A Deadly Sorority (Book #1 Sorority Horrors)

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Detective Johnson ushered us back into the dormitory. He led the way, speed-walking along the paved pathway lined with bushes and trees, while we followed directly behind him. I peered around as we strolled, scanning our surroundings just in case the crazed lunatic decided to snatch one of us up or stab us just like he did to Officer Daniels. A flutter of nausea hit my stomach, and a chill crawled down my spine as I re-envisioned that moment when the Crimson Lake Killer shoved the silver blade into Officer Daniels's neck. I shivered.

Brianna's eyes veered toward me as if questioning where we were off to. I shrugged and turned my eyes back onto Detective Johnson.

"Detective?" I asked, "Is Officer Daniels gonna be alright?"

He halted his walk, turned his head toward me, and shifted uncomfortably as he breathed heavily and placed his hand on his forehead in distress.

"I hope so." He shook his head, "I can't believe that God damn jerk stabbed one of my men! I don't think I've ever wanted the Crimson Lake Killer as bad as I want him right now!"

Patricia's gaze met mine, "Are you guys sure it's the Crimson Lake Killer?"

Detective Johnson looked at Patricia with furrowed brows, "I'm 99.9% sure that it's the Crimson Lake Killer. This town hasn't had a murder since the Crimson Lake Killer 1.0. Then comes along the copycat Crimson Lake Killer 2.0, who is committing the same heinous crimes as the original."

"But what if it's just some guy who wants to start a new name for himself?" Patricia shrugged.

"Believe me, we're looking into this sicko. And what we know for sure is he is the Crimson Lake Killer 2.0."Detective Johnson assured, "Well, let's get back inside." He began walking toward the entrance of the dormitory. As we strolled through the doors, we entered the building and were met with cool air flowing down from the vents.

"Ladies, take a seat over there." Detective Johnson instructed, pointing at a lounge area with modern gray couches positioned near the expansive window that overlooked the parking lot.

All of us sat, glaring around nervously. Detective Johnson stood near the entrance where a swarm of police officers stood. Conversing among one another.

I sat in front of the window, gazing outside. I spotted the medics and a few police vehicles where Officer Daniels was still lying. I watched as the medics performed CPR on Officer Daniels and placed large white bandages over his neck. They rolled out a stretcher and swiftly placed him on top. After loading him into the ambulance, their red lights flashed, and they sped off into the distance.

"I really can't believe what we just witnessed," Brianna said, sorrow emanating from the depths of her voice. Her eyes lowered, and a single tear escaped, trailing down her cheek.

"We have to stay strong!" Patricia encouraged with wide eyes, "We have to stick together, just like we did today."

"Why did he stab Officer Daniels?" Brianna asked, her words trembling, "Was he trying to get to us?"

My heart sank, and a well of pity swelled up within me at the words that tumbled out of Brianna's mouth like a bushweed rolling down the desert during a dust storm. The realization finally set in.

The Crimson Lake Killer wanted us, not Officer Daniels. Officer Daniels was just in his way.

The thought struck my mind like a strike of lightning.

I blinked my eyes. My eyelashes fluttered as I tried to come to terms with the truth of it all.

Patricia met my gaze. Fear was evident in her soft brown eyes, "He was after us."

"He is after us." I corrected.

***

Settling into the sorority house for the evening, Patricia called an emergency meeting, rounding up all forty of us. That was until they discovered one girl was missing. I didn't know her well; we had only exchanged hellos in passing, even though she lived in the sorority house, too.

"Karin Li!" Patricia called out for the third time, taking roll call to ensure every member was present.

"Has anyone seen Karin?" Patricia asked, her tone frustrated and concerned.

Everyone in the room shook their heads, including me. Then one tall girl with long black braids stoped forward. A frown etched on her face.

"This isn't like Karin." The girl began, "She's my best friend and she has never gone silent."

"That doesn't sound good!" Patricia said.

The girl nodded in agreement, "I'm Morgan, everyone." She waved her hand, "I texted Karin this morning at around 9:00 AM. She hasn't replied. This is so unlike her." Morgan's voice cracked, "I'm scared."

Slowly, whispers and worried stares filled the room. Girls gazing around, staring at one another with faces filled with fear, confusion, and sorrow.

"Does anyone know where Karin Li is?" Patricia asked again, but we stood there in silence.

The Karin's best friend spoke once more, "Please, has anyone seen Karin?" She asked desperately, "She's my best friend."

I reached into the pocket of my jeans and pulled out my phone. Quickly, I dialed Detective Johnson's number.

"Hello, Detective Johnson." He answered in his usual deep, authoritative voice.

"Any updates on Steve?" I inquired nervously, my words shaking.

He sighed and a long breath weaves through the phone.

"I'm sorry, not yet, Kayla." He replied, disappointment evident in his tone.

"Oh, God!" I exclaimed, "I really hope he's alright."

"So do I, Kayla." He assured, "So do I."

"I might have more bad news, Detective." I informed, "Karin Li is missing. She's one of our sorority sisters."

"When's s last time anybody has seen her?" He asked, concerned.

"I'm not sure." I replied, "Patricia called an emergency meeting. Alerting all of us via text message and email. We all got the word and we're currently at the sorority house."

"Maybe Karin didn't get the message yet." Detective Johnson suggested, "Wait a while. I'm sure she will show up."

"But this isn't like Karin." I offered, "Her best friend said she hasn't heard from Karin all day and this isn't like her."

"Give it some time." Detective Johnson reiterated.

I knew we couldn't afford to give it some time. We needed to conduct our own search for Karin and Steve. A search that needed to begin now.