Page 13 of Outrun The Devil
And her vision faded again.
As the car drew her closer to Tolleson, the rural charm of the town became evident. Small businesses and homes with well-manicured lawns dotted the landscape, and Olivia felt a sense of calm wash over her. It wasn't Phoenix, and it wasn't the cabin. It wasn’t the cabin. She had to remind herself, whispering it repeatedly. The words spun over and over in her head.
The familiar streets and buildings sent a shiver down Olivia's spine. It wasn't just the physical surroundings that were haunting her, it was the memories that came with them. Memories of being rescued and the constant attention she had received afterward, the numbness that had consumed her for weeks on end. Everyone seemed to want to know how she was doing, or worse, why she was taken in the first place.
She couldn't help but roll her eyes as she remembered Colson lecturing her about the importance of having a partner. And even more so when the incident happened a year ago. He was always trying to pair her up with someone, even before the incident. But it never worked out. Olivia was closed off, unwilling to let anyone in. She didn't need anyone else to slow her down or get in her way. This partner would be no different, she’d make sure of it.
Driving through the town's quiet streets, Olivia couldn't help but notice a small park nearby. Families filled the space, with children running around on the grass and playing on the playground. Her thoughts drifted to her daughter, and the knot returned. Olivia needed to let Jessica know she wouldn't make it back in time for dinner. She frowned, feeling guilty for missing yet another family meal. Which also meant she wouldn’t be meeting her mother’s boyfriend either.
While it was on her mind, Olivia took a moment to text Jessica to let her know she wouldn’t be able to make it. Naturally, Jessica was upset but Olivia told her it was a case in Tolleson and that created a different level of emotion for her daughter. She prodded her with questions and even dared to ask if Olivia could handle a case in Tolleson. Eventually, she told her daughter not to be so concerned and left it at that.
Olivia's mind was torn between her responsibilities as a mother and her duty as a detective. She couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that the case brought with it.
She didn't have all the details, but what she knew so far was enough to send chills down her spine. It was a twisted game, someone out there murdering people and going to great lengths to make it look like the work of an animal. The thought of it made her stomach churn. She couldn't let her guard down, not even for a moment.
With a deep breath, she turned south to the mountainous desert. South of the town was where the body was found in Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Another shiver ran down her spine. The fact that the body was left for anyone to find only told Olivia that the killer wanted it to be found. Otherwise, they would have hidden it. No, instead that body was out in the open masquerading as an animal attack. Which of course would lead to a frenzy among the town’s people, that fear that animals are now attacking unprovoked. They’d have to put out a statement that regardless.
Olivia pulled up to the entrance, her heart beating fast with anticipation as she approached the crime scene. The yellow tape that cordoned off the area, kept curious hikers and bikers at bay. The hot Arizona sun was beating down on the park, causing the dusty trails to shimmer in the distance.
Detective Olivia Collins drew in a deep inhale to steady herself. It didn’t matter if she’d been a detective for one year or ten years, she’d always needed a moment to collect herself. A moment to center a calm within her while the rest of the world around her was a storm. And when she’d found that center, then she was ready to look at the crime scene.
Olivia stepped out of her vehicle and the Arizona heat hit her like a wave. It was insufferable enough that it almost made her want to get right back into the car. The sun cast everything in a hazy orange glow and the air was thick with the scent of dry earth and the acrid smell of blood. She squinted as she surveyed the area, taking in the tall, spindly saguaro cacti that dotted the landscape. Their arms stretched out as if trying to embrace the scorching sun.
The ground beneath her feet was dry and cracked, scattered with rocks and small bushes. The mountains in the distance rose like a jagged backdrop to the scene. As she walked towards the yellow tape, the sound of voices grew louder and the flashing lights of emergency vehicles came into view.
The smell of blood intensified, making her stomach churn. Her heart raced as she drew closer, her eyes fixated on the victim lying on the ground. The woman's body was covered in deep scratches and bite marks. Olivia could tell right away that this was no animal attack. There was no sign of a struggle, and the wounds were too precise. The victim wasn’t killed here, no, she was placed with purpose. But what purpose?
It was clear that the killer had gone to great lengths to make the scene look like an animal attack. Olivia couldn’t help but wonder why. There was one small detail that gave them away. Olivia's trained eye picked up on it immediately. It was a subtle difference, but it was enough to convince her that this was the work of a human, not an animal.
“Whoa there, this is a crime scene, ma’am.” Olivia strode past the tape that cordoned off the crime scene, her badge flashing in the dim light. The muffled words of the officers fell on deaf ears as she focused on the grisly tableau before her. The stench of death hung heavy in the air, a pungent mixture of coppery blood and decaying flesh assaulting her nostrils. She tried to ignore it, but the smell seemed to cling to her like a second skin.
Was this all the victim’s blood? Had they drained her and then used the blood to throw around the body? It gave ritualistic vibes and it had been years since she last saw a ritual killing. And it was never to this level. But it didn’t stop the churning in her stomach nonetheless.
As she approached the body, her heart rate quickened, and her breath caught in her throat. This was all too familiar. A year ago, she had been held captive in a nearby cabin, and the memories rushed back to her like a raging river. The twisted branches of the surrounding trees reminded her of the ropes that had bound her, and the metallic scent of blood made her feel like she was back in that dark place, alone and helpless.
Olivia noticed how her vision, that mind’s eye, picked up nothing. Not that it worked every time she took on a case but there was always something. Flashes, feelings. But she got nothing from this one.
She shook her head, steadying her mind. She had to stay focused and let logic guide her, she couldn't afford any emotional distractions.
“Unknown female, no wallet or identification, preliminary age range early twenties.” Isabella Flores gently turned the victim's neck for Detective Collins to get a closer look. “And judging by the amount of blood...I suspect this unfortunate girl was also drained of blood like the first murder victim we've seen.”
Detective Collins crouched closer and frowned as her eyes scanned every inch of the body until something caught her eye. She noticed a small marking on the victim's neck, etched into the flesh like a crude tattoo.
“Did the first victim have this as well?”
Flores nodded solemnly. “Same symbol.”
Collins sighed in despair and sighed heavily at the sight of such a young beautiful woman that has been taken away from the world too soon.
Without taking her eyes off the body, Olivia held out her hand, calling out to the nearest crime scene specialist. Her voice was steady, but her mind was racing with possibilities. What did this marking mean? Was it a symbol of the killer's twisted obsession, or a clue to their identity? She knew one thing for certain, this was a puzzle that needed to be solved, and Olivia was determined to be the one to solve it.
“Gloves.”
Olivia donned her gloves, feeling the smooth latex against her skin as she readied to inspect the victim's body. The air was thick with the smell of death, making her stomach turn.
She examined the marking on the victim's neck, tracing its lines with a delicate touch. A light hum tickled her touch but no vision appeared. The symbols were etched deep into the skin as if carved with purpose. Olivia's trained eye studied the pattern, searching for any clues that might reveal the meaning behind it.
Her nose wrinkled at the faint smell of incense that lingered in the air. The scent was foreign, out of place in the wooded area where the victim was found. Olivia's ears picked up on the sound of rustling leaves nearby, causing her to tense up. Was the killer still watching? Did he like to watch as others found his work? There were a lot of things to consider, much like the marking on the victim’s neck.