1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

IZEL

I’m pouring myself into this assignment, frantically pulling thoughts together, while Cassie’s room next door has turned into a sex-fueled carnival. Seriously, it’s like a damn rock concert over there, and I’m just working to keep my focus.

Cassie, my roommate, is a hurricane of wild energy, leaving chaos in her wake, or at least to the detriment of my concentration. Her life is a non-stop party, and my introverted soul just can’t catch a break.

I’ve always been a bit of a bookworm, lost in my thoughts and words, capturing the essence of whatever I’m writing. But with Cassie, tranquility is a rare sighting.

Tonight is no different, and it’s like these walls are made of paper for all the privacy they offer. The moans and groans from Cassie’s room are like a broken record stuck on repeat.

I slam my laptop shut and push back from my desk. “This is nuts,” I mutter, running a hand through my hair.

Just as I contemplate bailing to the living room for some peace, I hear the creak of Cassie’s bedroom door. She walks out looking like she’s just conquered the world, with her latest conquest in tow. They go at it for a quick, steamy kiss before she nonchalantly says, “See ya around.”

After Cassie slams the door shut, she turns her attention to me with a cheeky grin on her face. “Izel, my dear, we weren’t too loud for you in there, were we?”

I raise an eyebrow, unamused. “Loud? Cassie, you shook the damn walls.”

She laughs and strolls over to the kitchen, snagging a water bottle. “Sometimes I wonder if I should mess around with guys like these just to remind myself what bad is. The decent ones are like freaking unicorns.”

I nod, my initial annoyance softening into a reluctant but undeniable sense of camaraderie. “You might be onto something. It’s like the world’s flooded with losers.”

Cassie takes a big gulp from her water bottle. “Losers, Izel, might just be the majority. We’re in a sea of them.”

“Yeah, and it’s not just about losers. Some of them are dangerous. You’ve got to be careful, Cassie. You never know who you’re inviting into our home.”

Cassie waves a hand dismissively. “I know, I know. But come on, I can handle myself. I’m not stupid.”

“I’m not saying you’re stupid, but it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. Look at those news stories, Cass. Four girls were murdered in their own homes in the last three months. They probably thought they were safe too.”

Cassie’s face falls slightly, and she bites her lip. “Yeah, I’ve heard about that. It’s terrifying, but what am I supposed to do? Stop living my life?”

I sigh, searching for the right words. “No, but you’ve got to be more cautious. You can still have fun but be smart about it. Maybe vet these guys a bit more before bringing them home. And always let me know who you’re with. It’s just basic safety.”

Cassie nods, her gaze drifting to the water bottle in her hand. “Alright, alright. I get it. I’ll be more careful.” She pauses, a mischievous glint lighting up her eyes. “But you know what might make all this easier to handle?”

I raise an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

She leans in with a grin. “SSA Richard Reynolds.”

I give her a puzzled look. “SSA Reynolds? The lead detective?”

Cassie’s face lights up. “Oh my god, yes! SSA Richard Reynolds is, like, the total package. Have you seen him? I mean, he’s got that whole scary, mysterious vibe going on. His jawline is basically a work of art.”

“Cass, get back to the point we were talking about being safe.”

Cassie, though, is in her own world and seems completely unconcerned about our safety. She gets this distant, starry-eyed look on her face.

I give her a puzzled look at her total lack of concern for our safety, but she just can’t shut up about some law enforcement guy. “Cassie, are you even listening to what I’m saying? We’ve got to think about staying safe here.”

But she just keeps on blabbering, going on about the detective like he’s a Hollywood star. “… and the way he talks, it’s like a scene out of a crime show.”

I shake my head in disbelief, torn between knocking some sense into her and focusing on my assignment. “Cassie, for fuck’s sake, pay attention to the real world for a second. We need to be careful, our lives are on the line.”

Cassie finally snaps out of her daze, turning her attention back to me. “Yeah, yeah, Izel, chill. It’s not like these cases have anything to do with us. Plus, I’m sure SSA Reynolds would have it all figured out. He’s, like, a superhero.”

