by Paris Morgan
Jerome was standing in the shade with his hands stuffed in his pockets. “Happy birthday, Leslie.”
Unsure of what to say, I just kept brushing Bella.
“Um, I was hoping that we could maybe talk.”
He looked so pitiful standing there, waiting for me to say or do something.
“I’m listening. Go ahead.”
“Yeah…I was hoping for something more private, but sure, we can talk here.” He looked even more uncomfortable as he tried to follow my movements around Bella’s body.
“So, I didn’t know you were going to be here when I came. If it makes you uncomfortable, I can go home and come back whenever you leave,” he offered.
“That’s kind of you, but there’s no need. This is a big enough place that we should both be able to be here without getting on each other’s nerves.”
“Right.” The toe of his shoe was drawing circles in the dirt. “It’s just…I don’t know how to get back to where we can at least talk to each other again. Do you ever see us getting to that point?”
“Maybe. Let’s see how we do just talking to each other civilly and start out on the friends level. I’ve got so much pressure from this case, which is why I’m out here taking a mental health break.”
“Are you okay, though?” Concern laced his voice as he moved out of the way for me to bring Bella back inside to her stall.
“Getting there. It’s just not fair to either of us to jump into something while we’re both working on becoming better people, you know?”
He looked a little disappointed, but he nodded in agreement. “It’s more than I deserve, and certainly more than I ever thought was possible, so I’ll take it.”
“Great. Let’s start with getting something for lunch. I’ve got two friends who would love to meet you.” I dusted my jeans off, trying to get any extra horse hairs off.
Chapter 11
Leslie
I could feel it in my bones. I knew that the killer was going to do something at the big dinner tonight. Other than telling everyone not to eat, there wasn’t much that I could do to stop it that wouldn’t cause a panic instead of helping to keep them all safe. After all the progress I’d made over the past month, and the resolution with Jerome, I still felt helpless against this killer.
The Zodiac Master might not be on the premises, but I’d felt his presence all month. What I couldn’t understand was how he was going to use a woman killer to take out a bunch of women. I was missing something. The past few weeks in the facility hadn’t felt like a cult or a killing club in the least.
Ryan and Adam both had my back and were searching the kitchen because I felt like today was the day. Doing something to the food would make the most sense for a mass killing. My birthday was over and was still alive. So far, that is.
“Leslie, what are you doing here instead of getting ready upstairs? Do you need help getting ready for the big dinner?” Kara threw an arm around my waist as she headed toward the elevator.
“Oh, you know me. I’m a no-frills kind of girl, so it doesn’t take me long to get ready.” I tried to hide the worry from her. I had really gotten to love her sweet, naïve personality.
“Well, that just won’t do. It’s a big event, and all of our families are coming to celebrate with us.” Her expression turned sad. “Some of the families that is. Hey, I’ll do your hair and make-up, then all you’ll have to do is slip your dress and shoes on.” She propelled me along with her.
“I was just—”
“Nope. I’m not going to let you imagine the world is ending tonight. You need to have some fun and let down your hair.” Kara let out a giggle as the elevator doors closed. “Or put it up in your case. Girl, you need to enjoy life. That’s what we’re all here for, learning how to reconnect and deal with grief. You’ve been doing so good. Don’t spoil it all by frowning.”
With a sigh, I gave in. Not because I really wanted to, but because she was right. Hovering over the event’s employees during setup wasn’t going to help keep them from trying to kill us all. There were probably just as many FBI agents in the room helping out as servers as there were actual employees of the Happy Hills Rehabilitation Facility.
Shelly joined us in the hallway just outside Kara’s door.
“Oh good, you found her.” Shelly’s hands were full of make-up bags and curling irons.
“What have I gotten myself into?” I muttered as they pushed me onto the stool in the bathroom.
***
Two hours later, I realized that they had been exactly what I needed. Some good old-fashioned girl time with the freedom to forget about all the other things going on around me. Opening the door to my room, I wanted to relax, but had been made to promise that I wouldn’t mess up my hair by smooshing it.
Instead, I sat in the chair and dialed my sister Karen’s number.
“Hey, sis, what’s up?” Tears filled my eyes at the sound of her voice.
“Oh, you know, just trying not to die and find a killer before the world ends. Nothing new, really.” I gave a fake laugh to cover my worries.
“Now, you know the rule, ‘no dying.’ It’s just not allowed in our family,” Karen reminded me.
“Yeah, yeah, but that doesn’t stop these killers from trying hard, does it?”
“Nope, it sure doesn’t. We have to do our job and stay alive. Aren’t Adam and Ryan there with you?”
Evidently, Agent Watson had been keeping my sister updated on things after my brush with death back in April.
“They’re both here, and so is someone else—Jerome.” I dropped his name and waited for the explosion to hit.
“Did he explain why he’s there?” Karen’s voice sounded cautious.
“Sort of. He gave me this spiel about how he missed me and was trying to come to terms with the fact that I’d moved on.”
“Did you believe him?”
