"There's absolutely nothing on the recording," the technician announced, frowning at Malachi's phone. "It cuts off after those first words."
Before Lyra could process this disappointing revelation, the door to the abandoned factory swung open. A petite woman with sharp features and a starched white coat strode in, carrying a medical examiner's kit.
"Dr. Pierce," Detective Rivera nodded. "Thank you for coming so quickly."
Lyra's stomach dropped. Liliana Pierce. Her former classmate from middle school.
Liliana surveyed the scene, her clinical gaze sweeping over the body before landing on Lyra. Recognition flashed across her face, followed immediately by something harder. Colder.
"Lyra Moreau," Liliana said, her voice flat. "What a surprise."
"You know each other?" Rivera asked, glancing between them.
"We went to school together," Liliana replied, snapping on latex gloves. "A lifetime ago."
