"I'm fine," he assured her.

Laura recognized his dedication. Calling him a workaholic didn't quite fit. His relentless pursuit of work reflected his sense of purpose. To Morrison, solving cases might well be the essence of his existence. She considered that being immersed in her work might serve her well too, offering a reprieve from the troubles that plagued her.

This time, their investigation led them to a karaoke bar, specifically to a VIP room where a woman had been found dead.

As Laura entered the room, she instinctively covered her mouth and nose. Despite her experience with crime scenes, the brutality of this scene struck her profoundly.

She had seen plenty of violence in her past, but the horror of this killing still made her shudder.