by Hopkin, Ben
“Oh Lord, my God! Is there no help for the widow’s son?”
What the hell was that?
But the question was driven out of Trey’s mind as the float gave a huge lurch. Glancing back, Trey could see that Darc’s head had fallen to the steering wheel. He must have passed out and landed his foot right on the brake.
It was all Trey could do to keep from tipping forward off of the float, but what happened next drove all such mundane considerations right out of his mind.
Another of the circular saws, loosened by the earlier fight, was propelled forward from the inertia of the rapid stop. The blade spun in the air, headed straight toward the mayor, who had turned to face it at the last moment.
The metal circle struck the man in the skull, but didn’t stop there. It sliced cleanly through his entire torso, bisecting him from head to groin.
Before Trey even had a moment to react, the momentum of the blow careened the mayor directly into the path of Trey’s still spinning chainsaw. Made clumsy by the use of only one hand, Trey couldn’t move out of the way fast enough.
The chainsaw cut straight through the man’s waist, completing the drawing and quartering of the madman. Blood sprayed everywhere, coating the blade, the float and Trey as the four sections of what was once a formidable serial killer fell to the ground.
Trey heard a voice screaming, and realized with some degree of alarm that it was his.
“Queen me, bitch!”
And then he slumped to the blood-slicked floor of the float and knew no more.
EPILOGUE
There had been a second, right after Janey saw Trey and Darc covered in blood, when she’d been scared. Really scared.
But right now, she was happier than she remembered being in a long, long time.
They were all at the hospital, and Trey was being cranky with the nurse because she was giving him a shot. Popeye kept calling him a baby and Janey kind of had to agree. He was whining an awful lot. Even more than Popeye usually did.
Mala had spent the whole time right next to Darc’s bed, at least as soon as he came out of surgery. The doctor had said lots of things that Janey couldn’t understand, but the lines in her head told her that everything was going to be okay.
Trey was complaining, Darc was resting and Mala was holding onto Darc’s hand like she was never going to let go ever, ever, ever. It was a good night, even if the parade had been ruined.
Popeye said he would never go to a parade again, but Janey told him he was being silly. If you didn’t do things you liked just because somebody did something bad with it, it was like you let the bad person be in charge of you.
Janey was in charge of herself. Well, Mala too. And Darc. And even Trey. But that was because they loved her and she loved them. That wasn’t really like they were in charge. It was just that she knew they wanted to help her.
She trusted them.
It was funny. Not the kind of funny that makes you laugh, but the funny that makes you think.
If the bad things had never happened to her, she wouldn’t know Darc or Trey or Mala or Maggie. And not knowing them would be so sad. She missed her mommy and daddy. So much. So much that sometimes she cried and cried for no reason.
But they were still there with her. She could think of them and their voices were inside her head, telling her that they loved her. So she didn’t miss them quite so much.
And she loved her new family so much.
They were a family.
Her family.
She moved in closer to Mala, tucking herself under the arm that wasn’t holding onto Darc. Mala looked down at Janey, her eyes filling up with tears.
“I love you, Janey.”
And Janey answered back, using her hands to sign.
I love you, too.
Afterword
Thank you very much for going on this adventure with Darc and Trey. Hopefully you enjoyed reading about their case as much as I enjoyed writing it.
If you did enjoy 5th Pentagram, I'd love to ask you a favor and go back to Amazon and leave a review. Indie authors live and die by our reviews!
I’d also like to enlist your help. If you find any, and I mean any typos, spelling errors or anything funky, please contact me directly at [email protected]. Even though this book has gone through a gazillion edits, I am only human and your input is greatly appreciated!
Missing Darc and Janey already? Be on the watch for 3rd Body, the first novel in the next trilogy of the Darc Murders Series. It will be out mid 2014. Can't wait until then? Check out the next section for more mystery/thrillers from Ben!
Other Works by Carolyn McCray and Ben Hopkin
The Darc Murder Mystery Collection
Praise for Darc Murder Mysteries...
“A pathological serial killer is terrorizing Seattle and the only person standing in his way is Detective Robi Darcmel. From the chilling opening scene to the last lines of the first episode, I don't remember taking a deep breath. As one observer notes in the opening scene at the slaughter house to a man clearly intrigued by the sight and smell of blood, visceral and flesh--”You are one sick puppy, dude.” Indeed...This is a fascinating if horrific read. One of the most unusual “heros” I can imagine, Detective Robi Darcmel has Asperger's Syndrome… Be prepared to be shocked, and hooked.”
Windgo
Amazon Reviewer
“In the literary tradition of serial novels, I am loving this new format for the Kindle! The characters are engaging, the plot intense, an excellent read! “
Jon M. Wilson
Amazon Reviewer
The collection includes…
Devious
the prequel short story to The Darc Murders Series
Deceived*exclusive to the collection
Another prequel short story to 9th Circle
9th Circle
the #1 Hard-Boiled full-length mystery that started it all!
