Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Venom

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 37:

“Did you say Satan Bella?” I asked to be sure. Not that anything surprised me at this point. I turned 18 today. I was an experienced werewolf, a Pack leader, a vampire killer, a soon to be married father and I just found out my fiancée who flew off without me for three days was hanging with the devil.

“Yes. We can talk about it later.” Bella said quietly, noticing that everyone in the ranch was in this room.

“Hell no! You can’t say you were with the devil for three days and brush it off! I knew something was weird. Did he hurt you? Is that why you look different? What the hell is going on? He is not supposed to be able to interfere in this realm!”

Old Quil was angry.

Bella was becoming agitated.

“Bella, look at me.” I told her firmly. Her beautiful eyes met mine.

“Tell us what happened baby. It’s okay.”

“I landed somewhere in Utah. Outside Provo on a mountain. I just wanted to be by myself for a little bit. I planned to fly right home. But he came out from behind a rock. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t leave. I wanted to. I wanted to very badly. I was scared. But I couldn’t move.”

“Did he touch you?” Old Quil asked in a hushed voice.

“No. He told me he couldn’t interfere. He also told me that Irkalla was still alive. No doubt about it.”

Damn it.

That bitch was mine this time.

“How?” Charlie asked.

“Apparently the venom. The devil put the venom in the cave. God, I guess, placed the bracelet in the cave. The bracelet gave a chance to humans or something. Anyway the venom, the original venom can’t burn. Irkalla’s body… I don’t know. It could have been something as small as a finger or toe. But she is somewhere right now, regenerating. She must have been behind the massacre and the children turning. No one else, I doubt even vampires, are sick enough to do that.”

“So we find the box and when we beat her again, we place the venom in the box. You think it can hold it?” I asked for clarification.

“Yes. I mean it must be the only thing that can hold it. If it didn’t find a piece of Irkalla, it probably would have just found another person. That must be the disturbance in the Spirit World Quil. She is getting stronger.”

“So how do we find the cave? Does Ursulla know?” Quil asked.

“I don’t know. I will have to ask her. But I don’t think she does. She was dying when she found it, like I was when you took me Quil. I plan to ask her but I will have to go and look for myself.”

“No, you are not. You are staying here and staying safe!”

“Jake…”

“Sumeria. Ancient Sumeria is in Southern Iraq Bella. Lot of stuff going on down there right now.” I said calmly, not losing my temper.

“I’m not worried about Iraqis Jake.” She responded rolling her eyes.

“And who is going to watch our backs while you spend God knows how long in Iraq? Do you know how many caves are over there? They talk on the news all the time about insurgents hiding in caves.” Charlie added.

“We have to do something. She is going to attack again. It is a matter of time.”

“Yes it is. And we are going to take advantage of all the time she gives us.” I told Bella, looking pointedly at her belly that held our child.

She said nothing.

“You would think it would have been found in all this time. With the military history of the area civil war, caves were used extensively.” Sam added. “It may have been taken long ago.”

“What does it look like?” I asked Bella.

“I don’t know. The bracelet showed the story of Irkalla to Ursulla but it was dark and vague.” Bella admitted.

“What about our military?” Charlie asked.

“What about them?”

“Jake, we are friends with the President. The US is all over Iraq. We can convince him to send some patrols to search the caves. I bet they have great geological maps of the area. The box isn’t dangerous…”

“I’m sorry can I ask a question?” Lorain, Kim’s mom, asked from the back.

“Yes?”

“I think we have all dealt with this pretty well considering all we have learned and gone through, but shouldn’t we be focusing on the fact that she just spent three days with Satan?!”

“Mom!” Kim whispered sharply.

“I didn’t want to.” Bella mumbled.

“Mom stop it!”

“Sorry. I’ll shut up. Please continue discussing your fiancées meeting with Satan like she visited the grocery store and saw an old friend. It’s a bit much, that’s all I’m saying.”

I looked at Kim’s dad. He shrugged his shoulders.

“Back to point, did… Satan tell you anything else Bella?”

“No.” she answered quickly.

“You were with the devil for three days and all he did was tell you it was him that put venom on Earth and became the origin of vampires?” Ricky asked. He looked frightened. I forget how young these guys are. I forget how young I am.

“It… no. That’s all he told me that will be helpful.” Bella said and looked at me with eyes that pleaded to shut these people up. She would be telling me later.

