Lethal Beauty

XVII - Vacant Secret

Often described as the 'Garden of England' Kent was known for its lush orchards,ancient woodlands, outstanding garden, and of course, the famous white chalkcliffs. It was easy to see why Kent became a popular destination for a weekend break. However, Delbert and Judiel didn't come here for a getaway trip.

Their first stop wasn't the Dover Castle or the Richborough Roman Fort but rather---a funeral.

Several cars, including a patrol cruiser, were lined up in front with uniformed officers. One of them was apparently waiting for their arrival.

"Detective Delbert, Detective Judy," Franz, an older, seasoned officer, gruff and confident approached the investigators of the special unit task force and shook hands with them. He met Delbert Northwood years ago and now; he was formally introduced to his new partner. The young Judiel Nyman. "I apologize. This isn't exactly how we would like to tour our Roman visitors."

Delbert chuckled. "It's fine, really. Neither one of us is Romanian."

The older male was mildly surprised and his gaze flickered at Judy, who answered, "I'm actually Danish."

"And I'm Scottish, thank you. So, who was she?"

They walked toward an old English manor, historical, filled with decorative weapons and archaic statues. It was an impressive estate, most likely built during the times of the lords and ladies, leaving no doubt of the family's wealth and socioeconomic position.

"Doctor Bernadette Harris, she's a Geneticist and a professor," Detective Franz explained.

"A scholar, huh?" Delbert said.

"Oh well, she also has a degree in Parapsychology."

Both of the young detectives looked at him. Judy was curious, "Occults?"

"Occults, ghosts, witchcrafts, UFOs, you named it. I didn't think you would be interested in her?"

"Why ever not?" Delbert asked.

"Well, because I don't think she's killed by a...whatever it is you're trying to catch."

"We're not trying to catch anything or anyone. We are simply making sure that our bloodsucking friends are still protecting our kind. As they promised."

"As they should."

The funeral had always been a somber affair, sweet and sorrow mixed together. Families recall those good memories while on the other hand, there was the anguish and the pain of losing their loved ones. Especially with the way she was killed.

Dressed in black, an attractive woman was sitting in the front staring solemnly at the closed casket. It appeared that the wide living room was prepared for the funeral service, with several rows of chairs laid out.

Detective Franz cleared his throat. "Miss Harris?"

She slowly glanced over her shoulder and saw the three detectives. Two of them were still a stranger to her. "Detective Riley."

"I'm sorry to bother you, Yanna. Remember I told you about the two detectives working on a case in Rome that might be connected with your sister's death."

Yanna, Berna's sister nodded her assent, and Delbert and Judiel stepped forward and introduced themselves. Although expressionless, she appeared to be listening closely, since she immediately asked. "How is my sister's death connected to a series of murders in Rome?"

Delbert moved to hand her a piece of paper found in her sister's hand. "Did she draw that? It's her penmanship, right? Pretty neat trick writing an invisible message like that. Must be a fun science experiment. You two were very close."