Chapter Seventeen

A hiker makes his way through the forest of LaSalle canyon, enjoying the peacefulness of the trees and the sound of birds chirping and the distant noise of a waterfall nearby. He rounds a bend in the path and suddenly stops dead in his tracks. Before him lies a sight that makes his blood run cold.

Lizzie's body lies in a clearing, posed like a lamb, with a garland of wildflowers around her head. Her eyes are closed, and her hands are clasped together, as if in prayer. But it's the expression on her face that makes the hiker's heart skip a beat - a look of pure terror, frozen in time.

The hiker's scream echoes through the trees as he realizes what he's seeing. He stumbles backward, tripping over his own feet, and lands hard on the ground. He can't take his eyes off Lizzie's body, can't believe what he's seeing.

The sheriff is called to the scene, his confidence shattered. How could this have happened under his watch? He arrives at the clearing, and his eyes widen in horror at the sight before him. Lizzie's body is posed in a way that's both serene and terrifying, a twisted mockery of innocence.

The sheriff's mind races as he tries to process what he's seeing. Who could have done this? And why? He knows he has to find out, has to bring justice to Lizzie and her family. But for now, he can only stand in stunned silence, taking in the horror of the scene before him.

As the body is taken away for autopsy, the news of Lizzie's murder spreads and the town becomes shocked and outraged. How could this have happened in their quiet, peaceful community? Again? They demand answers, demand justice, but the sheriff can only shake his head. He doesn't know yet, but he promises to find out.

The investigation unfolds, a complex web of clues and suspects. But one thing is clear - Lizzie's murder is linked to Veronica's, and the killer is still out there, waiting to strike again. The sheriff knows he has to move fast, has to catch the killer before they claim another victim. But as he looks at Lizzie's body, posed like a lamb in the forest, he can't help but wonder if he's already too late.

Did Lizzie know the killer?

The news spreads faster than a raging flood, drowning the people of LaSalle county in a state of despair. Now it was obvious this wasn't just a one-time murder.

There was a serial killer on the loose.

The discovery was frightening. To think it would be someone they all know but never suspect, someone they would have invited to their home atleast once.

In the meantime, sheriff Gallagher issues a curfew and officially shuts down all the isolated tourist centres to reduce the rate of murder.

Sinclair Prep is buzzing with all sorts of controversies and speculations. Dana, mostly, is worried. The killer seems to only target them. First, Veronica, now Lizzie.

As Millie strolls into the classroom, her eyes land on Lizzie's empty sit. Even Debbie's is empty. Only Dana is present, deeply lost in her thoughts. Who wouldn't?

Millie takes a sit, slipping out her journal. She didn't pen down much. Just a few suspects she hadn't taken serious. Infact, she hadn't taken the whole investigation stuff serious and another died because of it.

She pens down the two victims. Veronica Andersen and Lizzie Thompson. Both killed by knife wounds.

Were they related? Yes. Both in the same clique. Veronica was the former leader, Lizzie was just a dumb, naive member. But if she was murdered, does that mean she wasn't dumb like everyone thought?

There has to be a reason for killing her except the killer hated beautiful girls. And if that is the case wouldn't Dana be a major suspect? Not that she isn't beautiful, it's just makes sense.

Billie jots down Dana Cook’s name, next to it, she adds.

Potential suspect. Close to the victims. Might be a case of jealousy.

Next, she pens down Coleson Gallagher. That irritating bully.

Major suspect. Close to the first victim. Might also be a case of jealousy. But wouldn't that make Jasher his first victim? I guess to avoid suspicion, he sticks with Veronica.

Lastly, Jasher Sloane. Least likely suspect. Loved the first victim. Not sure he knew the second, but I'll find out. No motive - yet.

She smiles, pleased with what she had so far. Of course Debbie, her twin was also a potential suspect, bu that was highly unlikely. What would she gain?

If she wants to get an accurate list, she needs to know who was close to Lizzie and piece it together.

The door creaks open and the chatter dies, everyone scrambling for their seats. Jasher walks in after the teacher and sits down beside Millie.

He manages to give her a nod, but he's visibly shaking and there’re dark circles under his eyes. The increasing deaths seem to be taking a toll on him.