Identity Unknown

By Chan

What was supposed to be a long overdue family vacation ended with devastating effects. The loss of a loved one is something no one prepares for. But years later when a string of murders start happening around Izzy Scott, it leads to questions about that night so many years ago when her sister Morgan was murdered. Does the killings have anything to do with that night? Is it the same killer returning to finish his job? Will Izzy and her friends make it out alive?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chan
• Release date: Mar 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224809783

Chan

Chantal Sandmann is a South African writer who loves books, whether it's writing new stories or getting lost in the pages of her favourite authors.

Book preview

PROLOGUE:

JUNE 15 1995:

It was summer vacation and the Scott family were living it up in Miami. Sun, surf and boys was all 19 year old Morgan had thought about since her parents had announced their plans for a last family trip before Morgan went off to university. Morgan being the oldest of the three Scott children had been allowed to pick the destination.

3 months of pure bliss and HOT guys! What more could a girl ask for? she thought to herself. Hey monkey, what you doing? she asked her 8 year old sister Isobel. Izzy; as Morgan called her; was the apple of her sister’s eye. Morgan had never been a very expressive person and even though she had never told Izzy out loud that she loved her, everybody knew how crazy Morgan was about her.

Even though there was an 11 year age gap between them, the two of them were closer then siblings could be. Often more then not Morgan chose to hang out with Izzy on weekends rather then hang out with her friends at the movies. But then again most of Morgan’s friends came over to hang out with her and Izzy as well. Something about Isobel was special and Morgan knew that from the first time she had held her sister. From the first moment Morgan laid eyes on her sister, she had made a silent promise to take care of Isobel no matter what.

Hi Morgan, just colouring. You wanna help? Izzy asked with a smile on her face that only Morgan ever got to see cause even though Isobel loved her parents and her 11 year old brother Dean, Morgan was her favourite.

Sure! Morgan returned the smile. Morgan coloured in with her sister for awhile before she noticed Izzy’s face seemed pale, which was strange because Izzy had cheeks that looked like she was permanently blushing. It’s what most people would call ‘rosy cheeks’. Morgan had noticed them first because they were different to hers, as the rest of Isobel looked a lot like Morgan. Both girls had straight black hair, green eyes and rather tall. If it weren’t for the age difference people might have assumed they were twins.

Are you okay?

Izzy looked up at her sister shrugging, My tummy hurts a little I guess. I think it might have been something...... Izzy hunched forward and throw up all over her books. Morgan pulled Izzy up to see if she was okay and that was when she saw the blood and screamed for her parents.

Isobel’s appendix ruptured which is what caused her to feel sick. The blood she threw up was from the appendix, the doctor explained to the family.

Is she going to be okay? Tracey Scott asked between tears.

She’s just finishing up in surgery to remove what’s left of her appendix and we’ll have to put her on some heavy antibiotics to kill any possible infections that could occur. Mr and Mrs Scott, Isobel will need lots of rest and she’ll be sore for a while but barring any infections, she’s gonna be just fine, the doctor smiled sweetly at all of them before heading back to the OR. Each of them sighed in relief watching the doors and waiting for the youngest member of their family to come out.

Isobel spent 2 weeks in the hospital before she was finally allowed to go home. She was starting to go mad having to just lie in bed all day, but she was lucky because she managed to wrap every nurse and doctor in the hospital around her finger so she was never alone. Easy does it baby girl, Nicholas Scott helped his daughter into a wheelchair.

Now let me remind you that Isobel has to take it easy for the next few days till her stitches come out, so that means no jumping, no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise and no sport including swimming I’m afraid, Dr Carter replied seeing the look on Isobel’s face, I also want you to make sure she takes all her medication at the same time everyday. Both parents nodded their heads, Thank you Dr Carter so much, Nicholas put out his hand.

The doctor reached out and shook hands with him replying, We’ll all miss you Isobel. I can honestly say I have never met a child quite like you before. Isobel smiled and waved to everyone as she and her parents left the hospital.

Where’s Morgan and Dean? Isobel asked as they made their way back to holiday home they were staying in.

They decided to wait at the house for you and set up your room so it will be easier for you, her mom looked at her through the mirror. Sweetie, how are you feeling? she asked.

I’m still a little sore but I am feeling a lot better. I can’t wait to get back though. Everyone was so nice but I just wanna be in my own bed, Isobel smiled at them.

Even before the car had stopped Dean and Morgan were racing to the car, Whoa, slow down there guys, Nicholas reached out to stop them.

Tracy explained to them that Isobel was still sore and that they needed to be gentle and take it easy with her.

