Murders of the Zodiac Boxed Set

by Paris Morgan

  “How did we find it?”

  “Mr. John Reed had his people do some digging. Evidently, he was intrigued by the idea of a serial killer in the family, and wanted to meet him himself.”

  “I got a text message the other morning, and the person wasn’t happy with what we’d done. There wasn’t any way that we could help it, but he said we were even now.”

  “Leslie, that’s not good. He’s going to be gunning for you, and want you gone if you start threatening his family.”

  “Well, I can only hope not, but we still have to try to find him, and this is the only way I could think of to do that.”

  “All right. Well, you be careful too. I’ll call you back when we get done and let you know what we find.”

  Ryan and Adam had walked over to join me.

  “Who was that?” Ryan asked.

  “Our mutual friend who helped us out the other day.” I wasn’t going to say his name out loud, because I wanted to keep him alive, and not place a target on his head. “He’s found what he thinks is Henry Stevens’s location. They’re going to have S.W.A.T. check it out. I told him it might be a trap.”

  “Yeah, I would proceed with caution. There’s no way that he doesn’t know they’re coming for him.” Adam shook his head.

  “This is getting out of control,” Ryan groused. “Are we ready to get out of here ourselves?”

  “I think we should check out a couple of local tourist places before we go to our hotel,” I suggested with a wink.

  “While you two were doing other stuff, I asked the local guys, who were the top five guys that they hoped to put away if they could get enough evidence or that had walked away.”

  “And?” We waited expectantly.

  “There are three who have been tried and walked away. Two on domestic charges, and one with ties to the murder of a witness.” He waved a piece of paper. “And I have all of their addresses.”

  “Do we know when this woman is doing all of the murders? Are they all early in the morning or spread out?”

  “Most of them have been early morning. We know she did this one this morning, so she’ll either strike early or wait until tomorrow afternoon.” Adam checked an email from Martha to make sure.

  “We can split up and take a house each, and see if she shows up in the morning. If nothing happens by midmorning, then we can move on to plan B, whatever that is.”

  “Works for me, but can we get some food now?” Ryan asked. “I’m starting to feel my ribs being absorbed for energy.”

  “Yes, you poor thing. We don’t want you to waste away.”

  ***

  The next morning, we each took up positions that allowed us to watch the front of each house unobserved.

  I was getting antsy at about 9 a.m., when a slew of sirens went off and approached the house I was watching.

  When they pulled up and raced around to the back yard, I knew we’d been had.

  “Hey, guys, come and get me. She’s already hit our guy. He was out back instead of in the front, and there was no way I could have seen that.”

  “Crap. I swear they’re tracking us. We need to get examined and do a full body scan to make sure that we don’t have any extras,” Adam muttered in frustration.

  “We can do that when we get back to Texas, but for now, we need to find out how she did this one.”

  “Be there after I pick up Ryan.” Adam hung up.

  I felt a little bit of pride that not only had we managed to find out who her target was, but that she’d adapted enough to get around us. Whether she had help or not didn’t really matter.

  Here I was, thinking what a great job this serial killer had done, when she was the person responsible for killing Chris. I knew that he hadn’t done anything that needed justice, but from the perspective of a victim, when your attacker got off, then it might seem like he was the bad guy in the situation.

  From my perspective, I could only see it from the point of view of following the law, but that was easily put to the side when emotions came with it. That didn’t mean I wanted to let this woman off, but I wasn’t quite as mad at her as I had been only days before.

  After I announced myself to the police on the scene, I walked around to the back of the victim’s house. There, in large letters spray pained across the back of the house, were the words, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN.

  Ryan and Adam came around the side of the house to join me as we stood there and took in the meaning of her words.

  “She’s flying to another city,” I announced. “It’s like that movie where the kid is always one step ahead of Tom Hanks. He’s a pilot, doctor, and lawyer, I think.”

  “When do you have time to watch movies?” Ryan asked sarcastically.

  “When did you have time to date and get your fiancée knocked up?” I teased back.

  “Truce, you two. Let’s head to the airport.” Adam pushed us toward the front of the house where the car was parked.

  Airport security was very helpful, but her flight had already landed in Chicago. The name on her ticket was Samantha Pacific, but there wasn’t an address, just a P.O. Box.

  We hopped on the next plane, and hoped that this was at least her home town. At this point, anything was possible.

  Chapter 9

  Galen

  I’d gone back to the Romani family land where Flora and Shea were watching over Lex. The spirits shifted as I drove past the cattle guards and onto the ranch property.

  This wasn’t what most people thought of when they heard the words “Gypsy”, because that word had taken on such a racist meaning over the years that anyone of the Romani bloodlines would become offended immediately. Just because parts of their family moved around a lot, didn’t mean that a portion of their family didn’t build and settle into places to call their own.

  The entire place was cloaked in a shield that very few psychics would be able to break through. I felt a peace settle over me. We would be safe here, if they were truly okay with having us on their property.

