Girls Disavowed

By BRIAN MICHAEL LAWSON

In the heart-pounding suspense thriller, Girls Disavowed, Lt. McManus, a tormented detective, teeters on the edge of his sanity after the unresolved death of his daughter. With a relentless and unidentified killer on the loose, breaching the supposed safety of Auburn University's campus, a chilling wave of murders strikes at the heart of the college town. As beautiful and vibrant college students fall victim one by one, the investigation takes a toll on McManus, fueling his emotional turmoil and pushing him to the brink. With tensions rising within the investigative team and the pressure from Senator John Noonan demanding swift justice, Auburn's tranquil summer atmosphere turns into a hotbed of fear, suspense, and a relentless killer on the prowl. The Killer's sinister game has only just begun, and time is running out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BRIAN MICHAEL LAWSON
• Release date: Jun 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215317020

BRIAN MICHAEL LAWSON

Brian Michael Lawson es padre de dos magníficos hijos (Michael James y Dylan) y es un autor publicado (La Memoria del Agua, ¡Y Fueron Felices Para Siempre también es para Ti!, Triunfando a Pesar del Divorcio, y otros titulos). También es un emprendedor de negocios, ingeniero y creador de contenido. Ha sido gerente de proyecto humanitario regional de las Naciones Unidas en Centroamerica. Tiene un título de MBA y un título de Licenciado en Ciencias de la Ingeniería. Cree en aprovechar el poder de la mente humana, optimizar las conexiones emocionales y ayudar a la resiliencia de la Tierra protegiendo el medio ambiente.

Book preview

For my sons Michael James and Dylan Michael.

I love you both, always.

Let your perseverance, honor, knowledge,

and resilience, guide you to your Rightful Destiny.

Never Relent.

Introduction: Auburn University Campus

Summer had arrived , casting its warm embrace over Auburn University in Alabama. The campus buzzed with life, albeit a diminished one, as only a fraction of the student body remained, while others scattered to their hometowns for summer jobs or sought solace within the confines of their family homes. The atmosphere exuded a tranquil air, seemingly untouched by the dark secrets that lay hidden beneath the surface.

As the sun kissed the vibrant landscape, the campus came alive in all its glory. Lush green lawns stretched out beneath the shade of towering oak trees, their branches whispering secrets of centuries past. Students strolled along the pathways, basking in the joyous ambiance of the summer break. Laughter echoed through the air, blending harmoniously with the distant sounds of traffic from the nearby streets.

Toomer's Corner, a sacred spot for Auburn's faithful, stood as a testament to the university's spirited traditions. It was infamous for the ritualistic act of rolling the large oak tree with toilet paper rolls whenever Auburn emerged victorious over their archrival, Alabama. Today, the tree stood majestically, a silent witness to the countless victories and defeats etched into the fabric of Auburn's history.

The stadium loomed in the distance, its colossal structure a symbol of triumph and pride. It had witnessed the roar of passionate fans, their voices intermingling with the collective heartbeat of the crowd. But beneath the façade of glory and camaraderie, there lurked an unseen darkness, waiting to unveil its sinister intentions.

Amidst the bustling scene, a figure skulked in the shadows, concealed by the facade of normalcy. His eyes, like predatory orbs, scanned the passing women with an unsettling intensity. He relished the summer ambiance, observing the joy and innocence that radiated from those around him. The young killer contemplated his next move, an architect of twisted desires and macabre fantasies.

As the sun set on this seemingly idyllic summer day, the stage was set for a chilling tale to unfold. Behind every smile and carefree stride, the city held its breath, unaware of the ominous presence lurking in its midst. The girls, oblivious to the danger that loomed, continued their daily routines, unsuspecting of the impending darkness that threatened to shatter their lives.

Chapter 1: Crime Scene

The sun began to set over Auburn University as Lt. Jeffrey McManus arrived at the crime scene. The atmosphere was thick with tension and a sense of foreboding. McManus's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of professional determination and personal anguish. This case struck too close to home for him.

The apartment complex where the gruesome murder had taken place was cordoned off, the yellow police tape fluttering ominously in the breeze. McManus's partner, Detective Roger Campbell, stood by the entrance, his face etched with concern.

As McManus approached, the two detectives exchanged a nod. They had been through many crime scenes together, but this one was different. It was high-profile and politically charged, and the victim was none other than Mary Ann Noonan, the daughter of US Senator John Noonan.

The door to the crime scene swung open, revealing a nightmarish tableau. Mary Ann's lifeless body lay on the bed, her limbs tied to the bedposts with a rope. The room was drenched in blood, and the stench of death hung heavy in the air. The killer had taken his time, savoring each horrific moment.

Gabrielle Tiernan, Mary Ann's roommate, stood in shock near the doorway. She had been away, recovering from an appendix removal, only to return and discover her friend's lifeless form. The trauma in her eyes was palpable. She relayed to the detectives between sobs of what she encountered, and the horror scene which ultimately unfolded before her to bear witness.

Soon after McManus and Campbell entered, Captain Tim Miller arrived with Dean Bill Strong, who knew Mary Ann's parents personally. The situation quickly escalated into a chaotic mix of university officials, police officers, campus security, and random onlookers. The killer may be amongst them, watching from afar. The stakes were high, and the need for a swift resolution loomed over anyone involved who had authority.

Captain Miller, concerned about McManus's emotional state, approached him with a stern expression. McManus, I had my doubts about assigning you to this case. I know you are still troubled due to your...loss. Our department evaluator of mental health evaluated you a month ago, and he peppered your report with a bunch of red flags. Be that as it may, it’s my call and you are the best fit to be the lead for this case. Come on wise up, this is a good move to turn your career around!

McManus locked eyes with Miller, his gaze filled with a mix of determination and resentment. I may carry my own burdens and I may not be right in the head, I probably never will be. Right now, I could care less about my career. In fact, feel free to give it to Petersen or Sanchez for all I care. Hell, I was drinking a couple of India Pale Ale's at a barbeque and eating a greasy hamburger when you called, and now I am walking into the center of this clusterfuck, and you want me the be happy? I will be having everybody and their mother breathing down my neck, press conferences, talking to the FBI who are probably on the way.

Miller's voice dripped with skepticism. Don’t care what new problem you think you have with me McManus, you are currently on the clock, and this case belongs to you. I do have to admit it, you have an affinity for these types of cases, plus it's a high-profile, and we can't afford any missteps. I was considering putting you on leave until you sort yourself out if you like, nevertheless, you are the only senior detective I have who can handle this one. You can go to therapy on your own time paid for by the department. For you we are now exclusively in business to solve Mary Ann Noonan's murder.

McManus's jaw tightened, his fists clenched at his sides. Put me on leave, and you'll be putting the case at risk. Do you want to handle it yourself? I know how you would handle the media scrutiny, and just seeing you in front of the cameras in the past, you are no smooth operator Tim. You need all the help you can get. That is where I come in.

Captain Miller:

I think you forgot who you are talking to buddy. I’ve risen faster than you in the department. I am your direct supervisor, and its Captain to you, for future reference Lieutenant, please keep the decorum specially in front of the rest of the department. We’ve got eyes on our necks and targets on both our backs starting an hour ago, when they found the body. This one must be handled with silk gloves and be resolved smoothly like Le Samurai, quick and stealthy. Any Fuckups in the handling of this one, and we will be typing our resumes because we will both be out of the

Reviews for Girls Disavowed

[brian lawson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awesome thriller with many twists and turns. Fast paced page turner with the main character going through personal and professional turmoil. A must read!