SCREAM 4 ME

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The scene is chaotic, with flashing police lights illuminating the dark street and officers running around the perimeter of the house. The front door is now completely shattered, with splinters of wood scattered across the porch. Sheriff Hicks is standing outside, her face still covered in blood, as she speaks with one of the officers. Inside the house, the scene is even more chaotic. Furniture is overturned, broken glass litters the floor, and blood stains the walls and carpet. The police officers move through the house, checking every room and searching for any evidence. They take photos, collect samples, and bag up any items of interest. Outside, more officers arrive, and a crime scene perimeter is established. As the investigation begins, the neighbourhood is filled with whispers and rumours about the latest attack.

Approaching from the sidewalk are Kirby and Detective Haywood.

Sheriff Hicks's shoulders slump and her hand trembles as she puts her phone back in her pocket. She looks up at the approaching detectives with a mix of grief and shock on her face.

As Reed and Haywood reach her, she slowly shakes her head and says in a trembling voice, "He's dead. Ghostface killed him."

Kirby's face falls, and she lets out a heavy sigh. Haywood places a hand on Hicks's shoulder, and she leans into it for support as tears well up in her eyes.

The three stand there in silence for a moment, the weight of the tragedy sinking in. Then Hicks looks up at the detectives, determination in her eyes.

"We have to catch this son of a bitch," she says firmly. "We have to stop him before he hurts anyone else."

Reed nods in agreement, and they all turn to head back to their cars, the urgency of the situation driving them forward.

Sheriff Hicks looks at Reed and Haywood with tears in her eyes and recounts the events, "I didn't want to wait for backup, I wanted to catch the bastard myself. I saw him, and I just lost it. I attacked him, and we fought. I had him in my grasp, but he managed to get away. He was too strong, too fast. I should have waited for backup." She pauses and wipes her tears before continuing, "I'm sorry, I'm just so angry. I should have killed him when I had the chance. He killed my son, and now he's out there somewhere, probably planning his next attack."

As they turn their attention back to the covered body, they are confronted with the stark reality of the violent crime that has taken place. The white sheet, which was meant to provide a sense of dignity and respect for the victim, is now stained with blood, serving as a stark reminder of the brutality of the crime.

"Oh, Wes" Sheriff Hicks sighs softly. "I'm so sorry".

As Charlie approaches the scene, he notices Sheriff Hicks crying by the front door and immediately senses that something is wrong. As he gets closer, Detectives Kirby Reed and John Haywood rush over to him, trying to prevent him from witnessing the gruesome scene.

Charlie's heart starts to race as he realises what has happened, and a sick feeling starts to rise in his stomach. He struggles to break free from the detectives' grip, wanting to see his friend and confirm his fears.

Despite the detectives' efforts to shield him, Charlie catches a glimpse of the horror inside, and his worst fears are confirmed. His friend has been brutally murdered and tears well up in Charlie's eyes as he realises he will never see his friend again.

He feels a sense of shock and disbelief, struggling to process what has happened. He wants to know who could have done this to his friend and why. The scene is chaotic, and Charlie feels overwhelmed, trying to make sense of the situation and come to terms with the loss of his friend.

As Sheriff Hicks spots Charlie, she feels a wave of anger and resentment wash over her. She blames Charlie for her son's death, believing that if Wes had never become friends with him, he would still be alive. She starts to storm towards him, fuelled by her anger and grief. As she approaches Charlie, the detectives step in to prevent any physical altercation. Sheriff Hicks takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself, and then starts to speak to Charlie. Her voice is shaky, but she manages to get her words out.