Both nodded and step back to allow their father to help Isobel out of the car. Once she was standing on her own two feet each of them gently gave her a hugged and told her how much they had missed her, I missed you guys too, Isobel smiled.

Maybe we shouldn’t go. I mean it won’t be the same without Izzy there, Tracy told her husband. It had been a week since Izzy had been discharged from the hospital and two days since her stitches had come out, even though she was much better Izzy still didn’t feel up to the parade they were meant to go and see.

Babe I know, but you heard what she said. She wants us to go and she told you that if we don’t go she would be very sad. We don’t want to make her sad do we? Tracy shook her head.

Besides mom, I’ll be here. I’ll take good care of her. We’re gonna make some popcorn watch some movies and we’ll properly be asleep by the time you guys get home. We’re calling it girls night in, Morgan was literally pushing the other three out of the door, Go already! It’s what she wants and we all know you can't say no to her mom. Morgan placed her hand on her hip which made Tracy laugh.

Okay, okay we’re going. But if you need anything.....

I know call you! I have done this plenty of times mom! Morgan looked at her with exasperation. After giving each of their girls a hug and a kiss Tracy and Nicholas left while Dean followed behind rolling his eyes at his mother’s paranoia.

FINALLY!!!! Morgan exclaimed, Let’s get this girls night started.

I can't believe how that movie ended! How crazy was that? Morgan chuckled.

Tell me about it, her sister replied.

So what do you wanna do now? Maybe some hot chocolate and then bed? Izzy nodded suppressing a yawn.

While Morgan made the hot chocolate Izzy changed into her pj’s. Here you go, but careful it’s hot. Morgan sat down next to her on the bed.

CRASH!!!! Izzy dropped her cup on the table, Did you hear that Morgan?

Morgan nodded, Stay here and be quiet, she whispered.

Izzy grabbed her hand, Be careful!

I will. Morgan quietly made her way out of the room checking everywhere as she made her way through the house.

Suddenly someone grabbed her from behind and placed a gloved hand over her mouth, One sound and your dead! Understand? a deep voice rang out.

Morgan knew that she needed to get her sister out of the house so she stomped on his foot and hit him in the gut.

Oww you bitch! he grabbed her hair as she tried to run passed him and threw her against the table which sent the glass vase crashing to the floor.

Izzy got up from her bed and called out to Morgan as she made her way to the front of the house.

Izzy run!

Izzy came into room and saw Morgan on the ground as a large man was clutching a knife. Well what do we have here! the masked man moved towards Izzy but before he got near her Morgan jumped onto his back.

Izzy run now! You stay away from my sister! she hit him but with one shrug Morgan was flung to the floor. He turned towards Izzy once more so she turned and ran into her sister’s room and locked the door. She grabbed Morgan’s cell phone from the bed where it had been left and dialled 911.

911 what is your emergency? a voice answered.

There.....there is a man inside. He has a knife and he’s hurting my sister, Izzy cried into the phone.

Okay sweetie we have your location and I’m sending the police. Just stay on the phone with me okay. What’s your name? 

Izzy. 

Well hi Izzy my name is Dante.

Dante, are the police really on their way? 

Yes they should be there soon.

Coming from the other side of the house Izzy heard Morgan scream, Morgan.....

Izzy what’s going on? 

He has my sister Morgan; I’ve got to help her. 

No Izzy! The way you can help your sister is by staying hidden. Are you hiding? Dante asked. 

She nodded before remembering that he couldn’t see her, Yes.

Good just stay where you are and don’t do anything or make a sound okay?

Okay, she whispered. She heard glass breaking and then someone was trying to open the door.

Come out darling. I’m not gonna hurt you, much! the man laughed menacingly as he tried to break the door down, SON OF A BITCH!!! YOU OPEN THIS DOOR NOW YOU     LITTLE BITCH!!! He was angry and continued to throw himself against the door. Dante he’s coming! Izzy whispered. 

Izzy don’t be scared okay? You need to be brave for Morgan. 

I don’t think I can! 

Yes you can Izzy. Just hold on the police should be there any minute. Izzy was trying not to cry but it was proving to be hard.

Suddenly the door flew open and he was in. Hello pretty. Izzy could hear the smile in his voice, she dropped the phone and made a run for the bathroom but he was a lot quicker then her.

Please don’t hurt me, she cried as he grabbed her arm, Where’s my sister? Morgan! MORGAN!

Morgan.... he mimicked her call, Can't help you anymore.

Izzy tried pulling away from him which was when she noticed his tattoo.

STOP! You are only making this harder on yourself, he was beyond irritated and he started swing the knife like a maniac cutting Izzy’s arm as she tried to protect herself. Sirens could be heard outside and a mixture of relief and dread washed over her. The police were here but they were too late. Izzy had decided it was better to give up instead of fighting when the man turned around; FUCK! he looked at her and said, You’re a lucky girl! Pray you never see me again because if you do I WILL kill you! He ran to the window, opened it and climbed out.

