Greig waited for the school bell ever more impatiently, his right knee bouncing like it was about to hammer a hole in the concrete underneath him. Football practice had been cancelled due to severe weather. He doesn’t mind though because he has a hookup planned for the evening. Bianca Alstead was by all accounts not the typical hook up though. She keeps mostly to herself sense her younger brother Milton killed himself.

He had wanted to join the football team last year so, like with all the new kids on the team, he was put through the hazing. The seniors made the newbies get specific girls in school drunk until they passed out, then had to film themselves having sex with the passed-out girls. Milton was a soft-hearted kid and couldn’t do it. Not only did he chicken out, but he told the girl what the seniors were doing.

Greig and the rest of the seniors made life hell for Milton after that, Putting dead rats in his locker. Hitting him extra hard on the field. One day they even broke his leg. That injury finally got him off the team after that they kept up the assaults even jumping him in the locker room just two days before he took his life. The little ass bag never even said a word to his folks he just took the beating. His scalp got split open when Rodrick, their quarterback hit Milton with a baton, he took from his dads police car.

Finally, the bell rang almost leaping from his chair, he didn’t even stop to put his backpack away in his locker. He couldn’t wait until his date with Bianca, the last girl had been terrible in bed having still been a virgin, she had no clue what to do. The only thing that was even remotely good was the anal and she cried for an hour after they were done. He hated crying chicks it ruined the mood. Greig made his way through the student parking lot zig zagging like he was racing around invisible linebackers. He finally reached his car at the edge of the lot, he always parked further away so he forced himself to put in more exercise to keep his weight consistent. He jumped into the 2005 Honda civic, it looked perfect with chrome window tint. As he was about to start the car, he noticed some small ball-like object sitting on the dash just above the steering wheel.

“What the hell.”

A sharp pain in is rectum made him jump upward, he tried to get out of his car, but the doors were locked. He tried to force the door, unable to do so he went for his phone to dial 911. The pain was spreading into his gut which was expanding making it harder to breath. “911 what’s your emergency?” the ladies voice was calm then became concerned when he began wheezing, then crying uncontrollably. Just before he was about to pass out his stomach exploded onto the dashboard and windshield. Thirty feet away in the woods stands a shadow that disappears like a ghost in the wind.

The police find Greig’s body in his car an hour later. His intestines look stretched and bloated with sections of it being blown open. Bits of his lunch are sitting in his lap, pizza. His body is packed up into a body bag and taken to the coroner’s office for autopsy. Joselin Rosario began the long process of noting all the young man’s injuries. “Joselin Rosario on the autopsy of Greig Herold. The victim is seventeen and well developed. From what I can see someone forced a two-inch-thick cylinder up the rectum that then was used to pump co2 into his body.”

After finishing her report which took three days, just to make sure she was right about the co2 she placed it on the desk of police Sargent Denis Marko. Joselin had seen some horrific things, but this took the cake. “Denis whoever did this really hated this kid.”

Denis, a thirty-six-year veteran on the force looked up from his computer screen to take in the coroner. Her hair was matted on one side from sleeping at her desk. Her makeup made trials down her cheeks and the bags under her eyes show just how hard it was for her to do the autopsy. “You look like hell,” he said as he stood to give her a seat. “I’ll get you some coffee.”

Denis came back after a few minutes with her favorite mug in the office. It said simply, “coffee is king.” Marko looked pretty good for someone who just hit sixty Joselin thought. Taking a long sip of what they both considered to be life’s nectar, Marko couldn’t help but feel bad for the good doc. Her son was only dead a year and now she had to autopsy another teenager, it’s enough to make anyone’s nerves come unglued.

“I know it’s tough seeing another kid on the table, especially in such horrid circumstances. I don’t want you to overdo it, maybe let someone else deal with this case. You have several other qualified members in your staff that can take over.”

“No, I want to make sure this kid gets justice for happened to him.”

 “Alright sense you won’t let it go then maybe you and Bianca can come for dinner this weekend blow off some steam on the farm. I’ll even cook us up some dinner.”

“You’ve been so kind to us sense Milton died. Ok we’ll be their make sure to have plenty of wine handy possibly a case of tissues.” With that Joselin rose to her tired sore feet, kissed Marko on the cheek and headed for home. She needed a bath, big glass of wine perhaps she would even stop and get some Chinese food on the way home. It was Milton’s favorite, and it was after all March 2^nd, 2005, the one-year anniversary of his death. Maybe that had been why this case in addition to the victim being a teenager was hard for her to process.

Four days had passed sense Greig Ballski was found dead in his car. No physical evidence had been found, no one was seen on the school cameras. And absolutely no one liked this kid save a few seniors he played on the football team with. It took a lot of favors, but he got Greig’s school records which tells the tale of him almost being expelled. The seniors all had been exposed for planning to have all of the sophomores film themselves having sex with drunken girls.

They all got off on a technicality. Only two people testified at the trial Patrice Langered and Milton Alstead. This just got way more complicated. Did one or both of the girls go after this guy out of revenge?

Marko sorely hoped the girls had nothing to do with this, that he was reaching for straws. Marko drove by the school on his way home just to look at one last thing. He pulled into the parking lot and swung around to where Greig’s car had been parked.

A person didn’t go through this amount of trouble unless they wanted to see their handy work in action. They had to have watched from close by like perhaps the tree line. There just so happened to be a walking trail that ran from the school to downtown.

