Journal Entry #29 - Kidnapped!

April, 22nd, 2013 - 5:15 Pm

Edward has been kidnapped! A friend of his, Keon, posted a Missing Person report on Edward's blog (I guess he hacked  into Something Sinister). Here it is...

MISSING PERSON.

Hi, this is Keon. Yesterday, Edward said he needed us to come to Duncan Woods; I guess he had something to tell us, but he never showed up to tell us what was going on. Today I went to his house, but Edward wasn't there.

The name of the missing person is Edward Straussen.
He's 5 foot 11, has short brown hair, brown eyes and a scar on the underside of his left arm. He would appear to be in his late teens/early twenties and is usually clean shaven. He usually wore a brown jacket and an English cabby driver's cap (grey). Is of a rather burly build, and was last seen at around 3:45ish.

His address is **** ******** street, Grand Haven, Ottawa County, Mi.
If you happen to see a person matching this description, please call: ********** for his home or ********** for me.

[Picture redacted]

 

POSTED BY KEON ORUSAN

To tell you the truth, I'm a bit depressed. I should've been watching him more closely. I feel like it's my fault, even though I know it's not.

I have nothing more to say...
Inspector Kornelson


Journal Entry #28 - The Vision

April 12th, 2013 - 5:47 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post form Something Sinister:

I am TIRED! All week he has been just standing out there. Standing. Standing. Standing. Never an inch closer, never an inch farther, and all the time he whispers.

Yesterday after whispering profusely, he came very close to my window. Whatever this is, doesn’t speak out loud. It’s like you feel what he’s saying… no it’s like he makes you feel what he’s saying. He came close and though I couldn’t make out most of what he was saying, I caught the word “Kayle” several times.

In the stead of his usual 20 feet of “personal” space, he gave me about three from my window. I stood up to go and close my curtains and his tentacles kept moving around in the most unignorable way ever and to my horror I found that I could no longer move.

I couldn’t move but there were no more whispers, only his voice. I can’t describe it, it wasn’t a voice that one heard, but one that was felt; and it felt dark and sinister. He told me to look around.  He and I were standing in the middle of the woods. There was a little cottage and between us and it there was a small lake. I glanced toward him but he was gone. I took a second glance around.

The house and lake were both of them in a clearing. From what I could tell, the place hadn’t been touched in a long time. A path wound from where I was standing, around the lake and to the house. I felt uneasy. I heard a noise and looked around again. I turned back to the path and saw her. She was wearing an off white dress, her pink socks and black church shoes.

For the life of me, I couldn’t decide whether to be scared or ecstatic. “Kayle?” I called to her. She looked up at me.

“Edward,” she said, “Come here, there’s something I need to tell you.” She then turned and started skipping down the path. She sounded so eerily cheery, but I began. I hadn’t even made my third foot fall when my phone buzzed. I stopped and looked at it. No number and it read:

“What are you doing Edward Straussen?”

“Are you coming?” Kayle had stopped and was looking back for me. I was confused but continued to follow Kayle, my phone in one hand. Something was off here, I couldn’t say what but I Knew that something wasn’t right. I followed her until she stopped again. “Do you know who lives here Edward?” Kayle said looking up at me.

I glanced around. I said, “I’m not sure if any one lives here.” Kayle turned and looked into the trees and I was about to look into the trees also when out of the corner of my eyes I saw something moving in the window of the cottage. I looked more closely and saw a shoulder and arm. The hand was gloved and in it was a mobile phone. The hand was still for a moment and then very slowly the hand’s thumb pressed a button and at the same time my phone buzzed.

“You see, but do not observe.” Upon reading this, Kayle spun around and marched toward me in a very threatening way. I looked at her face. Her eyes were blue, and there were black circles around her eyes. I looked at the trees. Their leaves were black instead of green. I backed up until I was on the very edge of the path and almost in the lake. I looked up again and immediately wished I hadn’t. He was standing behind her, his hands on Kayle’s shoulders and on her face a look of extreme terror. “Edward, help me.” was the last thing that she said.

With those words, she vanished. I all ready knew how this would end. I fell to my knees all the same, as everything faded into darkness. I looked up and saw my windows, my hands clasping the drapes still ready to pull them shut. Looking out of my window, I couldn’t see him and I haven’t seen him since.  After I finally drew the curtains, I found a message on my phone. Guess who.

“Why so stubborn Edward? This is the culmination of what you have toiled to avoid. Are you happy with what you have accomplished? We don’t think you are.” If there was anything that could have been done, I don’t know what it was, but it sure seems like Mr. Pseudonym did! Why didn’t he come out and show his back bone? I am tired of all of this, I'm starting to wonder if Fear Dubh is ever going finished at this sick game of his.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

Kayle... she's alive. And she's in danger.

The poor girl's mind seems to be trapped by the Slenderman. It's pure evil I say.

Edward said the cabin was near a lake... could it possibly be the same one I came across? I didn't see a cabin, but... who knows? Maybe it was somehow hidden...

You know, it's kinda funny, (No, I take that back, FREAKY is the word I'm looking for.) I've been watching the Strausen house. Especially the back yard where Edwards' window is. I didn't see the Slenderman one time. This possibly proves the theory that he is seen only if he wants to be seen.

Thealias is quite annoying, and I agree with Edward, why won't he show his cowardly face!? But again, is Thealias the Slenderman? In that case, he has shown his face... er... not his face exactly, but... whatever.

But there's one fact that I think blows that theory down: The hidden figure in the cabin. Whoever it was texted Edward to warn him. It must be Thealias. And judging by the reaction Kayle gave, Thealias wasn't supposed to be there. It could very well be that Thealias is trying to help Edward, all the while being in danger himself.

If only I could contact this mysterious man...

Until next time...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #26 - Edward's Decision

April 2nd, 2013 - 7:27 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

I just woke up from the worst dream of my life. The things—I didn’t understand most of what I saw, but it terrified me. To be perfectly honest, now that I'm awake, I don’t feel any better.  I am going to tell someone—I don’t care what they said, I have to tell someone. I am going to go crazy if I don’t. but, then again, who would believe this? My sister certainly didn’t. I don’t know…

POSTED BY EDWARD STARUSEN

Which is what I don't get. Obviously, something weird is going on, Edward being in his friend's closet for who-knows-how-long and all. And Cat just doesn't seemed phased at all by it, nor does she seem to care for her brother's fears.