“So you killed twenty children, spent three days with the devil who is giving you hints and come back with a new hairstyle, again, and you expect us to trust you?” Rebecca asked.

I slowly turned around and looked at my sister. She had been doing well lately. Part of the Pack. Training. Not complaining.

Now she opened her mouth.

“Get out.”

“Jake… I’m sorry. But c’mon. She is spooky!”

“Get out now.” I growled. People backed away from the two of us.

“Jake. Calm down. Now!” Bella yelled, placing a hand on my chest.

“I’m tired of her shit! Trust her? She didn’t destroy a fucking airport Rebecca!”

Rebecca wouldn’t look at me.

“Jake, calm down. It’s your birthday. It’s okay.” I looked at Bella and her eyes pleaded with me to calm down. I took a deep breath.

“Okay. So we need to…”

“Celebrate your birthday. Please? I’ll jump out of a cake for you later if you promise to have fun now.” Bella told me.

“Jake?” Rachel whispered.

I looked up and the room was quiet. The Pack was on edge.

I couldn’t have this. We needed whatever peace we could get. Bella was uninjured. She was here. Long as she was here and breathing I could deal with anything.

“Yeah. Let’s get into those cakes.” Bella let out a breath and I could feel the tension break in the room.

Until the phone rang.

Everybody who would be calling us was here. Except Graham.

“Hello?” Dad answered.

“Who? Really? Of course. Hold on.”

He held the phone out to me.

“It’s the President.”

---

I took the phone and Bella took my free hand. This was not good. No reason he should be calling unless something really bad had happened.

“Hello?”

“Jake! Happy birthday!”

Or he could be calling to wish me happy birthday.

“Thank you Mr. President.”

“Dave.”

“Thanks Dave.” I looked around the room. Even Kim’s Mom seemed impressed.

“Has she came back?” he asked quietly.

“Yes sir. She is right here.”

“Thank God. Graham and Tesler told me what she had to do. How is she?”

I looked at her closely. Chestnut full hair, deep soft brown eyes that sparkled. The woman I fell in love with. Not bad all things considering.

“Doing well Dave. As well as can be expected. I’m glad you called. I have some things I need to talk to you about. Do you mind if I put you on speakerphone so the Pack can hear?”

“That would be great. I have some things I need to talk to you about as well. You go first.” Dave ordered. All right then.

“Irkalla is still walking the Earth. Or crawling. We aren’t exactly sure but she isn’t gone.”

Dave was very quiet for a minute.

“Dave?”

“How do you know this?”

“We have been told by a source that… Dave you are just going to have to trust me here. You really don’t want to know.”

“Magic shit?”

“Magic shit.” I agreed.

“Great. Okay. What about these vampires Graham says helped you guys? I thought we were working on a policy that all vampires bad? Especially since Irkalla can control vampires, correct?”

“Yes. That was the policy. But they have agreed to only stay overseas and feed from animals. We needed help to cover the world sir. They were willing and the best option we had at the time in a bad situation.”

“I understand about making hard decisions. Do you believe they will feed from animals?”

That was the question, wasn’t it?

“I believe they are scared of Bella.” I told him honestly. Bella laughed lightly but there wasn’t much humor in it.

“Good enough. That actually ties in with news I have for you.”

“What is that sir?”

“Later today and tomorrow, nations around the world are going to be making announcements. In response to the US not sharing technology, they have made official agreements with vampires to defend their nations against rogue vampires.”

The room was quiet.

“Could you repeat that sir?”

“Apparently our plan to scare vampires has worked. Some vampires have approached their governments and asked for protection against the US in exchange for working for their nations. China, UK, Egypt, Japan, Russia, France. Those are the ones the CIA knows about now. Supposedly they will drink donated blood or feed from animals. Countries like Egypt, Russia, China… well let’s say we don’t exactly believe them but we can’t really say anything.”

“This is a game changer.” Bella whispered.

“Irkalla can control these vampires Dave.” I reminded him.

“Yep. Like I said, not much we can do about it. What about our vampires? Any chance of getting them back? If the rest of the world wants to help themselves perhaps we need to close ranks. Give you guys some help?”

I looked around the room. No one looked enthused at the prospect. Bella looked deep in thought.

“Can we get back to you on that Dave?”

