Page 20 of Forever

The world disappeared around her, swallowed up by the murky darkness of the water. Panic surged through her body, her mind screaming for oxygen as she fought against the restraints that held her captive. But no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't break free.

As the blackness closed in around her, Amber desperately tried to hold onto the memories of her parents, their love and warmth providing a small comfort in her final moments. And as the water filled her lungs and the darkness consumed her, she prayed that they would be waiting for her on the other side.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The police boat's engine hummed as it cut through the dark water, the sun dipping in the midday sky. Morgan Cross stood at the bow, one hand gripping the railing, her eyes scanning the shoreline for any sign of movement. She could feel the weight of her past pressing down on her shoulders, the ten years she'd spent in prison never far from her mind.

Derik stood beside her, his gaze equally intense as they approached the lakeshore. As they neared the dock, Morgan's phone buzzed in her pocket, startling her out of her thoughts. She pulled it out and saw Mueller's name on the screen. "Cross," she answered, her tone clipped.

"Morgan, you aren't going to believe this," Mueller said, urgency heavy in his voice. "Another body has been found. Very fresh – just happened today, maybe an hour ago. About forty minutes outside of town."

Morgan's stomach dropped, a cold dread settling in her chest. "Are you sure? It's connected to our case?"

"It's the same guy, Cross. Trust me."

"We're on our way," she replied, then hung up the phone and turned to Derik. "Another victim," she said, her voice tight with controlled anger.

"Where?" Derik asked, his face tense with concern.

"Forty minutes out of town," she responded, already calculating the quickest route in her head. "Let's get moving."

As the boat docked, Morgan couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out - not just for this latest victim, but for all of them. Each step towards the car echoed the rhythmic beat of her heart, reminding her of the stakes involved, the lives lost and destroyed by someone who remained unknown.

"Drive," she ordered Derik, her voice a whip crack of command. He nodded in silent agreement, starting the car and pulling away from the lakeshore with practiced efficiency.

Morgan's thoughts raced as they sped through the streets, each unanswered question gnawing at her like a hungry beast. She couldn't afford to let her emotions take over - she had a job to do, and she would see it through to the end, no matter what it cost her.

***

The police sirens wailed in the distance, a mournful ode to yet another life lost. Morgan and Derik pulled up to the scene, their car gliding to a stop on the gravel road. The lake lay ahead, a still and glassy surface that belied the horror beneath. A cacophony of birds sang from the surrounding fields, ignorant of the tragedy unfolding.

"Come on," Morgan said, unbuckling her seatbelt as she stepped out of the car. Her boots crunched on the gravel, each step heavy with the weight of responsibility. Derik followed close behind, his own face a mask of determination.

"Agents," an officer greeted them, his voice strained. "You made it."

"Tell us what happened," Morgan demanded, her eyes scanning the tape cordoning off the area.

"An elderly fisherman reported finding a body in the lake," the officer explained, gesturing towards the water. "He came here for his usual fishing trip and spotted something in the water. When he realized it was a woman, he tried to help, but she was already dead."

"Any witnesses other than the fisherman?" Derik asked, his brow furrowing.

"None that we know of," the officer replied. "This place is pretty secluded."

Morgan stared out at the lake, her mind racing with questions. Another victim, another life taken, right under her nose.

"Lead us to the body," Morgan instructed the officer, her voice firm and authoritative.

They followed him as he led them through a long field with tall grass, the blades brushing against their legs as they walked. The sun beat down on them mercilessly, but Morgan's focus remained solely on the task at hand.

As they approached the private lake, a small wooden dock came into view, jutting out into the still water. On the shoreline, a forensics team was already hard at work, examining the lifeless form that lay sprawled on the damp ground.

"Thank you, officer. We'll take it from here," Derik said, dismissing the man with a nod. As he walked away, Morgan's gaze fell upon the body, her heart tightening in her chest.

"Another one," she whispered under her breath, taking a step closer. The woman looked so peaceful, her skin clean and unblemished, her clothes free of any obvious stains or damage. She seemed almost as if she could open her eyes at any moment, yet Morgan knew the terrible truth - this woman's life had been violently cut short.

"Third victim," Derik murmured, his voice heavy with the weight of the situation. "A woman, just like the others."

Morgan approached the body, her mind focused on the task at hand. She couldn't let herself dwell on emotions — not now, with a killer still out there. A gust of wind sent ripples across the lake's surface, and Morgan shivered, struck by the contrast between the serene surroundings and the tragedy that had occurred here.

---