I worry about Edward. The dreams, the man outside his window, the crazy instant traveling... it's going to end up being really bad.

Now of course, the instant traveling could all be in his head. After all, they did find him waking up in a closet. He could have been in some form of a coma or something.

Okay. It's time to find some answers. I'm going to the woods Saturday, and I'll update you the following Monday.

Pray for me guys...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #25 - Where's Edward!?

March 30th, 2013 - 8:52 Pm

Um... WOW.

I left you hanging in the last post there... probably freaking out and all. Well, your questions will be answered.

I left right away to Edward's house. After his parents answered the door, I showed them my badge and asked them where Edward was.

"He's upstairs on his computer I believe..." Mr. Strausen said.

I ran.

Busting open the door, I soon discovered that Edward was gone.

I rushed back downstairs. "Your son is gone Sir. I have reason to believe that he's been kidnapped."

Mrs. Strausen gasped, and then sat down quickly in a nearby chair, placing her hands on her mouth.

I ran to the door. Throwing them my card, I said, "I'm going to search for him. If you find out any information, call me." I closed the door behind me, but then remembered something. I quickly opened the door and said very sternly, "And whatever you do, don't go into the woods." And then I left.

For the next two days, I searched everywhere possible. The church, Leroy and Bard's place, the park, and other places. All except for the woods. I feared that that's where Edward was.

I searched everywhere again today, but ended up where I started. Absolutely nothing. Until, that is, I got a call this afternoon from the Strausens.

I'll let Edward explain to you his side of the story, which he wrote in a blog post on Something Sinister:

I have been officially grounded. I don’t know when or if my parents will ever ungrounded me. And honestly I’m kinda glad that they have, this way if He tries to take me again, someone will know. On Wednesday day I got on my blog to try to put something up that now seems more like a waste of time, when I saw the post from thealias. I knew one thing—there was no way on earth that I was going to let an angry fairy kidnap me without a fight. I mean, I can’t just walk up to my friends and say “Hey guys, I got kidnapped and punished by a fairy,”—UNDIGNIFYED!

So I went to my closet and grabbed my Colombia saber knife and put it on belt. I hesitated for a moment but then went back to my closet to get another knife. I reached out to grab it when something hit my back that knocked every ounce of wind out of me. I turned to see what had hit me and saw that it was a bed. I had been hit by the bed but I’d fallen onto it and the mattress was really old and stiff, I sat up and just them I realized that it wasn’t my room at all. First, it was dark and there was an old chandelier on the ceiling, second; what light there was came from a full moon reflecting off of the snow outside the house, but as you all know there is barley any snow on the ground in Grand Haven today.

I got up and walked over and tried the door. It didn’t open. I was about to walk back and sit on the bed again when I heard a noise from the far corner of the room. I don’t know what was there, but what I did know, I didn’t want to find out. I ran to the door and twisted it furiously until something cracked on the inside and the door finally came open. I ran through it and shut it behind me. It hadn’t occurred to me that there might be something on this side of the door as well until I was already on the other side. My sighs of relief quickly turned to panicked breaths and my hands began to shake quite violently, for a moment, but then I thought. I had no proof that there was anything in here, why should my bones quake inside me?

And just as I began to relax I heard noises coming from the other end of the hall, which was full of doors, and in the very dim light that the hall offered from the two small windows at either end I saw a the figure of something unnatural that walked as if it’s legs were broke. My stomach began to lurch inside me again. I ran for the other end of the hall where I could see a banister. When I reached it, began to go down the stairs when I saw that whatever it was had gone. It probably went into one of the many rooms in the hall. I stood half on the stair case and half off looking down the hall as hard as I could, as soon as I would decided that it was safe to go back into the hall I would hear something from there, but I knew that I wasn’t going downstairs if I didn’t have to.

I don’t know how long it took me to notice but the landscape outside of the window I was next to was almost nothing like the one I’d seen from the bed room window, there I’d seen a yard with a forest of pine trees and all of it covered in snow; the one outside this window had no trees in any direction that I could see it was flat and open and snow covered. I decided that if there was a door, I could to that field and I would be able to see anything before it could get to me. So I went down stairs. I found a window that faced in the same direction but I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked through it. There was a forest of oak trees I think. “Am I supposed to take this seriously?”  I muttered to myself. I had no more than finished when my text alarm went off. It was from thealias, and it read; “It doesn’t matter to us whether you believe us or not, it’s not our business.”

A few seconds later another text came, “Don’t look back.” At that time I’d turned with my back facing the window. My pulse rose. I didn’t know if there was something out there, but if there was I didn’t want to break the rules, not in there anyway. I walked into another room, and noticed that for a house of its size it was rather clean, but it was clear that no one lived there.  As I continued from room to room, I stepped on a floor board that squeaked quite loudly, I grimaced but kept going. I was no more than two paces from the spot when I heard it again, and my heart dropped. There was something behind me. But I kept walking. I went around a corner and through the corner of my eye I saw that whatever it was, was wearing a white lab coat, at least that’s my best guess. As I continued to walk the footsteps fell harder and harder behind me and whatever was following me began to wheeze audibly.

By the time I reached the kitchen I was at my wits end, trying everything not to look at it, but it would walk first to one side of me, then to the other. I almost wanted to blind myself, but not quite enough. I saw a pantry on one wall and I took a mad dash for it and shut myself in. facing the door I listened as that thing came closer, it’ wheezing growing louder and louder. It seemed like hours. It was walking so slowly and deliberately, my teeth started chattering. “Stop it!” I yelled at whatever it was. Who was I kidding? The footsteps stopped, but the wheezing turned into a hiss of maniacal laughter. I felt it grab the door knob and begin to turn it. My mind raced. My pulse beet like a hammer in my ears. My legs gave out. I couldn’t stand. I slumped forward onto the door.