 He thought maybe he should check it out, but it was getting late, and the day had been tiring. He knew what he would do, he’d have the rookies search it first thing in the morning. Besides he wanted to have a chat with the girls about what he found out. It would give him a chance to gauge their responses.

Hazel eyes watched as the detective peered into the trees trying to see the truth. He was a good soul not to be taken, but he couldn’t be allowed to interfere. One of the others must be blamed for the deaths. Perhaps the king or the wizard. Thinking and planning must be done for tonight the oath breaker will met his fate. 

Later that night after dinner had been eaten and dessert was baking in the oven. Marko squirmed in his seat, now feeling unsure about what he had to ask the girls. His face was hot, palms sweaty. It had to be done if only to assure himself of their innocence.

“I found something on the case,” he says abruptly. Trying not to make eye contact right away.

“You mean the Greig Ballski case?” Joselin asks.

“Yes. Bianca, you knew him, didn’t you?”

“Not well I knew he was on the football team.”

“It’s more than that your brother testified at his trial.”

Joselin’s face began to contort as though her brain were putting the puzzle together. “You mean he was one of the bully’s responsible for Milton’s suicide?” Joselin asked.

“I Believe so yes. His name was never put in the press because the case had been dismissed before he could be questioned in court. The Ballski attorney filed for his case records to be sealed. I only got a copy because of his murder.”

Bianca’s face was getting red, and her fist were clinched. She got up from the table and headed for the door. Marko however interceded keeping an arms distance.

“Did you know about his involvement with the hazing and bullying of your brother?”

Tears streamed down her face, her shoulders slumped, and her hands hung limp at her sides. She turns back to face her mother. “I only found out two weeks ago. There were rumors, but I never knew anything concrete until two weeks ago. He was overheard by a friend of mine jenny, talking about how he and the others got away with way more than just hazing. Because their parents had good lawyers, they were able to make a deal that kept them from serving time.”

“Did you have anything to do with his death?”   

“No! I would never do that. I was planning on scaring him though. I was going to  go on a date with him, drug his drink and leave him naked on the walking trail. I was going to hide in the bushes playing strange noises while recording him freaking out.”

Joselin got up from the table and embraced her. “It’s ok my darling.” Bianca let the tears fly letting her mother’s arms protect her like a cocoon. It took an hour for her calm down, but she eventually fell asleep on the couch. Marko and Joselin stood on the back porch looking over the valley.

“Will there be charges?” finally comes the question. It had been looming in the air like a hornet ready to sting.

“I don’t think so, at least nothing that will go on record. She never carried out her plans and she’s still under eighteen so if there are it will be light. I’ll see to it she is given probation or community service. She was hurting from emotional distress they’ll take that into account.”

Glenn Lar walked in the front door of his house. He placed his keys and wallet in the tray his wife kept on the desk in the living room. The house was quiet, too quiet. From the Livingroom you can see into the kitchen. Pots and pans were out for cooking, the table is set, food lay on the counter ready for prep.

Glenn felt a sharp sting on the neck then his vision goes blurry. His knees give way falling onto the cold stone floor, still conscious but unable to speak or move.

“I know about your sins councilor. You let those boys go without punishment all so you could further your career.” The voice is low, harsh, and very deep. “You’re going to die very soon, but first you’re going to suffer. You’re going to suffer the way all the victims suffered.”

He was dragged into his garage where he could just make out that his family. They were sitting up against the wall next to his sparce and rarely used workbench. He thought perhaps they had been killed at first but as he go closer, he could see they were still breathing.

“I’m not as cruel as you councilor they won’t see this or hear it. I’ve assured they’ll remember nothing of this ordeal. But your wife will likely be the one to find your body. I only take those who have earned being taken. Your family is innocent and ignorant of your crimes.”

The man drives a knife into Glenn’s heart quickly. It burns while also being so very cold. His vision blurs before just being completely dark. The last thing to go is his hearing, the sound of boots leaving and the whistling of a tune, pop goes the weasel.    

Harold Bagwell sat behind his hand-crafted mahogany desk. The sun slowly drifted away eastward; the red tint was beautiful. Sunset always reminded him of when he met his current wife. They were both in marriages they wanted to be out of, her husband was a mid-level salesman that worked for his company.

His first wife had become boring, there no longer existed any mystery between them. She had lost her looks and was never in the mood for sex. They did have two children together, so he made sure she had a comfortable life. She got a house in her hometown and a Mercedes. “Tap, tap, tap.”

“Come in.” The door opens to reveal a tall older man. His hair receded leaving only the sides and back. He walked with a slight hunch from an injury received in the line of duty. Former officer of the law now head of Harold’s security Dan Bishop. “Sir I’m sorry to bother you but there is a Detective Marko here to speak with.”

“Show him in Dan.”

Harold stands extending a hand to Marko, who does the same. He’s about the same age as Dan but in much better physical shape. He carries himself with confidence, his grip is very firm with calloses that line his hand.

“Thank you for seeing me Ms. Bagwell.”

“I always have time for the law Detective.”

“Just the same thank you. Look I don’t want to waste your time and time is of the essence. I’m sure you’ve been following the news lately, about the boy who was killed at the school. I’m sure you have also heard about the DA and his family being found dead in their home.”

“Is there a question in that?”

“O, yes, your son I believe was friends with the boy. And they were both last year brought up on charges of rape, aggravated assault.”

“Those charges were all dropped, and those files were sealed. How did you get them?”

“Yes, well you see when the first victim was murdered his files were unsealed. This led me to the information that your son had been part of this trial.”