7th Sin
the squirm in your seat sequel to 9th Circle
Carnal*exclusive to the collection
the bridge short story 7thSin & 5th Pentagram
5th Pentagram
the shocking conclusion to the Darc Murders Collection
Sinister*exclusive to the collection
the “wrap-up” short story to finish out the Darc Murders series
More praise for the Darc Murders Collection
“I absolutely am loving this book! The way it bounces between the different characters perspectives really helps to get a 3-D picture of whats going on. The killer is so creepy and ominous.
S. Busch
Amazon Reviewer
“Five stars for an extraordinary hero who senses his way through clues and is seemingly clueless about ordinary give-and-take relationships. a very satisfying , engrossing novel.”
Dot Day
To sample or purchase The Darc Murders Collection, simply click here.
* * *
The Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection
Praise for The Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection...
"Come for the murder, stay for the three-dimensional, realistically fractured characters! … Long plane rides and rainy Saturday afternoons were made for books like this. If you like your suspense with a side of gruesome and a dash of humor, this is it."
Brandon Stanley
Amazon Reviewer
"Humpty Dumpty is a wonderful start to what I hope will be the first in a fun and thrilling series. I found myself flipping the pages to get to the end and what an ending. The story was well written and the dialogue was sharp, witty and fast-paced. The chemistry between the main characters, Joshua, Had and Cooper was magical… Eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.”
Romano Robusto
Amazon Reviewer
The collection includes…
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
the prequel short story to The Nursery Rhyme Murders Series
Humpty Dumpty
the greatly anticipated full-length nove
l
Old Woman in a Shoe*exclusive to the collection
the fascinating short story follow up to Humpty Dumpty
All Fall Down (will be added to the collection March 2014)
the rousing continuation of the Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection
Eennie Meanie Moe (will be added EXCLUSIVELY to the collection March 2014)
the bridge short story following All Fall Down
To sample or purchase The Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection, simply click here.
* * *
The Harbinger Mystery Thriller Collection
Hard-boiled mysteries not for the faint of heart
Praise for The Harbinger Mysteries…
“Wickedly macabre and blisteringly paced, Plain Jain marks the debut of a thriller for the new millennium. Brash, funny, terrifying, and shocking, here is a story best enjoyed with all the lights on. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
NYT Top Ten Best Seller
James Rollins
Bloodline
“This book is so creepy. I made the mistake of starting in one night before bed. Not only did the story line keep me turning pages, it freaked me out to the point that I didn’t want to turn off my light.”
The Book Goddess
Book Reviewer
The Harbinger Collection includes…
Anatomy
The greatly anticipated prequel short story to Plain Jane. See where the Harbinger Mystery series began!
Plain Jane
Harbinger’s first novel the #1 Bestselling (Police Procedurals and Hard-Boiled Mysteries)
Dark Lullaby *exclusive to the collection
Is a 12,000+ word stand-alone short story (with no spoilers) that takes place after the Plain Jane: A Patterson-style thriller with a dash of Hannibal.
Soul to Keep *exclusive to the collection
A post-Plain Jane suspense short story.
Wallflower *exclusive to the collection
Pray you aren't noticed - (Book 2 of the Harbinger Mystery Series)
Shallow Grave *exclusive to the collection
A 15,000 word Harbinger Mystery Series short story
Buzz Kill (to be added to the collection October 2013)
the full-length conclusion to the Harbinger Mystery Series
Pallor (to be added exclusively to the collection October 2013)
the “wrap-up” short story, featuring Lucky 37
More praise for the Harbinger Series…
“If you think you know what is going to happen, your wrong. I have read so many suspense and crime books that guessing the end gets easier and easier. NOT this time. Be prepared to be hooked from the fist page and loose some sleep because you just can't put it down.”
Michelle Delgado
Amazon Reviewer
To purchase of sample the Harbinger Collection, just click here.
* * *
Got Thrills? A Boxed Set With Your RDA Allowance of Thrills
From the Carolyn McCray, #1 bestselling author in Technothrillers, Men’s Adventure, Action/Adventure, and War comes a pack of thrillers to get your blood pumping!
Praise for Carolyn’s thrillers…
“Everyone of these books is fast paced and exciting. All deserve a 5+ Star rating. Carolyn McCray is a magnificent writer!! She has easily become my number 1 author!!”
Guinevere
Amazon Reviewer
“I read these stories and really enjoyed them all for different reasons. She is definitely got a great way to tell a story and I have bought her other books that are available and are reading them now. Not sure why she is not more widely known her stories are the same caliber as other more famous authors. Highly recommend!”
Lisa Kubin
Amazon Reviewer
The collection includes…
AMBUSH
The prequel short story to the extremely controversial 30 Pieces of Silver.
ANATOMY
See where the Harbinger Mystery series began… The Plain Jane prequel.
