A Deadly Sorority (Book #1 Sorority Horrors)

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The rain pattered against the windowpane, and gloomy clouds hovered above as I peered out the large living room window. Winter was now showing us her true and divine colors. Once teasing us with hot days, but today proved those days were finally coming to an abrupt end.

"I can't believe it's raining!" Patricia exclaimed, "It was over eighty degrees for two weeks straight!" Shock evident in her tone.

"Welcome to California," Brianna replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes toward the ceiling.

"Yeah, don't get too accustomed to summer weather during winter," I recommended, half joking.

"It's not that bad, guys." Morgan informed, "I was born and raised here, and I love the weather. Although, I am pretty spoiled when I get to experience  summer weather in the winter."

"So, what's the plan?" Brianna interrupted, "We need to find Karin."

"Well, are y'all ready to begin our search?" Patricia inquired, her eyes drifting between Brianna, Morgan, and me.

We all nodded.

"I've been ready!" Morgan announced, sweeping her long brown braids behind her shoulder, "After all, Karin is my best friend. I won't be able to sleep until she's found."

"I think with the rain, it's going to be a little difficult," I admitted.

Patricia shrugged, "Rain or shine, we have to find Karin."

"I totally agree." I replied, "We just have to ensure that we're all safe and use precautions as we venture into dark and out-of-view areas."

Brianna's eyes widened, "We need to stick together!"

I knew Patrica meant well and she wanted to do all she could to locate Karin. I mean we all did. But I felt searching for Karin on a stormy, cloudy and gloomy day was a risk for us all. We didn't need anymore of our sisters being taken by the Crimson Lake Killer. We've all endured enough. And Steve, my co-investigator was also missing. It was more than I could handle, knowing that the guy who I had a semi-crush on and was slowly developing romantic feelings for was possibly snatched up by the infamous serial killer.

"Let's all ride in my car." Patricia announced as she placed her purse over her head, alowing it to hang diagonally over her body.

I opened up the door to the coat closet that was near the front door and grabbed my blue parka coat from off the hanger. I slipped my arm into the cozy sleeve and settled into the warmness. Brianna also put on her pink puffer coat and we followed Patricia to her car.

The raindrops slid down the windshield as I sat in the passenger seat while Patricia drove. I glanced over at her; she appeared tense, her hands tightly gripping the steering wheel. Her knuckles looking to poke through her skin and ready to burst.

My phone, resting on my lap, buzzed, and Detective Johnson's name popped up on the screen. Without hesitation, I quickly answered, pressing the phone to my ear.

"Hi, Detective Johnson!" I greeted.

"Hi, Kayla," He replied in his usual deep voice, "How are you holding up?"

"As best as I can, honestly," I replied, sorrow leaking through my words.

"I have an update." He informed, "One of my detectives was out tracking down Steve's last steps, and she came across a cell phone. It was dead, so we had to charge it. And turns out it's Karin's cell."

"What?!" I exclaimed in disbelief. My heart jumped out of my chest.

I could feel Patricia and Brianna's eyes landing on me. I immediately placed the call on speakerphone so Patricia and Brianna could listen in on the call as well.

"The phone was covered in dirt and water due to the rain or possibly due to the lake water. We're not sure yet. We'll have to wait until after the analysis is completed." He explained.

"Where was her phone discovered?" I asked, gazing at Patricia. Her face disturbed by the news.

"Lake Donovan."

Patricia and I gasped.

"That's where we're headed, Detective. Lake Donovan." I informed.

"Don't go over there," he warned. "I've got a team of detectives and officers combing the area for clues, and nothing can be disturbed."

"But we want to help in finding Karin." I informed with passion igniting from my voice, "She's our sister, and we won't be able to sleep until we know she is found!"

Detective Johnson breathed into the phone, "I am very well aware that you and your sorority sisters are concerned. Who wouldn't be? But we've got this. We're on it and we're using are very best resources to find her." He explained.

"I really think we can help." I pleaded, "We're driving to Lake Donovan now."

"Kayla, I'm telling you again. Do not go down to Lake Donovan!" he warned, frustration knitted in his voice, "If you or your sorority sisters interfere with this investigation, you'll be messing with local law enforcement. Tampering with or disrupting a missing person's investigation can get you all arrested."

Patricia flipped a U-turn when she heard the news.

"I guess we just gotta back home now," Patricia announced with a heavy sigh.

"Who's that?" Detective Johnson inquired.

"It was Patricia." I informed him, "We're heading back to the sorority house."

Detective Johnson breathed a sigh of relief, "You girls stay safe, and if you need anything, let me know."

Disappointment flowed through my veins, settling into discontentment. I wanted nothing more than for Karin and Steve to both be found- alive and well. But it began to feel more like a distant wish. A wish that would never come true. Just like when I was a kid, I would wish for a pony or a trip to Disney World as I blew out my birthday candles. And none of my wishes ever came true. That's what that moment felt like. A wish.