When next I knew, someone was feeling my throat and my wrist. I would have said something, or moved, but I could not. I heard ambulance sirens and someone shouting “he’s in here!” but they never came. When I was able to move again, I rolled over and saw that I was in my bed room, on the floor, next to my bed. Evidently, I’d been missing for three days. My parents thought that I’d run off. When I fell through the door onto the ground I had been in Keon’s house. My parents thought I’d run off and broken in to Keon’s house. His parents didn’t press charges. But my parents are “very surprised at me” and I just don’t know what to do.

I have this feeling that Keon will want an explanation soon.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

And there you have it folks. Edward was kidnapped, and then brought back safely to his home.

I've been putting off visiting the woods for too long. I have to go soon, or not go at all. It's time to man up.

See you there...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #23 - Edwards Mistake

March 20th, 2013 - 8:47 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

Today I went out, which is to say that mom kicked me out for the afternoon. So I went to Pottawatomi bayou Park. There is a nice board walk with a couple of benches that face the water. I sat there trying to figure out the latest riddle from thealias. It doesn’t seem to matter what I do, he invents ways of communicating with me. I purposely don’t go to my own blog to avoid seeing he messages, so he goes and sends me texts with no number behind them. I turn off my phone, so he writes messages in word documents that he leaves opened on my computer—what’s next will he start taping notes to my computer screen?

‘Hello, Edward Strauβen

Staying inside will not help you. You fear those who seek to Free you. You seek to hide from us in your house, but even here, you are punishable. Find the key and follow us, we can help you.’

Whatever that means.  I was trying to figure it out when Bard came down the boardwalk. “Hey! Where have you been?” but the way he said it made me think that he was surprised that I was here. I sighed, and told him that he wouldn’t believe me if I told him. He sat down on the other bench and said “Try me.”

So I said, with another sigh; “After my cousin’s funeral, I had this suspicion that she hadn’t just been murdered. And I couldn’t shake it off. And now weird stuff is happening and no one except me notices.”

Bard thought for a moment. “Do you mean weird, like when you turn on the faucet at the kitchen sink and then you get sprayed by the hose-thing?”

“No, weird like; people breaking in to my house, this guy leaving messages on my computer and in my texts, and some abnormally tall guy following me around. I’m just trying to figure out how to deal with it.”

“Oh, good!” he said.

“Um—not good, this guy isn’t a guy…really…” I paused because I just could not believe the words that I was about to say. Just typing it out isn’t the same as actually saying it, and to be honest it almost made it feel scarier when I said it, “it’s… some kind of… thing-monster.” I sighed; again, I could not believe the words that had just come out of my mouth.

“let me see, what kind of peppers have you been eating before bed?” I was relieved to see that he was trying to rationalize the situation.

“You don’t believe a word of it.” I said.

He didn’t answer for a couple of seconds. “Well” he paused, “It does sound a little farfetched, even for you.” And I don’t blame him, If the man disappeared tomorrow, and never came back, I would be given to wonder if it wasn’t all some convoluted dream.

“All I know is what I think I saw, and what I think I saw is scaring the living daylights out of me.” We talked for a little longer and then he had to go home, and so did I. I wonder if telling him wasn’t the best idea.

I still don’t understand though, what was thealias talking about? What key? Follow them where?

POSTED BY EDWARDS STRAUSEN

Edward made a grave mistake. But a fair one.

He told someone about his problems.

Now, don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that you should always consult with someone about your problems. But in this situation, telling someone about what's going on can put you in danger. At the most, tell the authorities. Of course, they don't really help that much. In fact, sometimes they make it worse.

"I wonder if telling him wasn’t the best idea."

Me too Edward. Me too.
 
Think before you make your move...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry # 22 - Intentions...

March 18th, 2013 - 4:32 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

Hello, Edward Strauβen

Staying inside will not help you. You fear those who seek to Free you. You seek to hide from us in your house, but even here, you are punishable. Find the key and follow us, we can help you

POSTED BY THEALIAS

Thealias strikes again, and continues to baffle me! Of course, this also proves that Kayle is not Thealias. Children don't know how to hack computers. You know, the more I think about it, the more I think that Thealias could be someone Edward knows. Someone close even. But is he working with the Slenderman, or trying to help Edward? If he's trying to help, he's doing a horrible job at it. Threatening only causes trouble. I know this, because I got a threat on Entry #16. But you knew that...

This is one twisted 'game'...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #21 - The Game...

March 15th, 2013 - 5:45 Pm

Here's today's really long corresponding post from Something Sinister:

This week has been weird to the point where I’m wondering how Cat hasn’t noticed.  I’m hope this summery will suffice for now.

Monday: On Monday I stayed in my room all day except for when I needed to leave (chores, lunch, bathroom) and just before dusk something reminded me about the post from thealias and I turned and looked out the window, and looking back, I wish I hadn’t. On the periphery of the woods there stood that same tall man that was in the organ loft. I picked up a pair of binoculars because I couldn’t believe that I would never see this guy facing me. I peered through the binoculars and saw the breast of his suit and a tie. I was confused at this as he had been turned around just a few moments before, so I looked up at his head. What I saw simultaneously horrified me and intrigued me. The man’s skin had not a drop of melanin (if melanin comes in drops) in it. His head was cocked on one side as if he were confused or perplexed by something. But most curious of all, he had no face, or well not no face but no features on it.

I turned and tore through my hopelessly cluttered desk and found a piece of scrap paper on which I wrote a tally mark. When I glanced up again he was gone. I began to wonder if he would come back. Until he did I decided to go back to the library and research.

Tuesday: I followed my plan from the day before and went to library to do research into whatever that person I saw my back yard was. I typed in “faceless creature” in to Google.

 I picked out a snippet that looked interesting. “Scottish folklore” I opened the page and at the top of the page there was a heading. “Fear Dubh,” I read on “A malevolent being that was said to haunt the woods. It was created to scare children in to staying inside after dark.” And that was it the writer hadn’t said anything more. Why I wonder? Perhaps it was not very in portent. So I went over to the help desk and asked if they had any books on Scottish folklore, the lady was very helpful and told me exactly where it was.