Izzy held her breath for a moment before realizing that she was alive and he wasn’t coming back. She ran out of the room looking for Morgan and when she found her sister her world started spinning out of control. 

She found Morgan in the living room lying in a pool of blood, Morgan! she screamed and dropped to her knees beside her sister.

Morgan’s eyes were open and she was breathing, gasping really but she was alive. Hey Izzy, I’m sorry I..... she had to stop as she started coughing.

Stay quiet okay. Help is coming. And you have nothing to be sorry for so just stay still. Izzy put her hands over the wounds trying to stop the bleeding but Morgan took one of Izzy’s hands in her own blood stained hand.

Izzy I need you to know that I love you! I never said it out loud but I do. I.....

Morgan stop!

Tell mom and dad that I’m sorry, I just wanted to keep you safe. And tell..... she struggled to take a breath this time but when she succeeded she continued, .....tell Dean that he and you needed to look out for each other and that even though I called him a brat a lot, I loved him too. Morgan’s hand started to lose grip on Izzy’s.

Hey Morgan you can tell them all this yourself okay? Izzy could feel the tears falling down her face.

Seconds later the police kicked open the door and one officer ran over to the girls, Get the medics in here NOW! he yelled into his radio. Where is he? he looked at Izzy.

He climbed out the window in the last room. The officer motioned to his partner who ran in the direction of Morgan’s room. The medics will be here in a minute so just stay with us okay? the officer spoke to Morgan who was struggling to breathe.

Morgan looked intensely at her sister, Monkey listen I need you to promise you’ll tell them. Promise?

Izzy nodded.

Good now remember I... this time Morgan didn’t take another breath but breathed out her last.

NOOOOO!!!! Isobel screamed as Morgan’s eyes closed and her hand slide out of Izzy’s. DON’T go! Don’t leave me. Wake up! WAKE UP Morgan!!! the officer pulled Izzy away from Morgan as the medics came over and tried to resuscitate her. Izzy tried to fight the officer but eventually gave up and would have fallen to the floor if he hadn’t caught her.

Morgan Annabelle Scott was lying on the floor with the medics shocking her trying to start up her heart and Izzy was crying comforted by the police officer. This was the scene that Nicholas and the rest of his family would have walked into if a young officer hadn’t stopped them at the door. When they had driven down the road headed home they had seen the police cars and ambulance. Tracy was already hysterical calling out for her daughters, Ma’am I’m sorry but I can't let you in, this is a crime scene.

A crime scene? My daughters are in there!! Tracy screamed at the officer.

Hearing her mother’s voice Izzy let go of the officer, MOMMY!! and ran out straight into her mother’s waiting arms.

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? Nicholas demanded when he saw his little girl covered in blood. Why do you have blood on you honey, are you hurt? he asked her calmly.

It’s Morgan’s! Daddy Morgan’s gone!!! she started sobbing heavily.

Gone? What do you mean gone? Tracy asked trying to calm Izzy down.

The officer who had been comforting Izzy came out the house, Mr and Mrs Scott, I’m Officer Benoit. I was the first officer on scene. May I have a word in private please? he asked looking in the direction of the young Scott children.

Dean, watch your sister. Nicholas told his son struggling to control his emotions, What the hell is going on? he asked himself.

Officer where is my other daughter? Tracy demanded.

We received a 911 call about 10 minutes ago from Isobel. She told the dispatch the there was a man inside the house. When we arrived 5 minutes later Isobel was talking with your other daughter Morgan who was lying on the floor. She had been stabbed we believe protecting her sister.

Stabbed? Where is she? Nicholas tried to get past and into the house.

I’m afraid sir that your daughter Morgan died a few moments ago from her injuries. Officer Benoit answered sadly. He had been an officer with Miami Dade police department for the last 5 years so he had seen his fair share of tragedies but having to inform families that their loved ones where never going to come home again never got any easier only worse. He couldn’t bear to hear Tracy’s screams and knew that the sound would haunt him for a long time, I’m terribly sorry for your loss.

Nicholas tried to comfort his wife while barely holding his own emotions in place, What about Isobel was she hurt and where is the bastard who....killed Morgan?

Your younger daughter is a brave one. She was lucky because we got here when we did so she wasn’t hurt too badly. Unfortunately when the suspect heard us coming he fled out of the window. We have officers out looking for him now. Benoit slowly ran a hand through his thick black hair and sighed heavily before continuing, I hate to ask this now but I need to talk to Isobel about what she saw. I waited for you to get here because it would be easier for her.

