“Actually, she’s a psychiatrist. I need to warn you that I’m on my way to pick up her engagement ring right now. She has already agreed to marry me.”
“Holy shit! Are you kidding? If you’re screwing with me, Quinn, I’ll hurt you something fierce, or worse yet, Maura will take you down.”
Quinn didn't doubt that. “Callie’s smart, successful, and beautiful. I am so crazy in love with her that it’s not even funny. She’s beyond amazing and trust me, you’ll love her.”
“Oh my God! You’re really in love!” she said in shock. “Is it possible that someone finally landed Mr. Bachelor?”
“Yes, she did, and I have a bad case of the big ‘L’.”
There was silence on the phone. “What color are her eyes?” she finally asked.
“Silvery blue, why?” he asked, confused by the question.
“What kind of shoes was she wearing this morning when you first saw her?” Meg asked, cautiously.
“She was barefoot, and then she left the house in black heels. You do realize this is making absolutely no sense what so ever, and you might need to make an appointment with her for an evaluation.”
“Oh crap! You knew her eye and shoe color! You have to be in love. Wait until I call everyone else. No one is going to believe this. I finally get to spread bigger gossip than when Maura told everyone how she saw old Aunt Ruthie kissing that woman friend of hers!”
Quinn snorted in amusement. “Well, feel free to tell them all, and I’ll be there with Callie for the party if we clean this mess up in time. Now, I have to go. I need to buy my fiancée her ring.”
“I love you, Quinton.”
“Ditto, kid,” he said, hanging up the phone, as he pulled into the jeweler’s parking lot. He had a mission. It was to pick out a ring to match Callie’s beauty, and seal the deal.
* * *
Tuesday Afternoon
As Callie flipped through the file, one thing was bothering her more than anything else-the murders in Phoenix four years ago.
How did they fall into it all? Callie had some questions that she needed answered, and she knew who could help her out. Heading out to Quinn’s secretary, she hoped for some insight. “Can you come help me with something, Doris?” asked Callie.
“Sure thing. I’ll be right in.”
On her way back into Quinn’s office, she noticed that word must have spread. There were male and female deputies speculatively watching her. It made her laugh. Yeah, in under a week, she managed to pull Sheriff Quinton Gaines out of the dating pool. It was hard to believe that she caught the big fish in the small pond.
Now, she was never letting him go.
“What can I help you with?” Doris asked, taking a seat.
“How long have you lived here?”
“Oh God, girl! My entire life.”
Callie picked up the first file. “I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about certain individuals who are from the town?”
Doris was good with that. “Okay, sugar.”
“The time in question was four years ago. I need to know where Jimmy Lee, Ed James, and Reverend Higgins were at that point.”
“Oh, that’s easy. You can find out yourself on Jimmy Lee. He was in college and his transcript and information is in the file cabinet. I’ll get it for you,” Doris offered, pulling it out. “Here you go.
Callie scanned the information, and it told the tale. The deputy had been in his senior year at Florida State. He wasn’t anywhere near Phoenix, and by his grades, he wasn’t skipping classes either.
That was one down.
“How about Ed James?”
“He never left town and didn't go to college. Right after high school, his daddy passed away, and he inherited the money to open his body shop. He married that girl, Beulah, the town gossip, and never got out.”
Okay, that was two down.
“How about the reverend? What was he doing four years ago?”
“Well, he was just starting up the church here in town. He was originally a traveling minister and would go from town to town, preachin’ about God and sin. I do believe that he’s been here about five years. I may be wrong, but I wouldn’t bet against the house,” she said, tapping her head.
Callie laughed. “I don’t think I want to bet against you, Doris, even if you’re having a bad day.” She appreciated the woman’s help. This was a lot easier, thanks to her. “You wouldn’t happen to remember where the reverend was from before he arrived here?”
“No, sorry. I don’t recall, but if it comes back to me, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks, Doris, I appreciate your help.” The phone rang and Callie smiled. “I’ll get it.”
The older woman headed to the door. “Oh, yeah, girl. You’ll do just fine.”
“Sheriff’s office.”
“Is he in?”
She was a little taken aback by the abruptness. “No, but may I take a message?” she offered.
There was silence. “No message but maybe you can answer this question for me then,” the male said. “I just got a call from my baby sister, and she informed me that my brother, Mr. Bachelor, is getting married. Now, I have to know who the hell in their right mind would marry that nut job. Want to share any workplace gossip?”
Callie started laughing. “I’m probably the wrong person to ask that question.”
There was a pause. “Oh shit, let me guess. You’re the woman marrying my brother, aren’t you?”
“I’m afraid so. I’m Callie.”
“Oh hell! I’m sorry. I’m Bryant, Quinn’s younger brother. The family has had some bad run-ins with a girl or two, and we’re a little bit on edge.”
“I see,” said Callie. “What can I do to help alleviate your fears that he’s finally picked a good one this time?”
There was a pause. “My sister said that you’re a doctor, but why are you answering his phone then?”
