Into the Abyss

Chapter 1 : The Call

Lucy Chen tapped at the last few keys on her report, the words blurring together in front of her as she focused on finally finishing the night's work. The precinct was quiet, mostly empty with only the faint hum of computers and distant voices in the background. She let out a slow, relieved breath and leaned back, stretching her arms over her head as she glanced around the room. After such a long shift, the stillness was oddly calming.

A few desks away, Tim Bradford sat, typing up a report with his usual focus, and she couldn't help but smile at his dedication. She thought about inviting him for a late dinner or maybe grabbing takeout for a quiet evening at home. For once, life felt like it was getting back to normal.

Just as she stood up to grab her jacket, her phone vibrated on the desk, making her pause. She frowned at the unknown number on the screen, the area code unfamiliar. This wasn't the usual late-night work call. For some reason, she felt a cold prickle at the back of her neck, her instinct kicking in as she picked up the phone.

"Chen," she answered, her tone professional and alert.

There was a moment of silence. Then, a voice spoke, smooth and chillingly familiar.

"Hello, Lucy," the voice said, dragging out her name like a secret she had unwittingly shared.

Lucy's stomach twisted, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized it.

"Rosalind," she whispered, her grip tightening on the phone. It was the last name she had expected—or wanted—to hear. She glanced over at Tim, but he was focused on his computer, unaware of the tension flooding through her body.

"Surprised?" Rosalind's voice held that same unsettling calm, the twisted hint of amusement in her tone as if she were merely calling an old friend.

Lucy gritted her teeth, fighting to keep her voice steady. "What do you want?"

"Oh, don't be so stiff, Lucy. No need for pleasantries," Rosalind purred, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "I just thought it was time to catch up. You've been busy, I see. New cases, promotions... You almost make it seem like you've moved on."

Lucy's jaw clenched. She took a deep breath, keeping her tone as cold as she could. "I have moved on, Rosalind. You're the one who can't let go."

A soft, mocking chuckle echoed from the other end of the line. "Hmm, but we both know that's not true. I know you, Lucy, more than you'd like to admit. And I know you'd never be able to ignore this."

Lucy's hands were damp as she pressed the phone to her ear, her gaze drifting to Tim. Part of her wanted to call him over, to share the burden of Rosalind's voice ringing in her ear. But she knew Rosalind was reveling in the control she had over this moment, and the last thing she wanted to do was give her the satisfaction of seeing her rattled.

"I'm done with you, Rosalind," Lucy replied, her voice edged with anger. "Whatever you're planning—it won't work. Not this time."

"Oh, Lucy," Rosalind replied, feigning disappointment. "You really think I'm just calling to chat?" Her voice sharpened, the mockery stripped away to reveal something darker, a venomous edge that sent a chill through Lucy's veins. "No, I'm calling because I have something—a surprise, if you will. Something that might interest you."

Lucy's stomach turned, her pulse quickening. "What kind of surprise?" she asked cautiously, her voice lowering as she took a few steps away from the bustling room.

"Oh, don't be so dramatic. I think you'll figure it out," Rosalind replied smoothly. "Or maybe I'll just tell you...when the time is right. But here's a hint: it's someone close to you. Someone you might say is...family."