"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
— John 8:32
Part I – A Dark Encounter
The sun was barely rising when Rebecca arrived at the home of Reverend Thomas Gray, an elderly retired pastor who had served in several churches for over fifty years.
He lived in a modest house in the south of the city, surrounded by religious books, candles, and memories from a life dedicated to ministry.
"What can I do for you, daughter?" he asked as he opened the door.
"I'm a reporter," Rebecca replied, showing her credentials. "I'm investigating something… something that might seem strange, but I need to know if you've ever heard of a pastor who appeared a few years ago with no known past."
Thomas frowned.
"There are many pastors like that. But there's one… who isn't like the others."
Rebecca leaned forward.
"Did you know him?"
"Not personally," he said. "But I did hear about him. Nearly ten years ago, there were rumors about a young man arriving in different cities, preaching for a few months, then disappearing. Some said he had a special gift. Others… that he carried a very heavy burden."
"Did anyone ever know his name?"
"Once, someone mentioned 'Samuel.' Nothing more. No one knew where he came from. Or how he learned to speak the way he did. It was as if God had sent him straight from heaven… or from hell."
Rebecca took notes.
"A pastor with no past. A ghost dressed in black."
Part II – Shadows in the Light
Back at the newspaper office, Rebecca reviewed photos, notes, and documents related to Pastor Samuel Book.
She decided to build a visual timeline with everything she had:
Appeared as a pastor five years ago.
Founded the Church of Christ's Redemption.
Quickly became a charismatic leader.
No public records before that.
It was as if he had been born at thirty.
She searched historical archives, theological student lists, even old religious conferences. Nothing.
"This isn't normal," she murmured.
She decided to follow another lead: unsolved mafia-related murders in recent years. She compared dates and locations with Samuel Book's public appearances.
And she found something unsettling.
Every time Samuel Book visited a neighboring city, days later a body surfaced bearing signs similar to those of the "Dark Pastor."
Not definitive proof, but enough of a connection to keep digging.
Part III – The Shadow Follows Her
That night, Rebecca returned to her apartment under the rain. She carried folders full of information and a mind filled with questions.
As she walked down the empty street, she felt she was being watched.
She looked behind. Nothing. Just flickering streetlights and puddles reflecting the light.
But when she reached her building, she noticed the elevator door was open… though she clearly remembered closing it when she left.
She entered carefully.
Everything looked the same. Or almost.
She realized her computer was on. She didn't remember leaving it that way.
She sat down. Checked the browsing history. Nothing had been deleted. But someone had been there.
Someone who wanted her to know they were watching.
She shivered.
"Who are you really, Pastor Book?"
Part IV – The Interview
The next day, Rebecca decided to go directly to the source. She requested a personal interview with Samuel Book.
He accepted.
He received her in his church office. Calm. Serene. As always.
"I'm glad to see you again," he said with a kind smile. "To what do I owe your continued interest?"
"I'm writing an article about religious leaders who have changed entire communities," she replied. "And I want to understand your story better."
Samuel looked at her intently. There was no nervousness in his face. Only curiosity.
"My story isn't interesting," he said. "I'm just a man trying to serve God."
"Were you never formally trained at a theological university?"
"No. My learning was different. More… personal."
"Where were you before coming here?"
"Here and there. In many places. Preaching. Helping."
Rebecca observed him closely. His answers were evasive, but not aggressive. He was intelligent. He knew how to play the game.
She decided to try something more direct.
"Have you heard of the Dark Pastor?"
Samuel stayed silent for a moment. Then he smiled.
"The vigilante? Of course. Everyone talks about him. Some see him as an avenging angel. Others, as a demon in disguise."
"And what do you think?"
He looked deeply into her eyes.
"I think we all have a dark side. Even those who preach love."
A thick silence followed.
"Do you believe that man exists?"
"I believe," Samuel said, "that as long as there is sin in this world, there will be those who try to punish it… even if they have no right to."
Rebecca felt a chill. For the first time, she thought she saw a different glint in the pastor's eyes.
As if he knew more than he was saying.
Part V – The Threat
That same night, upon returning home, Rebecca found something on her table.
A Bible. Open.
The marked verse was clear:
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
— Matthew 6:21
And beneath it, a handwritten note:
"Some truths should not be told."
Rebecca stepped back slowly. Her breath caught in her throat.
There was no doubt.
The Pastor was watching her.