The Devil's Mirror Chapter 2

Tick. Tock.

Suddenly, a dull thud vibrated through the hull, barely audible over the engine's hum.

Screams erupted from the deck above.

I knew it. Chase had gone over.

Moments later, heavy boots pounded down the hallway. The young officer kicked the door open.

He froze when he saw me. "How... you're still here?"

Before he could finish, a mob of tourists pushed past him.

"That's her! She’s the killer! I saw her push him!"

"Don't let her escape! We all saw it!"

A guy in a flashy shirt was holding up a phone, live-streaming.

"Yo, chat! We caught the killer! Like and subscribe to see justice served!"

I turned away from the camera, rattling my handcuffs against the pipe I was tethered to.

"What’s going on? I’ve been chained here the whole time."

The mob paused, confused, looking at my restraints.

"Ask the guard," I said loudly. "I caused a scene in the lobby. He arrested me. He has the key."

The young officer nodded slowly. "Yeah... I locked her up twenty minutes ago. The key has been in my pocket. She couldn't have been on deck."

In my last life, I was too busy trying to save Chase to notice the trap closing. This time, I had the ultimate alibi.

The crowd murmured.

"Did we get the wrong person?"

"I saw her smashing vases earlier. It took three guys to take her down."

"Move, let us through! We need to find the real killer!"

The streamer looked disappointed. "False alarm, guys?"

Just then, Sarah pushed through the crowd, her face twisted in grief and rage.

"Chloe! You heartless monster! Chase wanted a divorce, so you killed him?!"

"Everyone! The man in the water is her husband! She killed him!"

Sarah sobbed theatrically. "Poor Chase... he was willing to give up everything to be free of you, but you wouldn't let him go!"

The crowd’s mood swung instantly.

"It was her husband? That’s sick."

"If they were divorcing, she definitely had a motive."

"Look at her face, she looks guilty as hell!"

I tried to speak, but the streamer guy kicked me hard in the ribs.

I was chained and couldn't dodge. I curled up on the floor, groaning.

The chat on his screen went wild.

User123: Kick her again! Justice for Chase! AlphaMale88: Typical toxic ex. She needs a lesson.

Encouraged, the mob surged forward. I took hits, my hair pulled, my face scratched.

"Enough!" The Head of Security slammed his baton against the doorframe. "Back off! This is a holding cell, not a octagon. Back off or you all go in the brig!"

The crowd retreated. I pulled myself up, wiping blood from my lip.

"I didn't kill anyone," I said, my voice cold. "If you don't believe me, check the security tapes in this room."