  There was no need to worry about announcing myself. When I’d driven past the gate, an alert had sounded, letting everyone know that someone with gifts had come past their barrier.

  Flora was standing at the edge of what looked like a village of tiny homes. She got into the vehicle when I stopped.

  “Hey, we’re staying in the small house on the back of this row,” she directed.

  “Great. This place is so amazing.” I couldn’t get over how nice it was to have nothing beating at my brain.

  “It has that effect.” Flora smiled. “We’ll need to go visit my grandmother after lunch to let her determine if you can stay. They don’t normally let anyone with a gift stay here. You and Lex are an exception since I’ve vouched for you.”

  “In other words, don’t mess this up?” I understood their sense of caution, and hers as well. “I’ll try not to,” I promised. “How’s Lex doing?”

  “He’s still in shock. Grandmother met him, and they fell in love with each other. He’s so new to his gift being a good thing, that being surrounded by people who can at least sense it was a little overwhelming.”

  “I’m impressed by the absolute silence that accompanied me onto the property. I haven’t had this happen in years. Can they do this to places they don’t live?” I didn’t want to offer them money, because some people considered it rude to be offered a gift, but this would be so wonderful at my cabin.

  “That is something to be discussed with Grandmother, but considering what we’re dealing with, they may be willing to help out.”

  Parking the car in the empty space, I took a deep breath, inhaling the air around me as if I couldn’t get enough.

  “It’s pretty magical,” Flora whispered, enjoying my reaction.

  “They’re going to have a hard time getting me to leave.”

  “Nope. One word from my grandmother, and you’ll be flying through the air, trying to keep your head on straight.”

  “Best behavior,” I muttered.
/>   ***

  After lunch, a chime sounded, and Flora looked for a moment before speaking. “Grandmother will see you now.”

  “Oh, okay.” I hopped up and followed her out the front door.

  The ranch cabin wasn’t much different than my cabin, but it was much, much larger. Instead of deer or elk antlers hanging from the walls, huge steer heads covered several walls, giving the space an outdoor vibe while being inside.

  A small figure was sitting bundled up in a recliner, with a few other family members sitting around her.

  Without being told, I came in and took a knee in front of her, while keeping my eyes on the ground.

  “Come forward, brave one,” a dignified voice filled with strength commanded.

  I moved close enough that she could place a hand on my head.

  “Hmm, there is much confusion in you. You have been through many trials, and now are facing a much greater one ahead—parenthood.” She gave a rich laugh as she tilted my face to meet her eyes.

  “Ah, yes. You come from a strong family line of those with the gift. You’ve learned how to use it to battle against evil. That is good, but don’t let the evil overtake you.” With a nod, she gave her approval.

  “Have a seat, please.”

  “Thank you, ma’am,” I acknowledged the acceptance I felt in the depths of my soul.

  “You’ve come to us in a time of need. Normally, we don’t accept anyone not of the blood onto the property who has the sight. Ever since our Flora returned to us, the winds have brought rumors of a terrible evil. Your family has already contributed greatly to this fight, and protected our Flora.”

  “It looks like my brother has taken a fancy to her, and anyone who’s important to him, well…”

  “Family has a special meaning to you. Your son, Lex, is blessed to have discovered his father.” She waved away my concern. “The fact that you saved him from a horrible youth and believe in him, will overcome any of his unloved beginnings. He’ll grow to make you and your line strong and proud.”

  I let out a relieved sigh. “Thank you. Parenting is very nerve-wracking as I’m finding out.”

  The adults in the room chuckled.

  “We ask that during this time on our ranch, that you refrain from doing extras with your gifts. Communication is fine, but anything beyond that, we would prefer not happen. Sometimes things are beyond our control, but try your best.”

  “Thank you for this opportunity, and for helping us protect those that are precious to us.”

  “When your brother returns, I would like to meet him, and see if he’s good enough for our Flora.” She smiled, and I knew I was being dismissed.

  I turned and followed Flora back to the home we’d been given to stay in. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. You and your brother both took time from your lives and jobs to make sure that I was taken care of when I needed it. I think we’ll call it even.” Flora waved at several different people as she passed by. “We’ve connected on a unique level, and I think you might just be stuck with me for a while.” She gave a giggle as she ran up the steps in front of me.

  It was going to be hard to go home when the time came, but I had to at some point. If they went ahead and continued at the pace they were going, it wouldn’t be long before they were going to need the entire house to themselves. I hated being the third wheel, and this was shaping up into that kind of a situation.

  ***

  Everyone had gone to sleep when Lex let out an ear-splitting scream.

  We were sharing a room, and I had to climb up to the top bunk to shake him awake.

  “They’re going to die.” He pointed at the wall where he was seeing something no one else could.

  “Who?” I asked gently.

  “Leslie’s guys. The ones going after Henry. You have to stop them, it’s a trap. He’s watching, and when they go inside, he’s going to push the button.” Lex threw himself into my arms, sobbing. “Don’t let them die.”

  Flora and Shea were standing in the doorway.

