**Chapter 5: Aftershocks**

The streets were quiet as Ian and Stacey walked away from the Vic, the only sound being the distant hum of traffic and the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet. Ian glanced over at Stacey, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of distress. "You sure you're okay?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. Stacey nodded, her eyes still flashing with adrenaline. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said, her voice firm. "Thanks for trying to intervene back there." Ian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime," he said. "But I think we should get out of here for a bit. It's not exactly the safest place to be right now." As they walked, Jack's gaze lingered on them, his mind whirling with questions. What was Ian's game, and what did he really want with Stacey? And what would happen next with Denise, who seemed to be on the brink of explosion? The night was still young, and Jack had a feeling that it was going to be a long and eventful one. Ian and Stacey walked in silence for a few minutes, the tension between them palpable. Finally, Stacey spoke up, her voice breaking the silence. "So, what do you think is going on with Denise?" she asked, her eyes narrowing. Ian sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "I don't know," he said. "She's been like that for weeks, ever since...well, you know." Stacey nodded, her eyes understanding. "Yeah, I know," she said. "But it's not just that, is it? There's something more going on, something that's eating away at her." Ian glanced at Stacey, his eyes locking onto hers. "You have no idea," he said, his voice low and serious. "Denise has a lot of demons, Stacey. Demons that she's been trying to keep under control for years." As they walked, the streets seemed to grow darker, the shadows deepening and twisting around them. Stacey felt a shiver run down her spine, her senses on high alert. She had a feeling that she was walking into something much bigger than herself, something that could potentially consume her. Suddenly, Ian stopped, his eyes scanning the street. "Wait," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Do you hear that?" Stacey listened, her ears straining to pick up any sound. At first, there was nothing, just the distant hum of traffic. But then, she heard it - the sound of footsteps, heavy and deliberate, coming from down the street. Ian's eyes locked onto hers, his face set in a grim expression. "It's Denise," he said, his voice low and serious. "And I think she's coming for us."