The article that I found read, “Fear Dubh—the black man,

Fear Dubh is a spirit that was generally thought to be malevolent. It was said to haunt the Highland forests at night. People who crossed paths with it were haunted by and eventually killed by it. If someone managed to elude the spirit without dying, it would exact its revenge on his (or her) descendants.

Fear Dubh has often been described by people who claimed to have seen it as a gentle man or a nobleman dressed in black, exceedingly tall, and pail. It was also said to lack facial features but, by far its most interesting trait were the many snake-like arms that grew out of its back.”

And then it went to talk about something else. I felt disturbed, the guy at the table next to me was blaring music on his iPod and it was loud enough to be heard.  But I also felt disturbed because except for the one ancestor I have who was German, my family is very Scottish, I felt a chill go up my spine and decided to leave.

On the way home I decided to go and practice the organ. So I went up in to the organ loft and Mr. Snoew was standing there. Something felt wrong. It wasn’t that Mr. Snoew was in the organ loft—he practically lives up there; there was something about the way he was standing. It just wasn’t right, and on top of that he was holding his hands in a position that I didn’t think he would have been able to at his age. He started talking in a way that was creepily monotone. “Hello, Edward Strauβen (German accent), we are waiting for your score.” I asked him what he was talking about, but he went on saying, “If you do not follow the rules of the game, we will have to punish you.” Who is we? But again no answer, “why do you question us?”

“If you tell me who you or “us” is then I’ll be more than happy to comply.” I said more disrespectfully than intended. He began to look past me. I waved my hand in front of his face but he didn’t flinch even once. I turned to leave because I was feeling severally creped out and that thing was standing there, and this time I was close enough to see the snake-like arms waving and writhing around.  The sight of it was more than I could handle.

 I very nearly passed out, to the point that I fell over. But when I hit the ground, there was snow on it I looked around and saw that I was in the woods. The woods that happen to be behind my house. I don’t know how I got there, but I didn’t want to be there, so I very quickly went back to the house.

Wednesday: There were several things that I did not want to do that day, for instance feeding the chickens or anything outside really. The woods felt dangerous and I didn’t want to be the brunt of some slighted fairy’s wrath. So I did everything that had to do with outside very quickly.

Thursday: 5:35. My phone buzzed the text message sound and I looked at it. It was from thealias.

thealias: “What is your final count?”

Me: “Who the heck are you?”

thealias: “We are those without eyes that see. What is your final count?”

Me: “fine then; 7. Are you Mr. Snoew?”

thealias: “No, we are not. Congratulations. You have answered correctly. Come and claim your reward in the woods.”

Me: “which woods?” I sent that text twice but both times it came back as unsendable. I am pretty sure that he meant the woods behind my house.

Friday: I don’t remember exactly why I went, because I’d resolved not to but for some reason I wandered out into the woods behind my house I walked for quite a while. Usually a walk through the woods Is very relaxing to me, but this was altogether different my muscles were so tight that if anything had touched me I think they would have snapped. I came to a place in the woods that I had never been to before, and I suddenly became aware that the sun was setting. I began to panic. And just when I was about to totally lose it, I saw a note.

 On one of the trees there was a note. I looked around, and in the ever dimming twilight I saw lost of notes on the trees. I picked up three or four of them and tried to read them but it was now too dark to see.

My heart began to race again and I realized just how dead silent it was. I turned to walk home. Every footfall deafening me, and I heard a sound. It was a very little sound and it was behind me. It was the man, Fear dubh. One second he was there and the next he was gone. But so was I.  I woke up this morning on my bed. And I have never felt this kind of fear before.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

Well, this has just gotten a lot more interesting. The Slenderman reveals himself! It's quite obvious that it is indeed a Slenderman. The tentacles, the height, the faceless... uh, face, it all points to him.

What's strange to me is the suddenness of going from one place to the next. One second he was in the church, being stared at by the Slenderman himself, (which is a whole other story. Is Mr. Sneow somehow involved in this mystery?) and then all of a sudden he finds himself in the woods. And then from there to his bed, the next morning.

Upon thinking further, I realize that Thealias and the Slenderman are probably not the same person. But who the heck is Thealias? Is he trying to help, or is he trying to cause more trouble? Or could it be... Kayle?

...

No. It couldn't be. One, she's only 7. Two, how could she get a hold of a computer to post stuff like that? Three, being young, she would have wanted to go home right away. Four, it just doesn't add up. Young children like that aren't as... educated as Thealias sounds.

Edward is now able to see the Slenderman outside his window... sound familiar?

I think I'll be visiting those woods next week...

See you there...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry # 19 - A new player?

February 26th, 2013 - 9:15 Pm

Well, I was going to bed, until I looked one more time on Edward's blog. That's when I found this post:

Hello Edward. We have read that you like to play games, so we have a game for you. It is called ‘Where’s Waldo’. We are very interested in your score.

POSTED BY THEALIAS

Who the heck is this guy!? The kidnapper? Or someone else with information? Or maybe it's simply just someone butting into a blog. Whatever the case, it's annoying. ESPECIALLY WHEN I'M TRYING TO GET SME SLEEP.

I would love to say something professional, but I have no ideas about who this guy is. I have no choice but to leave it at that.

Okay, NOW I'm going to sleep...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #18 - A possible lead?

February 26th, 2013 - 8:34 Pm

Here's today corresponding post from Something Sinister:

Now I'm not sure but, I think that I saw that tall guy at the Meijer. Mom and I went grocery shopping and while trying to rack my brain as which spices I needed for cooking I think I saw him pushing a cart, but only out of the corner of my eye. But I do have good news; Mathis is starting to get through his depression. I have to say that I am very impressed by the speed of his recovery.

The police have found a possible lead, but unfortunately I cannot say anymore than that they are looking into it. And as for me- nothing weird or strange has happened in the last 24 hours! I have also decided to play recorder for church again next month on the 15^th. Although I think I’ll play something more liturgically correct.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

Heh heh... whoops.

Um, ya... that was me.

