His chuckle made her jump, and she didn't like to admit how much it had startled her. Ignoring the quiet hammering of her heart, Celestina offered him a small smile. "Darling," she purred. "What is it you find so funny? What I just told you was rather tragic, wasn't it?"
Stefano's returning smile, though gentle, was almost jeering. He sighed. "Oh, amore. I think I see now."
Though intrigued, Celestina grew slightly worried. "Sorry? See what?"
"How many times have I asked? And now, finally…" A gloved hand came up to Stefano's chin. He mimicked the gripping of something and lifted it upwards from his face. The corner of Celestina's mouth twitched, though not into a smile or frown. Before she could say anything, Stefano suddenly stood.
"I really have enjoyed this little talk, amore, but I have work I need to get back to." He stooped down to plant a kiss on Celestina's forehead. "Enjoy the rest of your tea. If you need me, you know where I'll be." His receding footsteps melded in with the patter of rain until Celestina could hardly tell them apart.
When Ledford was reassigned to his cases, he was greeted by nothing but empty leads. Good to see not much has changed in my absence, he thought grimly. Any detective knew time was quintessential in any case—each passing day wore the trail away just a little more. That a month had passed with no satisfactory progress made told Ledford that these were destined to become cold cases. It was beyond frustrating, especially with the hollowing thought that the women killed would find no justice.
As Ledford scanned over the work that had been done, he was exasperated at the fact that no one had bothered to pursue Valentini or his wife as leads despite the obvious pointers. It was as though the KCPD was purposefully turning a blind eye to what it feared the most—a remorseless, cunning killer. Someone who took the lives of others while knowing fully well what they were doing. A stranger to all that society held dear—empathy, compassion, and the internal restraints that kept humanity from regressing into savages.
It was much easier to go after the hit-and-run killer, the clumsy murderer. Those were the ones that the officers following the books caught without fail. But there weren't any of those here, and it almost felt as though going by the books was what allowed this killer to always be one step ahead of the KCPD. The ironic boundary established in the name of justice that kept them from achieving justice.
And just beyond the boundary, Ledford could see him there—taunting. Placing down the card that read Failure.
With a sigh, Ledford leaned back in his office chair. He afforded his eyes a break from the documents splayed across his desk by squeezing them shut and pinching the bridge of his nose. The only silver lining here was that Chaparé was still only the latest victim. Apparently this killer had seen fit to lay low. Four months had passed since the discovery of Marie's body, and the KCPD had received no subsequent reports of missing women or decapitated bodies. There'd been a missing person report submitted a few weeks ago, but that had been deemed unrelated given that the person had been an elderly man.
A gentle knocking shook Ledford out of his thoughts. He looked to see who was standing in the doorway, and then looked back down to begin sorting the messy documents. "Something I can help you with, Seb?"
"Just thought I'd stop by; see how things were going at this end."
"Well have I got some news for you!" Ledford exclaimed sarcastically. He dropped the stack of documents into an open folder, letting them fall a little too loudly. "I think you'll be excited to hear that absolutely jackshit has been done, and we're no closer to finding our killer."
"Jackson," Sebastian said, taking the second computer chair from the corner and pushing it to the desk. He sat down across from Ledford. "Listen—."
"Seb," Ledford interrupted, planting both hands firmly down on the desk. "I know you mean well, but please—the concern is a little condescending."
"I didn't come by to coddle you, if that's what you're assuming," Sebastian replied. "Just came by to stop and chat like we used to. It's been about a month since I've been passing by an empty office."
Ledford paused, and then lifted a hand to wearily rub his eyes. "Ah," he groaned. "Sorry, didn't mean to get all pissy like that."
"Don't apologize," Sebastian insisted. "Forget it all for a sec and just talk to me. How's the sis? Still in Europe?"
