2.9 Red Virus

Chapter 15

It was well past midnight.

The rain poured violently, drumming on the rooftops like warning bells. Wind howled through the streets, shaking the trees so hard their petals scattered like tears. The world looked like it was trying to wash something away.

Several officers trudged through the storm, soaked to the bone. Their boots splashed through puddles as they reached a dilapidated apartment complex on the edge of Blackmore's industrial zone.

"Dispatch said she hasn't been heard from in three days," one officer muttered, pulling his jacket tighter. "Neighbors smelled something."

They kicked open the door.

A foul stench hit them instantly—thick, sour, and unnatural.

"God—" one officer gagged, stumbling back with a hand over his mouth.

Officer Kingsley didn't flinch. He pinched his nose shut and stepped inside.