Harold is visibly angry. His jaw is clenched, his face red. “Are you accusing my son of something?”

“No, not at all I’m simply piecing the puzzle together. I’m trying to find all the connections so I can get this killer off the streets. I feel because of the connection your son has to the victims he may be in danger.”

Harold seemed to relax a little at this statement. But he was absolutely hiding something. His brow was sweaty, he shifted his weight in a nervous manor. “Now if there is anything that pertains to this case that help us find the killer and protect your son, please share it with us,” Marko said.

“Look I don’t know what you have in your file, but I can assure you that my son had nothing to do with what went down in that case.”

Marko sighs then begins to walk to the door. He stops, turns back to Harold, and says, “Whoever is behind these murders will continue until caught. The police can’t help you unless you’re honest about what you know.” Then he leaves Harold to stew over, being confronted about his son’s behavior.

Dan accompanies Marko to the front lobby. Dan reaches out his hand to Marko who shakes it. Dan passes him a note. “If I hear anything I’ll pass it on detective.”

“Thanks Dan and maybe once this case solved and the murderer is behind bars, we can grab a beer.”

“I think I would like that.”   

Marko walked to his car, a 2002 dark gray Crown Vick. It paint has faded in places and the seats have begun to tire. But he had heated seats. For an older man such as himself that was a gift on his back. After he getting into his car, he opened the note. Only a name was written down, Candice Lovely. Perhaps he had a solid lead now, or they were trying to throw him off the trail.

Either way he would need to look into the name. He hoped that he could catch this killer before more people lost their lives. To many had been lost due to negligence and sweeping things under the rug. Before he could put the name into his computer his phone rang.

“Detective Marko. Another body! Send me the address.”

Marko arrives at the home of attorney Glenn Lar. “Where is the body?” he asks officer Bradly.

“In the garage detective, Sargent Tyler is taking a statement from the wife and the children went with the grandparents.”

Moving through the house, taking note of the uncooked meal, the keys on the floor, and the fact that there aren’t any blood stains in the carpet. “Ambushed here and drug into the garage. Killer was carful not to make a scene where neighbors might see.” He says to himself.  

Glenn Lar was laid on his own workbench a pool of blood on the floor underneath it. No defensive marks, it was quick, and he never had a chance. Joselin’s assistant a mostly quiet young man whose most striking feature was his hazel eyes. Greeted Marko with a smile. “Hello detective. Ms. Lar here took a single stab wound to the chest, we won’t know for sure, but it looks like a knife possibly a combat, or survival variety. The blow was quick and precise the murderer would have to be pretty strong as well to get past the chest bone.”  

“Was anything left around or on the body?”

“Just this,” he hold up a bag with a bloody round object number one to twenty just like the first murder. “Might belong to one his kids though d20’s are pretty common around most household now adays.”

“D20?”

“Yeah, they’re used to play ttrpg’s, or tabletop role playing games.”

“Or the killer left it because it has significance to him.”

“Well, we’ll get the body processed and send the report over in a day or two.”

“Thanks, what was your name?”

“Theodore. Theodore Caskie.” 

When Marko pulled into the driveway of 201 Barbra drive, there were seven state trooper cars along with the four local police cars. The chief of police was standing just at the entrance of a small shack, that seemed to be held up only by the large oak tree growing in the center of it.

Paramedics wheel out a body of small stature. Behind them four very bruised officers dragging a huge bald man. He stands at least seven and half foot tall, he’s well built with a gnarled face. He’s missing his left eye and has what looks to be a very scared claw mark over the left side of his face.

“I didn’t do it! She wasn’t here when I went to bed!” He cries out, but his cries are falling on def ears. “We’ll see what the DA has to say about that.” Chief Clark says. “Get him to the station and keep it quiet, the last thing we need is a media circus.” 

Piles of junk lay strewn across the yard. Old push mowers, riding mowers, motorcycles, and a few rusted out pickup trucks. “Chief what’s the deal with this guy? Is there some connection to the other murders?” Marko asks.

“We got an anonymous tip that Ms. George here was seen at both crime scenes. And when we got here, we found him passed out on top of the girl’s body booze were all over him. There is a small workshop out back here where we found the remains of a device much like what killed our first victim. He was also in possession of a weapon that matches the dimensions of the one used on the former DA.”

“Do we have an id on the girl?”

“Her driver’s license says Candice Lovely.”

“Candice Lovely?”

“Does that mean something to you Marko?”

“Yeah, I was given a tip by a retired officer Dan something. He said she knew something about what was going on. Possibly who targeted the victims.” 

“Well given the overwhelming evidence I think we can safely assume we’ve got our killer.”

“You don’t think this is just a bit to covenant? Our killer seemed to be far more sophisticated, they took their time. They use coercion not brute force with the DA and his family. Ambush tactics with our first victim.”

The chief looks sternly at Marko. “Detective we have our killer and that’s that. I want you to go back to the station do the interview. I want his confession on my desk in the morning one way or the other. Do you get my drift?”

“Yes sir.” he says in defeat. Marko wasn’t about to railroad an innocent man, however. But the chief didn’t need to know that. He followed his orders and went back to the station. Grabbing his coffee cup and some crackers from the break room he goes to his desk to look up Ms. George’s history.

“Arrested for theft and disorderly conduct. Nonviolent? This guy runs from conflict he is not our guy,” He said out loud to himself. DA Lar prosecuted the theft case. Candice was his cousin. But there is no connection to the first victim. The DA pushed for the maximum sentence of 10 years.

