Lethal Beauty

XXIX - Project Eve

Nine.

Nine Clans that make up the House of Elders.

Each of them has a designated beast as a symbol of their power.

One of them caught his attention.

On the way to Sweden, sitting beside his partner Judy, Delbert was reviewing the information that Abel had sent. The Laiho Clan---two words to describe the family, wealthy and cats. Information about their family was highly confidential. What was available in the EHPU database were the things they decided to declare and make available to the public. Their most expensive property up to date was a striking vertical palace with the most incredible high-tech amenities. It was a thirty-seven-thousand-square foot mansion with twenty-seven floors and valued at a staggering two billion dollars.

Upon hearing this, Judiel couldn't help whistling that Delbert was amused. "That family is fucking rich."

"Not just rich-rich. They are ROYALTY. Get this, they have properties all over Europe, America, and Asia. And these are the things they declared but if you go deeper, you'll discover that they have international dealings. I can't go any further because most of the information is strictly confidential, but they make it seem like they're not hiding anything."

"All Elders are like that, D. Who knows how powerful and wealthy they really are."

"Or how long they have lived? Nonetheless, it's not a crime to be rich."

"I've sent the fur we found to another forensic team in America. They said they probably have a way to tell what kind of cat this is."

"Can they also tell if the cat happens to be a vampire?"

Judy was skeptical about this. "Are you certain they can transform into an animal?"

"I've seen one of them do it. What I don't get is, why it seems like the mistake was deliberate."

"You mean, they've left the fur there on purpose?"

"Whoever did it, wanted us to follow a trail. Connect someone to something."

"And the doctor in Kent?"

"Must be connected to a project that involves an Elder."

"That Elder must be a Laiho."

Delbert gazed outside the window and found the shape of the clouds forming into the head of a cat. Fascinating. "If we are to follow the kid's data, the Laiho is currently at the top of the food chain. They are the proclaimed leader of the House of Elders. They aren't just the ancestor---they are the Gods. Most likely, the first of the first."

"Jesus, D. What have we gotten ourselves into?"

"Still mulling over that..." Delbert sighed and looked at her. "If it's too much, I will cut you out."

"What? Why?"

"I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I'm not quitting," Judy's tone was resolute. "I want to see how this ends."

Delbert stared at her, long and hard. "I think you may be right."

She was confused. "About what?"

"About thirteen years ago. I think this case must be connected to what happened thirteen years ago."

Judy sat properly, turning her whole body to the side, and fixed her whole attention to the man. "What happened thirteen years ago?"

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