I was keeping an eye on Edward, and he and his Mom went to the Meijer (a grocery store). I figured that since I was going to be staying in Ottawa County for a while, I'd go to the store too. I probably should've worn something other than black... sorry, I just like that color. Is that so wrong? I feel professional! Of course, I am kind of a professional...

ANYWHO, I just had to chuckle when I checked his blog and read that he noticed me.

I did talk to the police force. That wasn't very fun. Until I showed my badge. That was funny.

They told me that they did have a lead, but it wasn't a strong one. More like... a possibility. They thought that perhaps the kidnapper snuck through some woods that were near Kayle's house, and then took her back through. Taking a long trail, he could shake off anybody's scent.

Sure. That's reasonable. But I doubt it. Let me explain myself. If the kidnapper is who I think he is, then it's a lot more sinister than that.

It's perfect really, the kidnapper's plan. He appears in Kayle's backyard while she's playing, introduces himself, then comes across as the nicest person in the world. Add on the possible physco-babble stuff and you've got the perfect situation for kidnapping. Some of it still doesn't make sense though, not being able to see it unless it wants you to see it. Gah, my head hurts and I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

 

Goodnight all...

Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #17 - Second Apearance

February 24th - 3:45 Pm

Here's today's post from Something Sinister:

Well, that went better than expected. After I finished playing some one even clapped, but was shushed by an usher. My parents were very impressed and as usual my sister didn’t say anything. I find it curious that I saw that tall guy in the narthex standing by the coat rack, but as before he had his back to me and so I couldn’t his face.

Mr. Snoew gave me his congratulations and wanted to know why I’d never told him about the recorder. I explained that I didn’t think it was worth mentioning at the time. I feel really good about this. Perhaps I should play for church more often.

 POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

Again, we see the appearance of the tall man at the church. Why? What draws this guy to a holy place? Obviously not even ultimate good scares him. But the question still remains: Why is he drawn to the church? And why that church? So many questions to be answered! I am thoroughly excited about it all, but at the same time, my heart hurts for the family of the missing girl.

People take it too far when they kidnap a sweet little child. It's just pure evil. I really have no words for it. Someone really has to be sick in the head to actually think about doing something like that. And then to dare show his face at the funeral!? Okay, so maybe the tall guy might not be who I think he is, maybe I still need some more proof that it was him at the funeral.

For Kayle's sake, you can be sure as heck that I'll get that proof.

May God be with you Kayle...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #16 - New Culprit

February 23rd, 2013 - 5:15 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

Someone volunteered me to play as part of a music service. That made me kind of upset and I think Cat had something to do with it. But she wouldn’t say anything when I asked her about it, and my parents want me to “… get some practice playing in public…”

I decided that if I had to play in front of a lot of people, I would play whatever on the recorder (which I can actually play in front of people. My selection was “II. Allegro from Handel’s Recorder Sonata in A minor” I hope I don’t humiliate myself too badly, as this is my first public performance. my friends all seem supportive. I don’t know. It might be fun.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

Sorry folks, not much here. EXCEPT for one tiny detail, which would be doing music at the church. The church seems to be a possible magnet for the kidnapper.

On another note, I think I might have figured who this kidnapper could possibly be:

The Slenderman.

The Slenderman is one of the most mysterious beings ever to possibly exist. Not much is known about him, which is what makes the Slenderman the Slenderman. There are theories though. Some say he came into existence through our dreams. We dreamed about him so much that he became real. The other theory is that we made an exact replica of the Slenderman, and when we took a picture of it, the real Slenderman was forced to enter our dimension. Now whether any of that is true or not... well, for now I'll leave that up to you.

The Slenderman, I've noticed, is mostly referenced within the parameters of the woods, especially the fake sightings. Why this is, I'm not sure. Perhaps he likes dark places. The Good Book says that evil runs from the light. Maybe there's something to that.

I still need to run by the woods. I think I'll wait a little bit before I search around there...

Until then...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #14 - The funeral

February 13th, 2013 - 9:45 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

I didn’t want to go to the funeral, but I did. I didn’t want to talk to the people that would be there, but I did. And I don’t want to write the things which I am about to, but for some reason I feel compelled to out of incredulity and alarm.

This morning I got up feeling as depressed as one can without losing the ability to feel hunger. I went to the kitchen to eat breakfast. I poured myself a bowl of cereal and proceeded to enter the dining room. I did so and nearly dropped my bowl in surprise; my parents were still sitting there eating their own breakfast. I glanced at the clock. It was 7:10. I always sleep late, usually stayed in bed until at least 8:00.

I sat down and ate as quietly as I could, my dad across the table was scowling at the table, or was it his bowl; I couldn’t tell. So suddenly that it gave me whiplash, he looked up at me and asked, “So, are you as unready for this as I am?”

“I'm not ready at all.” I just hate myself for not writing sooner. Why didn’t I? It wasn’t like I had a great deal to do, honestly, I just didn’t do it. I wouldn’t take the time to write to my little cousin until she was about to be kidnapped? How am I supposed to feel?  I didn’t say this, but I wanted to.

I finished eating and put my dishes to be washed. I went over to my chair and stared out the window. I really wasn’t looking at anything, just thinking about what I might do at a funeral. In truth, I had never been to a funeral. I wasn’t sure how to act or if there was some protocol other than wearing black or what.

The clock chimed 9:00; this would be my only chance to try to talk my way out of going. However, my efforts were fruitless. “Your aunt has been hit hard by this, she needs to know that we care enough to come.” Was my dad’s reply. Sometimes I hate having a conscious to make me feel guilty.

I dressed up into my black and red suit and by the time I was done with that, it was time to go. The ride there was boring and uneventful so I’ll spare you that part of the day. The Church service started with a bang. And by bang, I mean Johan Sebastian Bach’s fantasia and fugue in g minor. It was great, and spidery, and rich for a bit. Then it toned down into a sweet, melancholy fugue. (Sorry music geek.)

The service was shorter than I expected it to be, but the sermon was surprisingly more hopeful than the prelude. The last hymn was “Abide with me,” and during it I caught a glimpse of my aunt. Not that I have ever seen her really sad before but, it looked to me like she was less sad than angry.

