Scorpio (Zodiac Killers Book 12) Read online

  Scorpio

  Zodiac Killers #12

  WL Knightly

  BrixBaxter Publishing

  Contents

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  Description

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

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  About the Author

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  Description

  As founder of the Zodiac Society, Bay Collins likes to be in control of every situation. Now that the killer has kidnapped Mia, nothing will stop Bay from finding her and getting his revenge. When the prime suspect in the case leverages his own safety for information on her location, Bay is forced to take matters into his own hands. With the help of Lane Simon, they uncover secrets that point to a second killer. Someone they never expected.

  With the case wrapping up and his ex-partner under arrest, Detective Darek Blake has to keep Lizzy from uncovering the information Max is holding over his head; information that could ruin Darek’s life and career. Will Darek be able to keep Lizzy in the dark, or will a secret shed new light on the case and turn Darek’s world upside down?

  Chapter 1

  Bay

  Numb.

  That was how Bay felt about Mia’s disappearance. His reaction might seem odd to others, but feeling nothing was safer than allowing his white-hot rage to bubble up to the surface. Anytime he thought about how they might find Mia, his fury threatened to explode like an erupting volcano.

  Bay pushed it down. Anger was a gift, a tool to be used, but only at the right moment. He would save those emotions and unleash them when it was time for violence. Mia’s killer would suffer.

  It wasn’t a question of her being alive at that point. The asshole, Max, had taken her from him once just for fun— just to say fuck you—but now Bay knew he had taken her for good.

  Staring at Mia’s pink bedroom walls didn’t help. He had been so annoyed at her for the spilled paint and the tiny droplets of splatter she’d managed to get here and there. No longer could he scold her or put her over his knee for a spanking. No longer would he see the defiant gleam in her eye or get hard from how much it turned him on.

  No, the other player in this deadly game had made a decisive move, and Bay was trapped in a corner, unable to do a damned thing about it.

  Bay didn’t like being cornered. There was only one way to win from that position, and that was to murder every fucking obstacle in his way, including his nemesis. One way or another, Officer Max would burn, even if Bay had to drag him down to Hell himself.

  He kicked one of Mia’s sparkly unicorns across the room where the stuffed fucker bounced off the wall. “Fuck!”

  Footsteps approached behind him, and he collected himself. Lane Simon walked into the room, looking like the shell of a man. He had been staying at Bay’s house out of precaution. It seemed safer than anywhere else.

  “Any word?” Lane asked. He looked around the room and rocked on his heels.

  Bay knew the two men looked out of place in the glittery pink palace that Mia had made her own. He took a deep breath and walked over to get the unicorn from across the room. “No. Not a damned thing. I got kicked out of the police station by our lovely friend, Detective Blake, and I’ve been here ever since.” He picked up the stuffed creature and put it on Mia’s bed.

  Lane gave him a sappy look. “It’s okay to let it out, man. I keep having moments. I can’t believe that Nona is gone. At least you have hope.”

  Bay shook his head. “If you think that, then you’re a fool.”

  He turned and sat on the bed which was like an ocean of pink ruffles. The bedding still smelled like her.

  “Call me a fool all you want,” Lane said. “But there’s a chance she could be alive. You don’t know what he’s done with her, but I do know what he’s done with Nona. She’s never coming back from what he did to her, so I wish I had the option of hope.”

  The man walked to the window, turning his back on Bay. Lane’s hand went to his face, and Bay knew he was wiping away tears. Bay refused to waste his time with such weakness. Tears would not buy back the time he would miss with Mia, and they couldn’t prevent the pain her death would cause Lila and their mother when they found out.

  But Lane was still so much like that whipped kid from back in the day. He’d never built up walls around his heart, so he still felt the sharp sting of every emotion.

  Bay decided to take it easy on him. “Look, I know you’re hurting, and I’m sorry about Nona, but false hope will get me nowhere. We need to figure out how to make him pay for Nona. For this.” He took his phone out of his pocket and turned it on. The image of Lou’s pale face shone on the screen. “And for what he’s done with Mia.”

  Bay had gone out looking for Lou on his way home. He found Lou’s car, which had been robbed, probably by some homeless people down at the river where Max had abandoned it. Bay had called the cops anonymously. It was all he could do for the old man who had been a loyal employee and friend since he was a kid.

  Lane walked across the room to the door. “I think you should let the cops handle it for now.”

  Bay knew better. “So, let Darek handle it, you mean? And what’s Darek going to do when Officer Asshole tells everyone why he’s been killing people? That it’s because when we were all kids, we fucked up and killed a girl and the cops pinned it on his dad. Darek is going to piss his pants and pass out. That’s what he’s going to do.”

  Lane gave him a hard look. “I just mean for the time being. I want to nail this asshole just like you do, but I’m going to be smart about it.”

