry.

"Why are you so obsessed with that man?" I asked.

"Oh, you never saw what he is capable of.. Doing anything to succeed in his plans."

"Tell me what don't like about that man Garry."

"Everything John, everything.." He says with some regret in his voice.

"Is that why you left Big City..?" I finally ask him.

Garry remain silent, and I feel bad. Because I know now this is turning into some kind of interrogation.

Which is not what I want to do with my friend.

"Garry, lets move on.." I tell him.

"He killed good people John.." Murmured Garry.

I look at him, and saw pure fear in his eyes.

"And he will never stop.." He said and the whole room seems to turn pitch black.

"Tell me everything about William Berkley." I said and sit down on the chair.

Ready to hear a story that was not a fairy tale, this time..

Garry look at me in the eyes and start telling everything..

"Back in there, at HQ. I was a informant for the chief, giving intel about a big mafia war that was about to blow up in Big City.

We discuss what was the possible outcome, what would happen and what we shouldn't do.. Then William Berkley entered the room 

without knocking and said. The son of the mafia boss just died.."

"Mmh, I heard about this. The son of Malkavel. It was a suicide.."

"It was.. Or maybe it wasn't.." 

I look at Garry and nod.

"The only thing we know, is that it ended the war soon and nothing more happened with that conflict."

"Can I smoke?"

"Sure.."

I light my cigarette and start smoking right away.

"Now, hear me. The man is known to always have a way with everything. He is not the ordinary type that we both have in us.."

I nod.

"He loves looking at every possible ways to mess with someone. Do not underestimate that.."

"He hurted you, isn't it Garry?"

"It doesn't matter.."

Garry take his time and finally tell me the rest.

"William first arrive as a transfered. He was young, smart, good with the words.. And play well with everything. Even chess."

"You played chess with him?"

"Not me, with the chief."

"A calculated man.. Mmh.." I say and stand up to look in the window.

"He rised up in the ranks, after each year, got his photo in the newspapers."

"Even the newspaper you worked for?"

Garry stand up to go pick something. Then place it on the table, I look at it.

"I am the one who took that picture." He said.

"He look normal.."

"Oh, do not get fooled by that.."

"So, you believe he killed people.. Tell me about that."

"The Jefferson Family, John. Have you heard of them?"

"Those who burned in that house fire?"

"Didn't you know they were about to reveal the past of the mayor?"

"And where is William involve in that..?"

"I was there John. I saw him sabotage the conductor of electricity and that started the fire.."

"You were with him..?"

"We were all with him.."

"How many."

"Four people and me."

"Give me the names Garry."

"Kevin Hartstone, Gabriel Whest, Alexander Thowe and Miranda Aliber."

"You all watched..?" I said.

"No.. We waited.." He said.

"Why were you there.."

"They picked me up, put a bag on my head.. Then drive where the fire was about to begin.."

"No.."

"I was supposed to file the report that night.."

"They forced you to watch.."

Garry nods.

I saw tears in his eyes.

"So, you didn't report anything.."

"The file is in the attic.."

"You still have that report?"

"I runned John.. I couldn't stay anymore.."

I go pick the file in the attic, and put it on the table.

"Take time to read everything.."

I nodded and start to understand clearly what was about to be my next case.

Almost midnight..

I start reading the documents in that file.

"The Jefferson Family were involve in clonage and bio-science. Their goals was to discover how the humans could survive

by cloning organs and transplanting them in the body. But they soon got in trouble with finance, so the mayor give them

money in exchange of something. Creating human clonage... And so, doing trafficking. The Jefferson attempted to reveal

this to the society, but..They were eliminated.."

The file doesn't end there, the mayor was specific in developping adults humans, for many objectives. 

Sex needs, war and testing new drugs.. And more..

The results were beyond imagination.

By doing this, they manage to discover new treatment to restore health, youth, and other things.

That's why they refer this research simply as The Secrets of the Youth.

Another thing that was in the mayor's plan, he wanted to have a new family.

Since he was unable to be a father..

"He cloned his own family.." I said to Garry.

"And did more than you could imagine.." Replied Garry.

"This.. This could lead to a scandal.. No, worst.. It's.."

"Inhuman John.." He tell me.

I read more about where the facility was, where all the clones were hidden from the public eye.

It was on an island, only one ship goes there every year. It's a cargo type. They transport

the merchandise to Big City and then sell the clones to the black market. The army..

And even to the HPOR..?

"The Human Protection Of Rights?"

"They wanted their part of the cake, John" Said my friend.

"Why would they Garry.. This is.. Wrong."

"We have to show this to the world." Said Garry.

"But it's beyond what I a can be able to solve." I reply.

I look at the last paper sheet, and see that there was a Project named Revival.

It tells that they can clone people that were dead from long ago.