Nicholas shook his head, No can't this wait, I mean she just watched her sister die!

I know Mr Scott but like I said I have people out there looking for the suspect so the more information we have about him the quicker we can catch him. Right now all the officers know is that it’s a male. It’s not going to easy to find him.

Nicholas was about to respond when Izzy’s voice spoke up from behind her parents, It’s okay daddy, I want to help! I have to! her tears had stained her face but thankfully Benoit saw that they had stopped.

The one thing that he hated more then anything was seeing a child cry like this little one had, She’s definitely a strong one, he thought.

Izzy turned and looked at him and it took all his efforts not to turn away from the sad look in her eyes. It broke his heart to see her like this because of how much she reminded him of his own little girl safely asleep at home with her mom.

What do you want to know Officer?

Benoit looked at Nicholas and Tracy, the latter heaving with soft tears put her arm around Isobel and nodded to Benoit indicating for him to proceed.

Isobel, can you tell me what happened?

Morgan and I were watching videos while mommy and daddy took Dean to the parade. I had been a little sick and didn’t feel like going so Morgan decided we should have a girls’ night. We had just finished the last movie and Morgan made some hot chocolate which we were drinking in my room when we hear a crash come from the front of the house. She told me to stay while she went to check. I heard a man shout and then glass breaking. I went looking for my sister when I saw a man with a mask on his face and a knife in his hand. Morgan told me to run and I did. I ran into her room and I found her cell phone and called 911. After a while I heard Morgan scream and then he came kicking down the door. He was about to hurt me when we heard the police coming. He got upset and left. I went looking for Morgan and then you came in. Izzy took a deep breath as officer Benoit wrote down what she said.

You said that he had a mask on so you didn’t see his face but do you remember anything that might be helpful about his appearance?

Izzy thought long and hard before answering, He was tallish and built really well like Uncle Charlie, she said looking at her father.

Charlie Washington is my childhood friend. Nicholas explained as Benoit gave him a questioning look, He was a marine.

So the man was strong? Benoit asked looking back at Izzy.

Very because he was able to throw Morgan across the room and he managed to kick down the door in Morgan’s room after only a few tries.

Is there anything else you can tell me about him?

Izzy nodded, I saw a tattoo in his left arm and he was definitely left handed as he was holding the knife in that hand.

Benoit smiled, a tattoo could be very helpful, What did the tattoo look like? Do you remember?

Izzy nodded, It looked like a purple heart over a rose. I remember there was letters inside the heart, ‘SS’ but that’s all I saw.

That’s great Isobel! Thank you very much. You’ve been very brave today. Benoit smiled at her before turning to her parents, She’s going to need some rest. I may have a few more follow up questions for her at a later stage but I’ll give you a call if I need them.

Thank you Officer. When can we go back home, to Boston I mean? Nicholas asked.

I think it would be better if you stayed a few more days just till we can clear some things up but properly by next week.

Thank you, Nicholas smiled lightly as he led his family to a hotel one member less. Dean looked over at his sister who fell asleep in the car and whispered softly in her ear so no one else could hear, I’ll take care of you no matter what Izzy! and he fell into an uneasy sleep holding her hand tightly.

CHAPTER 1:

16 YEARS LATER:

Hey Alex I need to leave! Isobel Scott called out to her room mate and best friend. Having known Alexis Martin for a long time Izzy could only imagine what her friend was doing in their dorm room.

Wait, just one more minute, I’m coming! Alex called from the other side of the door. The two young women have been friends since they were ten years old having met when Alex’s family had moved across the street from the Scott’s. The idea of being room mates at Georgetown had seemed like a great idea at the time, but as much as Izzy loved her friend, sometimes Alex really did know the right buttons to push when it came to the psychology student.

Seriously Alex, Aaron is waiting. I still need to get my computer. And if you still want a lift then you need to move your ass!

Relax my friend, Alex smiled as she opened the door, I’m done. Standing at the door was the ‘I’m totally freaking out my parents" Alex as apposed to the sweet jeans and t-shirt girl everyone knew.

Okay, have I just entered the twilight zone or something? Izzy asked as she took in her friend’s appearance.

You like? Alex had on sky high heels, the shortest black mini dress properly ever made and a black leather jacket.

Umm I don’t know if I should answer that. Alex just rolled her eyes. Please tell me this is not for Joey’s benefit.

Aah come on Izzy, you know me better then that! Besides, Joey’s history.

Izzy looked at her, confusion evident on her face, Since when?

Last night, when I caught him making out with Tricia Bennett.

What, why didn’t you say anything?

Alex shrugged, "You crashed as soon as you got back. And