Perfidy, The Debacle Series

With a nod, skepticism clung to me, refusing to let go of his hand. My heart raced, gasps of breath quickened, and a shiver of tension ran through my body. Calming myself, I tilted my head to glimpse the setting sun. But the enigmatic whispers and screeching noises persisted. My worry remained as the unusual outcry continued to disrupt the silence. Noah didn’t notice the disturbance in the air, and his affidavit consumed his attention. Yet, I could tell he cared from his body language - his lips formed a pout, and his eyebrows lowered.

Once more, the screeching sound echoed around us, and I questioned Noah if he had heard it. “Did you catch that noise?”

“No, my love, but please alert me if you detect any more noises. Carmen, I hate surprises, especially frightening ones.” He leaned closer to rub my hand, and his tender touch assuaged me.

Chaos erupted as barking dogs filled the air, screams pierced the stillness, and people dashed from the lake. As I peeked over the brick wall, my anxiety lingered. I saw nothing, but I was sure a sound or something terrified my neighbors enough that they fled. Something lurking in the water filled my neighbors with fear, prompting their unexpected departure from the beach. The water roared and crashed, reaching heights above the average. I had a perfect waterfront view with the shore just a few feet away. Despite the circumstances, many neighbors defied the odds and continued their routine, taking their dogs for a walk along the beach.