Dr. Reinhard's Arc

Chapter 3 of 4

Dr. Reinhard sat in his asylum office and opened the dusty phonebook he'd found in the library. Knowby's journal had mentioned dealers, but no addresses or names. He would have to search the old way. His finger ran down the yellowed pages, past locksmiths and liquor stores. Then he saw it—"Occult Supplies and Rare Texts." The ad was small, tucked between two larger entries. He copied the address onto his notepad. This was where collectors sold their secrets. This was where someone might know about the Necronomicon's current location. He closed the phonebook and smiled. The shop was three towns over, but the drive would be worth it. He grabbed his coat and left the asylum behind. The bell above the shop door chimed as Dr. Reinhard entered. Shelves lined every wall, packed with leather volumes and strange artifacts. An older woman sat behind the counter, her eyes sharp. He approached and pulled out the list he'd copied from Knowby's journal. "I'm looking for information about rare books," he said. The woman studied him for a moment, then nodded. She disappeared into a back room and returned with a rolled paper. "This might help," she said, spreading it across the counter. It was a map of the area around Knowby Cabin, marked with symbols and notes. Red circles highlighted specific locations—places where occult activity had been reported. The woman tapped one spot with her finger. "Strange things happen in these woods. People have seen things. This map tracks where the power shows itself." Dr. Reinhard's pulse quickened. Each marked location was a potential lead, a place where someone had witnessed the Necronomicon's influence. He purchased the map and folded it carefully. The book left traces wherever it went. Now he had a guide to follow them. The woman reached beneath the counter and pulled out a small revolver. "You'll need this if you're going to those places," she said. Her voice was flat, serious. Dr. Reinhard took the weapon and felt its weight. The metal was cold and polished. He'd never carried a gun before, but the woman's expression told him everything. Others searched for the same power he sought. Others would kill to possess what he wanted. He slipped the revolver into his coat pocket and nodded his thanks. The map would lead him to witnesses, people who had seen the book's power firsthand. The gun would keep him alive long enough to claim it. He left the shop with both, his path forward finally clear. Back in his car, Dr. Reinhard studied the map under the dome light. One location was marked with three red circles and a note: "Green glow reported." His hands trembled as he read it. That matched descriptions from Knowby's journal—the Necronomicon's pages gave off that exact light. He would visit each marked spot and question anyone who lived nearby. Someone had seen the book. Someone knew where it went. He started the engine and pulled onto the road. The map gave him targets. The gun gave him protection. And soon, the Necronomicon would give him eternal life.