Chapter 11.

The Echo of Horror.

The police station was in a frenzy of activity. Gabriel and Jake hadn't rested for a second, knowing that every minute was crucial. Desperation was evident on their faces as they reviewed the security camera footage over and over, looking for any clue that would lead them to Laura.

Here! I've got something!..Jake exclaimed, pointing to a blurry image of a car matching the description. It's on a back road, about 30 kilometers from here.

Gabriel quickly approached, his eyes fixed on the screen. Come on, we can't waste time, he said, grabbing his keys and heading for the exit. Jake followed close behind, both knowing this might be their only chance to save Laura.

Meanwhile, in the dark basement, the killer watched his work with a sick satisfaction. Laura's blood still dripped from his tools, and the echo of her last moan resonated off the walls. He took the photo of his victim, admiring every detail with almost obsessive precision.

Perfect, he muttered to himself, storing the photo in an album containing images of all his victims. Each one was a masterpiece in his twisted mind, a testament to his skill and control.

Suddenly, a dull noise interrupted his contemplation. The killer turned, his cold, calculating eyes searching for the source of the sound. There was no room for error. He knew the police could be approaching, and he had to be prepared.

On the highway, Gabriel and Jake drove at full speed, their hearts pounding. The tension in the car was palpable, and both knew they couldn't afford to fail. ¿Are you sure it's the car? Gabriel asked, his voice strained.

As sure as I can be, Jake replied, his eyes fixed on the road. I just hope we make it in time.

The car came to an abrupt stop in front of an old, abandoned house. Gabriel and Jake quickly left, their weapons ready. Come on, carefully, Gabriel said, moving toward the entrance. The door creaked open, and a smell of dampness and decay hit them immediately.

Laura, Jake whispered, his voice filled with desperation. They moved down the dark hallway, their footsteps echoing in the silence. Every corner of the house seemed to be permeated with a sense of evil, and they both knew they were entering a monster's lair.

In the basement, the killer heard footsteps approaching. His mind worked rapidly, searching for a way to escape. He couldn't allow himself to be captured. Not now. Not after everything he had accomplished.

Gabriel and Jake reached the basement door, their hearts pounding. Ready, Gabriel said, and they both burst into the room, their flashlights illuminating the horrific scene.

The killer turned, his sackcloth mask covering his face. Too late, he muttered, and in a swift motion, he threw a sharp tool toward them. Gabriel narrowly dodged, firing his gun in response.

The sound of gunshots echoed through the basement, but the killer had already disappeared into the darkness. Gabriel and Jake quickly approached Laura, who lay on the floor, dying. Her face was disfigured, and blood soaked the floor around her.

Laura, hang in there, Jake said, his voice filled with desperation as he tried to stop the bleeding. We're going to get you out of here.

Gabriel called an ambulance, his voice shaking as he gave the address. We need urgent medical help. We have a seriously injured victim.

Laura, her eyes filled with pain, tried to speak, but only managed a weak moan. She knew she was on the verge of death, but the presence of the officers gave her a sliver of hope.

The ambulance arrived quickly, and the paramedics worked swiftly to stabilize Laura. Gabriel and Jake watched helplessly as she was rushed to the hospital, knowing they had arrived too late to prevent the horror, but hoping they could still save her life.

The echoes of horror resonated in their minds as they secured the crime scene and called for reinforcements. They knew the killer had escaped, but they were determined to find him and bring him to justice. The image of Laura, disfigured and dying, would be etched in their minds forever, a reminder of the cruelty of the monster they were facing.