*Chop, Chop, Chop.*

The butcher knife came down on the meat slab, slicing it into juicy cutlets that would be served in the city’s favorite restaurant. They were thrown onto the pan, sizzling and releasing a delicious aroma. The other cooks in the kitchen smelled that familiar aroma of Scarlet’s top-secret-customer-favorite family recipe.

“Smells good Scarlet!”

“Can’t wait to sneak a taste!”

“Already got a whole table asking for your recipe, Scarlet!”

Scarlet smiled, flipping the cutlets over to cook the other side.

“You know it,” she replied with a cheerful tone, her perfected smile a little too effortless.

Minutes later, when the meat was seasoned and ready to serve, she slid the plate to the side and rang the bell.

“Table 9, ready to serve!” She called out, and a waitress came to retrieve the plate.

“Hey, I think I’ve figured out your secret recipe.” The waitress chuckled, waggling her brows. “It’s some exotic cow meat, isn’t it?”

“A chef never reveals her secrets,” Scarlet laughed along playfully. The waitress smiled and left to serve her tables.

After the restaurant closed for the night, Scarlet washed her hands and hung her apron back into place. After saying her goodbyes to her employees, she checked the meat supply in the freezer and noticed it was almost gone.

“Looks like I’ll have to stock up tomorrow,” she muttered to herself, before getting in her car and driving home. When she arrived, she changed into some comfortable clothes, poured herself a glass of wine, and sat down on her leather couch. Switching on the news, she read the headline.

*Local Barber gone missing.*

Scarlet’s expression didn’t falter, as it was quite common for people to disappear or get found dead in a crime-ridden city like hers. Later, she went down the hall and to the last door on the left, down the stairs and flicked on the light. The air smelled of flowers and citrus- the scent of the air fresheners Scarlet kept in the basement. It wasn’t uncommon, as it was usually quite musty in city basements. Scarlet hummed a cheerful tune, a faint smile on her face. She stepped into another room, where she kept her meat supply for the restaurant.

Scarlet sighed, smiling softly as she kneeled down.

“Such a shame, no one will miss you.” Scarlet whispered, stroking the cheek of a middle-aged man lying in sawdust, whose eyes stared at nothing. He was dressed in his uniform- a barber.