Page 2 of Carver’s Crusade

“This will be the third, if I’m right about the cause of death. They aren’t my cases, but I’ve spoken with the detectives handling the cases. In the other two cases, the attacker tased the men before feeding them poison. In both cases the victims were complete assholes, so I’m not unhappy that the cases aren’t mine.”

“How long has this been going on?” Byte asks. “I haven’t heard anything about it.”

“It’s only been a few days. Whoever is targeting these guys hits fast. This guy will be the third in three days. The first person, Robert Harden, was found two nights ago outside his workplace. Harden had several complaints filed against him by female coworkers for harassment. He had another woman file rape charges against him the day he died. The second guy, Pete Barton, was found last night in his home. His wife filed abuse charges against him after she left with the kids.”

“Could the women have taken their revenge?” I ask.

Shield shrugs. “I don’t think so. The detectives working the cases found both women had solid alibis. Harden’s victim was home with her sister, and the security on the apartment showed she didn’t leave. Barton’s wife is staying at Crossroads. Caitlin turned over the footage proving she was in the compound during the attack.”

“ Now this guy who raped a student and got away with it,” I say. “You’re thinking you have a vigilante out there?”

“Yep. The poison is a cholinergic toxin. They think whoever is killing these assholes is using some sort of pesticide. I kind of hope they don’t figure out who’s doing it.”

“You’re rooting for the killer?” I ask.

“I am. I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on the list she’s using and helping her out. These fuckers should all be in jail, but dead is good, too. My only concern is that the victims have ties to us.”

“How?” I ask, alarmed. “You mean Crossroads?”

“Yeah, that and Harden’s victim, Georgie Wells, is Athena’s patient and friends with Tanya and some of the other Old Ladies. The connection isn’t strong, but it’s there.”

“Fuck. That’s not good. Do you think the cops will blame us? Or the women?”

Shield shrugs. “I haven’t heard anything that concerns me too much. Barton’s wife and kids were safe at Crossroads. Not only do they have alibis, but Caitlin does as well. Not that the detective on the case has said he’s looking at her. As for Georgie, Athena’s connection with us was weak until she hooked up with Ranch. I don’t think the detective on Harden’s case suspects Georgie. In both cases, our connection is peripheral, so I’m not too worried. I just don’t like it. We need to be aware; that’s all. I’ll bring it up at our next Church.”

A commotion draws our attention to the clubhouse doors. Ranch enters with a traumatized Athena pulled tightly to his side. Within seconds, the Old Ladies surround Athena and pull her into their protective fold. Shield, Byte, and I head toward Ranch and hear the tail-end of his story.

“Wait, Carlos tried to kill you? I thought Border Patrol arrested him at Angela’s?” I ask.

“He escaped somehow. He came to kill Athena and me. At least that’s what Athena overheard him tell Max.”

“Wait, Max, your ranch manager, was working with him?”

“He was. I first suspected he might be when Carlos managed to hide in the SUV and attack Athena. I planned on watching him to see what he did, but that was before Carlos showed up tonight. Athena overheard Carlos and Max talking. Ghost and Reaper caught him trying to leave.”

“Babe and Chaos are taking him to El Bodego; we’ll deal with him tomorrow,” Dante says.

“What happened to Carlos?”

“Athena killed him. She was in the kitchen and overheard his plan to kill both of us while we slept. She grabbed a knife and attacked him when he entered. She’s pretty upset, but damn if she wasn’t impressive.”

“Hold on, baby, wait, tell me that again,” Babe says as he enters the clubhouse and joins us at the bar. He’s on the phone and appears agitated. He places a hand on Ranch’s arm. “Who is it? Are you certain? Okay, we’ll meet you at the hospital.” Babe ends the call, his attention on Athena.

“What’s wrong?” Ranch asks.

“Min was checking the dojo, and she found a body,” Babe says, his focus on Athena.

“Who?” Athena croaks out.

“Raven.”

CHAPTER 2: RAVEN

I crouch low in the hedges across from the San Diego State art gallery with the scent of damp earth clinging to the cool night air. The campus has quieted to a distant hum. The footsteps fade as laughter trails off. The ringing of closing doors signifies that most people are heading home. However, I’m just getting started.

My black jeans and hunter-green shirt help me blend into the scenery. Black gloves keep my fingers warm and will ensure I don’t leave fingerprints behind. I caught my reflection earlier—only darkness. No one will see me; therefore, no one will remember me. I’m a shadow. Even if he sees me, Cory Mitchell won’t know what I am until it’s too late.

My gaze locks onto the glass doors as the last few students drift out. They’re still discussing brushstrokes and lighting as if the world were safe for them. Like monsters don’t walk beside them. Monsters like him. Cory. My jaw tightens as I wait.