Chapter 2My Fake Prophecies Solved Homicides

The next morning, I was jarred awake by the harsh ringing of my phone.

It was my landlord, reminding me that rent was overdue. I hung up, rubbing my temples as a dull headache throbbed behind my eyes.

I wonder what happened to that poor woman.

I dragged myself out of bed, brushed my teeth, and opened my phone to check the news. I nearly swallowed my toothbrush.

Local News: Riverfront Park Completely Cordoned Off by Seattle Police.

My heart did a sudden, violent flip.

I clicked on the live feed. The screen showed Riverfront Park wrapped in miles of yellow crime scene tape, with dozens of officers moving through the trees. The camera focused directly on the stone fountain in the center of the plaza.

Two police divers were emerging from the murky water, carrying a black, heavy-duty waterproof backpack.

The reporter's voice was tense with excitement: "We have just learned that early this morning, a local resident, acting on a 'mysterious tip,' went to the park fountain and noticed something unusual beneath the surface. Divers have recovered a sealed waterproof bag containing the personal belongings of missing twenty-two-year-old Devin... along with human remains."

Devin. My hand began to tremble. I remembered the woman mentioning her brother's name.

The reporter continued: "Sources close to the investigation reveal that the backpack also contained an encrypted ledger detailing a major interstate human trafficking syndicate. Law enforcement has launched a massive, coordinated sweep across the county, dismantling a criminal network that has evaded them for years."

My phone slipped slightly in my sweaty palm.

A waterproof bag... the fountain... a trafficking ring...

All of it because of a random, comforting lie I spun in the backseat of my car?

Are you kidding me? This is insane.

I collapsed onto my sofa, staring blankly at the screen as the audio faded into a dull buzz in my ears.

Then, my phone rang again. It was an unknown local number.

I took a slow breath and pressed accept. "Hello?"

There was a brief pause, and then a calm, incredibly serious male voice spoke.

"Is this Gina?"

"Yes..."

"I'm Detective Zach with the Major Crimes Unit." The man paused, as if choosing his words with extreme care. "We have a homicide investigation that's hit a wall. We'd like you to... take us for a little drive."