Game Over

Investigation Pt 2

Heidi's face twisted with rage as she leaned closer to the bed. You could've stopped this. You did nothing to save them! Her voice trembled with anger. Tina tried to pull Heidi back, but Heidi resisted, her fury escalating. It's his fault they took Charlotte! Why didn't you say something before?! You could have protected them!

Nawat's breath grew shallow, his coughing worsening. The doctor rushed back in. That's enough. Everyone out. Now.

In the waiting room, the group struggled to digest the revelations.

There's something I don't understand, Faye said, breaking the silence. If Suppanad wanted Fa only, why take them both? She could've easily just kidnapped Fa. Why Charlotte too?

Champ, looking pensive, stood up. Let's go back to the company. Nawat needs to rest. I'll pick him up tomorrow when they discharge him.

Marima began to pace. We need to start from the beginning.

Champ grabbed a whiteboard and started outlining the facts. We know Nawat received a letter before the kidnapping. I took a photo of it before the police bagged it as evidence.

Chompu skimmed the letter. She sounds like a psycho as usual.

Tina entered the room, a concerned look on her face. Heidi's asleep. I gave her something to calm her down. What can I do to help?

Pichy gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Why don't you get some rest too, Tina? You've been taking care of her non-stop. We'll call you when we need you.

Tina nodded and left.

Chompu stood up, an idea forming. I'll check the security footage. Maybe something will pop up.

Champ handed her the password for the system, and Chompu set to work. Meanwhile, Sun sorted through folders. What about the private investigator? Did we get anything from him?

Pichy shook her head. He disappeared. Completely vanished. His number isn't in service anymore. Faye thought for a moment. What happened in the game? What did you do to progress?

We followed the game's instructions, Faye replied. When we were given choices, we made the right decisions. That's how they moved on to the next level, and I finished.

Champ leaned against the desk. What happened at the end?

Char sacrificed herself in my level, Faye said, eyes distant.

Pichy winced. Fa and Char teamed up against my character, Char knocked me out, and that was the last thing I saw in the game.

Chompu returned with a laptop. Check this out!

On the screen, a figure dressed as a mailman was seen leaving letters on top of a pile of mail. They wore a cap, obscuring their face, but as they got closer, the profile was unmistakable—Tina Suppanad.

Chompu froze the frame. Look! The team gathered around the laptop, staring at the unmistakable side profile. Suppanad had delivered the letter herself, at 4:19 PM—two days before the kidnapping.

Pichy's voice trembled. She was right here, and no one knew.

Champ let out a sigh, frustration and disbelief clear on his face. Chompu, what happened when you were in the game?

Chompu scratched her head. Fa's character broke up with me. She wanted to be with Char's character.

Sun slapped the table. That's it! From everything you've said, Fa and Char never seemed worried about the game. Suppanad must be making their characters end up together—so they'd feel at ease.