Chapter 2 Trying to catch the killers.

Ruth Sterling, 2023–present day.

I was trying to catch the killers.

Two years had passed since the beginning of this relentless search. The sun was streaming through the windows of my office, painting the room in shades of orange and dark shadows. I, Ruth Sterling, a fearless detective with the New Orleans Police Department, found myself immersed in a sinister and harrowing puzzle: the brutal murders committed by Russian terrorists. Alongside my partner, Eva, I faced the frantic search for the next target.

The phone rang, breaking the heavy silence in the room. I answered it, listening to the reports of the latest crimes: entire families brutally slaughtered. My heart raced, feeling the pressure of recent events. The case I was trying to solve had not yet succeeded in finding the culprit. My boss was direct: "You and your partner are in charge of catching these bastards, Miss Sterling. I want answers, and fast."

"Okay, boss, I'll call you if I hear anything new," I replied, hanging up the phone and looking at Eva, who already knew what we had to do.

Driven by determination, I plunged into the investigation of the latest murder. I looked at every detail of the crime scene and felt a chill as I witnessed the brutality of the terrorists. The savagery in every corner of the compound. Every clue found echoed the urgency of our mission. The photos taken a few days ago of the crime scene still haunt me, as do the smell and the air of terror throughout the place. Everything was fresh in my mind.

With a restless mind, I turned back to Eva, clutching the map-a patchwork of possibilities and imminent dangers. "Eva, this was the site of the last attack. I have a feeling about the next targets. Since we know where each gang meets, I think I know where the next crime scene might be. I need you to be on my side," I said, highlighting the epicenter of the events on the map, the bustling center of New Orleans. "Right, we can stop by later, what do you think? I'll check with my source about any new leads, okay?" Eva suggested it, and I nodded, agreeing to our visit to the crime scene later.

Together, we circled possible spots, outlining strategies and possible patterns. With determined eyes, I began to plot our attack. I planned to infiltrate the area with Eva later, confirming my suspicions and anticipating the terrorists' movements.

Before moving on, I decided to revisit the security cameras in search of crucial clues. Every second, every pixel on the screens, was crucial to uncovering the next action of these ruthless criminals. I wanted to catch the terrorists, even if it meant hours without sleep.

The clock was ticking relentlessly, time was pressing. I felt the urgency to stop these evildoers before more lives were taken. Determined, I prepared for the night raid, carrying with me the determination to find answers and, above all, justice.

I left the department and went home to prepare for the night's adventure. I took a shower in an attempt to relax a little, and I washed my hair. I put on some ordinary clothes and went to the fridge to grab a quick bite.

I made myself a vitamin, ate some stuffed bread, and when I was on the sofa, I received a new message. -No leads so far, I'm trying to look for something new. I have some things to sort out at home. I won't be able to go with you to the crime scene, girlfriend. I'm sorry," said Eva.

I finished eating and rolled my eyes. "Fine, it'll be me, as usual," I replied. "It's okay, Eva. Don't worry. Do your things, I'll go on my own. Any news? Call me.

I sent the message, finished my vitamin, and put on long pants and a black button-down shirt with a vest underneath. I put my guns in my holster and my badge in my pants pocket.

I left the apartment, got into my car, and drove quickly to the scene.

"I want to catch these criminals as soon as possible. You won't win. That I guarantee." I say as I drive quickly, feeling my heart racing, that it can only be the adrenaline of wanting to catch these scumbags.

In search of justice

With determination stamped on my face, I approached the crime scene, the shadow of night engulfing me. An aura of mystery and tension hung over the macabre scene. The place hadn't been cleaned, the smell of blood permeated the atmosphere, and the mess in the house was undeniable.

Every step I took was calculated, my gaze scanning the room for any sign of danger. The metallic smell of blood permeated the floor, and it was as if the place itself was still impregnated with the energy of the violence that had taken place there.

My footsteps echoed softly as I advanced, carefully avoiding the slimy puddles that marked the floor. The eerie glow of broken glass shards spread to every corner.

In one hand, I held my gun, ready for any eventuality. On the other hand, my cell phone had its flashlight activated, illuminating my path and allowing me to examine the darkest and gloomiest corners of the house.

Cautiously, I explored each room thoroughly, sifting through the debris and looking for traces that might have escaped the previous investigation. My eyes scrutinized my surroundings, meticulous and eager for any clue that might bring me closer to the truth. Sweat threatened to fall into my eyes, but I wiped it away, determined to continue.

"I hope I find something," I whispered to myself, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. I had worked tirelessly in the department, and now I was there, looking for any clue that would lead us to the suspect. "I have to keep going," I said confidently, believing that we would finally find a solid lead.

With every step and every glance. I moved towards the heart of the mystery, determined to find the answers I was looking for.

I approached the room where the killings took place. I rummaged through the debris and shadows until something glinted faintly near me. It was a piece of stone from a necklace, almost forgotten, but it caught my sharp attention. Carefully, using a glove, I picked up the object and placed it gently in a plastic bag. Hope and determination were rekindled in my chest. "I can't believe this. This is the key. If it belongs to the suspect, we can finally catch him," I muttered with a twinkle in my eye and a broad smile on my lips.

The feeling of having a valuable clue in my hands brought an intense smile to my lips. I quickly sent a message to my colleague Eva, sharing the discovery and my plan to take the object to the department for analysis.

*Friend, I've got a clue, can you believe it? Today is my lucky day. I'm going to go back and deliver the object. Let's pray it belongs to the criminal. Then I'm going to bed, I'm exhausted, and I'll keep you informed of anything.

I sent the message and left that dark place. As I drove back, the silence of the vehicle was filled with the echo of my expectations and the suspense that the discovery brought. The road unfolded before me, and I longed for answers, hoping that this piece of jewelry would be the key to unlocking the mystery that haunted the city.

Arriving at the department, I handed the item to my colleague, Daniel, pinning my hopes of unraveling the enigma on him.

"Please keep me informed about the identity of this piece. It's our only chance," I begged, feeling the exhaustion of the day weighing on me.

My colleague reassured me, put the plastic bag away on his desk, and promised to start identifying the fingerprints immediately. "You can go home and rest, Ruth. I'll call you if we find out anything."

I nodded gratefully and left. It was time to go home, but the wait was still a challenge.

The feeling of closure hung in the air, but exhaustion weighed heavily on my shoulders. With a mixture of anxiety and anticipation, I longed for the outcome that would bring justice to the victims and peace to the city.

The full moon in the sky enveloped the city as I returned home. The tiredness was overwhelming, but my mind was still restless. My days were a constant battle against crime, and even in the calm of the evening, the struggle echoed in my mind. As I waited for answers that would finally bring some respite.

After a hot shower, I snuggled into my pajamas. It was exactly the comfort I needed at that moment.

"This is what I required," I whispered to myself, relieved.

I ate a light snack before bed and lay down in bed. I knew the next day would be hard work, searching for the killer's identity. I set the alarm on my cell phone for very early in the morning and put it next to the bed.

I snuggled under the covers and closed my eyes, trying to rest for a brief moment. The waiting and the uncertainty were still challenges to be faced, but for the moment, the darkness of sleep enveloped me, offering temporary refuge from the whirlwind of emotions that accompanied me.