In the eerie aftermath of a chilling revelation, Detective Rose Hansley finds herself trapped in a labyrinth of deceit and forgotten memories. Unveiling the identity of a notorious serial killer was meant to bring closure, yet it shatters her world...
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The final presentation was about to start, and the audience erupted into applause and cheers as the trap stage prepared to rise.
Let the show begin.
As the stage ascended, the scene unfolded in breathtaking grandeur, the spotlight illuminating the central figures. A man hung like a scarecrow, his face a ghostly white, frozen in a mask of endless horror. Below him, a beautiful angel lay sprawled on the floor, surrounded by dozens of roses, their vibrant colors stark against her white dress. Her hands rested peacefully on her chest, and beside her feet lay a small white box, ominously waiting to be opened.
The crowd's reaction shifted from awe to horror.
“Isn’t that Erin Miller?” murmurs erupted among the spectators, a wave of shock cascading through the audience.
As the realization set in that the man hanging lifelessly was indeed Erin Miller, a foul odor began to permeate the building. Screams pierced the air, panic erupting as people scrambled for the exits. He was dead.
Riley, who had arrived late, searched frantically for Rose. The crowd was a blur as he pushed his way, he had come to convince her to come back. It wasn't until half an hour later that he heard the announcement: the final presentation was about to start.
That’s why Rose wasn’t around. His gaze shot to the spotlight as the curtains lifted, revealing the horrific tableau.
A wave of dread washed over him. He stood frozen until he snapped out of it.
“No, no, no,” he gasped, rushing toward the stage as the chaos intensified around him.
“Rose!” he called out, his heart pounding as he knelt beside her. He checked her pulse, relief flooding him when he felt it—she was alive. But the sight before him was nightmarish.
His gaze shot upward to Erin Miller’s face, his expression filled with terror, a haunting image of his final moments etched on his features.
An awful smell filled the venue, and Riley instinctively covered his nose with his sleeve. Beside Erin’s lifeless body lay a container filled with blood, grotesquely displaying what appeared to be his genitals. He had witnessed many horrific scenes in his career, but this one was among the worst.
He fought the bile rising in his throat, desperately trying to focus on Rose.
“Rose!” he said, shaking her gently. She stirred.
“Mmm, Riley…” she mumbled, disoriented.
His hand flew to his phone, fingers trembling as he dialed.
“Get me an ambulance, the police, and forensics. NOW!”
This can’t be happening, he thought, panic rising within him.
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The police arrived, their flashing lights cutting through the chaos, transforming the vibrant celebration into a sterile crime scene. The crowd, once filled with laughter and excitement, now stood in stunned silence, whispers of horror rippling through the air.