“Yes and no. He seemed genuine in the fact that he wants to get over me, but it just feels like a set up because he’s at the same place I’m at. Too much of a coincidence. I’m a cop, and can’t help that I’m paranoid. We talked, though, and while I’d love to hook up with him again, I can’t take a chance that it would make him a target.”
“It’s the only place close to Dallas for people to go to who aren’t rehabbing from drugs or other stuff. There aren’t many facilities that deal with grief and emotions, which is why you went there in the first place, right?”
“True. He just seems like the forbidden fruit. Something I really want because the sex was good, but I have to have someone who can support me in everything.” I let out a sigh. “Obviously, I still have some things to work through, which could take my entire life. We’re going to stay in touch for now, and then when this is over, we’ll see how he handles just being friends.”
“One step at a time. Do you feel like you can come back to work? Are you mentally ready to start nailing the coffin on this zodiac bastard?”
The laughter coming from my mouth surprised me because it was genuine. It had been a while since it had erupted on its own.
“I’m going to take that as a yes,” Karen responded. “Maybe you’ve been around too many people that were just trying to make you feel better when what you really needed was someone to kick you in the ass and get you moving again.”
“So you’re volunteering as my older sister for the job, huh?”
“Duh. Who better to motivate you than your older sister? It’s been my job for a long time, and I’m not giving it to anyone else, so I think that means you’re stuck with me.”
“Right now, I’m completely okay with that, and you’re right. It’s been a little too happy around here. No one allows themselves to get mad or worked up, and sometimes we just need a hint of anger to get things going. Mwah.” I blew her a kiss through the phone. “I’ve got to get dressed and then go catch a killer. Call me in a couple days to make sure I survived, okay?”
“You got it. Whatever it takes to light a fire under your ass, I�
�m all for it. Go get ’em, sis.”
It didn’t take long to put my dress and heels on, but strapping my gun and a knife to my thighs proved a little more difficult.
There. I stood looking at my reflection in the mirror, ready to face whatever the evening held. This killer didn’t stand a chance.
***
As I descended into the ballroom, I felt like a princess waiting to find her prince. My instincts were on full alert for any possible threats, and there was no way that I could pretend not to care any longer.
I saw Shelly standing next to Kara as they held glasses of champagne and talked with a few other guests who had already started to gather in the large room.
Ryan stood off to the side, looking dashing in his tux as he kept an eye out for anyone that was going to try to ruin the evening.
My attention was distracted as I noticed Jerome enter from one of the doors leading to the patio.
I sucked in a gulp of air. He was gorgeous. It was going to be hard to maintain a platonic relationship with him when I had all these lovely memories. Hopefully, they would be enough to keep me warm through any lonely nights in my future.
Making my way to him, Kara spotted me before I could make a fool of myself. “Leslie, over here.”
“Saved by friends,” I muttered, moving toward her instead of Jerome and temptation.
“Thanks.” I took the offered glass and acted like I was sipping it. I honestly wasn’t going to be doing a lot of eating or drinking tonight.
Adam caught my eye and shrugged. They hadn’t found any reason not to have the dinner party tonight.
As the crowd got thicker, the more anxious I became. I could feel it, like there was a countdown, only I didn’t know how much time I had left.
The clock struck seven, and everyone turned in unison to the front of the room.
“Welcome, everyone. For many of you, this will be the last night you’re here at our Happy Hills Facility, which means that you’re ready to go back into the real world. For others of you, we are very happy to have you stay for as long as you need to gain mental clarity.” Patsy stood up on the slightly raised platform at the end so everyone could see her.
“Now, we’re going to have an amazing meal with your families, and then spend the rest of the night dancing to celebrate your journey to recovery. Enjoy yourselves.” She waved, and one of the attendants helped her off the stage.
Right then, the balloons that had been hiding in the ceiling were dropped, along with the confetti.
“Oh!” Kara squealed. “This is so much fun.” She twirled around as her hair quickly turned many different shades, colored with confetti.
“Leslie, I don’t feel so good.” Shelly grabbed my arm as she slipped to the floor.
“Shelly!” I yelled as I caught her, gently lowering her to the floor.
Her body started to convulse and shake. “Someone call 9-1-1!” I screamed, not even hearing the terror in my voice.
She wasn’t the only one in the room having this kind of reaction. All over, the residents were showing signs that something was seriously wrong.
I turned her on her side so that if she threw up from the seizure, it wouldn’t choke her as I moved on to help someone else that was on the ground.
Kara was holding her throat, gasping for breath as she choked, trying to get air through her swollen passageway.
The attendants were hurrying around, trying to help those who were showing horrible symptoms while their families stood around untouched by what was occurring.
“It’s not going to be enough,” I muttered. “Somehow they got past our watch, and now everyone is going to die.”
“Not everyone,” a deep voice behind me spoke as the sickly sweet smell of chloroform hit my nose. The world went black before I could do anything, and then I was being carried outside.
When I came to moments later, I was on a blanket in the back of a van with my hands tied in front of me by a twine rope. Similar to the dream or vision I’d had almost a month ago, but slightly different at the same time.
“Hello, Leslie,” the deep voice cooed from beside me.
I gave a start, jumping back from him.
