As soon as Marilyn Thornhill left the room, Wednesday and Enid's glares resumed like a switch had been flipped.A shimmer moved near the corner, and Aleksander faded back into view with Stitch perched on his shoulder.
Wednesday turned to him immediately. "Can I know why you appeared here unannounced?"
Aleksander shrugged lightly. "It's related to our case."
That made Wednesday's attention sharpen, while Enid blinked, curiosity replacing irritation. "Case? What case?"
"The so-called bear attacks in Vermont," Aleksander said, tone calm but steady. "They weren't animal incidents. Each victim had organs surgically removed. It's an Outcast—someone's covering the real cause."
Enid's voice jumped an octave. "Wait, what?!"
Wednesday ignored her and focused on Aleksander. "You've already identified the killer?"
"Not entirely," he replied. "The creature doing the actual killing is a Hyde."
At that, Wednesday's expression turned analytical. She had read about Hydes before—from Aleksander's own compendium. She folded her arms. "A Hyde can't act on its own. It always has a master."
"Exactly." Aleksander nodded once.
Wednesday turned toward Aleksander, clearly unimpressed. "Why are we talking about this with her?"
Aleksander met her stare evenly, then glanced at Enid. "Because she runs the most popular gossip vlog in Nevermore. She hears everything before anyone else."
Enid straightened a little, looking both surprised and flattered. "Finally, someone who appreciates the power of social media."
Wednesday's eyes narrowed. After a few seconds, she sighed, conceding the point. "Fine. But if this ends with trending hashtags or group selfies, I'll reconsider your involvement."
Enid grinned. "Noted."
Enid blinked, caught between pride and disbelief. "Wait—you actually watch my vlog?"
Stitch tilted his head. "He no watch. He skim."
Aleksander cast him a slight glare before answering. "We use what's useful."
Enid crossed her arms, letting that slide. "But… Hydes don't exist here anymore. They were banned years ago."
"True," Aleksander said. "But someone could have created—or awakened—a new one. And whoever controls it… that's our real suspect."
Enid frowned. "So you're saying someone at Nevermore might be behind all this?"
Wednesday's voice cut in, cold but steady. "No. He's saying someone thinks they're clever enough to get away with it. They won't."
Aleksander looked between them. "Which is why we start gathering leads tomorrow."
Stitch raised a claw. "Stitch help!"
Wednesday gave him a blank look. "Only if your definition of help doesn't involve property damage."
Stitch grinned. "No promises."
Aleksander handed a thin report file to Wednesday. "Although we have a Hyde on our hands," he explained, "Stitch managed to take it down without much effort."
Wednesday paused mid-motion, glancing up at Stitch as if reevaluating him entirely. The small creature sat on the desk edge, legs swinging, chest puffed with obvious pride.
"You defeated a Hyde?" Wednesday asked, more intrigued than surprised.
Stitch grinned wide, his voice a mix of mischief and pride. "Bad monster. Stitch smash."
Wednesday studied him for another second, then turned to Aleksander. "And you didn't think to mention this earlier?"
"I was busy thinking about the case," Aleksander replied dryly.
Enid, standing a few steps back, looked between the two of them, clearly stunned. "Wait—Stitch actually fought a Hyde? Like, full-on Hyde? That's insane! Those things are supposed to be one of the most powerful Outcasts alive!"
Stitch raised his claws, flexing for effect. "Stitch strong. Super strong."
Enid shook her head, half laughing. "I'm starting to believe it. Honestly, I thought you were just a blue plush toy with an attitude."
"Not toy!" Stitch barked. "Genetic experiment. Very advanced."
Wednesday's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. "I can see why he and you get along," she said, glancing at Aleksander.
Aleksander smirked. "Don't remind me."
As Aleksander finished explaining their small investigative agency, Enid leaned forward, eyes practically glowing. "A detective agency? That's so cool! Do we get badges? Or, like, business cards?"
Wednesday crossed her arms. "If enthusiasm were evidence, she'd already have solved three cases."
Aleksander hid a faint smirk. "We'll work on professionalism first."
While Enid chatted on about matching uniforms and social media ideas, Wednesday stood slightly apart, muttering to herself about sunny idiots.
Aleksander moved beside her, lowering his voice. "Keep your distance from Marilyn Thornhill."
That caught Wednesday's attention. She glanced up at him. "You're convinced she's a threat?"
"Something about her doesn't align," Aleksander said quietly. "I sensed intense resentment—anger tied to the Addams name. It's not casual dislike. It's old, focused."
Wednesday's expression shifted from guarded to intrigued. "Interesting."
Enid, who had clearly been eavesdropping, piped in. "Ms. Thornhill? You mean our dorm mom? She's the botanical sciences teacher. Close with Principal Weems, too."
Enid shrugged. "She's also kind of left out around here because she's a Normie. People say she tries too hard to fit in."
Wednesday considered that, tone flat but thoughtful. "A Normie surrounded by Outcasts with a personal grudge against my family. How utterly predictable."
Aleksander nodded slightly. "Predictable doesn't mean harmless."
Stitch tugged at Aleksander's sleeve. "She plant lady?"
"More or less," Aleksander said.Stitch snorted. "Stitch no like plants. They taste bad."
Wednesday gave him a sidelong glance. "You and I might finally agree on something."
Soon Aleksander teleported back to his dorm. He entered his room quietly, careful not to wake Xavier, who was already asleep. He grabbed his phone, pulling up a contact labeled "Dorn."
Hundreds of miles away, in front of massive monitors at the Miami Police Department, Dorn leaned back in his chair. In contrast to his light blue eyes, Dorn's physique was bulky and strong. Short blond hair and a clean stubble gave him a relaxed but capable look. AMMO division badges gleamed in the neon glow.
Dorn answered on the first ring. "Hello, brother. What can I do for you?"
Aleksander sent a photo as he spoke. "I need info on someone named Marilyn Thornhill. Sending you her picture now. I want everything—background, birth records, family history. The works."
Dorn grinned at the request. "You got it. I'll get digging right away. Anything unusual you'd like me to check for?"
Aleksander replied, "Any ties to the Addams family, aliases, old police records. If there's a warning sign, I want to know."
Dorn's hands flew across the keyboard, already opening search windows. "I'll call soon with updates."
Aleksander put the phone down and glanced around his darkened room, tension settling on his shoulders as he waited for answers.