“Sure. I think we should all have a face to face meeting soon anyway. Even if it does give the Secret Service high blood pressure. Now let’s talk about some other issues. Our top scientists that we have working on the vampire body parts can come up with absolutely no way to kill them. The venom burns obviously but we have found no way to harm the body parts without fire to exposed venom. It’s ridiculous. They can’t even classify what venom is. It’s biological but has no DNA. No chemicals or radiation affects it. Nothing affects it other than fire. You would think this shit was placed on earth by the devil himself.”

I glanced at Bella who shrugged her shoulders.

“Probably was Dave.” I mentioned casually. “But we do have an idea for containing Irkalla’s venom. Remember the story of how she became a vampire?”

“Yes. I have spent a bit of time looking over everything. It’s been on my mind.” Dave said sarcastically.

“Yeah well the venom was in a box in a cave when Irkalla found it. We think if we can find that box, if we can destroy her again we can contain her venom in that box.”

“Great. That will take care of her. Will it affect other vampires?”

“I don’t know. I doubt it. Apparently the original venom cannot be burned. But we could stop a mad woman from controlling the vampire population of the world for her own gains. Permanently this time. Prevent anyone else from obtaining that venom. Whoever has that venom controls the vampire world Dave. Whether they know it or not.”

“Sounds great. Tell me where it is and I will send a platoon in to get it.”

“We don’t know. Just that it is somewhere in Ancient Sumeria.” I admitted.

“Somewhere? Jake do you have any idea how many caves there are in that area? Weapons caches, insurgent hideouts, chemical weapon storage facilities. We haven’t come close to mapping half of them and we have been at it for over a decade.”

“I know Dave. Bella is going to try to find out more. But right now we just know there is a cave and there was a box once that held the venom.”

“Okay. I’ll get some units on it. Now moving on.”

“Moving on?” I asked dumbly. The man didn’t waste time on small talk.

“Yes. Bella how are you feeling dear?”

“Uh, I’m good Dave. It’s been a rough few days but we are still here.”

“Glad to hear it. As horrible as it was, I am proud that you were able to deliver those children from pain Bella. You did a good thing even though it was horrible to have to do. Now listen up everybody. Your family will be growing. I’m not just talking about that baby, either.”

Oh shit.

“What are you talking about Dave?”

“Graham is coming by in an hour. You need to grant access to two more people. Two doctors. Both are of Native American descent. Both have the highest level of security clearance and both know everything about what is going on. I don’t like giving out your secret to many people Jake. You know that. But I feel these people are essential. One of the Doctors is half Makah, the other Cherokee. They have grown up around legends and after the outing of vampires are willing to believe anything now.”

“Dave why the fuck are you sending scientists here?” Bella asked quietly.

“Doctors, Bella. One is an Obstetrician. She is also a general practitioner and board certified surgeon. A fine doctor. You have had injuries in the past. You may have injuries in the future that a doctor could assist, giving you the time you need for your bodies to heal. A doctor could come in handy.”

“Bella has a doctor she has been seeing.” I pointed out.

“Yes. One who after the first visit called a detective friend of hers in the Casper PD and told him her concerns that you were beating Bella. Something about a car wreck and you wondering what would happen if another car wreck occurs. She plans on having Bella meet with the detective at her next visit so the two can convince Bella to leave you for her baby’s safety.”

Oh. That would be a complication we didn’t need.

“Besides you have three women at that ranch including Bella, pregnant Jacob. I understand it must be boring as hell when you aren’t fighting vampires but can’t you guys find another hobby?” he laughed.

That brought silence to the room. Three? I looked around the room. Everyone else was as well.

“Are Kim and Emily in the room? I want to congratulate them.”

I looked at Emily. She had a slight grin on her face.

I looked at Kim. She had a slight look of horror on her face. Her mother and father were looking at her. No her mother was looking at Kim. Her father was looking at Jared.

I knew Kim went to Casper yesterday and Emily the day before but I didn’t know they went to see Bella’s doctor.

“How did you…”

“I have to keep tabs on my people, Jake. Give me some credit. Anyway, congratulations you two. I would really appreciate it if there could be some weddings around there. No pressure but if this crap ever does make the light of day I don’t want the family values people up my ass.”

“Uh…”

“Kidding Jake. Graham will be bringing everything the doctors need to set up shop right there on the ranch. They will follow you to La Push if you decide to move there when it is ready.”

“Who is the other doctor?” Bella asked. Kim’s dad was walking toward Jared. I caught Sam’s eye and he walked between the two of them subtly.