  Bay shook his head. “Smart would have been taking him out when I had the chance, but you and Darek made me wait. Now, look where we’re at. I’m going to have to figure out how to get to him behind bars, and with him being a cop, my connections in general population aren’t going to be any help.” If the other remaining Zodiacs hadn’t pussed out on him, he wouldn’t be in this situation.

  Lane leaned against the doorjamb. “So, there’s no way to get to him, and—”

  “I didn’t say there’s no way to get to him, Lane.” Bay got to his feet. “It’s just going to take a little longer. I have to figure out which guard is the most desperate for a big payday.”

  “Jesus, Bay. Are you even listening to yourself? You’re supposed to uphold the law. Do you even have any respect for your position as an attorney? Now you’re going to pay some hard-up guard to do your dirty work?”

  Bay shrugged. “They won’t have to do anything but turn their back or arrange for my guys on the inside to be where I need them. Not all of us are the teacher’s pet, Lane. I work within and around the law when necessary. I use what I know to my advantage, and before you give me another look of shock, don’t pretend I’m the only one.” Lane might not be crooked himself, but he wasn’t perfect either. “I’m going to find someone who can get to him.”

  “You better make sure that you don’t get busted trying to set that up,” Lane said. “Max is a cop, and a well-l
iked one. He was even good enough to be Darek’s best friend for years.”

  “Let’s not give him too much credit,” Bay said. “He’s not exactly the hardest person to fool.”

  Darek had been one of the easier Zodiacs to lure into his web, and all because his daddy didn’t like him. He had often wondered if he should have found another Sagittarius, but then, he could have said the same for the others. He had not chosen them for their bravery, but because of how malleable they were.

  Lane took a deep breath. “Darek’s done a good job so far, keeping us out of jail. I don’t think he can save your ass if you get caught trying to bribe a prison guard.”

  “Darek is handling something for me,” Bay said. “He’s talking to Marvin. I didn’t know what the man might say, so I suggested that he be the one to question him. I’d been a little lax by allowing Mia to be around and privy to my business. Since I have no idea what she and her little gossiping boyfriend discussed, I thought it best.”

  “I never told Nona anything,” Lane said. “She had no idea I had a past before her. She was so self-centered. She never asked about me, and it wasn’t like I could have told her anything about the Zodiacs.”

  “It’s a secret society, Lane, or I guess I should say it was.” There weren’t enough of them left to consider it a society anymore, and once Max ran his mouth, the “secret” part would be gone too. “You’re not supposed to tell her anything. Mia used to be clueless, and I remained fairly confident that she didn’t care anything about what was going on.”

  “Do you think the others really didn’t tell their spouses or confidants?” Lane asked, frowning.

  Bay shrugged. “Someone told the killer enough, and even though he denied it, I think Justin told his little online girlfriend too much. Since we know that Max must have been the man in the shadow with the first victim, then I guess that theory is right.”

  “I plan on staying in town,” said Lane, changing the subject. “At least until I take care of Nona’s belongings and funeral arrangements. I know her aunt is beside herself, and she’s too old to travel. I told her I’d take care of everything.”

  “Fuck,” said Bay. He hadn’t let himself think about any of that. There was still so much to do: arrangements to make, people to inform, a killer to kill. “I forgot I’ll have to figure out what to do with Mia’s remains. If they ever find her.”

  “I’m having Nona cremated,” Lane said. “She wouldn’t want anyone to see her that way. You know, dead. She used to get so upset when we’d go anywhere. ‘Does my hair look okay? Is my lipstick too dark? Does this make my ass look big?’ She was the most insecure model I’ve ever met, but then I guess all women are like that, aren’t they?”

  Bay smiled. “Not my Mia. She had confidence. She held her head up from the moment I met her. I think that’s why I loved her so much.” Bay let out a long breath. His love wasn’t the same as everyone else’s, he supposed, but in his own way, he knew he did truly love the girl.

  He didn’t even mind the sappy word “love.” Mia had earned it. He was glad that he had said it to her at least once, and funnily enough, he had been telling her how he’d always provide for her, even after he was gone. She’d admitted loving him too. At the time, it hadn’t sunk in, but it meant a lot to him that someone as amazing as her gave a shit.

  Now she was gone, and all of the provisions he’d made for her would fall to either his child or to her sister. Everything would have to be changed now.

  Lane glanced around the living room. “I didn’t know if I should stay here, or if I should just crash at Nona’s. Now that they’ve caught Max, I guess it’s safe.”

  “You don’t have to leave. You can come and go as you please. Just make sure you don’t forget the security codes.” It took two to get into Bay’s private estate these days.

  Lane nodded. “I might. I guess it depends on how I feel. As soon as Darek’s girl calls me down to the station, I’m going to have to deliver the lie of a lifetime and tell her that pedo ring story we made up.”