Grateful for the change in subject, Ledford lowered his hand. "Yeah," he answered. "Though she graduated with a bachelor's in music a few weeks ago. Bummed I missed the commencement, but she told me not to sweat it. Apparently she's really becoming something over in France—told me over the phone she's getting booked back-to-back to play on stages. Then again…" Ledford shrugged. "The French love that classical shit, don't they? Anything cultured. Just make sure they don't get a glimpse of my Spotify playlist."
"They don't even need to look," Sebastian joked. "They just need to get close to the precinct and they'll be able to hear it leaking out from here."
"Really?" Ledford replied, leaning on an armchair. "I keep the door closed."
"Jackson, these walls are like Swiss cheese. We can all hear your rap music."
"Hip hop. Nelly does hip hop."
"Whatever."
"How old are you again?"
"Don't start with me, Jackson," Sebastian growled. "So your sister—she sticking in France or is she thinking of coming home? Lily was asking about her again the other day, probably just misses her."
"Well, after her graduation she gave me a call. As soon as her last show's done, she's not booking anymore. Wants to head back to Krimson City—said something about wanting to reconnect with an old friend." With a shrug, Ledford added, "Not too sure what that meant. Oh!" He held up a finger, and then stooped to the side to reach into his dark blue messenger bag. "She also told me to make sure I had this ready for her when she got back."
He pulled from the bag an old, tattered sheet music booklet and tossed it onto the table. Sebastian took it, delicately turning the yellowed pages. "You know, before your sis went abroad, Myra was saying how it'd be nice to have her teach Lily to play."
"Ah, man, don't tell her that. She'd jump on the idea," Ledford teased lightly. Sebastian glanced back down at the booklet. His hands had stilled on the inside of the front cover. "There's a signature here," he noted. "Handwritten. Fuck me, that penmanship looks like something straight out of Word—one of those frilly, loopy fonts."
"Huh," Ledford said absently, affording the signature one quick, apathetic glance before looking back down at his documents. "She had a lot of musical idols. There's a ton here—you know us. If Austin's the live music capital of the world, we're the live classical music capital."
"No we're not," Sebastian scoffed. Ledford shrugged. His attention honed in on a particular document in his hand, and he began skimming over the text. He was so focused that he was late to catch Sebastian's next words.
"—tessa… I've heard that somewhere before."
Ledford looked up. "Hmm?"
Sebastian had still been examining the booklet. With a quick, dismissive wave, he said, "Nothing," and closed it. "Not really a classical music guy."
"And not really a Nelly guy either, I've noticed."
"Great deduction, Detective," Sebastian drawled. "I should put in a word with Vankirk and have you promoted."
Ledford lifted his shoulders in a drawn-out shrug, "What can I say? I'm a natural."
"Sebastian." Both men looked towards the door. Standing just outside the threshold was Kidman, one hand perched on her hip. Damn, Ledford thought. Those jeans are doing her a lot of favors. Quickly, he silently chided himself for that spur-of-the-moment thought. Now really wasn't the time to be checking out subordinates. And, to be honest, his track record with women wasn't exactly flattering. Ledford had vowed to himself some time back, while picking up the belongings that had been thrown all across the front yard of a newly-made ex, that he was going to take a break from the whole dating ordeal. And she was the one who'd cheated on me.
Sebastian stood. "Ready to head out, Kidman?"
"Yessir."
"Where are you two off to?" Ledford asked.
"Just got assigned a case yesterday, and I've asked Kid here to be my subsidiary. If all goes well, she'll be made junior detective."
"Ah," Ledford mused, lifting his eyebrows. "Nice. Well, happy hunting."
"Likewise. See ya around."
"Bye, Jackson."
"Take care, Meat Shield. Don't forget to buckle your seatbelt," Jackson teased as the two detectives filed out of his office. Kidman leaned back into the doorway. Lifting two fingers, she pantomimed a gunshot. Ledford returned with an exaggerated gripping of his chest. He caught Kidman's smirk as she disappeared past the doorway.
With his spirits lifted, Ledford looked back down at the documents with fresh eyes. No deaths in the past four months. He dared to wonder if maybe things were starting to look up.