“She is a psychologist. She will provide therapy to anyone who needs it. She knows everything. She is an excellent counselor. Your people can say anything to her.”

“Dave we don’t need therapy.” I told him quickly. Like anybody would talk…

A chorus of disagreements arose.

What the fuck?

“Jake could you please take me off speakerphone for a second?”

I pressed the button and placed the receiver to my ear. Bella crawled up me to place her ear next to the phone.

“Jake Bella has had a lot happen to her. She had to kill… look you have all gone through a lot. Death, battle, being removed from your homes. I’m not saying you have to use this doctor. But let her stay around. Be available. It’s not enough just to win Jake. You have to be able to live with yourself after the victory.”

Bella nodded her head.

“Okay Dave. Thanks.”

“No problem. I’ve got a budget meeting and then a security briefing on Taiwan to attend. Despite vampires being outed the rest of the bad guys of the world are still around as well. Happy birthday Jake. Think about calling those vampires back. I am going to need some public faces to keep China from having any ideas about using their vampires against Taiwan or any other surrounding area. I won’t use your faces. So give me some ideas. We are a team. I won’t use them without you, but I need some help here Jake.”

“Dave if you have vampires around, even if they are loyal, Irkalla can use them against you.” I pointed out.

“Jake if a vampire wanted to walk into the White House right now and level this place I couldn’t stop it. We can’t live in fear Jake. We won’t. Have a good birthday. Let me know when you are marrying Bella. I want to be there. Take care buddy.”

Dave ended the call.

I looked at the room and saw everyone looking back at me.

“So… cake?”

Narrator POV

Doctors Theresa Locklear and Anya Jackson were nervous. Graham assured them they would be perfectly safe. But they had read the top secret documents. Documents that were burned by the President as soon as they had finished. Burned in the Oval Office trash can.

Giant wolves with incredible speeds that could switch from human to wolf in a second. The majority of them teenagers. A girl, barely 19 who… honestly the report on her abilities was astounding. Neither knew exactly what Bella Swan was capable of but they knew she was very powerful. The President himself accounted for their personalities and dedication to preserving human life. Graham Levoi was obviously devoted to them. He spoke very highly of Bella.

Those were small comforts sitting in a large living room surrounded by the very people who had been stories on a sheet of paper moments ago. Now they were real. No one was speaking.

“So I am Theresa Locklear. I have read about most of the wolves and Bella. To tell you a little about me, I’m 38 years old, and until recently had a private practice in Austin, Texas. I was President Rodriguez’s wife’s therapist before she tragically lost her life. That is how the President knows me. I am here to offer counseling to anyone who wishes it. I will not try to get you to take any medication. Most importantly our sessions will not be recorded and no notes will be taken, unlike in a normal clinical setting. This is done because the President did not want you to feel as if you are being studied. I am simply here to listen. Whatever is said to me is confidential. I will be available any time of night or day in the very big mobile home that will serve as mine and Anya’s office. I understand this place is protected and the mobile home and Anya’s medical equipment will be here in the morning requiring some of you to bring it in yourselves. Once it is set up feel free to come and go as you please. I look forward to getting to know each of you.”

Anya began to speak but was interrupted by one of the ‘wolves’ raising a hand.

“Yes?”

“Quil Ateara the third here. Couple of questions. With time do you wake up in the morning, Theresa?”

“Uhh… around 7.”

“Are you single?”

Di… divorced.” Theresa answered.

“If we go to therapy with you does that pretty much kill any chance of taking you out on a date? Because we would be patients or some crap like that?”

“Yes…”

“Cool. Good information to have. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.”

“For therapy?” Theresa asked.

“Yeah right.” Quil winked. Anya noticed nearly everyone else had an apologetic look on their face.

“I’m Anya Jackson. I will be working with Sue Clearwater I believe?” Anya looked and saw a middle age pretty woman standing next to a white man, she assumed to be Bella’s father, nodding.

“I understand we have three pregnant women here. I also understand that not all of the people at this ranch have the ability to heal quickly from injury and immunity to disease and illness. I will be taking care of any medical needs you have.”

Quil raised his hand.

“Lesbian. Big time. Just got out of a long term relationship, not looking to date, big guy.” Anya said without acknowledging Quil.

Quil’s hand went down.

Anya was not a lesbian. But he didn’t need to know that.

“Okay. I’m Jacob Black. I guess everyone needs to introduce themselves and then we can eat.”