George lost his eye while in prison when he was attacked by an unknown assailant. They used sharpened makeshift brass knuckles in the attack. The Prison guard who found him was Daniel Wachowski. Several months later Wachowski was beaten to with an inch of his life. His back and right shoulder were broken. Ms. Georges cousin sued the state to have him moved to a mental facility.

“Well, isn’t that something.”

Marko made his way to the interview room. George was sitting in with his head in his massive hands sobbing uncontrollably. One of the officers standing guard looks like he’s very uncomfortable with all weeping. “What a piece of work right detective. This guy kills some people and now he wants to cry.”

“Well, officer you’d be crying to if someone framed you for murder and killed the only person who cared about you.”

“But we found him with the body and evidence.”

“All of which was staged for our benefit. That’s the deference between me and you, I ask all the questions not just the easy ones. That’s also why you’ll never make detective.” The officers face was flush, and he was about to say something, but Marko went into the room before he could get it out. He made sure to slam the door behind him to make his point drive home.

“George, can you answer some questions for me?”

“I didn’t hurt Candy. She was my family.”

“I know you didn’t that’s why I’m here. I need to know who would want to hurt Candice. Why they would frame you for her murder.”

“Candy help George get out of prison and go to nice place where they let me make things. I like making things it keeps me happy.” He said as he wipes snot on his sleeve that had covered most his lips and chin. This was a man who had less than average awareness of his situation. He knew he was in trouble, but Marko had the notion he may have a form of mental disability.

“George I’m going to call a doctor to come talk to you. Is that, ok?”

“Yeah,” he said with a sniffle. “Is Candy coming to pick me up after?”

“We’ll see she may be pretty busy so you might have to stay at the nice place for a while.”

“Ok, I like the nice place they let me build things.”

With that Marko left the room and headed back to his desk to call the local mental hospital. Rose Meadow Pines. They often took care of those who couldn’t manage without some help, but still wanted a measure of independence. An older man answered the phone in a very cheerful tone.

“Rose Meadow Pines were we help your loved ones live with dignity.”

“Yes, this is Detective Marko with the Chesterfield police. I’m calling in regards to a former patient by the name of George Tasset.”

“O yes, I remember him he was such a nice young man, loved building things outa spare parts. Has something happened?”

“I can’t get into the details, but could you have his doctor come see me at the station tomorrow first thing in the morning.”

“You bet I’ll leave a message after this call. I’m sure if there’s anything George needs the doctor would be more than willing to help.” 

Marko wakes up after sleeping at his desk for the past four hours. His neck and back are stiff as bricks and his head is pounding from the neck pain. He had poured over every bit of every case that involved the victims. The only thing that connected them all was one case. It was a hazing case most of the records are sealed because of miners being involved.

Craning his neck around to see if the chief had made it to his office yet, which didn’t seem to be the case. He glimpses a sight to behold. There is a Latina woman mid to late fifties wearing a very smart gray suit. One of the other officers points to him and she makes her way over.

“Detective Marko?”

“That is me. You must be doctor…?”

 “Helena Sanchez. I was George’s doctor when was with us at the meadow. Where is he now? You weren’t exactly clear as to what was going on with him.”

“I’m afraid he’s in a holding cell. He’s been accused of murdering serval people, including his cousin Candice Lovely.”

Her face was somewhere between confused and terrified. She began shaking her head. “No, that doesn’t sound right. He was never violent at any point even when his own parents beat him, he always refused to fight back.”

“Why is that?”

“When he was young, around fourteen, a bully at school had been tormenting another student. George, being the kind soul he is, went to help but didn’t realize just how strong he was. He shoved the bully who fell and broke his arm. George only meant to stop the bullying, not harm anyone. He was mortified at what he had done, and after that day he never stood up for himself or anyone else for that fact. His brain never fully developed because his mother was taking heroin while she was pregnant.”

“What level of development are we talking here?”

“George still sees himself as an eight-year-old boy. He doesn’t have the ability to speak for himself in a legal capacity. That’s why Candy was taking care of him.”

“Where they were living wasn’t much better than living on the street.” Marko says.

“She was going to school to become a nurse. She was hoping to work with others like George and their families, in hopes of helping the world understand that people like him could still contribute to society. She was quite good it’s. A shame such brilliant young woman has been taken before she should have been.”

Once pleasantries and explanations had been exchanged the pair made their way to the cells. Officer Bradly from the night before was strangely standing at the hallway door, his eyes darted back and forth. He was sweating and his face was contorted in anxious terror.

“Bradly your shift ended almost three hours ago why are you guarding the cells?” Marko barked.

“Just picking up some extra hours the chief said it would be ok.”

“Where’s the chief has he come in; I didn’t see him in his office.” Made more as probing statement than a question.

“O sure he’s with the prisoner now. Just asking him some more questions that’s all.”

“Move aside then this is George’s doctor and she’s come to assess his mental state.”

“I’m sorry but I have strict orders for none to go back there.” Bradly was now even more nervous shifting from side to side. His breathing became quicker. Marko stepped up close to him. “Move officer or I’ll move you myself.”

He decided it wasn’t worth the fight and moved to the side. As they got closer, they could hear whimpers and the sound of wet thuds. When they got to the cell Marko couldn’t believe what he was seeing, the chief beating poor George with a bar of soap in a pillowcase.

