Murders of the Zodiac Boxed Set

by Paris Morgan

  “Thank you, sir, and you’re totally right. I don’t have six weeks for this to get better. I’ll have to start practicing more with my left hand. This killer isn’t going to wait for me to get better.”

  “Well, let’s hope he lets you get out of the hospital first. I’ll check on you in the morning.” He and the nurse left together, but she returned a few moments later, holding out two pills and a small glass of water.

  I took them without hesitation, but waited to get more of the details until she’d left us alone.

  “What do you think of Jerome and Ryan?” I prodded, trusting my sister’s judgement.

  “They both seem nice. Jerome is protective of you and always trying to outdo Ryan. Poor Ryan was beside himself that you weren’t awake yet. He was blaming himself for not seeing you leave.” Karen took the seat next to my bed.

  “With what we went through last month, I’m surprised that he’s holding it together this well. It’s not his fault. I was just going to check on something and Sebastian followed me. Could have happened to anyone.” I shrugged it off, but knew that I was going to start having nightmares too.

  “Jerome and I both got here about the same time. After they recovered your phone, Ryan called us and we got on the first plane. He was here for almost six hours by himself, worrying.”

  A knock interrupted our time together, and Agent Perez stepped inside.

  “Hi. I’m glad to see that you’re awake. Did the doctor say that you’d make it?” She stood nervously just inside the door.

  “He did. He’s letting me go home tomorrow, so I’ll be out of your hair.” I smiled wryly.

  “No worries there. You and your partner managed to help us catch not just a serial killer, but what we term a super serial. All of those missing girls that you thought might be his, well, they were. We uncovered a huge graveyard out behind the cabin.” She twisted her hands, betraying how hard this was for her. “We’ve been making notifications ever since.”

  “We still didn’t catch the Zodiac Master,” I huffed.

  “That’s not the important part. You’ve brought closure to over three hundred families by using your training, your skills, and your gut instinct. I’m sorry for the way I treated you. You were both just doing your jobs.” She turned to go.

  “Hey, so were you. A little resistance can lead to outside of the box thinking. I never got to ask, how did things go when you went back to L.A.?”

  “The witness that was the key to our last case was murdered. My boss wants me to take point on it. Since Agent Watson worked so well with both of you, he’s being made the Agent in Charge of the Zodiac Master and his minions.” She came back in the room and held out her hand.

  I started to raise my right arm, but switched when a rush of pain made me grimace.

  “No hard feelings. I’m just glad to be alive, and that we saved Carol from that kind of death.”

  “Well, I hope you catch him. He deserves what he gets. Good luck.” With that, she walked out, and before the door could close behind her, Ryan, Jerome, and Gavin came in, making the small room seem even smaller.

  “Gavin, Agent Perez just mentioned that you’re our liaison. Congrats.”

  “Aw, thanks. I’m here to get your official statement of what happened before we came into the woods and found you.

  “Ugh. I was hoping to put it behind me. Everyone get comfortable.” I was surprised when Jerome came over and sat on the bed next to me, holding my hand.

  “When I woke up that day, I was thinking about how Tom Prings had mentioned a brother that had died. There was something else that he was hiding, and I wanted to know what it was. When he was killed, I wasn’t able to ask him, so I went to the next best source, the records office and the local newspaper.”

  They were all listening intently to everything I said, so I continued.

  “Tom’s parents died in a horrible accident, which was caused by his cousin Sebastian. All those reports about violent things happening were to cover up for Sebastian. He would threaten Tom’s little brother, and so Tom would take the blame. No one thought that Sebastian was the one doing all those horrible things, like killing animals and torturing kids at school.”

  Gavin frowned. “How do you know all of this? It’s not like the newspaper did any investigations or printed any articles about it.”

  “You’re right. They didn’t print anything, but I did some digging. When their parents died, Tom and his brother were in their teens, but Sebastian was only about ten or eleven. The orphaned brothers were sent to live with their aunt, Sebastian’s mother.

  “Tom had tried to protect his younger brother, but Sebastian was always there to dare him to do one more thing, something even more dangerous. No matter how many times he tried to tell his aunt about Sebastian, she didn’t want to hear it. There was an incident, and Tom’s brother died. Sebastian made Tom bury his own brother, told him if he didn’t help cover it up, he would pin the death on Tom. He couldn’t handle it anymore, so he left, and everyone assumed that his brother had left with him. The Spring family had never really accepted Tom and his brother because they were cousins from the wrong side of the family tree. The cabin in the woods seemed safe to the then sixteen-year-old. And in changing his name, most people believed that he was eighteen, so they didn’t ask questions. There was plenty of work in the next town over, and Tom wasn’t much for mingling with people. He did his job and went straight home. It wasn’t until years later that Sebastian ran into Tom in the other town, causing Tom to quit his job and become a hermit.

