## Chapter 12: A Trap in the Dark

The night at the estate was becoming increasingly terrifying. Jerzy Langer decided they needed to prepare a trap to finally discover the murderer. Piotr was still shivering in the corner, while Kaja and Maria lit the corridors with a kerosene lamp, searching for any suspicious movement.

"Listen," Jerzy said, "the murderer is somewhere here, and we can't risk a direct attack. We have to lure him to a place we control."

Helena nodded.

"What do you suggest?" she asked quietly.

"A library. Curtains, hidden entrances, books to move. If anyone enters, we'll notice them immediately."

The group moved to the library, each footstep echoing. Jerzy set up hidden observation posts and set warning signals. Piotr, though frightened, knew his life depended on him remaining vigilant.

Several minutes of silence passed when a sudden crash came from the corridor. Kaja shifted her gaze toward the source and noticed a shadow flitting across the wall.

"Who's there?!" she shouted, trying to remain calm.

Only the echo of footsteps answered. Jerzy moved slowly, and Piotr squeezed his hand.

"Remember, no sudden movements," the detective whispered.

Shadows flitted between the shelves, and each rustle made her heart race. Finally, a silhouette emerged from the corridor, halting in the lamplight. It was Igor. His face was pale, his eyes wide, and he held a knife in his hand that hadn't been noticed before.

"What are you doing?" Jerzy asked, holding out his hands in a gesture of calm.

Igor hesitated, then shuddered.

"I... I can't... they... forced me..." he stammered.

"Who forced you?" Jerzy pressed, slowly approaching to take control of the situation.

Igor sank to his knees, his hands slumping. Piotr ran over and took the knife from him. The entire group felt a momentary respite, but Jerzy knew this was only the beginning.

"Okay," he said calmly, "now each of us must tell everything we know about that night five years ago. Only then will we discover the real murderer and stop further crimes."

A silence fell in the library. Everyone knew that now the past and the present would collide in the most dangerous way possible.