The Questioner System (Ask Me Anything)

Chapter 6: Shadows and Strategies

The following days passed with an undercurrent of tension. Adam tried to maintain his routine, but the knowledge of Jared Mercer lurking in the background kept him on edge. Every time he stepped outside, he found himself glancing over his shoulder, scanning for any sign of trouble.

On Tuesday evening, Adam remembered the system's advice. Instead of taking his usual route home, he went to the downtown library. The building was a quiet sanctuary, its high ceilings and rows of bookshelves offering a sense of calm he desperately needed.

He found a seat in a corner, pulling out his laptop to pass the time.

The system's response appeared instantly.

Adam relaxed slightly, though he knew he couldn't let his guard down completely. He glanced at the clock. It was just after 6 PM. Another hour to go before the system said it would be safe to head home.

---

The library was busier than Adam expected for a weekday evening. A group of teenagers huddled around a table, their whispers carrying hints of excitement as they worked on a school project. A middle-aged man flipped through a thick novel near the window.

And then there was Emily.

Adam almost didn't recognize her at first, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail as she browsed a shelf in the art section. She had a bag slung over her shoulder, its weight slightly tilting her stance.

"Emily?" Adam called softly.

She turned, her expression lighting up when she saw him. "Adam! What are you doing here?"

"Just… killing time," he said, not wanting to explain the real reason. "What about you?"

"I come here a lot," she replied, gesturing to the shelf. "They've got a great collection of art books. Plus, it's a nice place to think."

Adam smiled. "You're not sketching tonight?"

"Not yet. I like to browse for inspiration first," she said, holding up a thick book filled with glossy photos of murals from around the world.

---

They ended up sitting together at one of the library's larger tables. Emily flipped through her book while Adam pretended to read something on his laptop. He found himself stealing glances at her, fascinated by the way her expression shifted as she studied the artwork.

"Do you ever think about where you'll be in five years?" Emily asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

The question caught Adam off guard. He hesitated, thinking about how much his life had already changed in just a few weeks.

"I don't know," he admitted. "Lately, it feels like anything's possible."

Emily smiled at that. "Good answer. I like the sound of that."

---

At 7:30 PM sharp, Adam checked the time and decided it was safe to leave. Emily noticed him packing up and tilted her head.

"Heading out already?" she asked.

"Yeah, I've got an early start tomorrow," Adam lied, not wanting to worry her.

"Well, don't be a stranger," she said with a playful grin. "And next time, bring a sketchbook. I might convert you to the artist life."

Adam laughed. "I'll think about it."

---

The walk home was uneventful, just as the system had predicted. But Adam couldn't shake the feeling that his brush with Jared was only temporarily delayed. He decided to use his second question for a more proactive approach.

The response was both surprising and ominous.

Adam leaned back in his chair, mulling over the advice. It was risky, but it made sense. If he could prove Jared's wrongdoing, he could eliminate the threat without confrontation.

---

The next morning, Adam's plan began to take shape. He spent hours researching Jared online, scouring social media profiles, news articles, and public records. Most of it was mundane, but a few tidbits hinted at a darker side: vague comments about debts owed, a few mentions of police reports that never seemed to go anywhere.

It wasn't much, but it was a start.

By the afternoon, Adam decided to take a break and visit the park again. The open air and vibrant energy always helped clear his mind.

As he sat on a bench, watching the world go by, his phone buzzed with a text message.

Unknown Number: We need to talk. Meet me at the Cornerstone Diner at 6 PM. Don't make me wait.

Adam frowned, his heart rate quickening. The message was cryptic, but the tone left little room for interpretation.

He whispered to the system, his voice steady despite his nerves.

The response appeared larger and bolder than usual, as if to emphasize the gravity of the answer.

---

Adam stared at the glowing text, the weight of the words settling over him. He had no choice but to face Jared sooner than he anticipated. But this time, he'd be ready.

He left the park with determination in his stride, heading home to prepare for the encounter. The system had given him the tools he needed; now it was up to him to use them.