[Chapter 111: This... This Is Actually Real]
"This is truly despicable."
Scarlett, who had been terrified moments before, suddenly felt her fear fade.
Instead, as a woman, a fierce anger flared inside her. The injuries on those bodies were horrifying beyond words. One had a gaping hole ripped in the stomach, the abdomen forcibly torn open, as if the baby had been ripped from within.
The killer wasn't just a monster -- that person is worse than a demon.
Riley shared the outrage. "Mr. Cross, you have to avenge them."
Daniel nodded in agreement. He gazed solemnly at the six vengeful spirits. "I will avenge you. But after that, I will send you to where you belong."
The six vengeful spirits remained silent, their silence an unspoken agreement.
Daniel continued, "I know who killed you. Give me some time -- I need to make arrangements."
He then instructed Riley, the flight attendant, "Call the Air Marshal down."
Riley hesitated, glancing nervously at the six spirits. Though she sympathized deeply with them, anger and sorrow mingling inside her, she was still afraid to leave Daniel's side and confront them alone.
Seeing her hesitation, Daniel reassured her, "Don't worry. They won't hurt you. In fact, they haven't attacked anyone. They're just looking for help."
Riley realized he was right. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out from behind Daniel. Her heart thundered like it might burst as she passed the six spirits. But as Daniel said, they did not attack her. Instead, she sensed a faint trace of gratitude in their eyes.
...
Riley hurried away and soon returned with the Air Marshal.
As soon as he saw the six spirits, the Air Marshal froze, eyes wide with terror. He stumbled backward, knocking over a stack of suitcases and tripping to the floor, looking utterly helpless.
"This... this is actually real," he stammered.
Daniel's voice was calm: "The answer is obvious."
The Air Marshal's legs gave out beneath him, his body trembling as he faced the terrifying spirits. He tried to draw his weapon, but his hands shook so badly he couldn't pull it out.
He looked like he wanted to cry.
Daniel said gently, "Don't be afraid. They won't hurt you. Look -- Riley walked past them just fine and came back."
The Air Marshal's pride took a hit. He couldn't bear the thought of being worse than a scared flight attendant.
Gritting his teeth, he finally forced himself up and walked toward Daniel.
Seeing that the spirits truly hadn't attacked him, he exhaled shakily. But the cold dread gripped him still -- the six vengeful spirits looked tragic and terrifying in equal measure.
Daniel explained, "They were all murdered by the same person, who used extremely brutal methods. The wounds you see now are their fatal injuries."
"It's horrific. The killer isn't human. I've been a police officer for a long time, and I rarely see such cruelty all at once. And here, we have six victims."
The Air Marshal's professional demeanor slowly returned.
Daniel went on, "The person who did this is on this plane. The spirits appeared because they want revenge."
The Air Marshal's eyes widened. "So that's why passengers were shouting about revenge and murder."
Speaking quietly, he added, "But, Mr. Cross, isn't it wrong to let them take revenge right here?"
Daniel replied firmly, "You can try to stop them. But if the plane crashes because of it, you'll be held responsible."
The Air Marshal jumped at the warning. "Ghosts and monsters aren't in my job scope. I'm just an ordinary guy. How could I possibly stop them?"
Daniel gave him a sharp look. "You're an excellent Air Marshal."
The man gave a dry laugh but said nothing.
Daniel continued, "I already know who the killer is, but I need final confirmation. Please cooperate."
"Alright, how can I help?"
Without answering him directly, Daniel commanded the six spirits: "Find his suitcase."
Instantly, the spirits vanished and reappeared around a standard-issue suitcase.
Daniel and the others looked on.
That kind of suitcase was issued by the airline, so it must belong to someone in the flight or cabin crew.
Riley asked in disbelief, "Mr. Cross, is this the killer's suitcase?"
Daniel nodded. "Exactly."
"Oh my God," Riley gasped. "The killer is one of us? Let me see whose it is!"
All the suitcases looked the same. There was a name tag on this one.
Riley moved it and instantly her face filled with shock. "Oh my goodness, it's him!"
"Are you sure?" Riley asked, barely able to believe it.
Daniel said, "Open it and we'll know."
He looked at the Air Marshal. "You open it."
Daniel didn't want to touch it and risk leaving fingerprints.
The Air Marshal understood and stepped forward, opening the suitcase. Inside, besides normal clothing, the most striking items were stacks of photos.
As he flipped through them, the Air Marshal was stunned.
They were all pictures of the gruesome atrocities. The six vengeful spirits were in the photos. But compared to their current ghostly state, the images showed scenes even more shocking.
It was almost impossible to believe anyone could do such things.
Besides the six spirits, the killer appeared in some photos. There were many other victims too -- far more than just six.
Riley couldn't help but exclaim repeatedly, "Oh my God."
Scarlett swore, "What the..! How could anyone do this?"
As they looked at the photos, dark energy surged from the six spirits. Their eyes burned with murderous intent; if anyone tried to stop them now, they would kill without hesitation, even if it meant mutual destruction.
"Wait a little longer. I promised to help you, and I won't break my word," Daniel said, his voice strong, temporarily holding back the spirits' rage.
He instructed the Air Marshal, "Keep these safe as evidence."
"I will." The Air Marshal carefully put the photos back and closed the suitcase.
"Wait a moment -- I have a plan..." Daniel explained, and the Air Marshal nodded repeatedly.
Daniel appreciated the man's pragmatism.
He asked, "What should I call you?"
"Just call me Steve," the Air Marshal replied.
Daniel said, "Steve, this is our first time working together. I hope it's our last."
Steve shook his head. "I hope so, too."
"Let's go."
Daniel led them all upward.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
https://discord.gg/HjHHhUXPn7.