Chattahoochee River

By Takara M. James

In the heart of Phenix City, Alabama, Detective Camilla Rooks finds herself drawn into a chilling web of mysteries as she confronts the haunting echoes of her past investigations. When bodies surface along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, bearing striking resemblances to a long-missing family from her past case in Virginia, Camilla's pursuit of justice plunges her into a relentless quest for truth.

Teaming up with Detective Roman Berlew, a seasoned investigator with his own share of personal challenges, Camilla investigates deep into the shadows of Phenix City. As they uncover a series of interconnected crimes—corruption, blackmail, and a pervasive web of deception—their journey takes them to unexpected places, revealing surprising connections that threaten to unravel everything they thought they knew.

With every revelation, Camilla's resolve is tested, driven by a conviction that the answers lie within the tight-knit community of Phenix City. As the detectives race against time, they must navigate the treacherous underworld, where danger lurks around every corner and trust is a luxury she cannot afford.

"Chattahoochee River" is a gripping thriller that immerses readers in a world of suspense, where the pursuit of justice leads to chilling discoveries and unexpected revelations. As Camilla and Roman confront their own demons and the darkness lurking within their town, they uncover a truth that changes everything—and risks everything they hold dear.

Prepare to be captivated by this pulse-pounding tale of mystery and survival, where danger reverbs through the present, and the search for truth becomes a journey of redemption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Writluxe Writing Firm, LLC
• Release date: Apr 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224450633

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Nightfall blanked Chattahoochee Valley University, casting a chilling quietness over the semi-large campus. In the dim light, Devon Harris, the university’s basketball star, stood near the river, an uneasy feeling creeping over him. The distant hum of the city faded in the night, only leaving nearby sounds of rustling leaves and the water of the Chattahoochee River bursting against the shore.

The glowing campus lamps, spaced a few feet from one another, kept the main walkways well lit, leading to the bridge where Devon stood. A few feet away, stood a person in the shadows, slowly approaching Devon from behind. Too focused on the serene views ahead, Devon had no real sense of what was happening, not until his senses tingled alerting him that someone was close by. He turned, his eyes widening in horror as he met the cold, determined gaze of his assailant, catching a glint of the gun that was now completely visible. Before he could react, the night exploded into chaos.

The crack of gunfire split the silence, echoing like thunder in the night. Pain lanced through Devon’s body as the bullet found its mark, putting him in agony and like a thief, taking his breath. His basketball instincts kicked in as he tried to run, but his legs crumbled weak beneath him. Falling to the ground and gasping, Devon clutched his wound as crimson blood seeped between his fingers.

Please, he gasped, his voice barely a whisper, eyes pleading for mercy. There was no reprieve. The assailant approached, leaving Devon with a final view of their face, but knowing he would not be around to tell the story. The assailants' footsteps were purposeful and cold, and Devon’s heartbeat thundered in his ears, his life force slipping away with each weakening pulse. He glanced toward the river, a last, desperate hope flickering in his eyes. A last glint of the assailant’s gun reflected in his eyes, extinguishing the hope he held onto, then, a final shot echoed. Devon’s body fell limp and still as the river of his life mingled with the earth below him.

The assailant lingered for a moment, as if savoring the brutality of the act, then vanished into the night, leaving behind a lifeless body and chilling mystery, one that would be the headlines of the morning news.

Beneath the moonlit sky and the silent witness of the Chattahoochee River, a promising young life met a gruesome end. The campus, once a sanctuary of dreams for Devon, was now tainted with the stain of his blood… The violence that would, in hope, unravel the web of secrets, deceit, and darkness, would now be the only evidence of what happened this night. It would be the only lasting memory of such an incredible star, with such a bright future.

1

THE MEETING

The pile of case files held secrets, secrets that Detective Roman Berlew was determined to unravel.

Detective Berlew sat in his dimly lit office, surrounded by shelves lined with weathered case files. The room carried an air of both determination and weariness, reflective of Roman’s state of mind. The soft glow from his desk lamp cast a warm light on the mountains of paperwork spread out before him.

As he leaned back in his worn leather chair, Detective Berlew ran a hand through his kinky, hi-top curls complimenting his tapered fade, feeling the weight of the investigation bearing down on him. The room was filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee, its aroma mingling with the faint hint of dusty paper. It was a fragrance that had become synonymous with long nights and tireless dedication.

The walls were adorned with photographs, capturing moments frozen in time. A picture of his wife and young son smiled back at him, a bittersweet reminder of the strain on his family caused by his relentless pursuit of justice. Berlew’s eyes briefly lingered on the photo, his thoughts drifting to the fragile state of his marriage, a constant tug at his heart.

Returning his focus to the task at hand, he picked up the first case file from the stack. The faded manila folder held the weight of countless unanswered questions. He flipped it open, revealing a maze of witness statements, crime scene photos, and investigative notes. Each piece of evidence was a thread waiting to be untangled, leading him closer to the truth.

With a pen in hand, Berlew started sifting through the information meticulously, connecting dots and drawing mental maps of possible connections, on the legal pad on his desk. He made annotations, underlining key details and circling names that resonated in his mind. The weight of responsibility pressed upon him as he understood the lives affected by the crimes he was investigating.

Outside of his window, the Chattahoochee river clashed against rocks and nearby docks of