Fatal attraction

Chapter 1: When Maya finally met Alex in person

As the neon lights of the city flickered against the night sky, Detective Alex stood alone on the rain-soaked streets, the chilly wind biting her skin. She pulled her coat tighter around her body, the weight of the case heavy on her mind.

For weeks, she had been tirelessly chasing leads, following the trail of a killer who had been terrorising the city. The media had dubbed them "The Nightshade Killer" for their penchant for striking under the cover of darkness, leaving behind a chilling signature at each crime scene.

Alex had seen her fair share of horrors in her years on the force, but there was something about this case that chilled her to the bone.

The brutality of the killings, the calculated precision of the attacks - it was as if the killer was playing a twisted game with her, taunting her from the shadows.

Lost in her thoughts, Alex almost didn't notice the figure approaching her from the darkness.

It was a tall and striking woman with an air of confidence that commanded attention. The wind tousled her dark hair, and her piercing gaze with emerald, green eyes seemed to see right through Alex's defences.

"Detective," the woman said, her voice smooth like silk. "I heard you've been looking for me."

Alex's heart skipped a beat as she studied the woman before her. There was something about her that set off alarm bells in Alex's mind, but she could not put her finger on it. Was it the way she held herself, with a hint of danger lurking beneath the surface? Or was it how her eyes sparkled with a secret she was itching to reveal?

Before Alex could respond, the woman took a step closer, closing the distance between them.

"My name's Maya, Maya Sinclair," she said, extending a hand in greeting. "And I think we have a lot to talk about."

"What makes you think that?" Alex asked, her tone guarded. Maya took a step closer, her gaze unwavering. "Let's just say I have a... keen interest in your investigation."

Alex narrowed her eyes, as studied Maya's face for any hint of deception.

"And what exactly is your interest in this case?"

Maya's lips curved into a sly smile, revealing a hint of amusement. "Let's just say I have a talent for... uncovering secrets. I'm a private investigator and my client is a family member of one of the victims," Maya said, "But the thing is, I think most of the detectives and cops are untrustworthy and not determined enough. But I noticed you're different, you have a strong desire for justice if I'm correct?"

Alex felt a chill run down her spine, as she locked eyes with Maya, sensing that there was more to this woman than met the eye. How did she even get this impression of her? Has this woman been watching her for a longer time while she didn't notice. No that's impossible Alex thought by herself.

But before she could respond, Maya extended a hand in greeting.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Detective," Maya said, her smile widening.

"I have a feeling we're going to get along just fine."