  “Tom wasn’t just a kid anymore, and Sebastian’s threats didn’t work because he knew Sebastian’s secret, and that was that he liked to kill women. He made a deal with Sebastian, or a truce, you could say. Sebastian would let Tom live in peace, as long as he kept his mouth shut. That is, until the FBI brought Tom in for questioning. Tom knew who we were looking for, but he couldn’t tell us for fear of what Sebastian would do.”

  “I’m confused. How do you know all this?” Jerome stroked the back of my hand.

  “Sebastian told me while I was drugged and slung over his shoulder, unable to move. I guess believing that I wouldn’t make it out alive, he bragged about how he’d gotten away with everything over the years, and how we would never find all of his previous kills.” I felt uncomfortable with all of them watching me.

  “He knew when I’d gone to both the records office and the newspaper that I’d figured it out. I ran over to the command center, knowing he had a sacred spot that he hunted on, and it would be on or near his home.” I shrugged. “Then, when I went out to take a look at the mill, he hit me with a dart.”

  I looked up at Gavin. “So your boss is impressed that we helped you to solve over three hundred cold cases?”

  “Yeah. He’s sending me to Texas to work with you from home until we have another killer. I’m the head of the task force, and it seems a little weird.”

  “I’m glad. The doctor said that as soon as I can shoot without tearing my wound open, then I’m good to do field work again. I can always look behind the scenes.”

  “Hey, now. How can I go out in the field if my partner is left behind?”

  “Well, all I know is that it’s a long drive to Texas, and the three of you have to play nice with each other.”

  “Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. We have a plane at your disposal. Not the little small one we used last time, but a comfortable one that will take the entire team, and you won’t have to sit in coach or go through security.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  “Can we let her get some rest so that we can make arrangements for tomorrow?” Karen piped up.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” Ryan crossed his arms, daring anyone to suggest otherwise.

  “Actually, can Karen be the one to stay, guys? I know all of you care about me, but I really don’t want you both in here fighting over me. Go get some rest. I know you’re both tired, but you won’t give in until the other one does it fir
st. So, I’m giving you an order.”

  Jerome and Ryan were mirror images of disappointment.

  “I guess we can do that, if you’re sure?” Jerome frowned.

  “I’m sure. Now, leave. Please?” I smiled, showing all of my teeth, hoping it wasn’t a growl instead at their silly little game.

  “All right. We’ll be back in the morning,” Ryan promised.

  “I have no doubts about that,” I snickered as they both walked out dejectedly.

  The door shut, and I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Don’t let them back in, no matter what they say.”

  “Got it, sis. Are you okay?”

  “Yeah. I guess getting hit with an arrow will take all of your energy.”

  “I haven’t read the handbook on it yet, but I’m sure you’re correct. Now shush, or I’m going to go sit outside and make the nurse give you something to make you sleep.”

  “I’m going to remember this when I’m better.”

  “Whatever.” Karen ignored my threats since she’d been doing it all of my life. “You can worry about that when we get home.”

  Zodiac Master

  I was furious. How dare Sebastian ignore my instructions and try to kill the detective. I would have to make sure that future soldiers didn’t make the same mistake. The two detectives were getting much better at what they did, and I couldn’t let them stop me until my plan had reached completion. I needed a good challenge, and the detectives were rising up to my level with each new killing method. I couldn’t wait to see who would win in the end: Them or me? It was going to be a close chase, and I needed to make sure that everything went smoothly, or I might find myself in their carefully thought out trap.

  The next recruit came forward for their blessing. “Do you swear on threat of horrible torture that you will not intentionally harm the detectives who will be trying to find you?”

  “Yes, Master,” she intoned. “I live to serve you. I will not harm the chosen players until the appointed day arrives.”

  “Do you understand your instructions?” I asked, taking calming breaths.

  “Yes, Master. If in doubt, I will consult the master plan and make sure that it is accomplished, no matter what the personal costs are.”

  “Good.” I patted her head like you would a dog that wanted to please you. “Make this month entertaining, please. I’ve grown bored with the results. Make them die in style.”

  “I will, sir.” The recruit bowed low.

  I tapped my fingers together in happiness. Maybe this apprentice would be worth a little more of my time.

  Detectives Boxe and Fox had brought in the entire FBI, and it was only fair that I trained a few more assassins to make sure there weren’t any problems.

  “It is time to put the plan into place.”

  I walked out the door, the interview complete. I needed a better vantage point to see how things played out.