Krimson City Post
Decapitated Body of Unidentified Woman Found on Trailside
December 14, 2008
Police received a frantic 911 call after a jogger was interrupted from her afternoon run to follow her dog. The jogger, who wishes to remain anonymous, told officers that her dog had suddenly become agitated and began pulling her away from the trail in an attempt to get closer to something. Thinking at first that it was a critter it wanted to chase, the jogger pulled the dog back but noticed that its behavior was growing unusual.
Upon closer inspection, the jogger spotted something large partially hidden in the undergrowth. She states she initially thought it was an animal, but then recognized an arm.
Though police have not yet released an identity, they have confirmed that the deceased was female. There have been several speculations on who she may be with the strongest theory pointing to Aileen Montgomery, an aspiring model who was reported missing two weeks ago.
Krimson City Post
Murder Victim Identified as Singer/Songwriter Danika Evans. Police Suspect Return of Serial Killer
January 4, 2010
Fans of the Krimson City born-and-raised singer were heartbroken at the news that the decapitated body discovered in Mulberry Creek last week was confirmed to be that of Danika Evans.
Evans had been reported missing three weeks prior. There have been several connections drawn between this murder and the one that took place almost a year ago involving Aileen Montgomery.
In yesterday's press conference held by Lieutenant James Vankirk of the KCPD homicide division, several reporters brought up the Emily Lewis, Janine Sawyer, and Marie Chaparé cases from a few years prior. No killer was ever apprehended. Approached with the question of whether the same individual could be responsible for the recent murders, Vankirk did not deny the possibility. He concluded the press conferences with the promise that the KCPD is doing all they can to find Evans' killer.
Krimson City Post
Acclaimed Violinist Malia Reese Latest in Terrifying String of Murders
October 15, 2010
In the latest tragedy, the headless body of Malia Reese was found in an alleyway behind the abandoned building that was formally Wesley's Bowling Alley up until last year. The people of Krimson City are up in terror at this latest bit of news. Sharing the space of widespread fear is anger towards the KCPD at why they continue to let this happen. Lead detective on the Reese and Evans cases, Jackson Ledford, has refused to give any comment. It should also be noted that Detective Ledford also headed the investigations on the unsolved murders of the women from several years ago. From undisclosed sources, we have learned that the only thing investigators managed to do in those previous cases was make an arrest that proved to be a false alarm.
In an interview with Krimson City's sweetheart, Celestina Amonte expressed her distress over Reese's death. Amonte was a close friend to the late Reese. "She was such a talented girl with so much potential. The moment she touched bow to strings she would take your breath away. The musical world has been dealt a great blow. She leaves and takes a part of my heart with her."
Amonte has also made comments on the KCPD's failure to protect the city, sparing no bite from her words. "What have they allowed this city to sink to? This is the place I planned to raise my children in, but now I have been forced to fear for my life. My husband has been forced to fear for my life. I cannot tell you how much sleep he has lost over this, how much stress and worry torments him at the thought that I could be next. He's even considered having us move away to Salerno for my sake."
Krimson City Post
Headless Body of Journalist Turns Up as the Krimson City Killer's Latest. Possible Suspect Brought in for Questioning
November 30, 2011
The most recent murder of Irma Kotz may have allowed the KCPD to take a step into the right direction. An anomaly from previous murders, Kotz was a journalist for the large show business publication, Stage Spectacle. Kotz was infamous for her overtly critical and harsh pieces. She would often find stars of stage and show to attack, which led to the controversy earlier this year when she directed her focus on Krimson City's own La Contessa dell'Opera.
In that specific article, Kotz criticized La Contessa's then latest stage appearance, writing "a satisfying performance, if you are the kind to enjoy listening to the drawl of a broken record. Celestina Amonte is a true talent's nightmare—a performer praised mostly because of the way she looks." Her piece sparked the fire of controversy among several music critics. Fanning the flames were Kotz's additional attacks: "But Amonte's blade is getting dull. This year, the singer's 29th birthday is coming up. It's time to retire, Amonte. Don't worry, there's a long line of other talentless pretty faces ready to take your place."
