by Leo King
They entered the elevator. Aucoin tapped the button to go up. “Amazing that Tania never killed him after what happened to Violet.”
“Tania is a marvelous person. She’s already found new ways to fight as an operative. I hope she stays with GEIST for a very long time.”
“I’m sure she will.”
The elevator opened on the ground floor.
“Anyway,” Dr. Lazarus said. “We alone possess the secret of the tkeeus, which Julius has locked away in the vault. Before Dixie formally retired from GEIST, she delivered the Castille children to Mathias, who has assured me they will never be found by anyone who would abuse them. And Leona will continue to act as a liaison between us and the Eversoll Institute. So this chapter is over, and whatever storm may be coming, we’re ready for it.”
They stepped outside, where a black sedan was parked. Aucoin placed his bags in the trunk. “I wouldn’t worry about it, Andre. I have faith in you and GEIST. And if Sam lives, I have faith in her. We may never see her again, but somewhere there is a god walking the earth. And she’s definitely good.”
“Yes, a goddess with a heart of gold. I’m certain that if she survived, she’ll spend the rest of eternity finding a way to get to Vincent. Who knows, maybe one day after humanity has come and gone, those two will have a showdown the likes of which hasn’t been seen since Zeus and his siblings defeated the Titans.”
With a chuckle, Aucoin said, “A battle that shakes the heavens, right?”
Dr. Lazarus nodded. “Well, in any case, we’ll still try to find a way to get there. If Sam is gone, then someone will need to take Vincent out.”
Smiling again, Aucoin stuck out his hand. “If it comes to that, best of luck, Andre.”
They shook hands. “And you, Kyle, if you ever need anything, anything at all, give me a call.”
After Dr. Lazarus went back inside, Aucoin got into his car and drove off, heading northeast toward Tennessee. Once he was on the interstate, he took an envelope out of the glove compartment. It been delivered to him a few weeks ago. He rubbed his thumb over the Mexican postage stamp. There was no return address.
With a sigh, he re-opened it. Inside was a note: “I’m alive. Please don’t come looking for me, but know I’ll always love you.”
Also inside was a melted red shoe charm.
Aucoin squeezed it as he drove off toward his new life.
“Yeah, the world’s in good hands.”
And so it was.
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Afterword
And now we’re done—at least, as done as one story can be. That’s the problem with stories. There’s always room for more. But this story was about Sam and the silver pen, and that narrative is complete.
Now that I’ve finished a genre-bending trilogy with elements of thriller, mystery, and horror, I’m looking forward to trying something different. Fantasy, perhaps. Or science fiction. Or even urban fantasy. A world filled with uncertainty has been born from Sins of the Father, and an entire series could be written off of that.
Ideas, I have. Inspiration, I have. Next, I choose a direction to set sail. There are entire universes to explore.
Take my hand, and let’s go together.
—Leo King
Acknowledgements
Back in August of 2011, I started my first draft of The Bourbon Street Ripper, then called Untitled Mystery. It was a completely different story, with less mysticism and more grit, and Sam was the killer.
Yup, Sam was originally the killer.
But as the story grew, and as I worked with a critique group, it evolved. Soon, what was one book became two, and what was two became three. Without even realizing it, I was writing a trilogy.
Sins of the Father had been born.
This trilogy has done what is called genre-bending, starting as a mystery and turning into a supernatural thriller, and ending in what is almost urban fantasy. I loved doing it, but it’s been stressful, and I don’t plan on doing it again.
Now for the part where I acknowledge those who have contributed to this book. Only I’m not going to do it the normal way—that’s boring. Instead, I’m going to thank each of them directly, right here, right now:
Jason, thanks for running GGP. You’ve given us all something to dream.
Hilary, thanks for being so patient with me. You’ve made me a better writer.
George, thanks for being a great sounding board. I feel I can bounce any idea off of you.
Shannon, thanks for being so insightful. You really seem to understand my characters.
Erik, thanks for being so engaging. I always feel like you offer something unique.
Dominick, thanks for being so supportive. You go out of your way to make me feel great.
Kristina, thanks for being so awesome. Talking late at night has gotten me through three books.
Gini, thanks for mentoring me. You’ve shown me just how far I can go.
June, thanks for all the kind words. Meeting you showed me just how much I’m loved.
To every aunt, uncle, and cousin in my big Nawlins family, thanks for supporting me. Really, I couldn’t do it without such an awesome family.
Mom and Dad, thanks for believing in me. You guys made it possible.
Sarah and Ryan, thanks for supporting me. You both give me something to strive for.
Janna, thanks for loving me. Without you, my words would lack soul.
And thanks to every friend or fan not mentioned on this page. I’ll get you next time!
Lastly… see ya in Valhalla, Jake. Save me a flagon of mead!
—Leo King
About the Author
Leo King was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and moved to Houston, Texas, in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. He works during the day and writes at night, usually juggling several projects at once.
He lives with his wife, his Playstation 3s, and more stuffed lions than an adult should probably own. His education is in game development, and he often uses the structured approach of game design in developing his stories.
Find out more about Leo on his website, www.foreverwhere.com.
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Sins of the Father: The Bourbon Street Ripper (Book 1)
In 1972, the city of New Orleans was terrorized by a serial killer known as the Bourbon Street Ripper. Although he was captured, convicted, and executed, his deeds left a scar on the city.
Now, twenty years later, the murders have started again, and the secrets of the past, left buried for so long, must be uncovered in order to stop this new horror.
From author Leo King comes a gritty tale of murder, mystery and suspense set in the Big Easy.
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Sins of the Father: A Life Without Fear (Book 2)
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Then, as the new deputy for Lockwood, Texas, Marlie discovers that mystical evil has rooted itself in the small town, with a gang of bikers casting spells to keep control. When she refuses to back down, her son could lose his life. Can Marlie learn to use the curse within her for good, to cure the corruption of Lockwood?
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Text ©2014 by Leo King
Illustrations ©2014 by Grey Gecko Press
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All rights reserved. Other than for review purposes, no part or portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons (living or dead), events, or entities is coincidental.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
King, Leo
Sins of the father: face behind the mask / Leo King
Library of Congress Control Number: 2014951633
ISBN 978-1-9388216-2-2
First Edition
ePub Edition