After three hours the two newcomers felt a little more at ease. Anya was glad she did not have Theresa’s job. The people here seemed to love each other. To a point. But there were many potential issues even she could see in the social interaction. Bella stayed by Jake’s side. His hand only leaving some part of her to eat. There was not one moment where she did not seem deep in thought about something. Still Anya was not surprised. She looked so small. Anya had expected the equivalent of Xena when she read the report.

Instead she found a small teenage girl.

The next few days would be interesting.

The next afternoon Theresa had her office set up. Jacob Black and his father were assisting Anya with her medical equipment. The larger items such as the bed and ultrasound equipment. Bella was eager to see her baby.

Theresa surmised last night that Kim, who had just turned 17, had not told her parents of her pregnancy before the President’s call. Kim, Jared and her parents had disappeared soon after. Jake left with Bella to handle an argument that Theresa could not hear.

This morning Quil appeared as promised. Theresa explained that it would be unprofessional to become involved with one under her care or who could potentially be in her care. Quil promptly turned into a wolf, and began chasing his tail and rolling around on the ground. Then the giant beast tried to lick her. The one named Paul stopped him, thank God.

Soon the sessions would start. She was excited. Such a unique opportunity. Bella Swan would have the most issues, she was sure, but perhaps she the others could use help. Theresa firmly believed in therapy and loved her calling.

As expected at 4:00 PM the first patient arrived. It was not however, Bella Swan.

“Hello.”

“Hi. I’m…”

“Emily. Of course. Come in.”

Emily looked around outside and then walked in quickly. Theresa led her to her office and Emily sat down.

“Is this room sound proof?” she asked Theresa.

“Yes. We understand about those with increased hearing. Nothing said in this room leaves this room. So tell me about yourself Emily.”

“I took my best friend’s boyfriend because of imprinting. We, Sam and I, fought about it and my face nearly was ripped off by accident. I have no life outside of this pack. I love Sam with all my heart but… I feel like if it wasn’t for imprinting he never would have chosen me. Not long ago, my parents were killed in a car accident. Before we came to this ranch my sister and her husband were killed by vampires in front of me and my niece. My niece who is now the imprint of Quil. She also talks to the dead. I have custody of her. I found out three days ago I was pregnant even though we weren’t trying and he still hasn’t married me after all this time. I honestly think Bella and Jake will be married before we are. I don’t know what that’s all about. I know Sam can’t leave me but what I don’t know is if he even wants to be with me. I’m also pretty sure my niece is closer to Bella and Quil than she is to me. I think about these issues constantly and I’m tired of it. Can you help?”

Theresa sat back and took it all in. She had been naïve. There was a lot more going on here than Bella Swan’s issues.

Ten PM finally arrived. Charlie Swan had just finished talking about his concerns. Concerns of not being good enough for his daughter. Concerns of failing her. Concerns for her health, her life. Theresa tried to get him to open up about his own wants and needs. He apparently didn’t have any outside of Bella. None he would admit yet.

In addition to Charlie and Emily, Theresa had met with Kim, and afterward Kim’s father who was concerned that Kim would be having a puppy before having a driver’s license and her mother followed him. She also met with Leah Clearwater who was secretly in love with a fellow wolf and afraid of the pack finding out. She was also afraid of imprinting taking one of them away from the other.

She spoke to Rebecca about her mother. Rebecca had much more pain than she showed. She spoke to Paul who was concerned about not being good enough for Rachel. Paul had a horrible childhood which he had only begun to share with Theresa before he stopped. He promised to be back.

She spoke to Embry who was secretly in love with a member of the pack and was afraid of imprinting taking one of them away from the other.

She expected more tomorrow. In all this though she never saw Bella Swan.

Stepping outside to catch a breath of fresh air before turning in for the night she saw her. Bella was bringing her horse in, the beast walking beside her.

“Good evening.” Theresa greeted her.

“Hey.” Bella said in return quietly, biting her lip a bit.

“I was wondering if I would see you. Do you want to come in?”

“No. I was just out riding, meditating. I have to meditate quite a bit. Helps me keep my sanity I suppose you could say.” Bella chuckled humorously.

“Who do you talk to Bella? I know you speak to Jake and your father and from what I understand you spend quite a bit of time with Quil’s grandfather, but who do you really talk to? Who do you talk to about the things you can’t talk to a man about?” Theresa asked her.

