Mike Boudet

Judy fumbles for her keys and her heavy coat, but finally finds them.

When she puts the key in the lock, she realizes it's already unlocked.

She gets ready to scold whoever left it open, since everyone knows this door should stay locked

during the week.

She goes inside, closes the door, and locks it behind her.

Inside the old church, the familiar smell of wood, bibles, and dust greets her.

The building is quiet as she walks toward the office.

She sees the light is on, which isn't unusual.

Pastor Shreves often leaves it on, sometimes the radio also.

She steps into the office and calls out softly, but no one answers.

She sets down her purse, hangs up her coat, and her footsteps echo in the empty space as she moves through the office.

As she gets closer to the receptionist's desk, she notices something that shouldn't be there.

It takes her a moment to understand what she's seeing, just long enough for confusion to turn into dread.

A woman's body is crumpled up on the floor in an unnatural position.

Blood everywhere.

Her dark brown hair matted with it.

Judy freezes, her breath catching in her throat.

Her mind flashes absurdly to episodes of CSI.

She doesn't touch anything.

Suddenly, she worries the person who did this might still be there.