"This is the case that could stop the new era of science and war John." Tells Garry.

"The secrets of the Youth, The Project Revival, selling the clones to all who wants to buy them..

Is this really the future we wanted?" I ask to Garry.

"No.." Said Garry.

The clock tick and rings the 12 hours of Midnight.

We are in the new year now..

"Happy new year John."

"What is this all about Garry.."

Garry doesn't say a thing.

"Why the world is turning into clonage?"

"I don't know John.. But I am tired.." He said and look away.

I pick the file and look at him.

"This cannot go on like this.." I tell him.

"You know what to do John."

And.. Somehow.. Garry was right.

January 3th..

Me and Garry talked about what should be done to show the truth about those cases.

Then we slept.

After 2 days, I rethink about it..

First, we got a major crime against humanity. Second, the HPOR is involve, the island and

the mayor fundings..

Those four factors were important. But I needed more information.. 

Since the Jefferson Family died.. Everything was almost gone..

No one to explain in details.. No witness.. No evidences..

It couldn't be revealed that way..

I needed something, like a confession or proof..

"Thinking about the case, right John." Said Garry.

"How could you sleep with this informations..?" I ask him.

"I am just too tired John.." He said with an honest tone.

"Maybe we should go back and talk to people who work in the public.. And.." I try to explain my plan.

"It won't work.." Stop me Garry.

"Then why did you show me all this!" I interrogate him.

"John.. What is evil." Ask me Garry.

"Evil..? Hum..." I wasn't ready for this question but start thinking about the answer quickly.

"Yes, John."

"Evil.. Is born from ignorance." I tell him.

"Exactly.. Ignorance lead people to do wrong things. To never understand the nature of what is right.." Said Garry.

"What exactly you are leading to Garry..?" I asked.

"I want you to know, I want you to be prepared.."

"Prepared from what?" I asked.

"From the new menace that is going to begin.." 

"Menace.. What is this about now?"

"They started to replace people John." Suddenly tell me Garry.

I think about what Garry is talking about.

"The clonage.." I said.

"I saw the first case.." Start explaining Garry.

"Who.. Why.. And how?" 

"Her name was Samantha.. She was the daughter of the chief of the police HQ. She, went missing for a time."

"Yeah.. They found her soon.. Close to the ocean's beach.." I said.

"It was all made up.."

"How can you prove it.." I asked.

"Her eyes were blue John.."

"And..?" 

"They are brown now."

"Pfff.. This.. This is insane.." I said.

"Nobody knows where the real Samantha is now.."

"Where was she at the last time they saw her?"

"In the forest park, late at night."

"She might be dead, or worst.." I think out loud.

"It's far from what we could imagine.." 

"Damn.. The chief have a cloned daughter.." I said.

"Never tell him." Garry tells me.

I went outside, started to smoke and look at the sky. This case, these stories.. It was way too much. 

My mind was too affected, I needed to relax a bit.

January 21th..

I went hunting, killed an elk with a bow and arrows.

Then collected everything on it.

I buried the rest and walked back to the cabin.

Then put the elk meats in the freezer.

Garry prepared me a nice breakfast, I told him it was delicious.

We didn't talk much that day, even with what was going in the world..

Guess we both needed serenity..

This stories were dark, way too much to handle alone and what is worst..

Is that nobody did anything against it.

Nobody, except the old Garry.

But I was about to find a way to make that case come to the public.

I just needed time, and a good plan.

March 21st..

The equinoxes changed today.

The sky is brighter and the snow started slowly to melt.

I went outside to take some wood and fresh air.

Then, I see Charlie.

The dire wolf look at me, and I look at him.

I pick a stick and his eyes watch it will attention.

With that in mind, I just throw it away.

And the big dog runs at it, to pick it up in his mouth.

Then he return to give it to me.

Even if this beast is way bigger than me, he is still a dog.

I pet him and grab the stick to throw it again.

It went that way for a time.

And then, the dog stopped.

He look at the direction of the north and saw a deer.

The beast goes after it, and I just ignore Charlie.

It was almost time for me to go back.

So, I walked to the cabin.

"Dinner is on the table John."

"Thanks."

April 1st..

A revenant usually came back from the dead.. But, that's only in the books.

I went back to Big City.. And go in the police HQ. Waited in the chief's office

until he arrive and the first thing he say is..

"Where the hell you came from, John!"

I light a cigarette and listen to him yapping about everything.

Then he tells me.

"And you can't fucking smoke here!"

"It's good to see you too, Philip."

He shut up, and he now take time to figure what to say next.

"We.. Send a Missing warning about you John.. Where did you go.."

I answered with the cigarette in my mouth.

"I was on a fishing boat, and traveled to the caribbean..."

"Fuck you John.."

