The Detective Jr.

We settled into Leo's small, dimly lit living room. The air felt heavy, filled with old memories and unspoken words. Leo motioned for us to sit on the worn couch, and I could tell this conversation wouldn't be easy.

"What do you want to know about the orphanage?" Leo asked. His voice was calm, but there was tension beneath the surface.

Nicholas leaned forward, his tone professional yet gentle. "We're investigating murders tied to former residents of Sunrise Orphanage. We think the Baphomet Clan might be involved. We need to know what happened back then."

Leo's face darkened. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "The orphanage was a refuge for many of us, but it also had its secrets. The fire… it changed everything."

A knot formed in my stomach. "What kind of secrets?"

Leo hesitated before speaking. "There were whispers—stories about dark magic and strange rituals. Some kids had abilities, but no one taught us how to use them. Mia… she was different. She had a talent for dark magic, and people noticed."

Nicholas exchanged a glance with me. "What people?"

"Visitors," Leo said quietly. "They'd ask questions and pay special attention to Mia. I never trusted them. Then, one night, the fire broke out. Everything was chaos. So many of us died."

My heart raced. "Do you think the fire was an accident, or was it deliberate?"

Leo looked away, his jaw tightening. "I don't know, but I've always suspected someone set it on purpose. After that night, I lost contact with everyone. I tried to find Mia, but she disappeared. And now, with these murders... it feels like the past is catching up to us."

"Do you have any idea where Mia might be?" Nicholas asked.

Leo shook his head. "No. I've only heard rumors. Some say she went deeper into dark magic and joined dangerous groups. I always feared she'd get involved in something like the Baphomet Clan..."

I felt a chill. "Do you think she's connected to them?"

"It's possible," Leo admitted, his voice trembling. "If she's still alive and practicing dark magic, they might've recruited her. The Baphomet Clan is known for seeking out powerful mages..."

Nicholas sat back, thinking. "We need to find her. If she's linked to these murders, she could help us figure out what the clan wants."

Leo nodded. "There's someone who might know more—Marcus, another survivor from the orphanage. He lives in the city, but I haven't talked to him in years."

Nicholas straightened. "Do you know how to contact him?"

"I used to have his number," Leo said. "I'll check social media. Maybe I can reach him there."

"Good," Nicholas urged. "We need as much information as possible. The Baphomet Clan won't wait for us to catch up."

Leo pulled out his phone. As he typed, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. The mention of dark magic and the clan sent shivers down my spine. This house, once a safe haven, now felt like a vault of hidden truths.

After a moment, Leo spoke. "I'll send him a message. Hopefully, he remembers me." He paused, his face serious. "If Mia's involved with the Baphomet Clan, this is bigger than a few murders. We could be dealing with a dangerous cult."

Nicholas nodded. "We're prepared for that. But we need to know what we're up against. Anything you can tell us—about the orphanage, Mia, or the rituals—would help."

Leo's eyes clouded with memories. "There were gatherings outside at night. Some kids sneaked out to watch. There were chants, symbols in the dirt, and candlelight. It felt wrong, but also... tempting. Mia was always in the middle of it. She drew people in."

"Did you ever take part?" I asked.

Leo shook his head. "No. I was too scared. It felt like we were playing with something we didn't understand. Others, though… they got lost in it. I think that's why the fire happened. Someone tried to control that power, and it went horribly wrong."

"Do you think Mia caused it?" Nicholas asked.

Leo's expression grew conflicted. "Maybe. She had a gift, but it also pulled her into that world. It's hard to say if she was a victim or a part of the problem."

Just then, Leo's phone buzzed. He checked the screen and looked surprised. "It's Marcus. He answered quickly."

Leo read aloud. "Hey, Leo. Long time no see- What's going on? Are you in trouble?"

Nicholas leaned in. "Ask him about Mia and the Baphomet Clan."

Leo typed back. "Not in trouble, but I need your help. Do you know anything about Mia? We think she might be connected to the Baphomet Clan."

We waited. The silence felt heavy. A minute later, Marcus replied: "Mia? Haven't seen her in years. Last I heard, she was into... strange practices. I might know where to find her, but it's risky. Meet me at the old diner on 5th Street tomorrow night. We need to talk."

Nicholas looked at me, determination etched on his face. "We've got a lead."

Leo put down his phone, looking resolute. "We need to prepare. If Mia's tied to the Baphomet Clan, we're stepping into something dangerous."

As the gravity of the situation sank in, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were about to uncover something far darker than we'd imagined. The past wasn't just a memory—it was alive, and it was waiting for us...

_To Be Continue_