HACKED
The prequel short story to the #1 action packed Encrypted techno thriller
GAUNTLET
The action packed prequel short story to the bestselling Mystery/Horror novel All Hallow’s Eve.
DEVIOUS
The shocking prequel to the blockbuster 9th Circle.
MOONRUSH
Carolyn’s action-packed full length techno-thriller novel set in the near future.
CAUGHT
The prequel short story to the second cycle of the Betrayed series.
BLOOD OATH
The prequel short story to The Blood Magic Saga Collection
MARY, MARY, QUITE CONTRARY
The prequel short story to the intriguing Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection
More praise for Got Thrills!
“I found this book to be just as the title said an action packed techno thriller. I read at least a book a week but this was one of those impossible to put down books. It was well worth the money and based on this book I bought her other book and will be placing the next in her series on my wish list.”
Scott Powner
Amazon Reviewer
To purchase or sample Got Thrills, simply click here.
* * *
Down and Dirty - Carolyn’s suspenseful crime collection
Need to stay up late? Then the Down & Dirty McCray Crime Collection is for you! Packed with suspense and terror, you better keep the lights on while reading these!
Praise for McCray's crime novels…
All Hallow's Eve…
“Scary and smart, All Hallow's Eve is perfect for anyone who wants to read a horror story that hits them in the gut. From the intricate psychopathology of the serial killer, to the hair-raising tension, to the skewering of pop culture, All Hallow's Eve is simply a great read.”
Your Need To Read
Book Reviewer
Anatomy…
“Anatomy is a short story that had a serial killer that was really creepy. The FBI profiler, Harbinger, was a real wise guy but also very brilliant. It was interesting and a fast paced story. I can't wait to read more of these stories about Harbinger. He has become one of my new favorite characters.”
Judy Russ
Amazon Reviewer
Mary Mary Quite Contrary…
“Really enjoy this book, short but sure made one want more of the story. I love this writer she gives a good story, keeps one step ahead of you but keeps your interest. Now for more info on when next book in series is coming out. I am ready for it!”
Shirleen
Amazon Reviewer
The collection includes…
Gauntlet
An All Hallow’s Eve prequel short story
All Hallows Eve*exclusive to the collection
The one night it’s BAD… to be good
Anatomy
The greatly anticipated prequel short story to Plain Jane. See where the Harbinger Mystery series began!
Mary Mary Quite Contrary
The prequel short story to start off the new series, The Nursery Rhyme Murders
Devious
The prequel short story to the blockbuster smash, 9th Circle
More praise for the Down & Dirty Crime Collection…
Devious…
“I loved the 9th Circle Serial Book, and this prequel gave me a much better understanding of Trey and Darc's relationship. Knowing where they both ‘came from’ and their history together put many more aspects of The 9th Circle. Full of suspense and thrills this book was a fun read.”
Readerwhit
Amazon Reviewer
Gauntlet…
“I love all the twists her stories and books have she keeps you guessing until the end. I am a definite fan! Amazon Reviewer”
Judith Flores
Amazon Reviewer
The purchase or sample Down and Dirty simply click here.
* * *
DON’T READ AFTER DARK – A McCray Horror Collection
The ultimate horror fan’s collection. Over 200,000 words of spine-tingling suspense and gut-wrenching gore, Don’t Read After Dark will challenge even the most hard-core horror fans out there! This collection is NOT for the squeamish! Plus you get three exclusives to the collection, the full-length book, Widowmaker – a thriller for horror fans, the novella Club Death – Come for the dancing, stay because, well, a madman has you trapped inside, and the bonus short story Supper – Save your appetite for this one.
Praise for McCray’s horror…
“Oh, unless you have a strong stomach, you probably will not want to eat anything while reading this book. It is very, very graphic and will most likely give me nightmares. Supper is about a group of college kids who go out on a fact-finding vacation during spring break. They find more than they're looking for when they run out of gas on a dark deserted, creepy part of nowhere. Deliverance and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre comes to mind. But things aren't always what they seem. Get's ya in the mood for a ghoulish Halloween. Baaahaaaahaaaha!"
Rileybug
Amazon Reviewer
“I am an avid reader always looking for something original and fresh. Well, Carolyn Mcray is it!! By accident I came across this author, she may have been recommended to me by Amazon itself. This summer she was my go to author could not get enough of her books, or short stories!!! With this short story you have the Texas Chain Massacre family meets the 2012 Cannabalistic Tullocks Farm. It's faced paced, gory, and at times a funny, especially when the "tables" are turned. That's when it becomes twisted!!! This is all I will say. Some of the reviews I've been reading lately are telling me the whole entire story. What's the point??? Could not put it down. This short story actually leaves a possible opening end for a sequel. If you like this then next step is to buy her novel "Plain Jane" You will love it!!!!”
Robin Lee
Top 1000 Amazon Reviewer
Included in the collection are…
Fresh Meat*exclusive to the collection
the award-winning horror novella – alert* high gore level