Murder's Shadow

Murder's Shadow - Prologue

   The taxi turned the corner and here I was. Home. I looked out the window and up at the condo complex I live in. It's kind of cute, you could say. I thought the outside was a bit overwhelming, but the inside was charming. 

   I took a deep breath, thanked the driver, paid him, and stepped out the car. It had been a few weeks since I had been home. I was exhausted and just wanted to be alone. I had been away on a business trip with world-known interior designers. I had gotten the chance when my boss gave me a promotion and license to be considered a professional interior designer. I thought he was just kidding with me at first. I was so shocked when the opportunity had arisen that I ended up spilling my coffee that morning. So after cleaning up my mess, I was given tickets and the rest of the day off to prepare.

   I walked up to my door and looked around to study the complex. Everything looked the same and nothing was out of the ordinary. I turned my focus back to the door and unlocked it. I opened it and the smell of vanilla and cherry blossom hit me immediately. I made sure to have one of the neighbors light a candle a few hours before my arrival, so I wouldn't have to deal with the smell. I looked around and dropped my bags right then and there. It felt good to be home. I was just getting ready to plop down on the couch when the phone rang. I groaned before reaching over to answer.

   "Hello?" I answer, just a bit annoyed.

   "Is this Miss Danielle Belizaire?"

   "Yes. Who is this?" I tried to figure out who was calling me. I told everyone I wouldn't be home till tomorrow morning.

   "Monsieur Chevalier" he replied. It took me a minute before realizing who that was.

   "Oui! Bonjour Monsieur!" I said, before there was a short pause. A few moments later, he began again.

   "I'm afraid I have some news."