“STOP THAT!” Helena shouted just before another blow could be delt. “How dare you hurt this poor boy in such a manor!”

“Who are you to come into my station and demand anything?”

“Sir you need to put the pillowcase down and step out of the cell. I’m going to need your gun and put your hands behind your back.” Marko placed his hand on his own gun.

“You really think you can arrest the chief of police Marko?”

“You don’t deserve that badge sir. Now step out and put your hands behind your back.”

Helena knelt down to check on George whose face looked like a bunch of grape’s all knotted and swollen. His cries got more desperate pleading for it to all stop. “Shh it’s ok George doctor H is here. Take my hand let’s get you onto the bed ok, then I’m taking you back to the nice place.”

“I like the nice place, I get to build things,” he’s trying to hold back his tears.

It takes Helena a few minutes to get poor George cleaned up after which she takes him back to the hospital. Marko puts the chief in the same cell he had just beat George in. Marko wanted him to face his stupidity.

A shadow moves through the night leaving behind it’s rage as it slashes Dan across the back. Blood spills onto the ground in a torrent, his legs buckle the strike nicked his spine. He screams but no one can hear his cries for help, and his killer is indifferent to his pleas for mercy.

“Why, why are you doing this?”

“Because you took what didn’t belong to you. and because you serve my enemy the Lich King.”

Dan struggles to get his eyes to focus on the hooded face. His head is spinning, and one eye is swollen from getting hit by the pummel of the figures sword. “You, but you’re supposed to be.” The gnarled blade sinks into his chest and twists destroying his heart. Rain begins to pour down, lighting arcs across the sky. “The matron’s will be done,” The figure says.

Dan’s body is run through with a large stake then hoisted up for display. Now only the lich kings inner circle remain. The fool, and the false knight. Once they have been delt with the lich king and his simulacrum can be delt with. But first his phylactery must be destroyed, or he may rise yet again.

A second shadow appears as if emerging from the air itself. “We are ready for our next phase. There has been one small development, however. The Ogre has been taken into custody and his caregiver has been slain.”

“We must move quickly if our attack on the phylactery is to be successful. As for the Ogre, we must leave his fate to the Paladin. If our plans come to fruition his caregiver will not have died in vain.”

The two shadows fade into blackness leaving no trace to follow. No witnesses to their execution of justice upon an unjust wretch. Night turns into day. Light beams down onto the now stiff body of Dan Wachowski as if creating a beacon to lead others to its display.

Mayor Frank Lazlo stormed into the police station demanding to speak with Marko. However, Marko had already called the governor’s office asking for the FBI to get involved. Given the high profile of the case and the many strange things surrounding this case, the FBI obliged and were sending four agents to help.

“You want to tell me why you’ve arrested your superior officer and went over my head to the Governor’s office and FBI?”  

“Because he beat a man in the cell who was innocent of any crimes and doesn’t have the mental capacity to defend himself! Let’s not get started on the fact that you, the former DA, and chief Clark put this kid away for almost ten years. FOR CRIME’S HE DIDN’T COMMIT!”

“How dare you raise your voice at me detective. I am the mayor of this town.”

“Not for long. Get a good lawyer mayor your about to go on a long holiday.” Every other cop is staring at the two men not sure what to do or say. “All of you get back to work. Until the FBI get here as senior officer, I have taken command of the station. And as for you. pointing at Lazlo get out before I put you in lock up with your friend.”

Marko felt like his head might explode from the tension. But he takes a deep breath and forces himself to calm down. Half of the twenty officers were giving him the stink eye. while the other half were just confused about how to handle what has transpired over the last twenty-four hours. “Charlie.”

“Yes detective?”

“I need you to gather every single case file we have on the Bagwell’s, and anything to do with George Lovely.”

“Do you want it brought to your desk?”

“No, take it to the conference room please. I’ll be setting things up for the FBI and I want everything they need ready to go when they arrive.”

This case had been very hard on Marko. So much so he’d decided this would be his last case on the force. He was tired of seeing firsthand death destroy families. He just wanted to ride his horses, while spending time with Joselin and Bianca. Maybe he still had a chance to have a family even if it was tragedy that brought them together.

From behind him Marko hears the clanking of heels. He swings his chair around to meet the gaze of Joselin. She was dressed in her normal work attire. She holds in her hands a manila folder.

“I found something interesting in miss Lovely’s autopsy. She was killed with poison.”

“Poison?”

“It was mixed in with the last things she drank, coffee.

“Which means whoever poisoned her had access to where she worked.”

Harold sat Watching the camera footage of Dan being set upon by two cloaked individuals. It was like something out of a medieval movie. One thing stood out to him; they had walked into view not driven. Dan took a blow to his face from the taller one, then he took off running into the wooded area south of Bagwell industry’s.

The shorter one turns to the camera and looks right at it. The eyes glow a deep burning red. Then they raise a hand crossbow shooting it out. Harold let’s out an angry, “Ahh!” And pounds his fist one the desk. Two more security guards come into his office. “Sir.”

“What is it?!”

“We found him sir, and you should see this.”

“Is he alive?”

“No, sir he, well, you should just come and see for yourself.”

They take a jeep through the off-road trails that run through the property. They come to a small pond that Harold and Dan spent time fishing at. There he was stripped naked hanging from a spike in the ground. Harold rubbed his faced breathing deeply. “Get him down from there and bring him back to the warehouse. And will someone get the damn chief of police!”

