Chapter 16: Changes
A couple of minutes earlier.
After saying goodbye to the smoker guy, I continued on my way. But my mind was completely wrapped around a single thought.
’If the rumor was spread by the Sadis Gang to keep people off Nolan Street... then what’s so important about the original Aiden’s house that they’d go to such lengths to gatekeep it?’
Was Aiden hiding gold or something?
Or maybe there’s been a hidden basement inside the house all along, one that holds a buried secret of humanity?!
It had only been a few hours since I inherited the original Aiden’s memories, and there was still a flood of information to process. Trying to pinpoint any specific memory that might offer a clue was like finding a needle in a haystack.
"Wait, why was I trying so hard to guess? I’m about to meet them anyway. I can just get the answer straight from their mouths."
As I walked closer to my destination, Richie’s words suddenly echoed in my mind. Instinctively, my gaze shot upwards, scanning the ceilings and roofs above.
"Nothing, huh? Well, Richie said his drink buddy saw an owl. It’s noon now, perfect napping time for an owl. I guess even a beast tamer can’t push their pets to go against their nature."
I was on the verge of exhaling in relief when a faint squeak reached my ears. My head instantly turned around to the noise’s direction, catching sight of a rat. It stood there, staring at me oddly before darting off somewhere else.
"A rat? I recall Peter was seen conversing with one. That odd stare... could that have been one of his tamed animals?" I whispered to myself.
At this very moment, a flash of lightning struck my mind.