Chapter 5: The Mysterious Stranger

Investigator Alex Thompson was following up on a lead about a mysterious stranger seen near the crime scene. The description was vague - tall, dark hair, and a scar on his cheek.

As she canvassed the area, she showed the sketch to locals, hoping someone would recognize him. Finally, a convenience store owner nodded enthusiastically.

"I know him! He came in here a few times. Kept to himself, but seemed suspicious."

Alex's heart raced. "Did he say anything? Leave any clues?"

The store owner hesitated. "He mentioned something about 'taking care of business' and left a piece of paper with a symbol on it."

Alex's eyes widened. "A symbol? Can you show me?"

The store owner rummaged through his trash and produced a crumpled paper with a strange emblem.

Alex's mind raced. This was the first tangible lead. She called her team to analyze the symbol and trace the stranger's whereabouts.

As they dug deeper, they discovered a connection to an old case - a cold-blooded murder with a similar MO.

Alex's gut told her that this stranger was the key to solving both murders. But where was he now? And what was his motive?

The investigation was heating up, and Alex was determined to track down the stranger before he struck again.