As the new detail sank in, Anthony lost himself in thought for a split second.
That was all Mark needed.
He scooped up sand and hurled it straight into Anthony's eyes.
Anthony staggered back, vision burning, blinded for a moment.
Now—
it was Mark's chance.
He tried to escape.
But before he could take more than a few steps—
BANG.
A sharp gunshot tore through the air.
The bullet struck Mark in the lower back. He collapsed once again, screaming in pain.
The suspense shattered.
The unknown figure stepped forward.
It was Emily.
"Hello, Chief," she said calmly. "I followed you. I had doubts. Looks like you needed me after all."
Anthony wiped his eyes and stared at her. Irritation flickered across his face—not at her presence, but at the realization that his plan had failed… and that he had needed help.
They restrained Mark, forced him into the car, and left the area.
On the road back—
Emily noticed something off.
"This car doesn't feel right," she said. "Stop."
Anthony pulled over.
They checked the tires. One was slightly low on air—but nothing serious.
They got back inside.
Suddenly—
A car slammed into them at full speed.
Metal crushed. Glass shattered.
Their vehicle spun and crashed violently.
All three were thrown hard. Injured. Disoriented.
Before they could react, the other driver jumped out—
And hurled something toward them.
Panic surged.
But—
It wasn't an explosive.
It was a smoke grenade.
Thick smoke swallowed everything.
Anthony and Emily forced themselves out of the car, injuries slowing them down. They couldn't see. Could barely breathe.
Then a voice echoed through the smoke.
"Hey, officers…" "Don't you want to catch the Mask Man?"
Anthony lunged forward. Emily followed.
Then—
BANG.
They froze.
Another shot.
They turned back, running toward the car.
The smoke began to thin.
And then they saw it.
Mark was lying still.
A bullet through his body.
Dead.
The smoke fully cleared.
No one remained.
Only two injured officers— and a corpse.
Another lead gone.
Another truth buried.
The hunt wasn't over.
It had just become darker.