THE HIDDEN'S ORDER MYSTERY

CHAPTER NINE

Theolinda glanced at Mitchell's lifeless body and couldn't believe it-another murder in the Order building. This time, the scene was horrifying and disturbing. Mitchell had been cut open, imitating an autopsy, but the amount of blood on the floor and the painful expression on his face indicated that he was still alive when he was cut open. She shuddered at the thought of the pain he must have endured before succumbing to his injuries. The crime's brutality was horrifying and repulsive. Kerrigan stated, with a troubled expression:

"I am exhausted, Theolinda. I'm not sure what happened here or why."

Theolinda replied:

"Maybe Mitchell found out some secrets about the Order?"

Kerrigan explained:

"Mitchell wanted to be a member of the Order. But he did not believe in magic."

Theolinda glanced at the imposing statue and eerie mausoleum that seemed to hold secrets of their own, adding to the mystery surrounding the murder.

"Is this Marcus Lucius the founder of the Order?"

"Yes, we pay tribute to his memory here," Kerrigan said.

Theolinda explained:

"The perpetrator must have medical knowledge. They precisely made the incisions, resembling an autopsy. Kerrigan, we must contact the police immediately."

"No!"

"Why? They need to know. This cannot be passed off as an accident!"

Kerrigan hardened her face and said:

"Please investigate. You will be compensated nicely."

"It's not about money. This man was slain, just like Matt. This is dreadful. You are so accustomed to killings that they appear normal to you." Theolinda gasped in disbelief, utterly appalled by the notion that Kerrigan could be connected to such a heinous act.

Suddenly, a woman in her fifties with a stern expression entered the room.

"Domina, here I am," Mirelle said respectfully, acknowledging Kerrigan's authority.

"Mirelle, welcome," Kerrigan said. "This is Mirelle De Silva, a coroner and part of the Order's inner circle. Mirelle, this is Theolinda Brady, the private detective who is assisting us."

Mirelle stared angrily at Theolinda, and without saying anything, she told Kerrigan:

"Domina, I'm going to examine the corpse and take it to the autopsy room immediately."

"Do your job," Kerrigan said, feeling slightly embarrassed by Mirelle's dismissive attitude towards Theolinda and sensing the palpable tension in the room.

Theolinda stared at the dark-skinned woman with straight hair tinted in a subtle copper colour. She was short and muscular, with a strong complexion.

Kerrigan said:

"Theolinda, please help us."

"I'll inspect the area and see if I can find any clues," she said, unsure whether she was doing the right thing.

"The investigation of the crime site was ineffective. I didn't locate anything that could help us solve the case. I could only conclude that the murderer is a doctor or someone with medical knowledge and a careful nature," Theolinda told Arabella in Brady Investigations' offices.