The Phoenix's Mark Book 1: Dogs of War

Chapter 12

“Hey, Sarah. Can you come here for a minute?” Cameron called his daughter from the bottom of the stairs.

“Yeah?” she asked, appearing at the head of the stairs.

“I got something for you,” he explained.

“What?” she asked, making her way down the stairs, towards her waiting father. He reached into his pocket, producing a phone.

“Oh, my god, really?” she gushed as he handed it to her.

“I think your mother should’ve gotten you one a long time ago.” Sarah rolled her eyes.

“I’ve been telling her that for years.” She grabbed the phone from his hand and threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you, daddy.”

“You’re welcome, baby girl. Now, mine and your mother’s numbers are already programmed in. I also went over to Laurence’s and got his number for it,” he explained, a wide smile on his face.

“Oh, my god, really?” she repeated, the excitement clear in her voice. “I love you,” she gushed, throwing her arms around him, once again.

“I love you, too.” Cameron kissed her on the forehead. “I’ve got things to do. Enjoy.” He turned and headed into the living room, turning on the television.

“The news?” Sarah asked, entering the room, a few minutes later.

“Helps me know what’s going on,” he replied, keeping his eyes glued to the television.

“Whatever. I was wondering if Laurence could come over. Please?”

“Sure.”

“Okay, thanks.”

Minutes later, Laurence knocked hard on the door. Sarah cheerfully pulled it open, planting a kiss on Laurence’s cheek. “Hey, babe,” he greeted, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Hey,” she replied, snaking her arms around his neck. “Did you miss me?”

“You know I did.” He smiled at her.

“Dork,” she joked, playfully punching him in the shoulder.

His smile faded when he heard the sound coming from the living room. He wandered into the room, staring at the television, watching intently.

“There are still no leads as to the murders that have been happening all over town. A serial killing is expected, as the victims all had their hearts destroyed. The first two bodies were found dead on the side of the road. The male was stripped of his clothing, and the couple’s car stolen. The last couple of weeks, even more dead bodies have shown up over town with the same signs. The killer, however, was able to commit the murders and get away without leaving behind any sign he was ever there, aside from the exploded hearts. No DNA, no fingerprints, nothing.”

“Are you okay?” Sarah asked, watching his wide-eyed gaze at the television.

“I don’t know, maybe,” he replied, unsure.

“I have to go, but I’ll be back later.” He kissed her on the cheek and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” Sarah asked, following him.

“To find some things out.”

“I want to go with you.”

He turned to face her. “No. The safest place for you right now is here. I’ll be by later to pick you up. I love you.” He kissed her on the cheek and left.

“That was weird,” Cameron stated. Sarah smiled at him. She had completely forgotten he was sitting there. She turned and headed up the stairs.

“They’re here,” Laurence stated, swinging the door to his home open.