Chapter 4.

I tried to think of many ways to come up with an ideal approach. It's 08:30 a.m. I organized the acquired information into virtual notes, mapping the possible connections between them. I begin to analyze my next step. Likewise, I managed to come up with a safe and relevant trail. At that point someone knocked on my door.

"Room cleaning, Sir let us clear your room for you."

"I thank you, I had already cleared my room." I heard the sound of footsteps fading away. It seems I can no longer stay here. If I start to think of it, I have been living here almost a week now. I should leave as soon as possible. I shift my glance from the door to my device, my notes are still open. "Good, I have to end this as soon as possible."

I put on my usual black gloves and mask. I reached the old parking lot and made my way out of the hotel from their entrance. Earlier I had memorized the town map, so it's become very easy for me to locate my intended destination. I stopped my heels before an old bakery. Glück in süß, name of the bakery carved on a wooden plank which was hanging loosely upon the shop. Five years ago Andrew Johnson used to work here before he suddenly disappeared. I wasn't sure if I could find something useful here, but surely I was hungry, so I decided to take a tour of this shop. A lady noticed my presence and approached me with a smile.

I ordered a croissant and a cup of black coffee. Nothing extravagant; just enough to silence the hunger while I looked around the shop.

I noticed an Areca Palm placed neatly on the wooden floor, left side of walking space, backed by a wall. A picture with a rusty frame containing a group of people wearing bakery clothing hanging on that wall. I continue focusing on my coffee. I do not enjoy interacting with people. It is something I would ignore intentionally if not needed. Looking at the current situation, I think it is necessary.

I finished my meal and decided to have some words with the workers here. "The croissant tasted good." I compliment them to earn their attention.

"Oh, we are so glad you enjoyed it. Please visit again."

"Surely. I have something to ask about this bakery."

They looked at each other, conflicted by my sudden inquiry.

"I am a food critic in my country. Currently, I am on a small vacation, I am very pleased by the food here. So, I am willing to write about the bakery. To do that I must need some necessary information related to the shop and workers." I said in a very sincere voice. I watch a glimpse of surprise in their facial reaction. Not only that, but I must say it is very unexpected to them.

"Oh! It's very nice of you!" Eric will tell you everything you need to know. Please write about our shop.

The lady led me to a baker named Eric. I lead him outside so that we can have an interruption free conversation. "What is your name?"

"Eric Monger." The man answered with nervousness.

"When did you start working here?" I asked looking at my cell phone, ensuring everything was fine.

"When I graduated from high school."

"Tell me if you remember the exact date or perhaps year?"

"Yes, remember it's in 2020."

"Good, do you remember how many people used to work with you when you started to work here?"

"Ah, yes we were only two Bakers, but something happened to my friend."

"What happened to your friend?"

"oh you are new to this town that is why you don't know. Please be careful not to go anywhere near Lake Suily."

"Why?"

Eric lowered his voice

"There are creatures. they took my friend."

"I am sorry to hear that. Anyway, If the lake is very dangerous why did no one inform the owner and destroy it?"

"The owners, I don't know who the owner is."

"Do you remember anything unusual about your friend before he completely disappeared?"

"Mhm, yes he said he found something, I asked him what it is, but he said he would show after he is sure of himself. I didn't find it that important back then."

"I see. Thank you, Eric. I shall take my leave now."

"Wait, would you really write about our shop?" Eric asked in excitement.

"I do not think I can. After hearing the missing worker story from your shop, I do not think for people would appreciate visiting here."

I came back to the hotel. After working on my computer this afternoon, I managed to ensure myself some free time for the evening to spend outside. I note the point of Andrew Johnson mentioned finding something before he disappeared. I left the hotel with the same attire, I decided to visit the town's library. On my way, I verified the information provided by Eric.

I am expecting to find something about the mysterious Miller family from the library. It is disappointing that I didn't find any in the Miller family. It is more clear that like the evidence concerning the Miller family intentionally removed. I did see a pamphlet of the online Archive for the library. Naturally I asked the librarian when accessing libraries content through the internet established. The answer is positive. It began in 2019.

I came back to the hotel room. I didn't find anything about the Miller family through the internet archive. Seems like it has been removed. Can I restore the missing content? "Of course. I can. There are no files I couldn't restore."

It took me an hour to access the residential details of the town. While trespassing, I spotted a major bug in their system, I removed it from their system. I searched for the Miller family and this time I found something interesting.

The Miller family did not originate from this town. They came here from France for business purposes. Most of their expertise lies in mining and transporting. I find it quite strange that people are not aware of this family. Anyway, they had the lake for themselves from the government after one year of staying here, which indicates they came into this town in 2014. It seems like they found something interesting about the lake. Andrew Johnson also mentioned finding something. Hmm, If there is a hidden truth of the lake, I think it deserves me to visit the mystery.

I raise my hand and touch my hair. "It feels sticky, I think I shall take a shower. I do not think I have much time to stay here." I ensure the function on my computer, everything looks good. I decided to move away from the cooling fans of my processors for a movement to take a shower.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***