Identity

The body of the young woman found at the lake was carefully transported to the station, where Oliver and his team could conduct a more thorough examination. The detectives followed closely, their minds racing with the need to find connections and identify the victim.

 Back at the station, Charles worked quickly to identify the body. Harris and Jeff stood by, waiting for the results. After what felt like an eternity, Charles looked up from his workstation.

 "Her name is Mia Jones," he announced, his voice solemn. "She was twenty-four years old. We're running through her background now."

 Harris and Jeff exchanged a glance, then focused on the task at hand. They needed to piece together Mia's life to find any connections to the previous victims or the killer.

 After sifting through Mia's records, they discovered she worked at a prestigious law firm and had attended Crestwood University. She came from a loving family, her parents living in the northern part of the city.

 "We need to speak with her parents," Harris said, his voice steady but filled with resolve. "They might know something that can help us."

 The drive to the Jones residence was somber. Harris and Jeff prepared themselves mentally for the difficult task of informing the family about Mia's death. When they arrived at the modest house, they took a moment before approaching the door and knocking gently.

 Mia's mother, Mrs. Jones, answered, her eyes already red and puffy from crying. She seemed to know why the detectives were there, and she led them into the living room where Mr. Jones sat, his face etched with grief.

 "We're very sorry for your loss," Harris began, his voice soft. "We're here to gather any information that might help us find who did this to your daughter."

 Mrs. Jones broke down in tears, and Mr. Jones wrapped an arm around her, trying to hold himself together. "What do you need to know?" he asked, his voice shaking.

 "Did Mia mention anything unusual lately?" Jeff asked. "Any strange behavior or people she might have been worried about?"

 Mrs. Jones sniffled and wiped her tears. "No, she seemed fine. She loved her job at the law firm and was always excited about her cases. She never mentioned anyone threatening her."

 Harris took notes. "Do you know if she had any recent conflicts with anyone? At work, or anywhere else?"

 Mr. Jones shook his head. "She was well-liked at the firm. Always hardworking. She did mention working late a lot recently, but she never said anything was wrong."

 "Did she have any close friends or acquaintances that we should talk to?" Harris continued.

 "She was close to her colleagues at the law firm," Mrs. Jones replied. "And she still kept in touch with friends from Crestwood University."

 "Thank you," Harris said, standing up. "We'll do everything we can to find who did this."

 As they left the house, the weight of the family's grief hung heavily in the air. Outside, Harris and Jeff paused to gather their thoughts.

 "We need to head back to the station," Harris said. "Go through Mia's contacts at the law firm and her friends from Crestwood University. There's got to be something that ties her to the other victims."

 By the time they returned to the station, the sky had darkened, and the night had settled in. Harris and Jeff debriefed their colleagues, sharing what they had learned from Mia's parents and outlining their next steps.

 "It's been a long day," Harris said, rubbing his temples. "We'll pick this up tomorrow. Get some rest, everyone."