  He had a lost look in his eyes, and Bay couldn’t help but be grateful that he didn’t let things like this turn him into a weeping weakling.

  Lane looked up and sighed. “Sue me for mourning someone I care about and not wanting to be known as a victim,” he said. “I can see it in your eyes that you think I’m ridiculous for crying. It doesn’t make me weak.”

  “I never said that.” But I certainly think it. “Deal with your grief your way. I just don’t know how to feel the same, okay? I’m not good with this kind of shit.”

  “Hey, we’re both hurting and heartbroken,” said Lane. “It’s okay, really. I won’t judge you for dealing with your emotions. I know you have them, Bay. You might not think it, but you do.”

  “I’m not hurt or heartbroken. I’m pissed off. And as for dealing with my emotions? All I have to say is, the longer I have to wonder where she is, the more I’m going to make it hurt when I make Max pay for what he did.”

  Chapter 2

  Darek

  With Lizzy was still in the thick of the investigation with her blinders on, Darek knew he had to take the opportunity to go and interview Marvin, who was more than willing to talk, even though he was stuck in a hospital bed.

  Darek walked down the hallway of the hospital, where the walls were still an ugly shade of mauve left over from the last remodel back in the early nineties. He couldn’t help but think how the case had taken such a dramatic turn. Not only had Nona been brutally slaughtered, but Mia was unaccounted for after a vicious attack that left Marvin stabbed.

  Now, what they thought was the murder weapon was in the forensic team’s hands, and Darek knew there was no way Max would get away with what he’d done. Darek’s biggest concern was wondering what Max would say in his defense. Would he reveal that this was a revenge mission, designed to pay them back for what they’d done to his father and Emily Johnson? Or would he keep his promise to keep quiet? Every moment Darek walked around as a free man, he couldn’t help but wonder when it was all going to come crashing down.

  What would that do to him and Lizzy? She would never be with him if she knew his dark past, and she would certainly never forgive him for what he’d done to the investigation. Not only would his life be over, but his career and his freedom would be gone as well.

  It would be such a waste. They had been working so solidly together since Noah identified Max, and now, Darek’s ex-partner was a big powder keg, ready to blow. He only hoped that Bay would make good on his word and figure out how to take Max out behind bars before he ran his mouth. The sinking feeling in Darek’s gut wasn’t going anywhere, anytime soon, and he was sure to come out of this with an ulcer if he survived at all.

  He turned the corner to Marvin’s room, and when he approached, he found the door closed, and quiet voices spoke on the other side. Darek knocked softly.

  “Come in,” said Marvin, whose voice was strong, but feminine. When Darek peeked around the door into the room, Marvin’s eyes widened. “Hello, Detective.” It was as if he didn’t expect to see someone so close to Bay come to talk to him, but Darek wouldn’t have let anyone else handle this.

  “How are you holding up?” asked Darek. He looked over at Marvin’s friend, a woman he’d seen at the fashion show. Her purple hair made her memorable. She gave a weak smile and shifted in her seat uncomfortably.

  “I’d be better if you’re here to tell me you found Mia alive, and that asshole who did this is behind bars.” Marvin’s eyes were weary, but that was what Darek expected from a man who’d been so close to death.

  “I can tell you he’s locked up, but as for Mia, I’m sorry. We still haven’t found her. That’s why I’m here. To find out if you remember anything now that it’s all had a little time to sink in.”

  Marvin turned his head so Darek could see the bruise. “Do you think it’s sunk in?”

  “Wow, you took a hell of a hit.” He looked over at the woman again, and this time, she got up out of her se
at.

  “I’m going to go downstairs,” she said. “Text me when you’re done?” She gave Marvin a hopeful look. “Can I get you anything?”

  Marvin smiled. “A coffee would be nice. Something with flavor, not this black shit they keep trying to pass off.” He turned his nose up and looked to Darek as she disappeared out the door.

  “So, was it Max?” Marvin’s voice was so rough, it sounded like he’d gargled a bag of rocks.

  Darek nodded. “I guess you’ve heard all about him from Mia.”

  Marvin shrugged. “A little. She and I had gotten close. I know you and Bay are friends.”

  “Friends is a loose term for what we are. Some people are just stuck together by circumstance. But I guess if that’s the only label that fits, then yeah, we are.” Darek never thought he’d have to admit that to anyone, and he had a feeling Bay would disagree. Bay didn’t care much for friends. He preferred puppets.

  “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it’s you who showed up to talk to me,” Marvin said.

  Darek held up his hands. “Hey, I’m just here doing my job.” He walked over and took a seat where the woman had been.

  “If you say so, Detective. They could have sent any other officer to hear what I have to say, but I get the lead detective on the hottest case of the year.”