Page 11 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

EVELYN

I’m in the middle of reviewing the latest reports when one of my deputies, Mark, knocks on my door. His face is a mixture of excitement and urgency.

“Sheriff, you need to see this,” he says, handing me his tablet with a video pulled up for me to watch. It was a bunch of young girls taking shots, and I was a little confused about its relevance until he pointed out the far corner of the video to me.

In the corner, barely visible, is Alexei, having a drink with a woman. Her face isn’t visible, but it’s clear she’s significant. The mannerism between them suggests they probably knew each other, and I do not like the taste of that in my mouth.Why the hell is Alexei having drinks with this person and laughing?

“Where did this come from?” I ask, my heart pounding.

“Someone posted it online. We found it by chance,” Mark explains. “I can send a team to the bar to get the CCTV footage and try to identify the woman.”

“Do it,” I say. “Take two others with you. We need that footage.”

Mark nods and rushes out. I take a deep breath and head to the prison. I need to show this to Alexei and see if he can remember anything. Maybe the woman would point us in a direction that would give us the breakthrough we seek. The drive from the sheriff’s department to the prison felt like it took forever with the urgent need to ask Alexei these questions roiling through me.

The guards let me in, and I’m escorted to the visiting room where Alexei is waiting. He looks tired but relieved to see me. I feel a sad tug at my heart. He was helpless, and I felt like I wasn’t doing enough to help him. Whoever dug this hole for him meant business.

“Evelyn,” he says, standing up. I nodded curtly before pulling out the tablet from my handbag.

“Alexei, we might have a lead,” I say, sitting down across from him. I show him the video. “Do you remember this woman?”

He studies the video, his brow furrowing. “No, I don’t. I wish I could, but it’s all a blur. Who is the woman, did you get a shot of her face?”

I feel a surge of frustration. “You’re not making this easy for me, Alexei. I was hoping she was a friend that you’d remember at least. If we can find her, maybe she can help prove your innocence.”

He looks pained. “I’m sorry. I want to help. I really do, but I can’t remember a damn thing about that night! Not even why the hell I was there!”

I sigh, leaning back. “There’s something else we need to talk about. Everyone is questioning my fairness because of ourengagement. I think we need to call it off, at least until this is over.”

Alexei’s face falls. “Evelyn, no. I can’t lose you too.”

“It’s not about losing me,” I say, my voice firm. “It’s about making sure I can do my job without people doubting my integrity.”

He’s silent for a long moment, then nods slowly. “If that’s what it takes, then I agree. But do you still believe in me? Do you still love me?”

I reach across the table and take his hand. “Of course, I still love you and I have never doubted you for a second, Alexei. We will get through this.”

He squeezes my hand, his eyes filled with sadness. “I hope so. I love you so much.”

I stand up, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “I’ll keep you updated. Stay strong.”

He nods, watching as I leave. I step out of the prison, my mind racing. This case is getting more complicated by the minute, but I have to stay focused.

Back at the Sheriff’s Department, Mark and his team return with the CCTV footage. We gather around a monitor and watch as the video plays. The woman’s face is clearer now, but none of us recognize her.

“Run facial recognition,” I say. “We need to find out who she is.”

Lisa, one of my tech experts, gets to work. I watch as the software scans the database, searching for a match. I begin to pace the room, impatience driving my anticipation through the roof.

Finally, Lisa looks up. “Sheriff, I think there’s a problem. The facial recognition software doesn’t recognize her face at all. It’s almost like she doesn’t exist in any database.”

“What do you mean? Please keep digging. I’m going to clear my head,” I reply before walking out of the department. I hate feeling so helpless, and now it feels like I am running around in circles.

I leave the station, feeling frustrated. The investigation is hitting a wall, and I need to clear my head. The night air is cool as I step outside. The streets of Harmony Grove are quiet at this hour. I start walking, letting the rhythm of my steps ease the tension.

After a few blocks, I notice a shadow moving behind me. Keeping my senses alert I notice the figure keeps its distance, but it’s definitely following me. My heart rate picks up, and I decide to head back to the station. Better to be safe than sorry.

As I approach the parking lot, I see something on the windshield of my car. A white envelope, stark against the dark glass. I glance around, but there’s no one in sight. The shadowy figure is gone.

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