Could be.

I leaned back on the desk chair in my bedroom and waited for the laptop to boot. Idly tapping my fingers on the desk, I thought about the message. Although it wasn't so strange to receive messages at odd times of the night... The preview of that particular one had my gut clenching.

And that either was very alarming or very very beneficial for me. Always.

As it finished booting, I swiftly ran through my regular security features. It was necessary to keep the unwanted attention off me and keep my device safe.

I had asked an acquaintance whom I had helped out for a consultation to help with device security. He was some Ivy-league whiz kid, now working for a private security firm, and had excitedly went on and on about privacy focused OS, Tor Network, DNS something something... And my eyes had slightly glazed over.

It wasn't that I was averse to learning about it, but rather our level of knowledge was too different in that regard. So I had only learned about the essentials-- running checks, troubleshooting and what not. And added backup options with burning onto physical mediums, plus a Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN) for cleanly wiping out my drives, just in case.

I was not paranoid, not at all.

Finally, opening the Jobily extension I first checked the forums. There were new threads/posts clamoring about **** sales activity increasing around Colber city aka the big city itself. Another few from new accounts who were actually old users whining about getting banned or suspended for something. Then at the bottom threads, with sparse activity nowadays, about The Observer's real identity. I rolled my eyes at that.

Exiting the forums section, I checked my profile page and noticed that my followers had increased to 1237. I shook my head. Why would one need followers counter? It was another weirdness about this platform.

Moving on, I had a congratulatory message from the Jobily team for using the platform for 3 years. Likely automated.

Then checked the Advertisement/Jobs/For Hire section. And opened up my advert:

The Observer
Unexplained Events? Need Discreet Help?

Experiencing strange things? Noises, feelings, unusual events?

The Observer provides discreet assistance in investigating and documenting these occurrences. We use observation, research, and investigative techniques to help you understand and find solutions.

We don't claim paranormal expertise. We focus on gathering information to help you make informed decisions.

Contact us for a confidential consultation.

I then opened the messages tab and clicked on the new message. It was from someone who hadn't even filled in their alias here. It was simply, 'user-8xjc3'. Hmm, new user? Or someone not used to technology? I read the messages. And replied. Surprisingly the person was online. Were they glued to their phone or something? Either they needed urgent help or someone was trying to catch me unawares again. I hoped it wasn't the latter.

User: U the observr?

Me: Yes, I am. What can I help you with?

User: Need. Help.

Definitely leaning towards, not used to technology.

Me: Yes, I understand that. But details?

User: no meet first. Then I'll tell you details.

We had some back and forth, me trying to get some details about their supposed predicament and them being very insistent on meeting me. I was this close to saying no. I hadn't the vaguest idea who it was and not even supporting evidence for my gut feeling. I could almost hear my Marines assigned therapist's voice in my head.

"...The gut feeling, as you call it, is a culmination of your experience in the Marines and serving as a MP..."

"...a defense mechanism from a child who had an alcoholic father. You subconsciously conditioned yourself to observe..."

"Jake, it's not some supernatural instinct or feeling that guides you. That night what you saw was likely a product of your exhaustion and your subconscious making an observation..."

"...Always support the gut feeling with evidence you can observe and obtain. Be sure. It will help you making decisions. It is you making decisions, Jake, not your gut or any other. Remember that."

I groaned. Was I considering breaking pattern and my self imposed protocol first time in 4 years?... I think I was.

Me: Know the Tipsy Troll a few ways out from Summerton?

User: yes

Me: Be there today. 7:30 PM. Ask for booth 7. If I'm not there until 8:00 PM, be on your way. Agreed?

They waited a minute or two before answering.

User: yes.

I swiftly bid adieu and closed the extension after logging out, all before I could change my mind.

Sighing, I stood up. Walked to the closet and opened it. Kneeling, I took out a small cooler which had a Frigidus ward on it. Other of the only two wards i kept in this building. For good reasons.

Took out cow blood, Aspen wood ash, juniper extract and... rotten splinters of a elder tree. Then a bundle of paper, mortar and pestle, an ink bottle, scales and common geometry instruments and an ink pen. Packed the rest and closed the closet.

Walked to my desk and prepared myself for another night of talisman making. The Sustainment talisman was handy but I wasn't a fan of the pain that followed after peeling it, however much I had grown resistant to it. Oh well.

Things I do for appearances...