The Voice in The Phone
Sarah's POV
The sound of the woman's voice nearly caused me to drop the phone.
"Who is this?" With my gun aimed at the house, I made the demand. Those pale figures were still standing motionless like statues, watching me from the windows.
"I'm Elena Voss. I rent from Marcus. Additionally, Detective Chen, you are currently in grave danger."
My hands began to shake. "How did you obtain my phone number?"
"That isn't significant. It's crucial that you remove Mrs. Huang from this street right away. Marcus is not pleased with your visit and is keeping an eye on you both from his basement."
Mrs. Huang continued to grip my arm while she gazed horrifiedly at the house. "Detective, what are those objects in the windows?"
I pressed the phone against my ear. "What's actually happening in that house, Elena?"
"More than you can possibly comprehend. But you must pay close attention to what I have to say if you wish to save Mrs. Huang's life."
"I'm paying attention."
"Return to your car by walking slowly. Avoid running and erratic movements. From the basement window, Marcus is pointing a rifle at you. He'll shoot if you move too fast.
My body was stricken with cold terror. I noticed a small flash of metal in one of the basement windows as I turned to face the house. "Why are you assisting me?"
"Because you are the first policeman looking into Marcus's offenses. The others simply ignored the missing individuals and wrote reports.
I began to slowly make my way back, dragging Mrs. Huang along. "How many people has Marcus killed, Elena?"
"More than you realize. James and Linda were only the most recent.
When we arrived at my car, I assisted Mrs. Huang in settling into the passenger seat. I could hardly hold the phone because my hands were shaking so much.
"Elena, please come to the police station and tell me everything you know."
"Detective, I can't do that. I can meet you somewhere else, though. Marcus is unable to follow us somewhere.
"Where?"
"The historic Miller Creek bridge. Eleven o'clock tonight. Come by yourself.
"Why should I put my trust in you?"
"Because I am the only one who can assist you in stopping Marcus before he commits another murder. And Detective... he intends to commit murder once more shortly."
The line died.
My thoughts were racing as I gazed at the phone. Nobody else was aware of the information Elena had about Marcus. However, how? And if she was aware that he was a murderer, why was she residing in his home?
"Detective Chen," Mrs. Huang muttered, "we must leave this place. At this moment."
I turned on the ignition and sped down the road. I saw every light in Marcus's house go out again, one by one, in my rearview mirror.
"I'm taking you to stay with your sister tonight, Mrs. Huang."
"How about you? Do you trust that woman on the phone?
"I'm not sure. However, she is my only lead.
My phone rang once more as we were driving through town. Detective Torres was the one this time.
"Where are you, Sarah? The chief wants to see you right away.
"Why? "What's wrong?"
"The state police just called us. Another body was discovered.
My heart stopped beating. "Where?"
The distance north of here is roughly fifty miles. Kelly Morrison, a young woman. Four months had passed since her disappearance. Sarah, as you suspected, Linda Rivera was buried in someone's backyard.
I stopped on the side of the road. "Torres, please check Marcus Rivera's background. Verify whether he owns or has access to any additional properties.
"I'm on it already. There's more, Sarah. According to Kelly Morrison's family, she responded to a room rental advertisement. Marcus Rivera was the person who placed the advertisement.
Mrs. Huang let out a gasp. "He's been harming other people in this way?"
I switched the phone to speaker. "How many other cases of missing persons involve people who responded to rental ads, Torres?"
"I'm checking right now. Sarah, I'm so sorry. In the last two years, at least six people who responded to advertisements for rental rooms have gone missing. Despite using different names, the same phone number was used in all of the advertisements.
"What phone number?"
"The phone number of Marcus Rivera."
I felt nauseous. Marcus was a serial killer who had been luring victims into his home for years. He wasn't just a murderer.
"I need backup at 1247 Elm Street, Torres. We must search Marcus's property right away.
"On the way already. The crime scene team and four units are being sent by Chief Morrison.
I hurried back toward Elm Street after dropping Mrs. Huang off at her sister's house. However, something felt really off as I approached Marcus's house.
The street was deserted. No police vehicles in sight.
I gave Torres a call. "Where is everybody? You mentioned backup coming, right?
"What are you talking about, Sarah? I didn't say that. You told me you were taking Mrs. Huang somewhere secure when we last spoke on the phone, which was five minutes ago.
My blood froze. "I spoke with you ten minutes ago, Torres. You informed me about the body of Kelly Morrison.
"We haven't discovered any bodies, Sarah. And for the last hour, I've been in meetings. Since this morning, I have not spoken to you.
I looked horrifiedly at my phone. Someone had been posing as Torres. The Kelly Morrison story had been made up. I had been duped into ignoring Mrs. Huang.
I turned my car around and sped back toward the house of Mrs. Huang's sister, but when I arrived, it was deserted and dark.
I banged on the door. "Mrs. Huang! Are you inside?
No response.
The back door was ajar when I dashed to the rear of the house. Footprints in mud ran from the door to the street.
"Detective Chen, if you want to see Mrs. Huang alive again, come to 1247 Elm Street right now," was the text message that buzzed on my phone. Come by yourself, or she will perish. "- Marcus"
I got back in my car and sped as quickly as I could in the direction of Elm Street. Marcus Rivera was waiting for me on his front porch when I arrived.
He wasn't alone, though.
He was standing next to Elena Voss, who was grinning.
"Detective Ch
en," Elena yelled in her stunningly icy voice. "I appreciate you coming. Marcus and I have been anticipating your arrival.