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"It's atheory," Morgan replied with a shrug. "But it's the best lead we'vegot right now. We should find out if the other victims had expressed any suchviews. If they did, this could be the connection we're missing."
"Right,"Derik nodded, the professional facade masking the personal struggles Morganknew all too well. "I'll start digging into Sarah and Jennifer's lives.See if they left any digital footprint or had interactions that align with yourtheory."
"Good. Andhurry," Morgan added, feeling the pressure of the unsolved murders bearingdown on her. "This killer isn’t stopping to wait for us."
As Derik returnedto his workspace, Morgan couldn't help but feel the tingle of anticipation. Itwas a reminder of who she was before her world crumbled—before the betrayal andthe bars. And now, with Derik at her side again, she felt the old bond of trustthey once shared tentatively beginning to mend.
Morgan typedfervently. Time was slipping through their grasp like sand in an hourglass, andeach grain that fell could mean another life lost. She navigated to JenniferClarke's employee records and dialed the number for the café where Jenniferworked, hoping someone would pick up despite the late hour.
"Hello,Caffeine Corner. This is Beth speaking," a weary voice answered afterseveral rings.
"Hi, Beth.This is Agent Morgan Cross with the FBI. I'm afraid this isn't a socialcall." Her words were met with a sharp intake of breath on the other end."I'm calling about Jennifer Clarke. It's urgent that I learn more abouther interactions and opinions regarding certain topics."
Beth's hesitancewas palpable even through the phone line. "Jennifer? Oh God, what'shappened now?"
"Please,it's imperative we know if Jennifer expressed any particular views about thehistory of witchcraft or occult practices."
There was amoment’s silence as Beth collected her thoughts. "Well, yes, she didactually. Jenn was vocal about that stuff—said it was all based on persecutingwomen back in the day. She didn't hold back on her opinions, especiallyonline."
"Thank you,Beth. That information could be very helpful," Morgan said earnestly. Asshe hung up, a sliver of hope cut through the fatigue that clung to her bones.They were onto something—a pattern emerging from the chaos.
"Gotsomething," Derik called out from across the room, his voice breaking intoher thoughts. He cradled the phone between his shoulder and ear, scribblingnotes down furiously. "Sarah Thompson was apparently quite outspokenagainst occult nonsense. People at the community center remember her debatingheatedly about it."
"Derik,"Morgan said, her voice steady as she rose from her chair, "all fourvictims had strong anti-occult sentiments. It can't be a coincidence."
They locked eyes,green meeting dark brown, both sets filled with a grim understanding. Thekiller wasn't just choosing places with historical significance; they weretargeting women who denounced the very essence of those sites. It was a leadwith substance, a thread to pull in the unraveling mystery.
"Okay, let'scompile everything we've got," Derik said, his exhaustion momentarilyforgotten. "Profiles, social media posts, interviews—anything thatprovides insight into their stance on the occult."
"Agreed,"Morgan replied, already moving towards the whiteboard. Her tattoos seemed tocome alive in the low light, a testament to her own battles and scars. Shepicked up a marker, each stroke on the board a silent vow to bring justice forthe women whose voices had been forever silenced by a fanatic's twistedvendetta.
The clockcontinued its relentless march, but Morgan felt a renewed sense of purpose.They had a killer to catch, and she'd be damned if they didn't use every lastsecond they had.
***
Morgan's bootsclicked against the sterile floor of the FBI headquarters, urgency in eachstep. Each stride was fueled by a blend of adrenaline and dread, knowing thatwhat she was about to do would spread fear throughout the city. She had nochoice; lives were at stake. The realization that the murderer targeted womenwith anti-occult sentiments meant anyone fitting that profile was in potentialdanger.
"Listenup," Morgan commanded as she entered the bustling open office where agentswere poring over files and computer screens. Her voice cut through the hum ofactivity like a blade. Heads lifted, and the room fell into an attentive hush—atestament to her commanding presence. "We have a pattern, and we need toact now."
"Cross, whatdo we have?" Agent Hendricks called out, concern etching his seasonedfeatures.
"Everyvictim has been vocal against the occult, and they've all been found onhistorical sites along ley lines," Morgan explained succinctly. Her darkeyes swept over her colleagues, making sure she had their full attention."This is not public knowledge yet, but it will be soon."
"Are youthinking some kind of warning to the public?" another agent asked, browsfurrowed in anticipation of the answer he already suspected.
"Exactly,"Morgan confirmed. "We're going to issue a statement to the media. Women,especially those who have publicly denounced occult practices, should avoidbeing out alone or near any historical sites within the city."
A collectiveunease settled over the team. They knew the implications of such a statement—acity-wide panic was a small price to pay if it meant preventing another murder.
"Let's draftthe statement carefully," Morgan continued, her tone measured despite theurgency coursing through her veins. "It needs to be clear and informativewithout causing hysteria. Do we have someone from PR here?"
"Already onit, Cross," Agent Lin said, already dialing the number for the publicrelations department.
"Good,"Morgan nodded, her gaze lingering on the map of the city pinned to the wall,the red dots marking the crime scenes forming an ominous constellation."We'll also coordinate with local law enforcement to increase patrolsaround these areas. We can't take any chances."
"Should wegive them specifics about the ley lines or keep it vague?" Hendricksasked, his hand hovering over his keyboard, ready to type out the directive.
"Keep itvague," Morgan decided after a moment's consideration. "Mentionhistoric sites, but let's not add fuel to any conspiracy theories. We don'twant to give this killer more attention than they're already getting."