A knock knock on the door interrupted this moment.

"No, not now Carl!" Points Philip to the door and return to our conversation.

"Listen up, I was very worried you about for fucking 5 months John.."

"You always worry too much Phil.." I replied.

"Don't tell me that crap! I was worried to death John!"

Knock knock at the door again and two people wait to enter.

"For god sake! Leave me alone for one second!" Yells Philip to them.

"I guess you need me to leave now.." I say and finish my cigarette.

"You fucking scared me.. John, the mafia was after you."

"And can you do anything about it?" I replied.

"No, but I got some leads.." Said Philip.

"Well, time to for a little briefing." I said.

"We need to talk about this later.." He says.

"I got all day Phil, don't you worry." I tell him.

"No, go out.. Call me at night." He said.

"Alright than.. Time to sail off.." I said.

Then get out of there.

As I walk out of the office and go down stairs.

I see William Berkley and we look at each other for 2 seconds..

And I arrive outside, in the street. To enter in my car then leave.

I went to some place that I know I was safe and waited.

That night..

I was in the old garage of Garry, who gave me the key to enter. This place is situated in the ancient part

of the city, near the ocean and there is not much people close by.

In the time I went inside, I light cigarette and look at the file.

The was a empty wall, and I decided to use it.

I place the photo of William Berkley in the middle, then started to put more and more things on the wall.

And soon, I can see the beginning of the whole picture of my case.

I didn't have all the data and intel of everything.

But it was a start from somewhere.

Then I called Philip Grimham.

"John?" He says on the line.

"Are you busy." I ask.

"No, everyone is home." He replied.

"So, what is the plan.." I asks.

"You need to lay low John. Do you have an hideout?" He said.

"Yes."

"Good, I will send you money for the time you hide." He tells me.

"Philip.. Do you know who is after me?" I ask him.

"No, but one guy is on it." He said.

"Who?" I said.

"William Berkley. He's an expert." Said Philip.

I went silent for a while.

"John, lets wait for a week or two. Then we will figure this out."

"Alright, you are the boss." I tell him.

"I won't tell anyone that you are in town." Said Philip.

"Thank you."

And I hang up.

After this, I realise my situation is kinda worst than staying in Garry's Cabin.

But it was necessary, I needed to face the world.

Running away and never doing anything is not my sort of things.

So, I look at the wall and put some notes.

The jefferson family killed by William Berkley. The mafia boss's son suicide.

The missing daughter of the chief Samantha Grimham.

And the clone facility.

All these things needed more details, and I was going to find out.

I just have to make some decisions for this, first. I will call the newspaper that Garry worked for.

And demands some informations.

April 2..

I wake up on the couch that was in the garage.

It was 7 AM and there is a small oven that allow me to cook.

But I got nothing in here, so I just went outside.

I walked out and go to the near gas station, buy some

coffee, food and other things like sugar.

The cost was way too high, but that was the only place in here to bought food.

Then I return with the bags full in my hands and see people starting to walk

here and there.

The ocean view stopped me, I look at the bright sun getting out there and felt better.

As I go back inside and start cooking my breakfast. Drink the coffee, but it was terrible.

The taste was chemical more than coffee.. Nothing like Garry's finest cup.

After that, I sit on the couch and enjoy my meal.

I look at the wall, with the picture and all the details that was missing.

Then finish my plate faster.

I call the Falcon Newspaper, and ask them if they can send me some articles from 10 years ago and so on.

They ask me who I am, I told them I was a friend of Garry.

The lady give the phone to the boss of the company and he ask me what I want.

"Hi Joseph, it's John."

"John.. You are after this affair aswell.." Say Joseph with a sigh in his voice.

"Tell me about it, what happened." I ask him.

"Garry told you enough John. But I guess you need proof from the papers." Said Joseph.

"Yeah, can you keep this secret." I tell him.

"If I don't get a gun pointed at my face, maybe.." Said Joseph.

"It's not funny.." I tell him.

"Nothing is funny John.." He tells me.

"Can you deliver the documents in this post office? 5671 Beach street, in the old part of the city."

"Sure, which papers you need?" He asks.

"I want the events from 10 years ago, specifically the death of the Jefferson article and the missing daughter

of the chief of police HQ Samantha Grimham." I tell him.

"Sure, anything else John..?" He said.

"Do you have articles of science about clonage and anything." I ask him.

"I will try to find anything useful.. But.. Why clonage?" He said.

"It's complicated.." I said.

"Sounds like it.. Alright hope to see you one day.. Good bye." Tells Joseph and he hang up.

After this, I start a smoke and think.

Maybe I should wait to receive the package, or should I try to go somewhere while waiting?

I clean up the place a little, before making a decision.

Then go out.

I went to the underground train and explore the place it all happened.