As he drove through the muddy trail, he saw heavy smoke rising from the warehouse. He picks up his speed causing the jeep to spin a bit. By the time he’s gotten back to the parking lot people have scattered the entire warehouse has erupted in flames. He stops one of the workers grabbing them by the arm swinging them around to face him.

“What happened?”

The young man tore his arm free then said, “Someone set fire to vats in the south of the building. Security has called the fire department.” Then he continues to run with the rest of the crowd. Why would someone set fire to his warehouse? What game are these people playing at?

Over the next eight hours all he can do is watch all his work go up in flames. He knows how hot those chemical vats can burn they won’t be able to put them out with fire trucks. Detective Marko made his way over after talking with fire chief.

“No one it seems was killed in the fire, just some burns and smoke inhalation. I’m told you found your head of security dead this morning.”

“Yes, someone attacked him last night as he left. But all the footage was in there.” He points to the now mostly pile of melted metal building.

“If there is anything you haven’t told me now is the time.”

“I’ll only speak to chief Clark were, is he?”

“In a jail cell.” Marko says casually.

“It looks like the mayor may be heading there soon as well.”

Panic begins to set in. It sits on him like a boulder. “O.” is all he can muster in response not wanting to give anything away he asks to be excused.

“Sure, mister Bagwell, but I would make myself available for questioning tomorrow. I’m sure the FBI will be interested to know why you’ve been targeted in such a way. And what your connection to the murders that have been going on the last week.”

Harold nodded and made his way to the jeep. He had to get out of town before whoever this is gets to him. He had more than half a million in his home safe as well as backups of all the companies current projects. After getting a few miles away he began to feel the tension let up a little. Then a face popped into his rearview causing him swerve. “What are fuck are you doing in my jeep!?” he screams.

“Just keep driving home Harold.” He says the tone is callused and sinister.

“I know you. You’re the one who told me someone set fire to the vats!”

“Yes Harold, and before you ask. Yes, that was me.”

“Why, what did I do you?”

“It will all be explained by the historian. For now, just focus on the task at hand, drive home.” A gun is put to the back of his head.

“Why should I do what you say?”

“Because I can always kill you now and jump out.”

“Ok, I’ll do as you say but you won’t get away with this, I have very powerful friends in law enforcement.”

“You did. But in five minutes they won’t be a problem.”

Officer Stacy was manning the front desk waiting for the FBI agents to arrive. She was only six months on the job, and this last week was so much more than she thought she’d see in this small town. The front doorbell dinged as someone entered. Looking up she saw a young woman in a navy-blue suit. She was fit with brown hair and brown eyes. She wore black steal toe boots, and had a satchel slung across her shoulder.

“Are you one of the FBI agents?” she asks.

“No sorry. I’m supposed to drop off some files for detective Marko.”

“I’ll make sure he gets them. He’s out at a fire at the moment.”

“Was anyone hurt?”

“Just some minor burns, nothing to serious.”

“O that’s good. Not that someone got burned but that it’s only minor injuries.” The young lady squirmed a bit looking very apologetic. “I’m sorry to ask but do you by chance have a bathroom I can use. I’ve been driving for three hours and didn’t have time to stop along the way. Crazy schedule this week.”

“Well, I don’t think we’re supposed to let the public use our bathroom, but I’ll accompany you that should be ok, I think. Just don’t tell anyone.”

“It’ll be our little secret.”

They walked to the bathrooms which are just before the cells in the hallway. Stacy waited outside for the young lady to do what she needed. “Excuse me officer would you happen to have a pad. I seem to have forgotten to put one in my purse.”

“I’ll grab one from my desk. Just make sure to stay in there so we don’t get in trouble.”

“I promise.” the woman whispers through the cracked door.

Clark sat in his cell waiting for the inevitable chat with the FBI. There was no use in protecting Harold now. It would be better to be the first one to cut a deal. He’d at least be able to get a reduced sentence or better prison choices. He should never have taken that first bribe. He had compromised everything for money.

He looked up as the shadow moved across his cell door blocking the light. Two sharp stings that make just the slightest of clicking sounds hit his chest. His heart and lungs are punctured. He has just enough time to lay down on his back before the world around him goes black.

“Mam I’m back with the pad.”

The door cracks and a hand reaches out. “Thank you so much you’re a life saver.” A few minutes later she emerges. They walk back to the front desk in time for the FBI agents to come barreling in. “Thanks again officer I hope your day gets better.”

“Your welcome and you be careful driving back.”

“Agents Powers, and Vicks. Is detective Marko around. He’s out at a scene right now but he should be back soon. He has the conference room ready for you. Are you hungry or thirsty? I can get you something delivered.”  

“That would be lovely thank you.”

“Charles, could you show the agents to the conference room while I order them some food.”

“Sure thing. Right this way.”

“It’s our understanding you have a corrupt cop in custody.” Powers says to Charles.

“Yeah, our chief. It’s hard to wrap my head around to. He was aways super nice to me.”

“Vicks, why don’t you go see if you can get a feel for how cooperative he’ll be in the interview. I’ll go get us started on the paperwork.” Powers says.   

Vicks and Charles walk down the short white hallway to the cells. “Hay Clark you’ve got a vist.i.t.e.r,” his word trails off at seeing all the blood. “What the hell is going on in this town!” Vicks yells out. Charles starts to open the door but is stopped by the agent. “Don’t do anything just go back to whatever cat you were trying find up your ass.”

Charles walks away in shame, not really knowing how to respond to that. he questioned if he still wanted to even be a cop after all this. Maybe he’d be better off going back to being a mechanic.