Suspecting the release of this article and Kotz's subsequent murder to be no coincidence, KCPD have brought Celestina Amonte in for questioning. Unable to reach her, we have instead been able to interview Amonte's husband, Stefano Valentini. He told our reporters that even just the idea of Amonte being involved in Kotz's death was outlandish.
"What that journalist did to my love was unforgivable. Music is Celestina's world, and to have it torn to shreds like that devastated her," Valentini said. "But as heartbroken as that woman's words left her, my Celestina would've never—never—wished ill upon her. My wife is a loving, compassionate woman. She wouldn't even hurt a mouse."
Krimson City Post
Celestina Amonte Released From Questioning with No Suspicions
December 3, 2011
The Krimson City Post has been contacted by Celestina Amonte's legal council and made aware of needed corrections to our last article related to the Irma Kotz murder. The phrasing of "Possible Suspect" has been officially rescinded. Amonte has been released from police custody with no suspicions of any involvement in the Kotz murder.
The Krimson City Post would like to formally apologize to Amonte for placing her in a fundamentally damaging light.
Krimson City Post
Krimson City Killer Strikes Again—Another Body Found Underneath Highway Overpass
February 10, 2013
News of yet another decapitated body has sent a renewed wave of terror over Krimson City. The body has not yet been identified, but is suspected to be that of Seanna Marvin-Timwell. Having moved to Krimson City five years ago, Marvin-Timwell was an actress most well known for her role in the hit drama Letters From the Side of the Road.
In another press conference held by Lieutenant Vankirk, the KCPD has yet again been able to neither confirm nor deny that the same individual, now widely known as the Krimson City Killer, is responsible for this death.
It is no coincidence that this city has witnessed a vast demographic decline of young women in the past two years. Many young couples and families with daughters have begun moving out of Krimson City, despite its steady economic growth.
"I've got two to look after," a father told us. "One 17 and one 14. My wife too. If the police here don't care about their safety, we're moving to a city where they do."
This year's gala was truly spectacular. The mayor really outdid himself this year. To be completely honest, Clarissa Denevor mused to herself, the man who currently sat in office was leagues better than the one he'd replaced. Though she suspected that the terror inflicted by the Krimson City Killer had been the final nail in the former mayor's coffin, burying away any chance of a reelection. Politics, she sighed to herself. It's why dear husband looks like he's well past his 'best by' date.
Clarissa chatted casually with a fellow fashion designer, flinging out empty compliments at the news of her new deal with a few high-end retailers in Great Britain. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched a particular couple mingling at the far end of the lakeside deck.
For the past few years, her dear Cellie had finally started attending the gala with the husband as her plus one. Maybe the change was because of the new mayor. The old one had never been shy to openly display his keenness towards Celestina. Add in the husband—what was his name again, Stefan? —and Clarissa couldn't imagine the drama that would've ensued. She didn't know how possessive this Stefan was of Celestina, but so far tonight his arm seemed to favor her waist. Well, Cellie was a prize—she reminded Clarissa of herself at that age.
Oh, but on the other hand, that husband… He was a tall drink of water himself. Clarissa sighed, thinking of her own. The senator was well, well past his prime. And ever since they'd tied the knot, his concern over his appearance had dropped exponentially. Not to mention his libido.
Boo. European men were so handsome. More so ever since Clarissa had gotten married. She shot the man standing next to Celestina another side glance. To tell the truth, she wouldn't mind a drink out of that.
The night progressed smoothly. As the sun set, torches were lit to keep the deck well illuminated. Food and drink continued to be served endlessly. As Clarissa was wrapping up a conversation, she heard a familiar voice enthusiastically say, "Clarissa dear, how do you do it? I swear you look younger every time I see you!"
Clarissa turned, planting a wide smile on her face. "Cellie, you tease! Stop it!" She leaned forward to hug Celestina, pressing a cheek tightly against hers. As they pulled away, she turned to the man standing next to her. "So good to see you too, Stefan!"