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  A Note from the Author

  If you enjoyed this story, please leave a review, even if it is one short sentence. Do you want to know when the next book comes out or to get to know me better? Feel free to stalk me on all the social media sites. (No real-life stalking because that’s just not cool.) Thanks for reading, and I hope to hear from you.

  -Paris Morgan

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  Paris Morgan

  Taurus

  Murders of the Zodiac

  Book #4

  Copyright © 2019 Alathia Paris Morgan writing as A. P. Morgan

  Taurus-Murders of the Zodiac Book 4

  This is a work of fiction and in no way is meant to portray actual people, names, places, events or situations. The ideas were from the author’s own imagination and any resemblance to people living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission, except in the case of quotations for articles and reviews.

  Editing by: Rebel Edit & Design

  Book cover: Widget Wyvern Studios

  Interior formatting: That Formatting Lady

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  More from Paris Morgan

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Epilogue

  A Note from the Author

  Dedication

  To my editor: You let me use your name for the villain and that made it so much fun. You go over and beyond to fix my mistakes. You get each book ready for the world to read. Thank you.

  More from Paris Morgan

  Murders of the Zodiac

  Aquarius Book 1

  Pisces Book 2

  Aries Book 3

  Taurus Book 4

  Gemini Book 5

  Cancer Book 6

  Leo Book 7

  Virgo Book 8

  Libra Book 9

  Scorpio Book 10

  Sagittarius Book 11

  Capricorn Book 12

  Surviving Death

  Witness Protection Book 1

  Writing as Alathia Morgan

  Against Zombies Series

  Moms Against Zombies Book 1

  Military Against Zombies Book 2

  Co-Eds Against Zombies Book 3

  Churches Against Zombies Book 4

  Geeks Against Zombies Book 5

  Governments Against Zombies Book 6

  Infected History Series

  Infected Waters: A Titanic Disaster

  Infected Poppy Fields: A WWI Disaster

  Infected Storm Troopers: A WWII Disaster

  Writing Romance as Pepper Paris:

  Summer of Love

  Carter: Summers of Love 1

  Kelly: Summers of Love 2

  Wade: Summers of Love 3

  Jay: Summers of Love 4

  Chapter 1

  Leslie

  I was lying in my bed, ecstatic that I was finally home. It had been a long awkward drive through three states before we arrived at my doorstep. I hadn’t wanted to take the pain medication, but being in the car for all those hours hadn’t been comfortable.

  We’d been in California, trying to help the FBI catch a serial killer. He’d managed to put an arrow in my shoulder, but in the end, it had only managed to piss off his boss. There wasn’t much turnover in the serial killer business—you either were one, or you were dead.

  I knew that the boss had given us a few days to recover, but that didn’t change his overall plan for people to die. He might not be doing it himself, but planning it was the same punishment even if he hadn’t gotten his hands dirty.

  Ryan had gone straight home, but had called frequently to make sure that we were safe. Jerome had wanted to come in and take care of me, but I’d convinced him that I needed some peace and quiet. Karen was going to stay with me, and I didn’t want a lot of people there fussing over me. When others were around, it was hard to put on a good face when you didn’t feel like it. Jerome and I were still new enough in our relationship that I didn’t want to feel that pressure when I was trying to heal.

  The doctor had referred me to someone in Dallas, but that appointment wasn’t until tomorrow. I’d been in the plane for only a few hours because my three unwounded colleagues had decided that it was better to
get me home as quickly as possible.

  Karen stood in the doorway as I tried to get comfortable. “Do you need anything?”

  “To catch the Zodiac Master.”

  She placed a hand on her hip. “A realistic one, please.”

  “Not really. Once these pills kick in and I stop thinking, then I should be good. Did you set the alarms?”

  “Yes, and I’ve asked your boss to check in occasionally just to make sure that we don’t get blindsided.”

  Stretching my legs felt so good. “I know it’s probably weird, but I don’t think he’ll hurt me unless he absolutely has to. He knows I’m hurt, and we closed this case a few days earlier, so there should be a slight lag before another killer steps up to fill the last one’s shoes.”

  “I’ll be able to stay a few days. The FBI requested me to watch over you, and my boss agreed.” Karen walked over to the blinds and closed them, casting the room into darkness.

  “Thanks for taking the time to come out and be my protection detail. I never thought I’d be in this position.” I gently moved, trying to find the most comfortable position.

  “Get some sleep.” Karen started to close the door. “Call out if you need help getting up, though I know that you’re more than capable. We need you back on your feet and not having to rest more because you didn’t ask for help in the first place.”

  “It’s not fair that you know me that well. I’m determined to catch this guy, and I’m not about to do anything that will be a setback in being released to work again,” I promised myself, while reassuring my sister at the same time.

  “You’ll get him. It may take a little longer than you’d like, but he wants to be caught.”