Chapter 12.

The Hunter's Shadow.

Night had fallen over the city, enveloping everything in a blanket of darkness. Gabriel and Jake were at the police station, reviewing the reports and evidence collected at the crime scene. The image of Laura, disfigured and dying, remained etched in their minds, fueling their determination to catch the killer.

We have to find him before he strikes again,Gabriel said, his voice firm, but laced with frustration. Jake nodded, his eyes fixed on the computer screen as he analyzed the prints and traces found in the abandoned house.

Suddenly, a call came into the police station's hotline. It was a witness claiming to have seen a man wearing a sackcloth mask near a warehouse on the outskirts of town. Gabriel and Jake exchanged glances, knowing this might be the lead they needed, considering they'd let him escape before.

Let's go,nGabriel said, grabbing his jacket and heading for the exit. Jake followed, his heart pounding as they prepared to face the monster who had caused so much pain.

The warehouse was shrouded in shadows, its old, weathered structure seeming like a perfect hiding place. Gabriel and Jake moved forward cautiously, their weapons ready as they explored the place. Each footstep echoed in the silence, increasing the tension in the air.

Inside, the killer watched from the shadows, his mind working quickly to plan his next move. He knew the police were nearby, but he also knew he had the advantage of knowing the lay of the land.

Suddenly, a dull noise broke the silence. Gabriel and Jake turned, their flashlights illuminating a figure moving quickly among the crates and shelves. ¡Stop! Gabriel shouted, but the killer didn't respond, disappearing into the darkness.

The chase began, with Gabriel and Jake running after the masked figure. The warehouse became a maze of shadows and obstacles, every corner seeming to hide a danger. The killer was fast and cunning, but Gabriel and Jake were determined not to let him get away this time.

Finally, they reached a large, open room, where the killer stood, facing them. His sackcloth mask covered his face, but his eyes shone with a mixture of defiance and madness. You think you can stop me? he said, his voice cold and calculating.

Gabriel and Jake didn't respond, moving forward cautiously as they pointed their guns at him. The killer smirked, pulling a sharp tool from his pocket. This isn't over, he muttered, and in one swift motion, he hurled the tool at them.

Gabriel dodged, firing his gun in return. The sound of gunfire echoed through the room, but the killer had already disappeared through a side door. Jake ran after him, but by the time he reached the outside, the man had vanished into the night as if the darkness and he were one and the same.

Damn it, Jake said, his voice filled with frustration as he walked back toward the warehouse. Gabriel was combing the place, looking for any clues that might lead them to the killer. We can't let him get away with this, he said, his voice firm.

This was getting out of hand, and they'd let the killer get away twice. It was as if he was mocking them in their faces, telling them they'd never catch him.