As the postlude played the whole congregation made its way into the fellow ship hall, which at this point was to act as potluck buffet sort of place. It was, in my opinion, a bit too large for my extended family, as it’s pretty small (my family; not the room).

We all sat down to eat after the pastor said a brief prayer, and my cousin Mathis sat down next to me. Mathis is, or was, Kayle’s older brother. He was really… er… not himself. He looked like either he’d been crying a great deal, or not sleeping well or both.  For the sake of trying not to put any problems into his mind, I asked him what happened before she disappeared. As he began to answer I felt guilty for asking. This is what he said.

[Mathis]: “for a while, she hadn’t been sleeping well, she said that was having bad dreams. My parents kept telling her that they were just dreams and they subsided after a while. *sigh* but at the end of January, she started complaining that someone was outside her *chuckle* window. My dad started sitting with her until she fell asleep at nights, and until she did she would keep pointing and complaining about a man outside. None of us ever saw anything out there. And then one morning, she wasn’t there.”

[Me]: “So, what did the police find?”

[Mathis]: “nothing that they thought they would find, from the forensics, they claim that she opened her window, removed the screen, closed the window from the outside, and reinserted the screen. After which she played on the swing set in the back yard, and then; not even their dogs could find a trail. *sniffle*

After that he started crying. I felt kind of disturbed and I wondered if perhaps there was more to the story, but I didn’t ask. After lunch was finished, we (my nuclear family) took our dishes and went out to the car, and we would have left then if mom hadn’t accidentally forgotten her purse in our pew. I went back into the church and grabbed it. On the way back out I saw in the organ loft, an extremely tall man. I wondered who it was because Mr. Snoew usually plays for everything. I didn’t see who it was as his back was turned to me, and my parents were in a hurry and so I didn’t go check.

The whole rest of the day has been pretty quiet. But I wonder if, and if there is than what, the rest of the story is. 

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN 

I was there at the funeral. It was sad really. Such a young age for a girl to die at. She sounded like such a sweet heart.

I almost cried actually. If it were my little girl... well, I'd like to not think about that.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking, concerning the man in the loft? Yup. First suspect. Of course, I didn't see anyone there. Yes, I was sitting in the very back of the church when Edward walked in to grab his mother's purse. I watched as he stared at the organ loft, an extremely confused look on his face. Then he walked off.

I'm going to be doing a bit of research.

Until then...

Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #13 - Ransacked!

February 5th, 2013 - 8:13 Am

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

Today I went to the library and read. I found a fantasy book the name of which I cannot recall. It was one of those novels that is so tension packed that you couldn’t tear your eyes of the page for anything. Every page I read got better and better. And then the hero did the stupidest thing ever. He actually let the villain get away on purpose, claiming that “it would have been too boring to kill him,” I couldn’t believe that the author- a brilliant suspense writer- could do such a thing.

Feeling disgusted with the ending, I put the book on one of those “to be reshelved” carts. I turned to leave the library and wondered if that book was like one of those movies that I heard public high school students talk about the endings of which, “… made them angry!”-

As I thought about this I tripped over something just outside the libraries doors. I went to stand up and looked for what I had tripped over… Tabi? I didn’t know whether to be glad that I would have some company walking home; or to be upset that he had actually found a way to escape and had followed me all the way there.  I can only say this: in that moment I felt an abnormally strong ambivalence toward that cat.

When I arrived at home I perceived that my sister was bellowing for me. Very simply I answered her back, whilst I walked into the living room; but she wasn’t there. “Where are you?” I called. She answered me by tromping down the stairs.

“If mom sees your room like that, she is going to kill you.” she said, gliding over to the couch with her book. I hurried up stairs to see what in the world she was talking about.

As near as I can figure, my room was ransacked. Everything was out of place including my bed the mattresses of which were somehow in my closet. The only thing that hadn’t been touched was my desk and on it was a note that, in very poor handwriting said:

“Stay out of it!”

I had no idea what that was supposed to mean. For the next hour and forty five minutes, I worked furiously to put my room back together. I asked Cat if she knew where the note came from, but she just shook her head. 

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN 

I'll tell you right now, it wasn't me! But I will say this:

I'm going to Ottawa County. Things are getting a bit violent if you ask me. Plus, dots are connecting.

The ransacking, the missing dog, Kayle's disappearance, the woods... it's all connected somehow. I'm not sure how exactly, but I know that it's not all just mere coincidence.

Evidently, Cat, Edward's sister, is absolutely clueless. Almost stupidly clueless. If she knew her brother well, she would know that Edward never makes messes like that in his room, and neither do most civilized people.

On another note, the cat has returned. Whoever or whatever took the dog obviously is not a cat person.

Hey, that means Edward's sister isn't in any danger. She'd probably sock the kidnapper to the floor anyhow.

 

See you in Michigan...

Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #12 - Edwards Resolve

February 4th, 2013 - 4:20 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

Over the last few days, I have done scarcely anything other than that which was absolutely necessary. But today, it occurred to me that my worries, and every second that I sit in my chair- breath baited- will not do anything more than if I had been playing games, reading books, visiting friends, and the like. The best thing that I can do is pray and then put these thoughts as far from my mind as possible.

One consolation is that Kayle has not been found dead, therefore she must be alive. I will continue to bear this in mind until she is proven to be otherwise.

If you are found Kayle, I want you to know that I am sorry for only starting to write to you when I did as opposed to when I promised to. I am so sorry. Please forgive me.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

 

I must commend Edward on his resolve. But, unfortunately, he has a flaw in his logic.

 He seems to think that because nobody has found Kayle dead, that she must be alive. In actuality, the worst case scenarios are of those whose body's have not been found. At least, not right away.

 There's mystery just around the bend...

Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #11 - Missing Cousin

February 1st, 2013 - 8:45 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

I’m not going to go all out trying to make this one a story. Kayle has been kidnapped, or so it appears. I’m not sure what to make of this… I just need a few days

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

This is most unfortunate. Kayle, the little 7-year-old girl that Edward has been writing to this whole time, is missing. Gone without a trace and no details. If this keeps up, I think I'll be going to Ottawa County.

