by A P Morgan
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 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 first. 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 a bow 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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-Alathia Paris Morgan
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