But they were late. Way too late. Dyson, accompanied by the several of the Regnant Guard had arrived first to Val's house and found even he had to pinch his nose at the smell. It seems Val wasn't dead for hours but for days. Her throat cut. Dyson's surveyed the area. There were things broken everywhere. He saw a short sword laying off to the side. He recognized it as the same one she used when they fought the Garuda years ago. Dyson took some comfort that she didn't go down without a fight.

"Your Excellency, we looked around and found the house staff also dead." One of the Regnant Guard reported.

"Well, that answers why the smell is so pungent." Dyson replied.

"Let's call in the clean-up team and make sure we collect as much evidence as possible. Make sure Erik Lykke is looped in as well."

"Yes, Your Excellency." The Regnant Guard said and walked away.

A short while later, Kenzi, Dakari, Ian and Gunnar showed up right along with the clean-up team. When Kenzi saw Val's body lying on the floor she took a nearby seat. Dyson walked over closer to her and put a hand on her shoulder. Kenzi clutched it for strength.

"Are you alright?" Dyson asked.

"Hale's dead, his father is dead, and now his sister. The Santiago line is gone." Kenzi said at a near whisper.

"It seems she's been dead for days, but she didn't go without a fight." Dyson informed as he pointed over to the sword on the ground. Kenzi offered a faint smile at the memory of being momentary comrade-in-arms. Kenzi gripped his hand several times quickly which signaled to Dyson she was okay and took his hand off her shoulder.

"So what happened with Sturgis?" Dyson asked.

"He was killed. By the same method that killed Chas Marrero." Dakari answered.

"What is the meaning of all this bloodshed?" Kenzi asked to no one in particular. Dyson looked to Dakari.

"That is a good question. Your Serene Highness?" Dyson asked with a bit of a challenge in his voice. Dakari met his look. That caused Ian and Gunnar to straighten up in defense.

"No Dyson, that's not what I mean. This is an attack upon The Queen and the Realm for sure, but to what end? What are they trying to achieve? It's like all this bloodshed is more…like…like a distraction." Kenzi answered.

"By 'they' you mean whatever force or forces that are causing all these deaths?" Gunnar asked.

"Yeah, well, the Presidium ensuring their old grudges are being taken care of doesn't help." Kenzi replied. "It feels like we have a lot of the pieces of the puzzle but have no idea what picture we're trying to put together. We need more information."

"Did Sturgis say anything?" Dyson asked.

"Only why he hid the Athenaeum." Kenzi replied.

"And nothing else?" Dakari asked.

"He was a bit long-winded about it." Kenzi replied. Dakari's eyes narrowed slightly.

"What are you thinking Kenzi?" Ian asked. Kenzi scanned the group.

"Where's Bo?" Kenzi asked.

"Still at the JFM with Lauren." Dyson answered.

"I need to talk to Bo." Kenzi replied as she stood and made her way towards the door. Dakari, Ian and Gunnar followed. Kenzi stopped them.

"I need to do this on my own." Kenzi said.

"Kenzi…!" Ian began.

"Ian! I can take care of myself! I've been doing it nearly all my life!" Dakari, Ian and Gunnar just looked at her. Kenzi's shoulder's slumped a bit.

"Look, I appreciate you got my back, truly, but if I'm going to be a true Agent of the Presidium, one that serves Bo, Their Majesties, and the Realm then I need one thing, and I need you to let me have that one thing!" Kenzi implored.

"And what's that?" Dakari asked.

"I need to be me!" Kenzi replied then turned and walked out the door. This time Dakari, Ian and Gunnar did not follow.

Dyson smiled.