Tessara - Page 1 (Patreon)

It was a dull Sunday afternoon as I waited for Frank in the office. After getting the exclusive photo of the Black Devil in action, it was a tired but exhilarating weekend as the photo became an instant hit among the news network.

Many news outlets called to get a copy of the photo, and I made quite a killing selling them. However, I did keep one little secret to myself, but it seems that Frank managed to sniff that one out.

The secret in question was now in a jar on my desk, cluttered as usual with recent projects. The jar of dark liquid was somehow mesmerising to behold. I tried taking notes while studying the liquid, but it seemed to be calling out to me. The mysterious liquid occasionally reaching out as I placed my hands around it.

There was a brief knock on the door before Frank entered, ignoring the "Closed" sign on the door. Frank cleared his throat to get my attention. "So, you do have it."

"Yeah", I admitted, tearing my eyes away from the liquid, "This is a part of the Black Devil."

In the aftermath of the fight between the Black Devil and Connan, I had noticed a big patch of dark liquid (mixed with blood) that was flowing peculiarly. My sixth sense tingling, I scooped it up into a thermos before leaving the site, but Connan's girl must have seen me doing it.

Selling the hit photos afterwards took my attention, but a phone call from Frank later reminded me of it. I wished I have more time to study (and maybe find a buyer for) it, but Frank was adamant that it's to be handed over to the Mob.

Frank's expression was neutral as he held the jar against the light, trying to decipher the secrets himself. Only his eyes widened slightly as the liquid suddenly swirled and leaped towards him, splashing against the jar.

"I know someone who can look into this," Frank mummered more to himself, placing the jar into his coat pocket. "And I do appreciate if you keep this just between us as usual."

Having worked with the Mob before, Frank's little warning was nothing new, a reminder that this info is to be kept a secret, or else the Mob will have their vendetta.

Frank then left the office without further ado, his steps a bit faster, betraying his eagerness at finding a clue to the Black Devil. He barely took notice of two women who passed him as he came down the staircase.

Artist's Note:

Merry Christmas! Here's the start of Teressa's chapter, told from her point of view.