Nobody Reported the Tide
mystery◐ MatureI walked around the house. Fresh scratches on the back door. New cameras pointing at the driveway. The porch light was burned out but the wiring was new. Someone lives here despite the deed saying it's been empty. I tried the back door. It opened. Inside smelled like salt and chemicals.
The basement had equipment. Water testing kits. A journal going back five years. "Contamination confirmed. First drowning March 2021. Council meeting—no action. Started warnings 2022." The handwriting was shaky but determined. Carol wasn't just warning. She was documenting.
What happens next?
1 ways forwardCarol appeared at the basement stairs. "You've been in here an hour," she said. "You read the journal." I turned to face her. "You've already decided." It wasn't a question. "Three days," I said. "I have three days." She smiled sadly. "No. You have today to decide if you tell anyone."