Destiny Disrupted by Sherry Soule

conversation from the policemen:
    “First all those missing kids, then those unnatural animal attacks, and now women being randomly murdered.”
    “Random? Nothing unpremeditated about these homicides.”
    “And that symbol carved into their foreheads really creeps me out.”
    “…seems this psycho is only killing members of the founding families…”
    “Yeah, the women in the Heritage Founders—”
    “Must be another serial killer loose in the area...”
    The little hairs on my neck bristled. I shifted my weight, my leg muscles quivering. Based on what the cops were saying; Ariana’s aunt wasn’t the first and only victim. How many others had already been killed? My vision narrowed on a scuffed tile directly in front of me. I stared at it without really comprehending what I was seeing. Maybe the murders, the Triad, and the founding families had a connection. But I had no idea what it could be. If the killer was just going after certain women in the founding families, then that meant he, she, or it was only targeting the adult witches in Fallen Oaks. Maybe it was Caym and his evil buddies looking for payback because they’d vanquished their leader.
    Guess my boyfriend’s humanity troubles weren’t my biggest concern anymore.
    Sheriff Boyd appeared from within the bowels of the inner office, holding a folder. His robust form filled the doorway. “Has anyone spoken to you since you’ve arrived, Ariana?”
    “The officer at the desk told us to wait here,” she replied.
    “I apologize for the wait. It was inexcusable, but this office is working several big cases at the moment.” He led the way to his disorganized office, then held the door with his foot and ushered us through. Boyd gestured to the two metal chairs facing his desk. “Have a seat.”
    Boyd sat behind the cluttered desk. A moment of tense silence stretched between the three of us.
    “You’re not a suspect, Ariana, if that’s worrying you,” Boyd finally said, putting the thick folder on the desk and shoving some papers into it. “You won’t need a lawyer, but if it makes you more comfortable, we can have someone from the DA’s office come down.”
    “No, it’s okay.” Ariana’s body wilted into the chair, her hands trembling in her lap. “Can you please tell us what happened?”
    Boyd tapped a pencil on the desk. With one hand, he grabbed the folder and scanned his notes, then lifted his head. “A jogger found your aunt’s body in a wooded area not far from your trailer about four o’clock this morning.”
    Ariana went pale and waxy. Scooting closer, I rubbed her back. I had no idea what to say. She hunched over and started crying. Boyd pushed a box of tissues across the desk, and I handed Ariana a wad of tissues to blow her nose.
    Boyd placed the tips of his fingers together. “When was the last time you saw your aunt?”
    Ari blew her nose and sniffled. “About three days ago. She’s been working double-shifts at the restaurant since the other bartender quit. Do you know how…” she paused and bit her lip. “How she died?”
    He leaned back in his seat. His bottom lip folded inward. “We won’t know anything for certain until the coroner examines her body, but we’re investigating this as a homicide.”
    She drew in a startled breath, and glanced at me. Her blue gaze shocked and grief-stricken. The sheriff pushed a cup of water toward Ariana and she took a sip. My knees trembled.
    If someone really was killing witches, was my mom or Darrah next?
    “A-are you sure? Why would anyone want her dead?” Ariana asked, her voice slightly hoarse.
    “That’s what we intend to find out.” Boyd cleared his throat. “Did your aunt have any enemies that you’re aware of?”
    “I don’t think so.” Ariana stared down at her feet. “She’s been super busy at work and never really home.”
    Boyd’s phone beeped at his hip and he checked the screen. “Who might’ve last seen your aunt?”
    “Probably her boss.” Ariana