Today's post is small. And so shall mine be as well.

I am sad for Edward...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #10 - Missing Dog

January 31st, 2013 - 12:47 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

I sat at the window. I watched as the snow fell. I think it was supposed to feel tranquil. It had no affect on me. Inside the house I kept craving a chance to go out and do something. I felt restless, like if something didn’t happen fast I would go completely bonkers!

I tried to get my mind caught up in a book, but there was absolutely nothing that could hold my attention. I paced around the kitchen and dining room scanning the floor for anything interesting. There was always nothing, but that never stopped me from making another pass of the area.

Cat seems to have it so easy. She can read anything and be genuinely interested in it. She is always reading, unless she is doing chores, or school. Sometimes she checks out near of 50 books from the library, and somehow manages to finish them all before the next week. For years I have wondered how she can read this fast, and to this day I still don’t know. But one thing I did know- if there weren’t thousands of years of literature written before her birth, she would have run out of books by now.

I continued to pace, I wanted something to happen. It was about 2:15 I had been pacing for over two hours. All of the sudden Cat snapped out of her reading trance. She looked around, got up and walked through the entire house; and asked “Where is Tyrone?” Tyrone being the name of the dog. I slapped my forehead. How could I have forgotten? In weather like this I was supposed to bring her inside.

I went around to the back yard, and over to the pen, but the dog wasn’t there. I looked in the dog house but she want there either. There were no holes under the fence, and there was no way that she could have climbed out, but the door had been locked and latched. I decided that she probably had found some way over, and went looking for shelter from the storm. She would be back.

I had gone back inside, but something felt off. So again I went back outside and to the pen; low and behold, there were no tracks in the snow except for mine. She would have had to have left hours ago, for her tracks to have vanished quite that completely; and I had seen her when I fed the chickens so that should have been 45 minutes ago. I searched the whole back yard, but didn’t find a single paw print.

I guess this may yet become interesting after all.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

This kid seems to have a LOT of time on his hands, but has nothing to do with it all.

Poor kid. All he has to do is pace around apparently. And find his dog missing. From what I gather, there is no natural or possible way for that dog to have escaped. My guess, Tyrone was dog-napped. Here's my theory. There's somebody (or something) that lives in the woods. Getting hungry, lonesome, or just being plain bad, he/she/it dog-napped Tyrone.

Of course, there was no mention of foot/paw prints. And, that doesn't exactly explain the shrieking cat. Edward couldn't see anybody or anything in the woods that the cat would have been scared of. Is it possible that this person or creature can only be seen if wanted? Or is it cloaked?

Whatever the case, this just got bigger.

I now have a better appreciation for my dog...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #9 - Well Phuey

January 30th, 2013 - 2:13 Pm

Here's today's corresponding  post from Something Sinister:

There are 2 main places that you can go sledding in Grand Haven. The first of which is Mulligan’s Hollow. However, Mulligan’s Hollow is used a great deal by skiers, and they have this tendency toward seeing just how close to sledders they can get without hitting them. So I generally choose not to go there, but instead to Duncan woods. Duncan woods is a quite peaceful place and though don’t go there too often; I have always found it to be still and silent solace. A place ever shielded from whatever chaos might be outside its beckoning gates.

Leroy, Bard, Keon, and I planned to go sledding today; however the warm streak along with the rain had decimated any snow that would have been worth sledding on. As hence it was decided that we would go to the Orusan Grand Cinema- otherwise known as Keon’s living room. Keon’s family had the largest flat screen Television in the entire tri-city (Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg) area. The 3:15 show was to be the avengers. Personally, I had never seen it before; Leroy, Bard, and Keon all insisted that it was the one of the best movies ever.

 Now I’ve seen Iron man, so I knew what to expect out of him: genius ala whit with a side of arrogance. Aside from that I had no idea what to expect. I have to say, I loved every second that Loki was on screen. There are some weird villains out there, but one who can stay always composed, so subtle with his intentions and all but unreadable; that is a master villain. I hope you see this movie someday Kayle, I think you would enjoy it.

After the movie ended, we talked for a bit about such noble topics as which video game in our favorite series was the best, when we should reschedule the sledding trip for, and which of the avengers was the best. Not that it makes any difference, but I still think iron man was the best. When we had exhausted our pile of topics I proposed that we play clue, because as you know; I love mysteries.

 After not much deliberation we got out the board Keon set it up whilst I shuffled the cards and Leroy preformed the finishing touches. If you’ve ever played clue, you know that playing is not the same as reading a mystery, but rather more of a trial and error game. We played only twice before everyone else became bored. Knowing that they were bored I suggested that we play Brawl.

My friends are like video gaming masters, where I on the other hand don’t know the difference between attack one and attack two. I didn’t blame them it was a great game, just not one that I’m good at. In the games defense, I must say that I came very close to winning one round. I’m not sure if that was because of any skill of mine, or if they were just taking pity on me. Either way, I didn’t ask.

 It was exactly 3:45 when I realized that Mrs. Orusan wasn’t home, and neither was Keon’s little sister. “Where are your mom and Perrin?” I asked, because they were almost never away from the house.

He answered simply “at the psychologist.” He said that he couldn’t tell me anything more at the moment, so I didn’t press the matter. But I couldn’t keep my mind from wondering…

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSSEN

Upon reading today's post, I found absolutely NOTHING of value towards the investigation. That is, until I read one of the last lines...

'It was exactly 3:45 when I realized that Mrs. Orusan wasn’t home, and neither was Keon’s little sister. “Where are your mom and Perrin?” I asked, because they were almost never away from the house. He answered simply “at the psychologist.” He said that he couldn’t tell me anything more at the moment, so I didn’t press the matter. But I couldn’t keep my mind from wondering…'

I wonder along with him. It could just be nothing, but like I've said before, I expect everything, and I expect nothing.

