The Magpie's Death

The Magpie's Death (1)

Everything was different after that. It wasn't the first time Sam had left his daughter and disappeared, but this didn't feel the same. Jack wandered around in a haze, with a constant hard knot in his stomach. A feeling of dread that told him he would never see the man he loved again. Every moment of every day, it ate away at him. He wanted to have faith, to trust that this plan led to his safe return. He did his best to keep the fear hidden, but it was as if the universe itself was telling him Sam was gone. He had left everyone out of his end game, even Finn. Jack couldn't help but picture his calm face whenever he spoke of death and sacrifice. Beneath the surface was always the Magpie. To that man, people had different worth, and his life was nothing compared to the lives of those he cared for.

If it was an option, with that image stuck in his mind, Jack could have spent every day in tears. But that would be a waste of a sacrifice and now he had a child to raise. A strong, stubborn little girl who didn't seem upset about her father's absence. It wasn't that she didn't miss him – she asked about him and talked about him – but there was no sadness or fear. She either believed Sam was coming back or she somehow understood and accepted the things he couldn't.

"And how's my brother today?"

Jade had returned to a cleaned house and chattering guests. She was only told that Sam had left to protect them and it was uncertain if he would return. She didn't need the details. Ellie stayed in the house, as instructed. His sister worked with her mornings and nights. She was no more interested in what Jade had to say than before, often still choosing to ignore her, but she would at least listen and take part from time to time.

"Every day is the same," he answered, flashing her a weak smile as she joined him behind the desk. She squeezed his shoulder and he felt the dread churning inside. "Why would it change?"

Jade sighed in frustration, removing her hand with a frown. "So this is the rest of your life? You just shuffle around, depressed... You're barely living. You said he left to protect you. Is this what he was protecting?"

Jack stared at her. She didn't know what had really happened or who Sam really was, but her words fit perfectly. He held onto a bitter anger over not being included in the decision, but there was nothing he could do about that. What he was doing now was an insult to Sam's choice.

"It's only been a few weeks... but I'll try harder."

Satisfied with that response, Jade changed the subject. "We have one check-in today. Are you going to handle it?"

"Yeah." He pulled the reservation up on the screen. "Taylor Young. An online booking."

"That's me, beautiful." The voice at the front door was delicate and cheerful. Jack's head turned in an instant at the familiar sound. "Did you miss me?"

"Finn?"

His heart stopped. He wasn't sure if he should be thrilled or terrified to see his friend. Trapped here in the dark, he thought he wanted to hear something, anything, about how Sam was. Now that he was faced with it, maybe he didn't want to hear whatever they had to say.

The smile on their face was bright, eyes shining under their large sun hat as they walked up to the desk. "You can call me Finn, if you like."

With a playful wink, they placed the hat and a large, manila envelope on the wooden counter. Jack eyed the packet, thick with whatever secret was inside, but his sister cut him off before he could reply.

"You two know each other?" Jade looked confused, glancing between the stranger and her brother, whose face was now as pale as a ghost. "Are you okay?"

Finn giggled and reached out to grab Jack's hand, giving it a soft squeeze. Their hair was lavender now and it had grown long enough to touch the tiny shoulders underneath, but their skin was the same porcelain white, eyes an attractive light blue, and their smile as sweet as ever. Could the news be terrible if Finn was this calm and cheerful?

Jack shook that thought away. He was sure they had been through just as much, losing their best friend and family to the unknown. They were only better at coping. Or better at hiding.

"You look awful, honey." Ignoring the glare from Jade, who still hadn't received an answer to either of her questions, Finn continued to keep their comforting gaze on Jack. "What kind of reaction is this? You're not happy to see me?"

He shook his head and took in a short breath. "It just made me nervous. It's still making me nervous, actually."

They giggled again. "Understandable."

Turning to his sister, Jack wondered how to explain their guest. "Sis, this is Finn. They're... Sam's family, I guess. His closest friend."

Jade was still unsure, especially after his reaction, but there was so much she didn't know. Nothing was surprising anymore.

"Yeah, okay. As long as she's a friend, I'm not asking."

She left the desk and headed to the back, giving the two some space. Once she was gone, Finn squeezed his hand again. Their bright smile faded and they let go to grab the envelope.

"Do you have a laptop?" Jack nodded, grabbing it from under the desk. Finn pointed to the kitchen. "Then we'll do the difficult part first."

He didn't like the sound of that, the words or the tone, but followed obediently anyway. He had to know. Even if it was awful, knowing was better than this perpetual waiting.

Placing the laptop on the island, the two pulled stools over and Finn began clicking and typing. A few moments later, a headline was big and bold on the screen. Jack's heart stopped a second time as he read.

Infamous Crime Syndicate in Chaos; Mysterious Magpie Thought Dead

He pulled the computer closer, skimming as fast as he could through the short article.

The Rising Suns, a well-known but until now impossible to catch crime organization, is believed to be in disarray after the wide release of a secret recording. The recording shows high-ranking city officials and businessmen colluding over supposed syndicate affairs, all while in the company of women employed by an illegal escort service. All men have denied the authenticity of the recording, but outrage has spread across the city, the greatest shock felt within the syndicate itself.

No identity has been confirmed, but the long-rumored Magpie, a mysterious 'free-agent' in the underground crime world, is thought to be responsible for the distribution. Our sources tell us that shortly after the recording's release, the Magpie was tracked and killed by members of the Suns. These reports have not been confirmed. With no name or physical description, the Magpie's death, along with his existence, remains a rumor.

Due to its sensitive nature, along with the alleged presence of members of both law enforcement and the legal system in the recording, the New York Police Department is working with third-party contractors to ensure an impartial investigation of this case. While we have no additional details at this time, even without arrest or conviction, there is no question this has dealt a blow to the Rising Suns organization.

*We would like to apologize to our readers. As this is currently a closed investigation, the recording is no longer available for view.