Shadows of deceit : The Augustus secret

Chapter one

The buzz of my phone jolted me out of my half-asleep state. I wiped a hand over my eyes to chase away the headache radiating from my temples and reached for my phone with my other hand. As my eyes adjusted to the harsh light erupting from its screen, I looked down to see the time, it was 4:03 a.m. Who the fuck calls this early? My question gets quickly answered as a familiar voice calls out my name from the end of the line.

"Ashe?"

"Mary what the hell?!"

"Turn on the news. Now."

An edge of urgency in her voice was all that was needed to convince me. Without bothering to ask why, I immediately got up and flipped on the television.

The headline on the screen quickly snapped me out of my sleepy haze Tragic Death of The Augustus Family.

My gut sank as I read the headline, the weight of the words hitting me like a freight train. I felt a cold chill run down my spine as I watched the footage of two body bags getting transported outside the Augustus Mansion.

"What the ... What happened?"

"No one knows yet. The bodies were reported not so long ago, that's why I called. Ashe as tragic as it is it's a perfect opportunity for you to write about it and interview the case."

The words hit me like a ton of bricks. This horrific event had the potential to make for a major story, but I couldn't help but feel a slight tinge of guilt for taking advantage of such a terrible situation.

The Augustus family was well known in town, and with their wealth and power, they held a lot of influence over the community. Their status and influence meant that the case would likely have a lot of scrutiny.

The idea of taking advantage of this tragedy by writing about it seemed almost too good to be true, but the journalist in me couldn't help but be overcome with excitement at the potential.

I could already feel the pull of the story, the desire to learn more and reveal the secrets of the tragic event. I realized that there was more at stake here than just a sensational story.

This case would have consequences far beyond the newsprint of our town.

"Shit you're right" I put my phone on speaker as I urge to my room and begin to change my clothes. I knew I couldn't afford to waste any time if I wanted to break the story.

"Did the whole family die or what did exactly happen?"

"From what I've heard, only the parents have been confirmed deceased. The son is alive and well, and according to the authorities, this is now being investigated as a murder case...," Mary's voice echoed through my phone, the words jolting me from my state of deep thought.

I couldn't help but be drawn into thoughts on what this story can bring. My mind racing with the possible outcomes as I grab my keys and exit my apartment rushing to my car. I thank Mary for the info and dial Will instead.

William was my on-off boyfriend who worked as a detective, so he would be an invaluable source if I wanted to know more about this case. It was a mutual arrangement where I'm provided information on cases I report, and he's provided with... well other things.

I tried to dial Will's number again, but he didn't pick up.

"Fuck" I cursed under my breath as a sense of frustration builds up in my chest.

I pulled my car up to the location, which was already a chaotic scene as expected... Police were already setting up barricades around the Augustus mansion, their flashing lights illuminating the nearby trees and casting the area in a cold, blue hue.