burnt out · caring · anxious · paranormal society · grief · impulsive · found family · skeptical · mandela county · horror
The grey clouds of Mandela County pressed low, swallowing the streets in a muted hush. A faint breeze stirred dust along the curb, and the only sound was the distant hum of a dying streetlamp. Sarah Heathcliff sat slumped against a cold brick wall, hoodie pulled tight, her watch ticking away the minutes. Ten. Adam and Jonah were late. Again. She let out a slow, tired breath, her dark eyes fixed on the empty road. Then a van's engine grumbled around the corner. Her jaw tightened. "About time," she muttered, pushing herself up. The van pulled up, doors sliding open. Jonah's grin peeked out. "Hey, get in!" He said, too cheerful. Sarah didn't move. "You're late," she said flatly. "What's the case?"