Page 49 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

I agree, and we thank Karla for her help before returning to the sheriff's department. The drive back is filled with a heavy silence, both of us lost in our thoughts. The reality of our situation is stark—Cassandra has powerful allies, and we need to uncover them quickly.

Back at the department, the atmosphere is charged with activity. Deputies are poring over maps and coordinating patrols. Evelyn and I head to the conference room where a few deputies are gathered.

"We've got a list of potential healers," Evelyn announces, placing the scroll on the table. "We need to visit each one and find out if they've seen Cassandra."

Deputy Martinez steps forward. "I'll coordinate the teams. We'll cover as much ground as possible."

Evelyn nods. "Good. And keep the pressure on. We can't let up."

As the deputies disperse to their tasks, Evelyn and I retreat to her office. She sinks into her chair, rubbing her temples.

"How are you holding up?" I ask, sitting across from her.

She looks up, her eyes tired but determined. "I'll be fine. We just need to stay ahead of Cassandra."

I reach across the desk and take her hand. "We'll get through this. Together."

She squeezes my hand, a small smile playing on her lips. "I know. And thank you for being here."

We mobilize different patrol teams, each taking a name on the list, and Evelyn and I get into my car to visit the last name on the list.

We are visiting an aged healer named Miranda, and I truly do not know how receptive she will be to us. Evelyn feels quite certain she will talk to us, therefore, I put my trust in her intuition.

Miranda's cottage is nestled in a secluded part of town, the air thick with the scent of herbs and flowers. She meets us at the door, her expression wary but cooperative. She definitely wasn’t expecting us, and I look around to see if there is any hint that Cassandra was here.

"Thank you for meeting with us; my name is Sheriff Evelyn," Evelyn states, her tone respectful but urgent.

Miranda nods, ushering us inside. "I know you, and I know he’s the mayor. But I’m not sure what brings both of you to my home."

“Thank you. We are visiting every healer to see if a woman matching this description has visited them. She was injured by a cursed dagger laced with dark magic and is very desperate. We need to find her before she kills more people.”

I notice her reaction; she has definitely seen Cassandra, and her next words will determine if they are working together or not. I prepare myself for the worst.

She leads us to a small sitting area, and we sit around a low table. Miranda takes a deep breath before speaking.

"A woman matching that description came to me," she says. “She was desperate and wounded. She wanted my help, but I sensed the dark magic in her and refused. I haven’t dabbled in that sort of magic since the war; I like to protect the energy around my space these days."

"Did she say anything about her plans or anything that sticks out?" I ask, leaning forward, hoping she has slipped up.

Miranda shakes her head. "No, but she was frantic. She wasn’t even angry that I wasn’t going to help her. She just told me she would move to the next person on her list. She was here yesterday, so, if you know any other healer willing to dabble in such magic, you need to find them fast. She’s either getting her healing or preparing to take her last breath. "

Evelyn thanks Miranda for her help, and we leave the cottage with a renewed sense of purpose. This lead confirms that Cassandra is still on the move and dangerous.

As we drive back to the department, Evelyn turns to me. "We need to tighten our net. Increase patrols and surveillance. She can't hide forever."

I nod in agreement. "And we need to keep pressing the council for more resources. This isn't just about us anymore. It's about protecting everyone in Harmony Grove."

When we return to the department, the team is already in high gear, following up on Miranda's lead and coordinating the increased patrols. Some of the patrol officers already returned, reporting that nobody else had seen her.

As the night deepens, Evelyn and I take a moment to step outside, the cool air a welcome respite from the tension inside. She leans against me, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders.

"We'll find her," I say, my voice steady.

"I know," she replies, her voice soft but firm. "And when we do, we'll make sure she can't hurt anyone else."

Back inside the department, Evelyn and I regroup in the briefing room. The energy is tense. Everyone is focused on the task at hand. Evelyn, ever the strategist, brings up a critical point.

"We know Cassandra won't return to her house," Evelyn says, pacing in front of the team. "It's too risky for her. But we need to search the place and see if we can find anything that will help our cause."

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