The emerging threat

The intrepid journalist observed with growing unease the six inert forms lying on the shore.

The torrential waters had washed their bodies away during the flood, but Detective Sergeant Joaquin frowned at something more sinister.

-Look at these marks, -he said, pointing to jagged scars on the corpses. -They were not made by any natural force.

She moved closer, studying the lacerations with expert eyes. They were definitely not clean cuts from a knife, nor bullet impacts. They looked like... bites.

A shudder ran through her as she realized the terrible implications. The journalist had covered disasters before, but this was different. Something lurked beneath the turbulent waters.

-Do you think an animal attacked them? -she asked in a trembling voice.

The detective shook his head, his countenance stony.

-This was not done by any known beast. I'd better call for reinforcements... and plenty of ammunition.

Whatever the emerging threat was, he wasn't going to back down from anything or anyone. They shared a grim look.

The storm had barely begun.