“Quinn wasn’t lying. I’m actually a psychiatrist, and I happen to be working with him, and the FBI, on a case. I’m an expert in deviant behavior,” she replied easily. The man reminded her of Quinn. It was sweet how they all looked after each other.
“Well, shit! Finally, he found a woman with a brain. I can’t wait to tell my other siblings. We never thought that this day would come. In fact, we were betting he would be single forever. I can’t believe this, I have to call Maura.”
“Well, I hope to meet you soon, Bryant. I’ll tell Quinn that you called.”
“Thank you, Doctor.”
“Please, we’re going to be family, so call me Callie.”
She heard the familiar masculine laughter. “I hope to meet you soon, Callie.”
After hanging up the phone, she forced herself to put the conversation with the man behind her. For now, she needed to slip into the mind of the killer, and figure out who was their next target.
Family would have to wait.
Madness was first up on her agenda.
* * *
‘The Brethren’ sat on the bench in town.
They were watching Susie Barnes unload the delivery truck of her plants and herbs. The point of their meeting was to plot their next move on getting the woman alone. She was next on their list, and they needed to keep going until they finished it up.
“It won’t be easy. She’s a witch!”
“No, it won’t, but I think I have an idea. We’ll call her and tell her we need to make a late pick up. When she lets us in, that’s when we’ll take her. It’s the only way, other than going to her house, and I don’t want to go near the witch’s things.”
They had to admit, they feared her.
“Agreed. We grab her tonight. I’ll make the call right now.”
With that, they put the plan in motion.
And fate took control.
* * *
Callie answered the phone for the fifth time that afternoon, and was pretty sure she could guess who it was. The call came in on Quinn’s private number, and she had already spoken to Bryant, Me
g, Maura, and William. Callie had to admit, she was having a good time too. There was only one brother left, so she was damn sure it was him.
“Sheriff’s office.”
“Is this the fiancée?”
Callie laughed. “Yep, go ahead and ask your questions. I’ve been expecting your call.”
It was the man’s turn to laugh. “I’m Christopher, and it’s nice to talk to you. I’m the big brother to them all.”
At that moment, Quinn walked into his office. He’d missed his girl, and couldn’t wait to make out with her. Then, he heard her on the phone. His grin disappeared, as he continued to listen to the conversation.
In fact, panic set in.
What the hell was his brother thinking?
“Well, Christopher, I’m Callie. It’s true that I’m his fiancée. Yes, I’m a doctor, and no I’m not a sex therapist. Quinn doesn’t need one from what I’ve seen. I don’t strip on the side, and I don’t have any kids. I’m not wanted by the authorities, to my knowledge, and it’s true that I worked for the FBI. No, they didn't fire me because I left willingly.”
Okay, he was horrified. What the hell had gone on while he was gone?
She blew Quinn a kiss as she continued, “I most certainly don’t think that he’s a nut job, and that is my professional assessment. Yes, we’ve had sex, more than once, and I definitely still want to marry him.” Callie smiled reassuringly at Quinn, who was looking down right mortified at the entire conversation.
“I see that I’m the last sibling to call.”
“Yes, Christopher, you’re the last, but I’ll answer any of the questions you have,” she grinned wickedly at the man she was madly in love with. The look on his face was priceless.
“I think that covered everything but one, and it’s rude to ask a lady that, so I’ll ask my little brother that one when I speak to him,” he said laughing. “I have to say though, Callie, you’re funny and a good sport. Who was the roughest on you?”
Callie didn't have to think twice. “Maura raked me over the coals something fierce, and I think she’s having the government do a background check on me. I tried to tell her that my clearances are probably higher than hers, but she wouldn’t hear it. I don’t think she bought that my brother is a bureau director either.”
“Okay, I’m impressed. By any chance, is my brother around?”
“Oh, he just walked in.”
Christopher laughed. “Please tell me he heard the conversation and looks like someone sucker punched him. It’s so damn hard to rattle Quinton.”
“Yes, to both counts. I’m sure he’d love to speak to you. Could you tell me when your father will be calling, so I’ll be ready?”
Christopher laughed. “I could only guess, Callie. Our dad is cagey. It’s where Quinn gets it from.”
Callie really liked her fiancé’s family. “Here he is,” she said, handing him the phone as she smiled in amusement.
“What the hell is going on, Chris?” As he stood there, listening to Callie get the third degree, he could only imagine the conversations he’d missed. “Don’t you think asking her about our sex life is a little much?”
Callie watched him get red, and then he started to calm and look more relaxed
“Yeah, she is amazing, and I’m damn lucky. What?” he looked at Callie lecherously. “Oh, yeah, trust me she is and more, but I have to go kiss my woman now. I’ll call you when this is all over.”
“Tell him that I said goodbye,” said Callie from Quinn’s chair. Sitting there, she listened to his easy conversation and tried to imagine what it would be like to have that many brothers and sisters growing up. It had to be fun. Callie loved the relationship she had with Nate, so more must mean more love.
Quinn hung up the phone and looked at her sheepishly. “I’m so sorry, baby.”
Callie wasn’t upset in the least. “Don’t be, Quinn. It was easier this way. One on one was less intimidating. I have a feeling in a large gathering, they would have circled like chicken hawks ready to attack.”