He responded with a chuckle, though Clarissa wasn't sure what was so funny. "A pleasure as well, my dear," he said.
"Oh, you two are so cute together!" Clarissa said with a wave of her hand. "Like something out of a fairytale—I know I say that every time, Cellie, but I'm not kidding!"
Celestina laughed airily, delicately covering her mouth as she did. "But Mark—how is he?"
"Oh," Clarissa said, her lively voice suddenly losing its energy. "He's fine, currently in DC for… something. Some political issue or another—you know how it is." A smile returned as she quickly changed the subject. "But Cellie, you haven't told me! How did you like the dress I sent you?"
"Clarissa dear, I can't thank you enough. That shade of red—beyond perfect."
"And I had that collar lowered a quarter of an inch from its original design just for you." She turned to Stefan with a laugh and said, "No need to thank me."
Clarissa saw none of his disdain, of course, because he masked it perfectly. "My dear, I feel I must." Oooh, how that accented purr sent a shiver down her spine.
The clanging of a spoon being knocked against a wine glass stole the crowd's attention. Standing at the rails of the deck's second floor, the mayor stood with a glass raised. "I'd like to personally thank you all for coming tonight and making this year's gala an absolute pleasure," he announced. "But I'm afraid I must lower the mood to address the elephant in the room. This time last year, the talented and much-loved Seanna Marvin-Timwell was here with us, attending this very same gala. I feel we must dedicate some time tonight for a moment of silence—for the wonderful woman we lost." Clarissa lowered her eyes, as did many of the guests. She saw Celestina lean against Stefan and bury her face into his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her.
When the moment of silence was over, the mayor thanked everyone and the gala resumed. However, the topic of Seanna Marvin-Timwell still hadn't left Clarissa's mind. "It was so awful when we heard the news," Clarissa told the couple. "Before Mark left, he even brought up the idea of hiring personal security for me. I told him there was no need, but… oh, it's just so awful when I think about it!"
"Clarissa." It was Stefan who replied first. "I don't think you need to worry much. Still…" He lowered his eyes to his wife, who gazed back up at him. "It wouldn't hurt to stay on the safe side."
"And you need to take care of my Cellie!" Clarissa said. "I wouldn't know what I'd do if something happened to her!"
Smiles appeared on both their faces. "She's quite safe with me." They looked a bit odd to Clarissa. Suddenly, Celestina turned her head. Something appeared to have caught her eye.
"Amore, there she is!" she said, giving her husband's arm a gentle shake. "The one I told you about. I really do need to introduce you tonight."
"She seems like an interesting one," Stefan replied, gazing in the same direction as Celestina. Clarissa looked over and saw a young woman standing by the water. "Who is that, Cellie?"
"I'm surprised you haven't heard of her!" Celestina replied, turning back to Clarissa. "She's a wonderful little singer—opera, just like me. I heard her performance last week and knew I had to meet her. She told me she wanted to try her hand at modeling and, well…" She leaned against Stefan, draping a hand over his chest. "I happen to know a very talented photographer who can help her."
"Cellie, that's so nice of you! I wish her all the best!" She spotted a waiter passing by with a tray of champagne flutes and quickly flagged him down. Taking one for herself, she gestured towards the tray and said, "I know you're never one to turn down a glass of bubbly, Cellie. That hand of yours does look dreadfully empty."
Celestina smiled sweetly as Stefan reached over to take a flute, giving the waiter an appreciative dip of his head. Her hands, however, did not move towards the tray. "Oh Clarissa, you know me so well. But…" She turned to the waiter, putting a hand up. "None for me, thank you."
"Have you had a single glass tonight, Cellie?"
"No," Celestina sighed. "And I'm going to have to get used to that."
The champagne flute stilled on Clarissa's lips. Her eyebrows rose. She saw Stefan give his wife a glance, and didn't miss how his eye flickered down to her midriff. It seemed, Clarissa mused, this was news to him as well. She wondered when Celestina had planned on telling him.