The Dark Society

49

England had remained unpredictable to this day, so Detective Stern often saw his share of heinous crimes. But with the recent missing person cases, many clues led nowhere, so he reanalyzed everything, hoping for a new sense of direction.

It was Saturday night, and Daniel sat in his office reviewing forensic evidence. He'd handled this case alone since the start, but as the details turned more bizarre, he enlisted the help of a valued colleague. Sergeant Sean Thomas had been with the bureau for twenty-two years--ten of them in homicide, where he'd earned a commendation for outstanding police work.

However, it wasn't the evidence that was troubling Daniel, but rather the suspicions he hoped Sean could help him work through. Besides, the more mysterious the case became, the more Daniel dedicated himself to it. On a similar note, he wasn't naturally trusting, which served him well when weighing facts. Still, he felt unnerved by the ambiguities surrounding Sabrina Kole.

Sean soon arrived, set his items on the desk, and took a seat. It had been a while since they'd worked together, but Thomas always got results.

"You never look happy," he said while sipping his coffee.

"Am I that obvious?" Daniel asked as Sean picked up the various photographs.

"What are we looking at?"

Stern sat up and clasped his hands together. "The Saint Claire/Lloyd case."

Sean's eyes lifted. "Why would you need me for that?"

Daniel's expression darkened. "Because the list of suspects keeps getting longer, and I'm running out of patience. That's why you're here."

Sean focused his attention. "What do you know?"

Daniel rose and moved to the window. "Larson and Hill are somehow involved, but that's not all."

Sean relaxed in his chair. "Go on."

"The Lady of Victories," Daniel proclaimed. "One big mystery."

Sean poured himself coffee. "I assume forensics examined Evelyn Gardens?"

Daniel retrieved a large manila file and passed it over. "The reports are in there. Aside from the basics, there isn't much."

Sean reviewed the summaries. "Who's she?" he asked, holding up a photo of Karen.

"A known occultist associated with the Lady of Victories."

Thomas shifted uncomfortably. "They're still involved in witchcraft?"

"Bishop Luen isn't exactly preaching the gospel," Daniel said dryly.

"And these witches are suspected of murder?" Sean questioned.

"Not to mention, two more kids have vanished, and their close friends know nothing," Daniel added.

"I'm following you so far."

"Then Sabrina Kole returns to America without telling anyone."

"People travel. What's your point?"

Daniel glanced at him. "I've been rethinking the dormitory interview."

Sean smirked and set down the folder. "I'm listening."

Daniel paused. "Something Ms. Solomon said."

"Yeah, and?"

"When I asked how to find Sabrina, she was forthcoming about everything," he explained.

"So what do we do?" Sean asked.

Daniel silently rolled his eyes.

"Let me see if I understand," Sean continued. "Sabrina comes from the U.S. for school, then out of nowhere decides to go home?"

Daniel nodded.

"So we investigate Karen and Sabrina, and consider Larson and Hill as suspects," Sean concluded.

Stern clutched the file. "I need to hear what she has to say, but their government will resist cooperation."

Sean nodded. "Especially since she's returned overseas."

Stern referenced his notes. "There are too many variables--Larson, Hill, Sabrina, and those damn occult groups. What does it all mean?"

Sean shook his head. "Those institutions generate negative publicity. But if they're conducting spiritual ceremonies, it might be a good time for a visit."

Daniel stared out the window. "Are we dealing with something supernatural?"

"Listen to yourself," Sean replied. "It's nothing more than a group of teenagers experimenting with witchcraft. Besides, there weren't any clear signs of foul play, so let's go by the book and not make assumptions."

"I guess you're right," Daniel conceded. "I'm working way too hard and need a break anyway."

Sean rose and began pacing. "Let's follow up methodically and not make any careless mistakes."

"What's the next move?"

Sean settled back into his chair. "Contact the U.S. consulate."

"Schultz and Landry?"

Anxieties escalated inevitably, but logic prevailed even amid the urgency. In the end, the evidence wasn't conclusive, and foreign law would delay due process--but all efforts to find Sabrina would continue.