“This filth clutters our city. We must clean it up and get rid of the whores. They disguise themselves as beauty, but the devil always likes to play tricks.” The voice booms from the speakers but is not recognizable as it has an auto tune giving the illusion of a deep voice.
“This unsub is truly mad. This confirms it’s religious based, but I thought they’re supposed to preach forgiveness, not kidnap and brutally murder people. We need to check around different churches to see if they have any idea who this person is. Any indications of someone going mad or outbursts during the services.” Monroe leans away from the desk, taking a deep breath as if she’s trying to calm herself from what’s been presented.
The voice continues through the speakers, but never coming into the screen. “She has twenty-four hours to repent for her sins. If she’s found worthy, she may live. The devil hastheir claws deep into this one, there may not be anything left to save.”
Some sort of liquid is splashed onto the woman, appearing to burn her skin and a muffled scream escapes as her eyes roll back. What the fuck was that? Looks like some sort of acid laced with the liquid. We need to get to her fast and stop him before he kills another innocent woman.
“Beckett, I need you to see if you can get any traces from this video, see if we can pinpoint the location this came from,” I shout over my shoulder just as he departs in a hurry back to his desk.
Clicking the keys, I send over the file to him to work some magic. The agent who received the video also sent it over to me once I moved away from their desk.
“Solace, I think I found a church we need to make a little visit to. It’s just outside the city lines. I’m not sure if this one will bring us any leads but it’s not one of the big churches in the city. It’s secluded and appears to be a tight knit community, but maybe worth a try,” Monroe speaks up from her desk across from where we just were.
This woman is way too silent for her own good. I never noticed that she left to go pull some leads but this is why she’s on my team, ready to dive in as quickly as possible so we can get the move on.
Walking over to my desk, I grab my coat, shrugging it on and motion toward the door so we can get there quickly. We have twenty-four hours or less before he kills this woman. My gut tells me she’s not going to repent to his standards and we’re going to find another body.
Our SUV comes to a stop on a dirt road in front of the church. People are exiting out the doors, all looking in our direction with weary eyes. We both exit, closing our doors, and walk toward the entrance. People whisper and scurry towards their cars to create space from us. They either don’t like our presence here or are scared that the unsub will discover our presence and they’ll be next on his list.
A ball rolls to our feet from getting kicked too hard. A little girl sprints to retrieve it but comes to a screeching halt a few feet away. Her eyes round with surprise, standing stoic in place. Leaning down, I pick up the ball and walk over to her slowly, being careful not to scare her. As I approach, I reach out handing it to her. She takes it quickly out of my hands but doesn’t move.
“Th-thank you, Mister. Is that a badge? Do you catch bad guys?” Her cheeks turn red, matching her curly red hair.
“Yes, I make sure that you and your family stay safe.” I smile at her warmly. A woman comes up in a hurry and moves her away from me, scolding her not to speak to strangers as they create distance between us.
Monroe comes to my side, weary of the strange interaction we’ve had in the few moments we’ve been here. This community is definitely strange and they don’t like new people in their space.
“It’s like they’re a fucking cult. We need to find whoever runs this place, get information, and leave. I don’t like the feeling I’m getting being here.” Monroe's eyes dart around us as if something is going to pop out and attack us.
Heading to the doors of the church, the door swings open before my hand wraps around the handle. An older gentleman stands in the doorway wearing a tan robe with a cross necklace adorning his neck. He doesn’t look at all surprised by ourpresence and gestures for us to come inside. We follow suit, assuming he’s the one we need to speak with.
“Officers, you have my people a little spooked with your unannounced arrival. What can we do for you?” His voice is a bit hoarse and tired but wanting answers all the same.
“My name is Special Agent Solace and this is my partner, Monroe. We had some questions in regards to a suspect. We’re hoping you can help us. We didn’t mean to scare your people.” I flash him my badge.
He looks from Monroe to myself, eyes traveling down to my badge. He becomes a little nervous by our presence, taking a step back and folding his hands together.
“Pastor Jefferson. What makes you think we have any information on your so-called suspect? We’re people of peace, we don’t believe in violence.” If he’s nervous, he sure doesn’t show it, he repels confidence.
“We have a suspect who’s murdered three women. We believe he’s religious as he wants them to repent for their sins. These women are from clubs within the city. We haven’t been able to identify him as he hasn’t shown his face. He’s been called The Jawbreaker. Have you heard of him?”
“What makes you think it’s a man if you don’t know what he looks like or who he is? We don’t know anyone who would do this. We are holy people but we don’t believe in violence. I’m sorry we can’t be of any help. Please excuse me as I need to prepare for our next service. You’re more than welcome to attend.” He turns, without another word, towards the front dismissing us.
We stand there for a moment watching as he starts lighting the candles, giving us a clear dismissal. We take our leave as he’s not going to be useful at this time. Another dead end.
“There’s something off about this place. Let’s get out ofhere before we’re used as a sacrifice to their god. This is why I don’t go to church.” Monroe shutters, walking out the door.
“So that’s what you’re scared of. Churches? Really, Monroe? You put yourself in front of a bullet but a building gives you the creeps?” I chuckle to myself as we get back into our vehicle and pull off the dirt road.
I turned the heater up as the air seems to be more cold down here. It’s like the chill is warning us that we aren’t welcome and to stay away. What a strange little place.
“Did you not see the people out there? They looked at us like we were the devil and they were ready to spray us with holy water. Hopefully the rest of the churches aren’t the same because you can find yourself a new partner,” she whines before pulling up the next location on the GPS.
CHAPTER THREE
CELESTE
“To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.” - Sun Tzu, The Art of War