Joselin was in the process of loading some laundry into the wash. She had decided to take time off work for her mental health. She and Bianca also had begun seeing a therapist to help them deal with their loss of Milton. She always turns pockets inside out since the time Milton left a half-eaten candy bar in his pants when he was four.

While turning out Bianca’s pants pockets a key falls out. It wasn’t to their house, its a very old key from what looked to be the 1700’s. maybe it was a school project, or maybe she found it somewhere.

She decided she should just ask her daughter when she got home from the store. There was probably a good explanation for it. She also finds a black feather. It looks like a it could be from a crow or raven, but she was no expert on birds. “Why would she have these?”

Her interest was getting the better of her now. She went to Bianca’s room and began searching inch by inch for anything about birds or old keys. The only thing she found was this very old-looking chest about a foot long. It suddenly hit her that Milton had made this box in shop class. On the front it said, “keepsakes for Milton champion of the Shadow Queen.”

She decided to try the key and see what else her daughter had kept for him. Inside she found handwritten notes to friends. But it was in an odd style and referenced fighting demons, ghosts, and ghouls. Being on a quest from the shadow queen to free a priest. “This must be from one of his games.” she said to herself.

Then she noticed the bottom of the chest had been tampered with. She turns it over on the bed dumping all its contents out. She taps the bottom causing a false panel to fall out. There is only one letter hidden here. The handwriting isn’t Milton’s but Bianca’s. Tears stream down her face and her heart drops like a stone when she reads it.

“The Shadow Queen calls me to her side. Milton, her previous champion, fell in battle to the lich kings forces. I Bianca am joined in the quest of bringing down the lich king by another. His skills are far superior to my own and he has begun training me for the task ahead. Together we can bring an end to the lich king’s rule over this land and free its people from his evil influence.”

Joselin drops everything and runs to get her phone. She trips over her own feet in a panic. Her chest is tight, and she is hyperventilating. Marko had been right this whole time, but she had convinced them both she had nothing to do with it. How could she have been so stupid as to let her daughters pain get this bad, that she was taking the lives of others.

She dials Marko. “Hi Joselin, I was just thinking about the two of you.”

“It’s her Marko you were right!” she blubbers.

“What do you mean? Are you saying you have proof that Bianca is behind all this?”

“I was doing laundry and I found a key and that led to a letter in a box.”

“Slow down you’re not making much since. What key, what box?”

“I think you should come and see and please hurry I need to find my daughter before she gets herself killed. I can’t lose her Denis please!”

“I’m on my way don’t go anywhere not even if she calls. If she does have something to do with this, then she could be willing to hurt even you. Lock the doors and wait for me to get there.”

After hanging up she locks all the doors and windows, then sits at the kitchen table waiting in silence with her own thoughts eating her alive. How could she let her children down so badly. She was supposed to protect them. one of them committed suicide, and the other is so swallowed by grief she’s decided to kill those she thinks is responsible.

The ticking clock on the wall in the dining room sounds like a drum counting down so slowly it feels like her sanity might fade away like the daylight. She wasn’t sure how long she had been sitting staring into nothing when she felt Marko’s hands on her shoulder. He was shaking her gently trying to get her to answer, but she couldn’t speak, she was trapped in her mind.

He wrapped his arms around her, and she just cried into his shoulder. It was a torrent that threatened to drown her. “It’s going to be ok Joselin we will find her.” She wanted to believe him. But finding that letter seemed like an act of letting go of the real world. Could her daughter be saved?

 Harold stood next to his wife Stephanie and his son Winston. His daughter was with her mother in Cancun thankfully. The young man was waiting for someone else to arrive. The front door opened revealing someone he hadn’t expected. Her angry brown eyes stared wholes into his soul.

“I know you!” Winston chimed up.

“The simulacrum is correct it does indeed know me. I am the sibling of Milton fallen champion of the raven queen.”

The three of them looked at each other puzzled. What was she talking about. “Are you off your rocker?” Winston asks.

“My mind is very clear, and my sight has never been truer. We are here to end the reign of the lich king and his simulacrum. Let us begin.” All three are tied up in chairs facing each other.

“Why are you doing this?” Stephanie asks.

“It will all become plain soon.” Bianca says as gently puts a hand on her shoulder. Then hits play on the tv remote. A young man of about fourteen with sandy brown hair and brown sad eyes sits at a desk. “My name is Milton Alstead. For the last four months I have been bullied relentlessly by the seniors on the football team. They wanted me to tape myself raping another student. I refused and went to the police instead.”

“Turn that off!” Harold screamed.

“Harold Bagwell paid off the DA and the mayor to get the case thrown out of court.” The boy broke down sobbing for several minutes before he composed himself. “My friend that I told, they caught her by herself one day after school. They drug her to the boys locker room and raped her until she bled. Then they beat her until she was unconscious. She was in Acoma for a month. I leave this for anyone who might have the guts to finally stand up to these tyrants. Please make them pay.” The boy then put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger. Stephanie jumps at this and begins sobbing. “What have you done, why did you do that Winston?” she asks.

“They’re lying I didn’t have anything to do with that stuff.”

The young man looks at Bianca and says, “Its time. The shadow queen awaits them.”

Bianca gets behind Winston and the young man gets behind Harold. They pull long curved daggers from their belts. They simultaneously pierce them through the heart. Both gasp then quickly fade. “May the shadow queen have mercy on your souls.”