The street where the Jefferson died.

When I get out of the train, I look behind me.

Nobody was following me and I felt safe.

I go out of the station and walk to where the house was supposed to be.

But, with no suprise.

It was gone, and a building was there.

An old black lady was watering her flowers, I look at her and ask.

"You are here since how many years madame?"

"Oh, since 50 years ago."

"Did you knew the Jefferson Family."

"Yes, oh.. That's a tragic story.."

"Did they ever talk to you."

"Yes, their daughter and son usually come to visit me and we played board games.."

"Do you know what the family was working on?"

"Oh, the only thing I knew was that they tried to understand life with science..

Very intelligent people who cared about so much, and they were so good.."

"Thank you, madame." I said and leave.

"Have a good day, young man." She said and we smiled at each other.

Went back home after that, I was alone and felt like this case needed time

to unfold more and more.

April 3rd..

I fixed my car, did a oil change and removed the battery to place a new one in it.

Since I am inside a garage, it was much easier and with a manual of course.

Garry was a garagist way before being in the newspaper.

I respect him greatly and he always have a kind heart.

Too bad I was alone now..

I work the whole day until night.

Then, I receive a call from none other than Philip.

Asking me something that I wasn't expecting.

"John, do you want to come in the wolf's den? The beer is free."

"You know I don't like beer.."

"Ok, the rum too."

"Alright, I will be there." I said and hang up the phone.

I had a strange feeling after hanging the phone down, like if there was someone else that will be there..

Anyway, I take my car that now work perfectly fine and drive to the Wolf's Den.

I left my car in the parking lot and enter the bar.

The music is relaxing, it's a jazz song that me and my wife used to dance on.

But couldn't remember the name of..

When I walk in and Philip see me, I heard him said.

"John over here!" He yells.

I look at his direction and turn left.

Then, I see him. William Berkley with Philip sitting in a four places corner.

The man doesn't look at me. He reads the newspaper and he's too focused.

I sit next to Philip who tap my shoulder and greets me.

"I'm so glad to see you! Here take this rum!"

I pick the rum and sip a bit by respect of the invitation.

"Good to see you too Phil." I said and look at William.

"Oh, I didn't present you my right hand right?"

"I doubt it." I said.

"Here is William Berkley! The most intelligent man in the room!" Said Philip.

William stop reading and look at me in the eye.

I look at him and tend my hand.

And he does the same.

Then we both do a firm handshake.

"I hope you both will get to know each other very well."

William put back his eyes on the newspaper and didn't said a word.

"So, about the mafia." Said the chief.

"Yeah, tell me." I tell Phil.

"William made a deal with them, he said that you won't bother Davichie anymore and we will close our eyes on the

case." Said Philip.

"You know it's now how we work.." I tell him.

"John.. Come on." Say Phil.

My eyes look at William, he is not much taller than me, but look less athletic. Philip look at me and said.

"You know we didn't have a choice.." He said with a sad tone.

"Whatever.." I say and drink the rum.

Then the music take the conversation away, we don't say a word and after what seem like an eternity.

Philip said finally.

"I have to go take a piss." And I let him get out of there.

Then take back my place.

William suddenly stop reading and light up a cigarette.

And he look at me to say this.

"Never talk to you before." He said with an accent.

"I guess not." I replied and put my right arm on the table.

"You, you are way better than the most people I saw." He said and point his finger at me.

Then he take a deep puff and finish his cigarette quickly.

"How look have you been working with the chief?" I ask.

"Long enough." He said and crush his cigarette butt in the ashtray.

I nod and listen to what he was going to say next.

"I guess we are going to work together, sometimes."

Then Philip come back and I let him sit back at where he was.

"So, wings?" Said Phil.

"I am not hungry." Said William.

"I will eat some." I tell him and Philip tap my shoulder to say.

"I knew it! Alright, lets eat! And there is a match going on soon!"

Philip call the waitress and we get the wings pretty soon. Then we watch the match of the season

The Helltakers against the Woodakas. They won 7-2 and we all celebrate after that.

But William doesn't move much, he never look up until the end of the match.

Then, we go all outside.

"Well, I guess that's it." Said Philip.

We give a hug to each other and Philip go in his pick-up then leave.

But William stay there, to finish another smoke.

I ignore him and go to my car, then I hear his footsteps in my back.

"Nice car you have here.." He says.

"Thanks." I said and turn my back to look at him.

"We aren't friends, you know.." He said.

My eyes stare at him, ready for anything.

"But, I guess we are going to be close for now on.." He says.

"I guess so.." I said.

"Well, time to go home." He says while he finish his smoke and throw the cigarette butt.

Then he turn his back and finally leave.

I go in my car and think about what just happened.

What kind of man is that?

And after my mind gets clearer, I start the car and leave too.