Page 36 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

I try to hide my frustration. "Did Zara say anything before she passed? Anything unusual?"

The woman looks puzzled. "No, nothing that I know of. She was very quiet in her last days."

"Thank you for your time," I say, turning to leave. "If you think of anything, please contact me at the Sheriff’s Department."

She nods, closing the door softly behind her. I walk back to my car, feeling the weight of this new development. Zara's sudden death feels too coincidental, too convenient. There was something she wasn't telling me, and now that secret is buried with her.

I get into my car and drive back to the department. My mind races with thoughts of Zara, her cryptic words, and the mystery of Cassandra. Once I arrive, I gather the team.

"Ana, Mark, Linda, Teresa," I call out, watching as they gather around. "Zara passed away within the last few days. Her family buried her today and left town."

The shock on their faces mirrors my own feelings. Ana speaks first. "That's...unexpected. Do you think it's related?"

"I don't believe in coincidences," I say. "We need to keep digging."

Mark frowns. "Did you get any contact information for her family?"

I shake my head. "No. The woman I spoke to said there was no reason for them to stay in touch."

Teresa sighs. "So, we're back to square one?"

"Not entirely," I say. "We still have the information Alexei gave us about Cassandra. We need to focus on tracking her down."

Ana nods. "I can try to reach out to some old contacts, see if anyone remembers anything useful about Cassandra."

"Good," I say. "Mark, keep an eye on the café. Linda, dig into any records we have on Zara. Teresa, stay on top of any new developments in town."

Everyone nods, dispersing to their tasks. I head to my office. I sit at my desk, pulling out the files we have on Cassandra. Her face, her name, everything about her is a puzzle we need to solve.

As I pour over the files, my phone rings. It's Alexei.

"Evelyn," he says, his voice a mix of concern and frustration. "Any updates?"

"Zara passed away," I tell him, hearing his sharp intake of breath. "Her family buried her and left town. We have no way to contact them."

"Damn," he mutters. "That's too convenient."

"I agree. But we still have leads. We're focusing on Cassandra."

"Good. Just be careful, Evelyn. Cassandra is dangerous."

"I know," I say softly. "I promise I'll be careful."

We talk a bit more about the case, exchanging theories and ideas. After we hang up, I feel a bit more focused, more determined. Alexei's trust in me fuels my resolve.

The day passes in a blur of research and coordination. I follow up on every lead, no matter how small. The team gathers again in my office.

"Ana, did you find anything?" I ask.

She nods. "I spoke to an old contact who remembered Cassandra. She was known for her temper and her ability to shift into anyone she wanted. It made her unpredictable and very dangerous."

"Any idea where she might be now?" Mark asks.

Ana shakes her head. "No one has seen her in years. Not since she vanished back when we were young."

"Linda, what about Zara's records?" I ask.

"Nothing unusual," Linda replies. "Her death was recorded as natural causes. But I did find something interesting. Zara had a visitor a day before she died. A woman matching Cassandra's description."

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