Stephanie is absolutely petrified but tries not to scream. “Please don’t kill me.” she whimpers.

“The shadow queen does not seek your soul this day. The authorities will show soon. When they do tell them what you’ve witnessed. Tell them she sees all.”

Bianca places a black feather and D20 on the each of the bodies. After which the two of them leave. It’s an hour or so before the police show up. Stephanie is just staring at the bodies all color has left them. They’re just pale cold corpses. “Mam, can you hear me,” an officer asks.

She tuns to him and does exactly what the two people told her to do. “The shadow queens champions came and executed them.” looking at Harold and Winston. “Mam, can you remember what they looked like?”

“Yes, I can give you access to the cameras my husband had them installed last year. They played a video on the tv. A boy named Milton took his own life. She said he was her brother, and that Harold and Winston were responsible for his death.”

“Why did they leave you alive?”

“They said she didn’t want me today.”

“Who, the girl didn’t want you?”

“No, the shadow queen didn’t want me today. Milton was so sad.”

“Mam we’re going to take you the hospital to get checked out ok.”

“Yes, yes that would be fine, I think. I’m sure the shadow queen would want it that way.”   

The paramedics led the lady out of the house. Marko, agent Powers, and Vicks watch the security footage. Marko can’t believe his eyes Bianca had never exhibited this type of mental instability before. The man stayed out of the camera angles until it was time for the killings. “Son of a bitch!” Marko exclaimed.

“You know the man?”

“Yeah, that’s officer Theodore Caskie. He’s the ME’s assistant.” He hung his head in defeat. “I think it’s time I step away from this case agent Powers. I’m too close to this thing and I didn’t see any of this coming.”

Marko spent had spent the last 24 hours looking for anything that might lead him to Theodore’s  and Bianca’s whereabouts. He had come up empty on all accounts. Joselin had slept at his house last night, most of that time was her crying. He wished he had been able to see this coming. He blamed himself for not spotting the singes before this happened.

There had to be more in the files they had missed. He cared for Bianca, but she was a killer and she had to be brought to justice, no matter how much it hurt to do so. He poured over the criminal case against the seniors that had raped  Patrice Langered. As a child of divorced parents she had been born after her parents separated.

Her father and older brother moved back to California where the fathers family was from. “Collin Caskie,” he whispered to himself. “I got you Theodore you not getting away from me.”

Not wanting to fall down the path his former chief took, Marko took what he had just uncovered to agent Powers. He couldn’t help but feel a pain of guilt as this could lead to Bianca being arrested, or worse killed. He stood waiting for the right moment to ask if he could tag along for the arrest.

Powers looks up and says, “Good work detective we’ll call the California field office and get them to look into this. If they’re there we can move in on them.”

“I would like to be there if I can when the arrest is made. I know Bianca and I might be able to get them, or at least her to give up peacefully.” His throat tightened and felt like he had swallowed a fist full of cotton balls.

“Ok detective. You’ve proven to be impartial on this case and we wouldn’t even be this far if not for your diligence. Here is the address to the office there and agent in charge’s number.” He hands Marko a business card. “Detective I’m sorry your last case was a tough one.” The man genuinely looked saddened.

“Thanks, I am too.” Marko drove home to collect his bag and break the news to Joselin. When he got their steam was everywhere and he could here running water. Making his way to the bathroom that sat just off the living room he could see the door was open. Water was running into onto the carpet. He rushed to see what was happening.

“Joselin!” He called in a panic. It was too late she lay unresponsive submerged in the tub of scolding water. An empty pill bottle was on the floor next to the sink. Marko turns off the water and walk out to the balcony. He pulls the badge from his waist and screams at it. “WHY!!!” then angrily throws it as far from him as possible. Pulling out his phone to call the station, pain rocks his chest. he tries to steady himself on the railing but drops his phone in the process.

He falls on the balcony with hard thud. His eyes staring out into the forest. Detective Denis Marko was dead before hitting the ground. His heart had given its all and so had he.

…One year later

Agent Powers sat at his desk watching for anything that might lead to the killers that had gotten away from him. His email chimed. Attached was a picture and some crime scene photos. In one picture there was a black feather laying on the victims forehead. Class a scumbag rapist that had gotten off on a technicality.

A short note was attached to the pictures from a detective inspector Lawrence. “We should talk about the similarities in our cases.”

        Six months later somewhere in London  

            Desmond walked into his 4-million-pound mansion. All was quiet, the maids had all gone home for the night leaving him to his plans. He set down the bag of gifts he had bought at the shops that afternoon. A sexy red dress 4-inch red high heels, and jewelry to match. It was time to play.

            He went to the kitchen, poured himself a scotch and began punching in a code on the smart panel. The fridge swung forwards from the wall revealing a hidden passage leading down. It was dark, just enough light to not trip, and cold so as not to let anything spoil. It’s a 15×15 room his ladies hung on their hooks their eyes still held fear.

            He was about to make his selection for tonight’s festivities when something rolled down the stairs. “Ting, ting, ting.” He picked it up confused as to why or how it had gotten into his house. A shadow appears in the doorway, its eyes were the most beautiful brown. The shadow’s face was hidden behind a formless white mask.

            The sound of whispers filled the room followed by a quick high-pitched whistle and what seems like a lever pulling. Pain arched through his body like lighting, warm wet liquid ran down his face obscuring his vision of the beautiful brown eyes.

            “The Shadow queen has called you to judgment necromancer.” The shadow says as Desmond falls onto the cold concrete.