I let out a deep sigh of frustration and returned to my laptop. “Yeah, because a hot detective’s going to solve all our problems,” I mutter under my breath.

As Cassie continues to live in la-la land, my mind keeps wrestling with the fact that I’m the one living in some crime thriller, and there’s no guarantee some hero is going to swoop in and save the day. I dive back into my work, hoping to find some peace in my own thoughts, even as Cassie’s crazy infatuation circus spins around me.

She finally takes her rambling to her room, giving me a bit of a breather. I refocus on the assignment, tuning out her bubbly nonsense as best I can.

Cassie comes back out, fiddling with the hooks on her bra, “Hey, did the reports come in yet?”

I blink. “What reports?”

She rolls her eyes at me, like I should know exactly what she’s talking about. “My blood test reports, duh. Remember? You booked that appointment for me with your free health checkup pass or whatever? You said you’d handle it for me since I’m too lazy to go to the doc myself.”

Oh. Right. I did take a vial of her blood to…

“So, did you get them or not?”

“Oh…no, haven’t heard anything.” I shrug, brushing it off.

“Ugh, whatever. I guess I’ll live. I’m heading out anyway.”

She hops over to her closet, grabbing a pair of flashy heels and slipping them on. “I’m off to that party at Jamie's, you know, the one with all the fun people and free booze.”

“Jamie’s party? Really? I give you twenty minutes before you’re regretting those shoes. Just don’t call me when you’re drunk-dialing people you shouldn't be.”

She gives me a wink. “We'll see. And you try not to have too much fun without me, alright? Also, try not to let your hero complex get in the way of your actual work. I’ll be back later, maybe with some juicy gossip or at least a headache.”

She finally scrambles out the door. I roll my eyes and try to get back into the writing zone when my phone buzzes and lights up with a call from my grandpa, my only real family.

I pick it up and answer with a hesitant, “Hey.”

There’s a warmth in his voice that’s always been there, even when I pretend not to care. “Izel, my dear, how’s it going? Haven’t heard from you in a while.”

I scratch my head, avoiding my work for a moment. “Yeah, it’s been busy. You know how it is.”

He chuckles softly. “I do, but don’t forget about the old man. You’re my family, kiddo.”

I squirm a bit, feeling the weight of his authority over me. “Yeah, I get it. I know I’m your family.”

He continues in that calm, paternal tone, “Izel, we’ve been through a lot together. Remember, you can always count on us.”

I shift uncomfortably in my chair, steering the conversation elsewhere. “Thanks.”

We chat for a while, and even though I act all tough, it’s hard to shake the feeling that he still sees me as a kid who needs looking after. My family’s always got my back, even when I try to push them away.

We hang up and I slam my laptop shut in frustration. Work’s already gone to hell, thanks to Cassie’s disruptive escapades. She’ll be out late, partying, so I figure it’s time to get some fresh air. I need a break from all this madness.

I step out into the city lights, and it’s a relief to escape the confines of our cramped apartment. I stroll aimlessly, taking in the sights and sounds of the urban jungle.

As I walk, I bump into a guy who works with me at my freelance gig. We don’t really know each other all that well, but it’s better than being alone right now.

“Hey Liam,” I offer a friendly nod.

He grins, “Izel. What’s up?”

We start chatting about work, exchanging all the usual crap about deadlines and clients. I’m honestly kind of bored, but it beats being stuck at home. We decide to keep walking together, continuing our conversation as the city lights surround us.

As we chat, I can’t help but wonder how this is a lot more refreshing than the worries about my family’s expectations or Cassie’s romantic obsessions. Sometimes, random encounters and casual conversations in the city are exactly what I need to clear my head.

As we continue, Liam suddenly looks more serious. “You’ve probably heard about the Ghostface Striker, right?”

I nod, recalling the disturbing news that’s been all over the media. The Ghostface Striker breaks into the homes of girls aged 23-26, attacks them, and then leaves them dead. What’s even scarier is that he’s never left a single clue behind, and the city’s been living in fear.

