Maya's POV
The detective won't let me sit down. He makes me walk.
My legs shake with every step. Ethan holds my arm, keeping me steady. We follow the detective through the empty hallway toward James Walsh's office.
"Please," I whisper. "Just tell me if Derek is alive."
The detective doesn't answer. His face stays blank.
We reach the office door. Yellow police tape crosses it. Officers stand everywhere. Cameras flash inside the room.
"Wait here," the detective says.
He disappears inside. I hear voices. Someone says, "Bring her in now."
Ethan squeezes my hand. "I'm right here with you."
The detective comes back. "Ms. Chen, I need you to identify the body. Are you ready?"
I nod, even though I'm not ready. I'll never be ready for this.
He leads me inside.
The first thing I see is blood.
So much blood.
It's everywhere. On the desk. On the floor. Splattered across the wall behind the desk.
My stomach turns. I cover my mouth.
"Over here," the detective says gently.
