The Beautiful People - Butterfly Logic

PROLOGUE

"Welcome to the seven o'clock news on channel six," Mark greeted. Mark paused to listen as the station director spoke into his earpiece. He looked concerned and said, "Tonight, tragedy strikes as we bring you breaking news from the heart of a chilling crime scene. We have an anchor, Jane Brinkman, at the site. Jane, what can you tell us about the breaking news?"

Behind the news anchor, Jane, the scene at the hotel entrance was chaotic and grim. Fire responder vehicles formed a barrier, their flashing lights painting the area in shades of red and blue and scattering uniformed men and women darting in and out of the building, hinting at the recent danger unfolding within.

Jane stood with a hand resting against her head, a gesture of concern or disbelief, as she awaited her cue to report. Despite her smile, the atmosphere around her was tense and urgent. In the background, a police officer hurried past, his expression grave. His gloved hand, streaked with blood, momentarily caught the light as he urgently signaled for assistance from other team members, underscoring the severity of the situation unfolding at the scene.

"Jane, you there," Mark questioned.

Jane immediately began to report, "This is being called the worst tragedy in history. The bodies of eleven graduates, we believe are from Crestwood High School, were found savagely murdered here in this hotel seen behind me."

"Do they have any suspects," Mark inquired.

"Police believe they have a lead," she nodded. "They do not want to release any information until the crime scene has been thoroughly documented."

"Do we have any names of the victims?" Mark interviewed.

"At this time, police are not releasing any specific details about the victims. I have learned from a source that one of the victims' families has not been notified. They are close to locating them. A source believes they are somewhere in Europe, perhaps living or vacationing. Until they are located, no names will be released."

"Such a sad day for those families," Mark continued. "Jane, how do we know these kids were from Crestwood High School?"

"Interestingly, each of the victims was wearing a school-issued shirt."

"Please keep us posted as this progresses."

"Certainly," Jane nodded. "The police chief isscheduled to make an official statement within the hour regarding the deathsand their suspect."