Rick A. Coila

Deadfall

Headlights shone across the sand towards the crashing surf. A dark mound on the beach sent long shadows down to the waters edge. North Bay Police Chief Sean Korde’s eyes focused on the thing on the wet sand. Pale flesh, dark, tangled hair. His breathing grew ragged. His gut twisted. It felt like he was stumbling into his worst reoccurring nightmare. One more step and he would see her face, the fogged staring eyes, the lips gone pale blue. He wanted to turn away screaming. He wanted to lift her into his arms. His heart. His Maria. He took the last step, and felt his breath restart in a loud surge.