A Deadly Sorority (Book #1 Sorority Horrors)

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FBI Agent Sterling Matthews informed me that Detective Johnson was no longer assigned to my case, and he revealed the most heart-shattering news, leaving me speechless and devastated.

"Kayla," he began, his bushy, salt-and-pepper eyebrows lowered, "as of now, the entire Irvine Police Department is under investigation."

I gulped as a nervous flicker of my eyelashes waved at Sterling, "Why? Did they have something to do with the murders?" 

Sterling's gaze drifted around the sorority house living room as if subtly searching for clues. "I can't go into specifics," he replied. "But know this: the FBI has taken over the Irvine Police Department's jurisdiction. Once the investigation wraps up, we'll decide whether to disband the force and bring in new officers or keep them on. Rest assured, we're doing our due diligence and using every resource at our disposal to continue the hunt for the Crimson Lake Killer."

"Does that mean Detective Johnson is the Crimson Lake KIller?!" 

"Well, what does that mean for us?" I inquired. "You know the Crimson Lake Killer is after us, and two of our friends are currently missing." My lips quivered as I desperately struggled to keep from frowning, trying to hold back the tears that were forcefully attempting to break their way through.

"Since Detective Johnson will be on paid administrative leave, we have no other choice but to send you all back home for the semester." He informed.

My eyes widened, "What? No!" I protested, "I want to stay in Irvine!"

Admittedly, I wanted to be the heroine. I imagined myself hunting down the Crimson Lake Killer. We pushed him into the muddy lake as the rain poured onto us like heavy grapefruits slamming against our backs. My hair was soaked, but my strength was relentless. As he tried to rise from the mud, he slipped back in, and I stomped my shoe onto his face, stopping him from breathing.

"Yeah, that's for all the people you killed!" I satisfyingly yelled into his face. He cowers over, and his eyes turn away from me. He's frightened cause he knows I want vengeance. The very thought of apprehending the Crimson Lake Killer sent shivers down my spine, and a swarm of butterflies filled my stomach with happiness.

I sighed, realizing it was just a daydream. A daydream I desperately wanted to make a reality. However, if we get sent back home, that daydream will turn into despair.

Sterling's gaze dropped to the gray carpeted floor beneath our feet. "Kayla, I'm sorry, but it has to be done; you all need to go back home," he informed me. "The university is aware of this, and they agreed it's best for you all to take one semester off. Don't you want to go home? Don't you want a break from all of this havoc?" He lifted his gaze, his eyes piercing into me.

I shrugged. "I just want Steve to be alright," I replied, my mouth curving into a frown. "And Karin. I didn't know her all that well, even though she is my sorority sister, but I hope she's still alive. You can never be too certain with the Crimson Lake Killer on a rampage."

"I understand, Kayla," Sterling replied. "We'll do our best to find them."

Sterling didn't sound too optimistic. His concern was less than enthusiastic. This was probably just another case to fold away and stuff into his filing cabinet.

"I want all this madness to stop. I want my friends found and for the Crimson Lake Killer to finally be apprehended!" I said, frustration leaking from my voice.

Sterling laid his hand flat on my shoulder, "Look, kiddo, we all this fucker caught! And I can't wait to get my hands on the psychopath. He's done enough damage to this tight community, and we want to see you all happy and flourishing again. We don't want you leaving on the edge of your seat and scared for your lives."

"Sterling, in all honestly, I was never really afraid." I admitted, "I want him caught, and I wanted to be the one to apprehend him." 

A crooked smile wove across his face, and he chuckled. 

"What's so funny?" I asked defensively, folding my arms across my chest. My gaze honed into him, expecting him to respond with, "How could a thin, young girl like you apprehend a tough psychopath like the Crimson Lake Killer?"

He shrugged, "I don't know- your enthusiasm, I guess." He replied. The wrinkles on his chin moved around like a slinky. 

"I believe if I stay here in Irvine, I can help locate him." I said firmly, "Maybe the FBI can use me as bait."

Sterling's mouth dropped open, "You want to be used as bait?" 

I nodded, "Yes, and just like you, I want that fucker caught."

***

"Kayla!" Mom's voice funneled down the hallway and into my bedroom.

"Yes, Mom?" I called back as I sat up in bed, covering my mouth as I yawned.

Mom strolled into my bedroom and leaned against the doorway. Her eyes were glossy and filled with concern, "Why don't you transfer down here? Go to Arizona State?" 

I rolled my eyes up toward the ceiling, "Mom, I don't want to be in Arizona." 

"But Kayla," Mom began, "what if they never find him? You'll spend the rest of your college days living in fear. That's not the life you want, sweetie."

"Mom, I worked so hard to get into Cal State Irvine," I said, my tone growing defensive. "I studied hard for my SATs. And I pushed myself at every track meet to earn my athletic scholarship. I'm not giving that up and definitely not settling for a college I don't want to attend."

Mom lowered her head, her gaze falling to the hardwood floor. "I understand," she said softly, then turned and quietly stepped away from my room.

Why couldn't Mom understand? I didn't want to hurt her feelings—I knew she'd been through a lot. Having me live in a college town with a serial killer on the loose only made things worse for her, I'm sure. It probably brought all those painful memories of Dad's murder back to the surface.   I couldn't blame her for being worried; her concern was completely reasonable.

My phone vibrated against the surface of my nightstand. Reaching over, I grabbed it and peered down at the screen. 

Lorena: Hey, what's up? Any news on Steve?

I typed out a reply.

Kayla: No, all of us sorority girls got sent home. I'm back in Sedona now.

Lorena: What? No way?! 

Kayla: Unfortunately, yes, way.

Lorena: Maybe we can meet up since you're not in Irvine anymore. Do you want to come out to San Francisco? Or I can fly down to Sedona.

I loved Lorena's idea of us visiting one another. And I did need a vacation. Plus I had never been to San Francisco, and it sounded fun.

Kayla: I would love to come to San Francisco. I've never been. 😊

Lorena: I also think we need to get serious about this investigation and add Patricia as a suspect.

I was immediately taken aback. Patricia had been a good friend and the best sorority leader. What could she have possibly done to end up on our list of suspects?

Kayla: Patricia? Why?.. she is the last person I'd suspect.

Lorena: I dug up some dirt on her, and honestly, it's not good. 

I gulped. What had Patricia done?