In the scene, Evan was struggling in the man's grasp, looking up as though saying something, but his words were drowned out. In the next instant, the man stretched out a ghastly hand, seizing Evan and propelling him forward.
Evan vanished from the scene.
I let out a startled cry, "Help!"
Everyone turned to look at me, but the man in the footage continued his actions. He paused, seeming to pull something from within his coat, brutally tearing it to shreds and then tossing it aside. Without a backward glance, he followed the path he had come from, disappearing into the rainy night.
I understood then, what he had torn and discarded was likely the DNA test report. It was this document that led to Evan's demise.
I slumped into the chair, covering my face, trying to control my sobbing and prevent any sound from escaping.
Hannah stood by my side, speechless, "Aaliyah, it's reality. You should grieve."
I abruptly lifted my head, "Who is he? This beast, utterly heartless."
A police officer sighed, "He's truly inhumane. How could anyone harm an innocent child? It seems like Evan knew him because Evan clung onto his neck so tightly."
"But why didn't he spare Evan? He's so young, and what threat could he pose?"
The chatter and conjectures continued.
The leader clapped his hands, "We need to scrutinize this footage and find any trace of this man."
"We should start with people Evan knew."
"Judging by the figure, strength, and movements, it's undoubtedly a male."
The leader instructed the officer in the plaid shirt, "Play it again."
The officer immediately complied, playing the footage once more.
Hannah whispered soothing words in my ear, "Aaliyah, why don't we go back?"
"No," I shook my head determinedly, "I want to watch it again."
I wiped my face and moved to the front, my eyes fixed on the screen.
The shadow reappeared in my vision. This time, the footage wasn't zoomed in, and I focused intently on the person in the scene.
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