“What do you want? Are you going to kill me in person so it gives you more satisfaction?” I tried to spit at him as my mouth rebelled, feeling more like a cotton ball that had dried out in the sun.
“Of course not. Why would I do that and give you the satisfaction of being right?” He shook his head in disappointment. “Now tell me, how did my Virgo killer get past all of your cops and their diligence with their checking of the food? Do you know yet?”
A growl escaped from my mouth as I bared my teeth.
“Ah. I’ll take that as a no.” He smiled below the masquerade mask he was wearing.
“Just because you’re hiding behind that mask, doesn’t mean I won’t figure out who you are.” I lunged toward him with my body, but his foot shoved me roughly against the side of the van, throwing my head back as I hit it with enough force to make my head ring.
“Behave, now. I can’t have you spoiling my fun. Everyone was given their vitamins this morning, but instead of vitamins, each pill held a lethal dose of fentanyl. When everyone was gathered, the remote that released the balloons also released the capsules into everyone’s bloodstreams, causing a massive reaction.”
Horror filled my features as I realized that no amount of emergency personnel or vehicles were going to save my friends from what this madman had done to them.
“Did you inform your killer that the capsules were deadly?” I carefully sat up, wishing I could rub my head, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing that he’d hurt me.
“No, that would have been too easy. She gave out the prescriptions in the same way as she did every day. Everyone in the building takes a multivitamin for their health, or in this case, their death. Honestly, this month’s killer only knew that she was going to take you out for me. She had no idea the damage she would cause by doing her job so well. Can’t be helped now, though, can it?” His smile grew as he took pride in the fact that he’d tricked another one of his recruits into committing murder.
“How are you feeling now, darling? Will you be playing anymore games with me, or will you start doing your job again? It’s too bad that Kara and Shelly had to be casualties of your actions. I might have spared them, but then again, you’re very headstrong and needed some personal motivation,” he tsked.
“Jerome even apologized, and has been trying to change who he is just for you. You’re so certain that you’re right that you’re not even willing to forgive him. Men don’t like change, Leslie. When a man changes like that, he does it because he can’t stand the thought of losing you. Oh well. I’m not going to leave you much time to worry over boys or relationships in the next few weeks, so it’s just as well that you’re only going to be friends with him. No point in testing his loyalty or willingness to change in the midst of a case like this.”
“Look, you have my attention. What do you want from me? Why not just kill me and let all these other people live their lives? I’d gladly give up my life if it would mean that you stopped trying to hurt other people.”
“Oh, Leslie, you completely misunderstand me. I’m not doing this to hurt others. I’m using what I’ve learned from my recruit’s kills as preparation for the future. You’re death wouldn’t be worth it. I need you alive to challenge me. Taking the life from people and seeing it fade away is certainly thrilling, but you’ve proved much more interesting. It’s like tuning into my favorite entertainment show each month to see who you’re going to throw off the island.”
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “No, I think I’ll leave you alive for a while longer. I just hope you can figure out which one of the people lying on the floor in there was the killer and not just a victim.”
That smell surrounded me again as he pulled a cloth out of a bag and waved it under my nose.
“Sweet dreams, my darling.”
&nbs
p; When I woke up in a strong pair of arms, I immediately started to struggle to get out.
“Whoa! Hold on there.” A familiar voice cautioned. “You’re going to be okay. I’ve got you.”
***
Another hospital room. Opening my eyes, confusion clouded my brain for just a second. The Zodiac Master had taken me, but then someone had been carrying me away from him.
“Ah, there she is.” Ryan’s voice brought my thoughts into focus.
“Who brought me here?”
Ryan gave Adam a pointed look as he started to explain.
“Everything was really crazy. We were trying to help those who were dropping around us, and we didn’t realize until you were already gone that he had you.”
I tilted my head, still confused. “Who do you think had me?”
“Well, Jerome said something about finding you collapsed in the parking lot, but…” His voice trailed off.
“You didn’t trust him. I knew the person carrying me away from the Zodiac Master was familiar.”
“Wait, did you say the Zodiac Master? As in, you were near him?” Adam stepped closer to the bed.
“Yeah. He or someone else did the actual deed for him, but I was knocked out and woke up in a van. He was there wearing a masquerade mask to cover his face while he talked to me. I’m going to have to talk to Lu about all the things he said. Most of it was hard to understand, because when I tried to grab at him, he pushed me back and I hit my head.”
“The doctor said you had a mild concussion, but that you were fine, unlike the others at the party,” Ryan added sadly.
“How many are dead?” I sat up with a grimace.
“Exactly thirty-one. I’m sorry, both Kara and Shelly didn’t make it,” Adam informed me.
“He had the killer give them vitamins, but the ones for today were capsules with fentanyl. When the remote released the balloons from the ceiling, it was programed to cause the capsules to burst. They never had a chance, and neither did we, no matter how vigilant we were.” I let out frustrated sigh. “When he talked, it was like he knew everything. The fact that I haven’t been giving a crap to lure him out or make him stop. All that time I could have spent working on the case instead of leading him down the wrong path.” I held my head in my hands, ashamed that I’d let him win again.
