Chapter 544: Carter Lake (1/2)

Carter lake, a place most common for those in love. Family, couples, siblings, friends – all tied and shared by love. The place's been a staple and go-to area for rest and fishing. The surrounding forest is neither too thick nor too empty, a perfect balance for those in want of escaping the booming city.

Sadly, time had not done it justice. A very strong cyclone, who, hidden under the fog and pressure of those wanting life to return to the norm, had left a few homeless and unable to work. The minority were 'scum' by all means, and those in charge couldn't have agreed anymore. A morose way of thinking. Then again, the lake had its fair share of secrets.

On a cold windy morning, a few days after the cyclone passed – a young couple; waiters at the same restaurant, send out on a quest to stay fit. What better way than to run along the forest trail. And so, the duo entered a very glum-looking area. Long was the cheerful forest gone, a veil of threat loomed courtesy of the ever-so cloudy sky. Cries of birds, brislings of the bushes, signs pointing to not enter. Gulping at the entrance, the man took his lover by the hands and waltz inside. The heart boomed, a low casting dimness and a timid frosty mist. Boots against the semi-gravel path, they jogged, and jogged, and jogged, until arriving at the Carter Lake.

Here, the roads were pretty, dark from being used. Forest on one side, a road, and then a very steep slope leading up to the enormous body of water. Granted the name couldn't have done justice – the lake was a reservoir for the city-folk. One hundred and fifty steps until the top, the trial of the slothful. Locals had it those of lesser stature couldn't make the climb twice in a row.

Up top, the rising sun though hidden, lightened the stagnant body. Ripples carried to and fro, the fresh wind, fresher than the city, was worth the trip. A square concrete barrier prevented any unfortunate accidents.

Running along felt nice, and so smiled the couple. Sweating and feeling pain as one, a true test of their relation. Alas, nothing was as pretty as described. The lake had once been such a place of beauty, the overflow dirtied the streets, the stairs, and the soft place of respace. None had been here since forever. Regret and disgust filled the air; the couple ran across the muddied roads until two figures sneaked in sight.

”Wait,” said the lady, ”-that's…” A pungent smacked before they were any closer.

”Don't tell me,” said the man quickening his pace, ”-is that?” skin sunk into the skull, dirt, and debris stuck onto the decaying body.

”What is this?” she stopped to glance over the barrier. The body's hands were tied, the feet missing and the face unrecognizable. The two figures were in a similar state, what frightened the most was the visible skull.

”Call the police,” shouted the man not wanting to step any further. The news came as a big surprise to the police, who soon arrived on the scene.

A melodic guitar ruffled across the vintage amp; a bend ended the passage of notes. '-that's training for today,' breathed Igna glancing at the computer screen. 'What's this about?' an obnoxious notification riddled the screen via multiple windows.

”Éclair,” said he, ”-what's this?”

”Quit it with the angry voice. Check the notifications already.”

”Fine,” reclined onto the office-chair, ”-Breaking News, two bodies found at Carter Lake.” Reading further into the article, ”-a young couple came across the unrecognizable body of two women left hanging on the lake's barrier. By what police said on the matter, the heavy weather must have caused the lake to bring up things not meant for the public. For now, they've shown adamancy in staying secretive until further information comes to light.”

”Did you hear the news?” wondered Alicia dropping to check, ”-they found two bodies.”

”Yeah,” said he leaned on the chair, ”-what about you, isn't it time to pick up Celina?”

”OH YEAH,” she shook, ”-what should I do,” staring about.

”Here,” he threw the car-keys, ”-make sure not to crash the vehicle.”

”Be a little more careful,” she barely caught it, ”-are you sure?”

”Go on, manager, there's no need to be tactful now. Are we not a close group of friends?”

”Well yeah…”

”Then the matter is settled. Go and maybe drop by the mall. Celina's feeling a little under the weather lately, see to her.”

”What do you think I am?” her posture tightened as did the lips.

”A trusted friend,” a big thumbs up resulted in a roll of the eye.

”Whatever,” the door shut with attitude.

”Back to this,” fingers to the keyboard, ”-I guess Odgar's on the case.”

The agency broke into two teams. Aki and Tensy returned to Melmark to handle the few job requests by frequent clients. Camilia and Odgar remained in Odgawoan. The mansion proved very much comfortable; the study changed into a place of investigation. File cabinets carried the multiple written reports by Engn Codd. The contents were unknown to even the son. There were so many it'd take a few months to read.

Over the course of a week, the bodies of Carter lake stayed with no face nor name. The coroner was at a loss, the cause of death – drowning. Multiple conclusions were drawn. With no tips nor leads, the case soon went cold. The media was advised to stay off the investigation. Just like that, the populous, indifferent unless affected personally, went on without caring for the deaths.

Wednesday the 3rd of March; Igna's modeling photo went live on the issue of Nexe Magazine. The focus was on the instruments as opposed to the models. The few avid fans quickly linked his videos to the publication. Then and there, those wanting to know what happened to the Alchemist were shocked to see the branch off into music. Sally connivingly had Ikoen release the duet of Mr. Cartney and Kinless. Classical meets new-age, a combination that oddly fits. The first job gave a little boost in popularity. In the grandeur of the world, the few who read said magazine were interested in the product, not the model.

Days flew by till Friday. An urgent call resounded through the bedside table. 'What's the problem?' caller showed Nona of Vorn, '-it's 02:00 in the morning.' Pitch darkness merged into a slightly reddish vision, ”-hello?”

”HELLO!” came a fatigued tone, ”-I NEED HELP, PLEASE!”

”Take it easy, tell me what happened?”

”They're going to kill me, I know it. I-IGNA HELP ME!” the call ended abruptly.

”Oh shit,” wide awake, ”-Éclair, track the location,” he burst out the apartment.

”Carter lake,” said he.

Footsteps crinkled sticks and leaves. The forest loomed ever-so fearsomely. '-W-why me,' biting her tongue inside a bush, '-why did it have to be me?' blood rolled down the forehead. '-I only wanted to retain my chastity, why a-are they a-after me?'

”Hey, did you find her?” echoed about.