Bella simply shrugged her shoulders.

“I speak to the witches who came before me.”

“Do you talk to anyone still alive besides the three I mention? Do you really talk to them?”

Bella smiled.

“I appreciate what you are doing here. Judging by the people I have seen come in and out of here today, you are really needed here. But you don’t want to get involved in my head. It isn’t a pretty place.”

“Why not?”

“In the past week I had to kill twenty children and then spend three days with Satan while he told me every vile thing I tried to ignore about myself. I nearly killed my mother. I wanted to. I’m no hero. I just want to win. I want to win so I can raise my children in some sort of peace. But I will never have peace. Not really. Brief respites in fighting but not peace. We are called warrior witches for a reason. So I meditate.”

“I think you can find peace. I know you can.” Theresa told her firmly.

“You really think so?” Bella asked doubtfully, her tone poorly hiding the desperation in her voice.

“Yes. David… the President… told me once that winning was important but so was living with yourself afterward. He had to do things in the military that were difficult for him to accept. He had a different therapist but he found peace with himself eventually. I can help you. You kill vampires. It’s what you do. This is what I do. Give me a shot.” Theresa said softly.

“You have any idea what it is like to kill a child. To be pregnant and kill a child?”

“No. But you are going to tell me. Then we are going to move on. Come inside Bella.”

Theresa walked inside and after a few moments Bella followed.

Forks Washington

In Fork’s Washington, H H Holmes had been having a productive day. Some small towns liked to keep secrets. Forks was not such a town.

A simple trip to the local hospital cafeteria provided him a wealth of information.

The town of Forks suspected the Cullen’s of being vampires. It was all the talk in the hospital.

One name kept popping up.

Bella Swan. Edward Cullen’s ex girlfriend who had returned and then left after the fire at the Cullen house.

Apparently a woman by the name of Nancy Mallory was telling everyone who would listen that Bella Swan and her father must have had something to do with the deaths of the Cullen vampires. A quick look see in the phone book had provided him with Mallory’s address.

Now after feeding from Mr. Mallory, he was enjoying a conversation with Nancy and her daughter Lauren.

“I’ve told you everything I know. Please let us go. At least let my daughter go.”

“You haven’t told me everything yet. Her father, her mother, yes. I want to know who her friends were. Who did she like to hang around with, as you kids say?”

“The fucking bitch didn’t have friends! She was always with that fucking vampire and then he was gone and she got sick and left. That’s it!” Lauren yelled.

“Laurent don’t yell. Please?” Nancy begged.

“Fine. Let me ask the question a different way. Who could I kill that would hurt her the most?”

“I… I won’t say…” Lauren whimpered.

“Lauren tell him! I’ll tell you. Let us go and I will tell you.”

“Of course.” Holmes agreed.

“She hung out with that Weber girl. Right Lauren? Sometimes? At least once or twice. And the Newton boy. He was in love with her. And Jessica right Lauren? Jessica like to pretend to be her friend? Right?”

“Thank you Nancy.” Holmes told her with a smile.

Lauren’s eyes could not keep up. She saw a blur and then her mother’s neck was snapped.

“Okay Lauren. See how this works? You help out you receive a quick death. You hold back and I skin you alive. I mean that Lauren. I have experience with a scalpel. I was a doctor. Of course you wouldn’t know that. So I am going to need full names and addresses for everyone your mother just mentioned. Every time I have to ask you twice I am cutting something off. It will be something you miss for the remainder of your short life. You have two choices. Die quickly or die painfully. Do you understand? Lauren?”

Lauren stopped staring at her dead mother and looked up at the vampire. She nodded.

“Mike. Mike Newton. He still lives in Forks.”

Lauren continued for the next five minutes.

No, Forks definitely did not have secrets. Holmes picked up his phone and called Lizzy.

“Find what you are looking for?”

“Yes. You need to go to Jacksonville Florida. Renee Dwyer. I will text you the address. The baseball season is over. She should be home. Keep her alive. Have your fun but we will want her alive. For a while anyway. Her death will be truly spectacular. Understand?”

“Of course Holmes. What will you be doing?”

“I shall be having my fun as well dear. Starting now.”

Holmes hung up the phone and turned to Lauren.

“You did well. Unfortunately I won’t be killing you quickly. I lied. I simply must get some messages sent out and you are the first message. Tell me dear. Have you ever heard of Jack the Ripper?”