“Was Maura really that bad?”
“Uh huh, she was. I’m not sure if she likes me or not.”
“Oh shit, baby! I’m so sorry. She’s been known to make a three-hundred-pound man cry with just a look.”
“Don’t worry, Quinn. I genuinely liked them. Each sibling was unique, and yet they all reminded me of you. I bet growing up in your house was funny as hell.”
“It was,” and then he pictured all of them ganging up on her and felt ill. He hoped she wasn’t scared off now.
Callie went to his side because he looked distraught. “Darlin’, I wasn’t afraid. Maura wasn’t that bad, I swear. You do owe me though, so buy me lunch, and we’ll call it even.”
Quinn grinned at how easy going she was over all this. “That’s the least that I can do after what they just pulled today.”
“Oh, Quinn, wait until my momma gets her claws in you. We’ll see who’s apologizing then. You haven’t seen an inquisition quite like that one before.”
Pulling Callie into his arms, he kissed her. He was truly a lucky man. He was grateful that his crazy bunch of siblings didn’t have the ability to run her off.
Quinn took it as a sign.
His future was looking pretty damn great.
* * *
Tuesday Evening
Susie glanced over at the clock and sighed. It was almost time to go home. All she had to do was wait for Callie, and the late pick up. Then, it was home to a bubble bath and a large glass of wine.
Susie sat behind her counter, doodling on the desk blotter where she wrote in all her important events or appointments. Callie was never going to believe who planned on stepping foot in her ‘unholy’ store to pick up the floral order. There was no doubt that they would both get a chuckle over it as soon as she arrived.
When she heard the door chimes, she moved to greet the visitor. Part of her hoped it was her best friend, and not the customer. There was a little nervousness about facing the patron of her establishment alone.
Susie didn't know why, but she felt…off.
Well, damn! It looked like she was facing the person down alone. In the back of her mind, Susie hoped it would go smoothly. In all honestly, she didn't want any trouble. All she wanted was to live in Myrtle Springs and have peace.
“Oh, hello. I have your order in the back. Would you like me to help you carry it to your car?”
“Thank you. I parked in the back, so we wouldn’t have to walk as far.”
“That was kind of you.”
The customer nodded casually.
“I hope you like the arrangement for your special occasion.”
“I’m sure I will.”
Susie headed to the back with her customer in tow. When she moved to the cooler to show the customer the rose arrangement she had created, all her senses went on alert.
The hair on the back of her neck stood.
Before she could turn, there was a sharp pain to the back of her head and everything went black.
Susie had been right to be wary, but now, it was too late.
Laughter filled the air.
“Yes, how thoughtful that you made up your own funeral flowers. I’ll make sure to dump them on your grave.”
* * *
Callie and Quinn walked hand in hand out of the station, past the deputies, and to Quinn’s truck. It would be nice to finally get home and spend some quality time together. It was a very non-productive day for Callie, and she had nothing more to lead them to the killers. It was frustrating all of them beyond belief, and now she was beginning to think about that one single hair they had found.
Maybe it wasn’t just a misplaced strand. It might be the whole center of this case after all.
“Hey, baby?”
“Hmmm?”
“Would you go somewhere with me?” he asked hopefully, as he gazed lovingly at her face.
Callie smiled at him, caught up in the moment. “Sure thing, big guy. Where do you want to take
me?” she asked, wrapping her arms around his waist tightly, giving him a hug.
“Do you like camping?”
“It depends. Are we talking about on the ground with bugs, in a sleeping bag, or in a safe dry dwelling where the critters can’t get me?”
Quinn was amused. “I think this classifies as more of the second option.”
“Okay, I’m up for anything. I say why not. What’s the worst that could happen?” she replied, smiling. “Do I need to bring anything like a change of clothes?”
“Nope, it’s all taken care of,” he said, helping her into the truck. He closed the door and patted his jeans pocket to make sure the ring was still securely hidden there.
Once behind the wheel, she glanced over at him. “You’re being devious, Quinn. What do you have planned?” she questioned.
He didn't give her an answer, only a wicked grin. “You’ll have to wait and see, baby. Are you ready to start our night?”
Callie trusted the man completely. After all, he was going to be her husband. “Yeah, I do believe I am, Quinton.”
“Then, let the adventure begin.”
* * *
Susie could feel the haze of unconsciousness pulling away, and immediately she knew these were her last moments in life. Callie’s cards had subtly warned her, when they spoke of loss, and she failed to heed their meaning. Now, she would be killed for someone’s amusement and sickness. As she opened her eyes, Susie sent a silent prayer out to Callie, hoping that she would understand the clue which she left behind.
It would point her right at the killers.
“Wake up, witch,” said the first voice.
“I’m awake,” she said calmly, knowing it was her time to pass from the earth. She had completed her job. Susie believed in fate, and this was her path. Now, she only prayed that she didn't suffer in the end.
It was her only wish.
“We are ‘The Brethren of the Blood’, and we’re here to sacrifice you to cleanse our town.”
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