Until Next Time...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #8 - Getting Closer

January 29th, 2013 - 12:15 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

I finished my school work early today and decided to take the opportunity to take a stroll through the woods behind our house. This is one of my more… periodic chores. Whenever the wood pile gets down to 1/3 of its regular size, I have to go and see if I can find another tree to cut down. I walked a little farther than I meant to, but I only realized this after I began to get turned around.

I studied my foot prints in the snow, trying to figure out which pare were the original pair.  As I continued to scrutinize the tracks I found another pair of prints. They were… cat prints? “Oh no,” I thought, “I must have accidently let Tabi out.” I looked around and sure enough; he was sitting against the base of a tree, lapping at his fur.

Of all the cats in the world I got the only one who didn’t know how to be a cat. When he first arrived at home we realized that he was a little younger than he should have been. The dog found this to be funny and went about schooling Tabi in the ways of stupidness. To this day I still slap my forehead at ridicules antics; although, looking on the bright side, Tabi may be the only cat on earth who will go on walks and play fetch.

I continued trying to find the path that led back home; however my attention was averted when Tabi gave an unearthly shriek and darted off. I’m not sure why but I ran after him. We ran for maybe… 3.5 minutes before I saw the clearing that was in our back yard. I decided that I didn’t really need to get more wood. The pile was fuller than I thought.

I grabbed Tabi and put him inside, and then went to collect the eggs. I’m sorry if this doesn’t seem interesting Kayle, I’m sure some thing will come up soon.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSSEN

Today's post was most interesting in the slightest manner.

Cats.

Cats aren't scared of everything. Usually only what merits fear, such as dogs. Dogs are a threat to cats, so cats run. Look at the below quote from Something Sinister.

'“Oh no,” I thought, “I must have accidentally let Tabi out.” I looked around and sure enough; he was sitting against the base of a tree, lapping at his fur." "...my attention was averted when Tabi gave an unearthly shriek and darted off."'

Cats have reasons for giving a shriek and darting off like that. It's not normal.

And that's what I deal with. The un-normal.

'I’m sorry if this doesn’t seem interesting Kayle, I’m sure some thing will come up soon.'

Oh, but it interests me. Very much so.

The plot thickens...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #7 - We might be getting somewhere...

January 28, 2013 - 2:13 Pm

Well, things might be getting somewhere.

Here's today's post on Something Sinister:

On Monday I follow closely my usual schedule until about lunch time. At lunch time instead of cooking something similar to what I make the rest of the week, I make sandwiches. The reason behind that, Kayle, is that on lunch break my mom drives back from her job at St. John’s church and school; in order to pick me up and take me to organ lessons. Fortunately, the lessons are given at the church.

My lessons to day were going much better than expected. I was able to play through first verse of “The night will soon be ending” with only two notes misplayed. I proceeded to play the next verse since Mr. Snoew hadn’t asked me to stop yet. To be completely honest, this particular hymn was a bit above my skill level, but enjoyed the challenge.

Midway through the third verse Mr. Snoew asked if I would like to play on Sunday. With that my confidence melted, my hands turned to noodles and couldn’t even finish the verse. “I don’t think I could do that Mr. Snoew,” I said. I don’t know if it’s just me or not, but if even mention of playing in front of people comes up my hands become absolutely worthless. I suppose it was a good thing that he’d waited till the lesson was almost over to bring that up.

For the rest of the lesson I did basic exercises to try to my hands back into a state where I could almost play music again. Unfortunately my time was up and had choice about what to do while I waited for mom to get done with work. I could either walk home, or walk to the library. The library is only a mile from the church, where as home is like five, and to get to my house, you have to cross U.S. 31; which is a thing I'm terribly comfortable with. The last time I all most got hit by a semi. Anyway, I decided to go to the library.

I always enjoy the walk to the library. The neighbor hood that I have to walk through is one of the most beautiful in all of Grand Haven, but in the spring, it’s even better. The expansive gardens erupt into full bloom and the colors of the flowers give a less serious look to the many, large, and domineering Victorians.  The Victorians themselves are not all dull; there are two that I can think of off the top of my head that are very brightly colored. 

The library is one of my favorite places to spend time during the winter. There is a magnificent fire place ever burning brightly and surrounded with deep comfy chairs. That, with any Sherlock Holmes, Peanuts comic or Dickensian book, is worth any amount of time in my opinion. Today I decided to read “The Study in Scarlet”.

The description of Holmes’s abilities, quirks, and general life style fascinated me. I wished a great deal that I could wield such infallible observational and deductive powers. The thought then occurred to me that to some extent we all exercise deductive reasoning, through observation; even last Thursday I made the deduction (albeit incorrectly) that Cat would try to creep up on me and scare me. It was a reasonable thought especially because she had a history of doing so. The flaw came at the beginning of that train of thought, as Cat tends to walk very quietly when she’s trying to scare me. The fact of the matter was that I had failed to observe properly.

I continued to read as I came closer to the solution the pressure ever mounting, It rose to the extent that I jumped at the sound my phone makes when it receives a text. Mom wanted to know if I could walk back to the church. I wrote back saying that I would, put the book back, and started for the checkout. As I was leaving I ran into a couple of my friends, Leroy and Bard. I greeted them and we had a short discussion. I told them that mom was waiting for me at the church and that I should probably get going. As I turned to leave Leroy asked “Do you want to go sledding at Duncan woods on Wednesday?”

I told him I would have to check my schedule but most likely yes. While walking back to the church I passed Duncan woods and I thought to myself that it was a funny coincidence.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

So not only does this kid play piano, but he plays the organ as well.

Organs are epic. Period.

Anyway, back to the investigation.

Again, I find more about what Edward likes to read. Sherlock Holmes for instance. (In a way, I look up to him as an inspiration, Holmes being one of the best detectives in history. I don't care if it's fiction, he's one of my heroes.) He obviously likes spending time at the library.

We now see the introduction of two more players. Leroy and Bard. Leroy seems to be the most mature of the two. I can tell he's adventurous, perhaps a bit imaginative, but keeps his reality in check. Trust me, you can tell a lot about a person just from one sentence.

I am very curious about the woods that are mentioned in today's post. I believe Duncan Woods could be a big part of this investigation.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Until then...
Inspector Kornelson