Rebel slipped the blade back into its holder. “The police will need that as evidence.”
“Not happening,” she said as she slowly made her way toward the women posed around the table. “Here they are. All seven missing women.”
“I’m having trouble wrapping my brain around this,” Carrera said.
“Russell had delusions he was going all the way to the White House,” she said. “He believed that, all while hiding histrueself behind Greg.”
Carrera walked over to Russell, ripped off his fake beard, and dropped it on his chest.
“He loved killing his vics, keeping them close to him while he trolled for new women,” Slash continued.
“What’s with the mannequin?” Rebel asked.
“He displayed his trophies rather than hiding them away in a box,” Slash answered. “We did have one thing in common.”
“What was that?” Carrera asked.
“We couldn’t stand Karen.”
Brit hurried into the room. “First responders are on their way. Let’s get you out of this horror chamber.”
“Your motto holds true again,” Slash said to Brit.
Brit recited her mantra. “Life’s short, shit happens, people are mostly crazy.”
She needed to get upstairs, but she wanted Carrera to learn the horrible truth about Russell. “I have to show you something,” she said to him.
Carrera kept a firm grip on her waist as she walked him over to the bulletin board and pointed to the first article and the accompanying photos.
Carrera
Carrera’s heart dropped.Pinned to the board were three photos of his sister Mara. He read the headline.
Falls Church Woman Murdered
Police Have No Suspects
He skimmed the article. Then, he eyed all the other newspaper clippings about how the case had gone cold. Making sure he had a firm hold of Slash, they walked over to the mannequin. As he studied each of the items, his gaze came to rest on a charm bracelet. A birthday gift to Mara from G-ma. Each of the siblings had bought her a charm.
In that moment, the fury that darkened his days and haunted his nights came flying out in a roar. His childhood friend was a serial killer. A brutal monster masquerading as a smiling, friendly politician ready to serve. A charmer who helps little old ladies in exchange for the massive power his political position would yield.
After removing the bracelet, he turned to Slash. “You’re my hero.”
“Hardly.”
“You took that monster out without any help from anyone. I am in awe.”
“She’s a beast,” Rebel said. “And that’s why she’s on the rescue team.”
“I’m no different from the three of you,” she said. “It was him or me… and it’s not my time to die.”
Two medics and a police officer came rushing into the room, stopping short at the mere horror of it all.
“Which one of you was shot?” asked the medic.
“Me,” Slash replied. “But I can walk out.”
Carrera’s heart broke for his sister, Mara, but he was grateful his family would finally have closure.
