TRANSCRIBED EXCERPT FROM AUDIO RECORDING OF PETER MONTGOMERY, REPORTER FOR CHARLESTON JOURNAL NEWS

“I know the area is off limits, but I had to see for myself. The police left about an hour ago. I watched them go by while I pretended to fish in the harbor in my rented rowboat. The outboard motor has seen better days. My main concern at this point is the boat’s ability to get me back to the mainland.”

“I have my suspicions as to why other news outlets are barely covering this story, if at all. Might be another case of ‘follow the money’, but I’ve always had the sense there’s something more here. I don’t know whether it’s fear or shame or both that have draped this area in mystery since well before I was born. [heavy breathing]. As expected, there’s more yellow tape and little red flags sticking out of the soft ground than I can count.”

“It’s weird, being out here, all alone, with the night creeping in. Thank God I brought extra batteries for my flashlight. I know there’s nothing to be scared of out here. Aside from the birds, squirrels and constant hum of crickets, anything that can do me harm is dead. But still, I can’t help but feel uneasy, and it has nothing to do with trespassing on an active crime scene.”

“I’m not a superstitious person, but it’s hard not to have odd thoughts as you walk over the grounds where just a day ago, so many bodies lay rotting into the earth. Was it a mass murder or suicide? I guess I have to wait for the coroner to get back to us on that. Like most people, I’m still on the fence whether it’s a nightmare or a rare sort of blessing. I know how the world outside the county will see it. It’s hard to fathom things, I mean, truly see them for what they are, when you’re on the outside looking in.”

[Scuffling sound heard in the distance]

“Not sure what that was. I’m going to take as many pictures as I can, then head out. It smells odd. It’s hard to describe. Kind of like a mix of damp earth and rotten apples.”

[Unintelligible voice]

“What the hell was that? I think it’s coming from somewhere to my right. I counted all the cops that came and went, so I know it’s not one of them. Not sure whether I’m stupid or brave, but I’m going to check it out. Gotta put the journalism degree to work.”

NO FURTHER RECORDING RECOVERED