Page 29 of The King of Hearts

“There was another murder reported on the mainland,” Cassio says, taking a couple pieces of bacon from the plate in the center of the table. “The Butcher struck again.”

I pause in lifting a forkful of eggs to my mouth.

“Same as before. Torso was found with the arms, legs, and head missing. Dick was hacked off as well. The coroner’s report says the murder happened a couple of nights ago. I’m sure it’s safe to assume the same paralyzing agent will be found in his system.”

“Maybe it’s time we step in and do our own investigating,” Bishop suggests.

Dad looks thoughtful for a minute. We’ve all heard about the bloody murders happening on the mainland. The media has dubbed the person ‘The Butcher’. It’s been several months since the last one happened, and there’s been five in total over the last year and a half. Or five that the authorities know of. Who knows, there could be more. Isn’t it usually the case when a serial killer is caught that there are more victims than originally thought?

The Butcher injects their victims, always a man who’s been accused of sexually abusing women or children, with a paralyzing agent, and while they’re still alive, starts hacking offbody parts. He then scatters the parts all over the city. It takes the authorities days to locate them all, but there’s always a piece missing. The penis.

“Cass, call Tanner and see what he can give us about the case. We’ll do a preliminary first.”

Dad created The Raven Group for a particular mission. Unless it pertains to that mission, the group doesn’t typically get involved with outside issues. So far, Dad’s kept our noses out of The Butcher’s business because it doesn’t involve us, but it looks like that’s about to change.

Dash Tanner is a detective for the police department on the mainland. He’s not technically part of The Raven Group, but he’s a point of contact should we need information on something particular on the mainland. He and Cass met their first year in college and have been close friends since.

“Done,” Cass replies. “I’ll have everything they have by the evening.”

The table turns quiet for the next several minutes, except for the clinking of silverware against plates.

“Emersyn and I have plans to go to the mainland this weekend,” I inform no one in particular.

“No,” Dad’s reply comes swiftly.

I look at him with his blunt reply. “Because of The Butcher?”

“Partially. With the unknowns pertaining to The Butcher, I don’t want you off Hollow’s Reef until we get firm answers.”

Mom and Dad have spoiled my brothers and me. What we want, we usually get. So it’s not often that I question Dad’s demands. I’ve always been a good girl. Respectful and always unquestioningly following the rules. I trust his judgment and know he always puts his family’s safety and well-being first and foremost. But I’ve been on this island for months straight without leaving. Shopping for the Sheppard’s Ball is a good excuse to get away for the weekend.

Dad puts his coffee down and wipes his mouth with a napkin. His eyes are full of patience as he looks at me.

“It’s not permanent, Savina. It’s not just The Butcher. Something has recently come to my attention, and I’d feel better knowing you were near.”

“Is everything all right?”

“It’s nothing for you to worry about.” His face relaxes into a smile. “What were you and Emersyn going to the city for?”

I want to insist he tell me what’s going on. Does it have something to do with the conversation I heard in his office the other day? Him telling me not to worry about it will do the opposite. Something’s happened, and it’s bad enough that having Marcelo with me isn’t enough protection. Marcelo is damn good at his job, and I know Dad trusts him with my life, so whatever it is has Dad on edge.

“Emersyn secured a private showing with the French dressmaker, Adele Bastien. We need a gown for the Sheppard’s Ball.”

I internally cringe when I think about informing Emersyn that our weekend plans have been canceled. She could still go herself, but I know she won’t. Owning an Adele Bastien dress is both of our dreams.

Mom pipes in. “I’ll give Colette a ring. She may be able to call in some favors and have Adele flown here.”

Nowthatwould make Emersyn happy.

“Thank you, Mom.” I beam at her.

“Anything for you, sweetie.”

The rest of breakfast is spent talking about unimportant things. After finishing up the last of my coffee, I toss my napkin on my plate.

“I’m going to go up and see Liliana and Harper.”

Just as I get up from my seat, the doorbell rings.

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