Detective Ryker stepped out of the police car and onto the winding driveway of a stone brick house. The morning sun cast long shadows across the lawn, giving the scene an eerie feel. Ryker's gut tightened as he approached the house, the image of the bloodstained dog still fresh in his mind.
Officer Powell team leader fell into step beside him. "What's the story here, Ryker?"
"Not sure yet," Ryker replied, his eyes scanning the property. "Elderly lady walks in the station with a blood soak dog."
As they approached the front door, Ryker's instincts screamed at him to be prepared for the worst. He pushed open the door, and a wave of metallic scent washed over him.
The interior of the house was a scene from a nightmare. Blood splattered the walls, the furniture, and the floor. Ryker's eyes adjusted to the carnage, and he saw the body.
A woman, mid-30s, lay on the floor, her eyes frozen in terror. Ryker's gut wrenched as he took in the extent of her injuries. This was no ordinary murder.
The victim, a young woman, lay on the floor, her body contorted in a twisted pose. Her eyes were frozen in a permanent scream, her pupils dilated in terror.
Her skin was a canvas of brutal violence, with deep gashes and lacerations covering her face, neck, and torso. The wounds seemed to be inflicted with a mixture of precision and frenzy, as if the killer had alternated between calculated strikes and wild, animalistic attacks.
The most disturbing aspect of the crime scene, however, was the victim's mouth. It was stretched open, revealing a gruesome, inhuman grimace. The killer had apparently used some kind of tool or instrument to pry the victim's jaws apart, creating an unnatural, macabre smile. Seeing the horror some junior officers run outside to throw up their breakfast.
"Fucking hell this is going to be a field day for the press" Jameson remarks lighting a cigar.
The air was heavy with the stench of blood and death, and the silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of flies buzzing around the victim's wounds. The crime scene was a masterclass in horror, a twisted tableau that would haunt the dreams of even the most seasoned investigators.
Patel's voice was low and even. "We need to secure the scene and get forensics in here ASAP."
Ryker nodded, his mind racing with the implications of what they'd found. This was going to be a tough one to crack.
As they began to process the scene, Ryker's phone buzzed with an incoming call from the station. He answered, listening to the voice on the other end.
"Ryker, we've got a new DA coming in today," the voice said. She's got a reputation for being tough but fair."
Ryker's interest piqued. "What's her background?"
"Former prosecutor from the city," the voice replied. "She's got a track record of winning high-profile cases."
Ryker's eyes narrowed. This could be an interesting development. He made a mental note to meet with the new DA as soon as possible.
As he ended the call, Ryker's gaze fell back on the crime scene. This was going to be a long and bloody day.