  “Call Leslie now,” I ordered. “Tell her that Mac is in danger and they have to stop. It’s a trap.”

  Flora took me at my word and dialed Leslie, while Shea backed out of the room and called Ryan.

  “Leslie, your friend Mac is walking into a trap. He’s going to kill them all. Call him now,” Flora spoke hurriedly before hanging up.

  We could hear Shea explaining to Ryan what had happened, and why they needed to warn him.

  “He says Leslie can’t get a hold of him. She’s going to keep trying, and Adam’s calling in some reinforcements who may be able to get them a message.”

  I watched Lex to see if he had noticed what we were saying, but while his sobs had calmed down, he still wasn’t completely back to normal.

  Thirty minutes later, Lex lifted his head off my shoulder. “It’s over. I’m not sure what happened, but I’m not getting the danger warning anymore. Can I sleep with you, Dad?”

  “Sure.” I scooped him up and put him on the lower bunk. Laying his head on my shoulder, there wasn’t anything we could do but wait for word that they’d been able to save them.

  When his breathing evened out, I laid his head on the pillow and snuck out to the living room.

  “Any word?” Both women shook their heads no.

  “Ryan hung up and hasn’t called back either. I’m not sure what to think.” Shea sniffled as she sat there in the semi darkness. “I knew that if I married him, it was going to be hard, but this is much worse. It was always a possibility that he might not come home, but that was a much less chance than now. Someone is actively trying to kill him on a daily basis.”

  Flora stiffened. “They’re okay, but the person they’ve been looking for just turned up.”

  She picked up the phone, but it was to call Adam.

  “I’m not sure where you are in relation to Leslie, but she needs you now.”

  She nodded, and then gave a sigh of relief. “I’ll let them know. Call us when you’re headed back.”

  “Mac and his team are safe. They felt something wasn’t right at the last minute, and then the house blew up. They’re all safe. I called him because Leslie’s having a breakthrough, and her psychic powers are about to explode from her bottled up emotions. They should be home tomorrow.”

  “So it’s over for this month?” Shea asked hopefully.

  “Let’s just say they’ll be back, and we hope that things turned out the way they need to, and they don’t have to run off again. Leslie is coming back for Mac.”

  ***

  Chapter 10

  Sam — Chicago

  I’d managed to travel and follow all of the Zodiac Master’s rules. Each time the bullets had hit the target, it got a little easier knowing that I was helping to rid the world of horrible people. I never thought I’d be a hitwoman, but we all make choices, and this was the only way I’d be able to live with myself.

  Back in my home town of Chicago seemed a little surreal as I drove down the street where it had all happened. I’d been living in a different part of the large city because it was in my blood. This was where I’d put down roots, fallen in love, scraped my knees, and buried my parents.

  Even the summer’s extreme heat was part of what made this my home. The Zodiac Master had paid for my trip around the country, and while it wasn’t a glamourous trip, it had gotten a few things off my bucket list.

  While I’d managed to keep the FBI and the Texas detectives off my trail, I’d noticed that they’d shown up shortly after the last four sets of murders. Even though I’d been moving from city to city, they were gaining ground.

  Yesterday, I’d received a text message from the ZM to cover my tracks better because they were coming for me.

  I’d come home, filled with determination to finish the mission. He had to die and pay for the things that he’d done to me and our child.

  With no illusions left about his innocence, I pulled up a short way down the street from his home. Ev
en after the incident, he’d continued to live there. He’d remarried, and was probably abusing her in the same manner that he had me. I was doing the world a favor.

  He held no more sway over my life, but I’d gotten so used to hiding from him that it was second nature to double check that my hair was a different color, and that my face stayed hidden from view.

  If he had seen me even six months ago, I’d have cowered and slunk away, hoping that I could make it out of his path without damage. Now I was confident that he would pay for this, and even if he did recognize me, it wasn’t going to matter because he was going to be dead moments later.

  I sat up and pulled the hoodie off. It was time to face the music.

  Around five thirty, a car pulled up and he got out of the passenger side, waving to the driver as if it was any other day of the week. Tomorrow was the date that he’d taken my baby’s life and ruined mine. He didn’t seem to even care that while my life had fallen apart, his continued with his regular schedule.

  The door to his house opened, and a woman who looked a lot like me stood in the doorway with a baby on her hip. He didn’t even miss his first family because he’d replaced us.

  I watched as he kissed them and made his way inside. Pounding the steering wheel in frustration, I realized that other people were coming home, and I needed to be low-key so that I didn’t attract attention.

  He’d get his in the morning before he left for work. His birthday would never be the same again.

  ***

  The longer days helped me to spend a few extra hours watching my old house before I had to leave to take care of other people who had to pay for their evil ways.

  My next subject was only two miles away, but the difference was night and day. Nicer homes stood out on a tree-lined street, with fences blocking off the individual properties. Gone were the duplexes and condominiums pushed together to get more people in the same small spaces, and instead were spacious houses filled with expensive items.