Page 117 of X Marks the Stalker
Calloway examines his manicure like he’s searching for microscopic flaws, a sly smile playing on his lips. “And what will you give me to vote yes, darling? You know how I love a proper incentive.”
“I’ll let you keep all your fingers for your next gallery opening,” Xander replies flatly.
“So tense,” Calloway purrs. “I adore that about you.”
Lazlo raises his hand. “I vote yes! And I’ve been reading about cardiac events. Did you know there are fourteen different ways to trigger one that appears natural? Fifteen if the person is allergic to shellfish.”
Thorne remains silent, studying my murder board with unnerving focus. His finger traces the red thread connecting Blackwell to my parents’ case file.
“Thorne?” Darius prompts.
“Yes,” Thorne says, his voice carrying a weight that silences the room. “Richard Blackwell represents what this society was formed to eliminate. Those who believe themselves beyond consequence.” His eyes meet mine across the table. “We voted against this target two years ago. The timing wasn’t right. The risk too great. But now...” He nods once, decisive. “I think we’re ready for him.” He turns to me. “Ms. Novak, welcome to your first official Hemlock Society operation.”
A strange thrill runs through me—part vindication, part terror. I’m planning a murder with serial killers.
“Now for logistics,” Thorne continues. “Darius, you’ll handle all legal contingencies.”
“I’ll create bulletproof alibis for everyone,” Darius says, already making notes on his tablet. “Ms. Novak and I willhave a very public lunch meeting at Rosetti’s downtown during the execution. It’s frequented by the legal community, so plenty of witnesses will see us.” He glances at me. “Order the salmon. It takes forever to prepare, which extends our visible presence.”
“Okay,” I nod, appreciating the attention to detail.
“I’ll also draft the consulting contracts, backdate the emails, and create the necessary paper trail. Then monitor police channels and prepare any additional documentation we might need.”
“I’ll handle the artistic direction,” Calloway offers, his eyes gleaming like a cat spotting a wounded bird. “We want this to be meaningful, not just another boring heart attack. Something with...signature. A tableau that speaks to his sins.”
“Lazlo,” Thorne continues, “you’ll provide medical expertise and any supplies needed. Blackwell takes blood thinners, correct?”
“Warfarin,” Lazlo confirms, rifling through his bag with the enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning. “I’ve brought samples of seventeen cardiovascular medications that might interact catastrophically. Plus three experimental compounds that won’t show up in standard toxicology.” He pulls out a vial, holding it to the light with reverence. “This one mimics the effects of a massive stroke but metabolizes within four hours.”
“We’ll target Dr. Lambert’s office during Blackwell’s scheduled appointment next week,” Thorne says. “Xander, your surveillance shows this is our optimal window?”
Xander nods, pulling up detailed schematics on histablet. “Blackwell arrives at 2:15 PM and is alone except for two security personnel who wait in the outer office. The appointment lasts forty-five minutes.”
“How do you know all this?” I ask.
“I hacked his medical records,” Xander says with a shrug. “And the cameras. And his calendar. And his security system. And his personal trainer’s scheduling app.”
Lazlo peers over Xander’s shoulder. “Ooh, look at those cholesterol numbers. No wonder he’s on statins.”
“Before we eliminate Blackwell,” Thorne says, redirecting us, “we destroy what he values. His legacy. His empire.”
The intensity in his voice makes me shiver. This isn’t just about killing a man—it’s about erasing him.
“I have documentation on all his companies,” I offer, pulling files from my bag. “Financial transactions linking him to money laundering through these five properties.” I spread photos across the table. “And complete blueprints for his main office, courtesy of a source at the city planning department who owed me a favor.”
“Impressive,” Darius notes.
“You’ve been thorough,” Thorne says with approval.
“I’ve been waiting years for this,” I say. “I know every weakness in his empire. I just couldn’t do it alone.”
“We’ll execute in phases,” Thorne decides. “First, we destroy his leverage. Server farm, blackmail evidence, financial records. Then we target his reputation through strategic information releases.”
“We can start with evidence of embezzlement within his charitable foundation,” Xander offers. “Their cybersecurity is embarrassing.”
“Once his empire begins crumbling and he’s vulnerable,” Thorne continues, “we move on Blackwell personally at the medical office.”
Darius nods.
