{ No matter what happens, I will stay with you. }
Hakan's wife began recounting what she had repeatedly overheard from various customers over the past few months. It was always the same chilling rumor: a witch residing somewhere just outside the city limits. If you paid her a hefty sum, she would dispatch something unnatural to torture or even eliminate your target. The moment she accepts the contract, the victim's fate is sealed.
It sounded like something straight out of a dark fantasy movie. Yet, based on what we had experienced firsthand, it was terrifyingly plausible. Gina also mentioned that some people had tried to take the witch out themselves. However, anyone who ever went looking for her... never came back.
"My head is starting to throb from all of this," I muttered, rubbing my temples.
Hakan leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "I don't like the sound of this at all..."
"That's everything I know," Gina said softly, looking between us. "I can't vouch for whether it's entirely true or just tavern gossip, but seeing your reactions, I gather it hits a bit too close to home."
"In a way... yes," I replied heavily.
"It's honestly absurd," Hakan scoffed, crossing his arms. "You just pay some cash and get rid of whoever you want? No tracks, no evidence left behind..."
I let out a dry, humorless chuckle. "Well, it looks like contract killers are in serious danger of losing their jobs."
"Seems that way," Hakan agreed, a grim smirk playing on his lips.
Nonetheless, something still feels off... I thought to myself, staring down at my empty hands. There's a missing piece to this puzzle, something vital to understanding what's truly happening here.
Pushing my thoughts aside, I stood up. "In any case, thank you for sharing this with us, Mrs. Gina."
"I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help," she replied warmly, rising to clear the table.
"No, this is more than enough. I'll take my leave now."
Hakan frowned, waving his hand. "Hold your horses. At least stay with us for lunch."
"I need to drop by the house," I explained. "Maria might need me to pick up some groceries, and I want to prepare for work tomorrow."
"And what about Rina and Maria's current situation?" Hakan asked, his tone turning protective.
"I'll handle it."
Hakan exhaled, nodding. "Fine, then I won't worry too much. If you need anything—anything at all—call me. Just don't push your luck out there alone."
"I can't promise you that. See you both later."
"I'll walk you out," Hakan said, standing up.
Gina waved from the kitchen door. "Take care of yourself, Mr. Kenjin. And do visit us at the restaurant whenever you have a free moment."
"I'll try my best."
Hakan and I walked out of the house and stopped right next to my car. The morning air was crisp, but the tension from the kitchen followed us out.
"Alright," Hakan said, leaning against the car door. "Tell me what's really on your mind."
"I'll cut straight to the chase. I want to ask one final favor of you."
Hakan smirked, as if he had already read my mind. "You want me to dig into this witch nonsense, don't you?"
"Yes. If you want, I can hire some people to back you up and assist with the legwork."
"Not necessary," Hakan shrugged confidently. "I can handle this on my own. How deep do you want me to dig?"
I looked him dead in the eye, my voice deadpan. "If possible... I want to speak with her personally. Whatever it takes."
Hakan's demeanor shifted, realizing the sheer gravity of what I was asking. "Understood. I'll start looking into it the moment I—"
Ring! Ring!
My phone cut him off, vibrating violently in my pocket.
Hakan nodded toward it. "Answer it. Don't keep them waiting."
"I'm really not in the mood to talk to anyone right now," I sighed, pulling the device out. "Hold on, let me see who it is."
When I glanced at the screen, the caller ID made my breath hitch.
I pressed the phone to my ear. "Hello?... Yes... Yes... I see... Thank you for letting me know. Goodbye."
I lowered the phone, my face completely pale. "Hakan."
Hakan frowned, sensing the sudden shift in my aura. "What is it? You look like you've seen a ghost. What's the news?"
"It was the Chief of Police," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "Do you remember Rina and Mayar's father?"
"The bald piece of work?" Hakan spat, his eyes flaring with anger. "What about him? Did he do something again? Because if he troubles those girls one more time, I swear to God I'll—"
"A few hours ago..." I interrupted, staring blankly ahead. "Near one of the gas stations on the highway..."
I took a sharp breath before delivering the final blow.
"...They found him murdered."