“Yeah, I’ve heard,” I reply, aiming to keep it light as I kick a pebble on the sidewalk. “It’s some messed up shit.”

Liam’s face darkens as he says, “Yeah, well, my sister Angie was one of his victims.”

The memory of seeing Angie’s face flashed all over the news by the FBI in an attempt to find any clue comes rushing back. It’s a horrifying ordeal that I can’t even begin to imagine.

“I’m so, so sorry, Liam I didn’t know she was your sister,” I offer my condolences, reaching out a hand to lightly touch his arm.

“Thanks. FBI claims on finding that fucker, no matter what it takes.”

My phone vibrates in my pocket, cutting me off before I can get a word out. I pull it out and see Cassie’s name on the screen. I shoot Liam a quick, apologetic glance before answering. “Hey, Cass, what’s up?”

“Izel, I’m back home. The party was a total disaster. I don't want to be alone right now. Can you please come over?”

“Yeah, of course, I’m on my way,” I assure her, then hang up and shove my phone back into my pocket.

I turn back to Liam, taking a step toward him. “Hey, something came up. I have to go.”

I feel the heaviness of the moment settle between us, and when Liam glances at his car, then back at me, I sense his offer before he even speaks. “I can drop you home.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it,” I say, genuinely grateful for his offer.

But then, out of nowhere, Liam leans in for a kiss, and I’m caught completely off guard. He grabs my arm tightly, pulling me towards him. His other hand snakes around my waist, trapping me against his body. I feel his hands starting to grope me inappropriately, moving over my hips and up my sides.

“Liam, what the fuck are you doing?” I demand.

His fingers soon make their way to my breasts, gripping and squeezing them in a way that feels both invasive and violating. Panic courses through my veins, and I struggle harder, desperately pushing him away.

“Stop, Liam! Knock it off!” I yell.

But he doesn't stop. His grip tightens, and I can’t believe what’s happening. He shoves me against the nearest wall, crashing his lips into mine. “Liam, stop!” I plead, pushing him off with all my strength.

He keeps kissing and biting my neck, and his actions grow more aggressive and frightening. “Liam, for fuck’s sake, stop!” I scream, but it’s like he doesn’t hear me.

My instincts kick in, and without thinking, I deliver a powerful kick right where it counts. Liam doubles over, groaning in pain, and I seize the opportunity to make a run for it.

I keep running, my breath is coming in ragged gasps, but I don’t dare look back. I need to get away, to find help.

I burst through the road and nearly collide with a man standing at the entrance of my apartment. He’s wearing a hoodie pulled up over his head, and in his hand, he’s holding a knife.

“Shit!” I gasp, scrambling to skid to a stop, but he’s already moving. He lunges at me, so I twist to the side, feeling the blade slice through my leggings and graze my skin. Pain flares in my side, but I don’t stop.

I swing my arm at him, connecting with his arm. He grunts, stumbling back a step. I press the advantage, kicking out at his knee. He goes down, but not before he slashes at my leg. I scream as the knife sinks above my ankle, hot pain radiating up through my body.

“Fuck!” I yell, clutching my leg. The guy scrambles to his feet and takes off, disappearing into the night. I’m left standing there, bleeding and shaking, but there’s no time to dwell on it.

I hear footsteps pounding down the road behind me, and I know it’s Liam. I try to move, but my leg buckles under me. For a split second, I don’t know if he’s here to help or hurt me again. But when he drops to his knees beside me, I know he’s back to his senses.

“Izel! Are you okay? Jesus Christ, what happened?” he stammers, his hands hovering over me, unsure where to touch.

I glare at him. “What the hell do you think happened, Liam? You happened! And then some psycho with a knife did this to me! I need help, not questions.”

Liam’s face pales as he takes in the blood pouring from my leg. “Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.” He fumbles for his phone, his fingers trembling as he dials 911.

“Hello? I need an ambulance! My friend’s been stabbed. Yes, she’s bleeding a lot. We’re at 45 Elm Street. Please, hurry!” He hangs up.

I hear the distant wail of sirens, and relief floods through me. The sound grows louder, and soon, flashing lights illuminate the street.