Speak of the Devil

A New Consultant

“He didn’t do it. It isn’t him.” 

“Come again?” 

“Ariti isn’t our killer. He had airtight alibis during the time both murders were committed.” Chief Higgins sighed and leaned back in his chair. “I’m sorry, detective. You’ve caught the wrong guy.” 

Elina sighed, leaning back into the chair. “That’s just fantastic.” 

“I’m afraid that isn’t all.” 

“The case has reached the higher ups. Judge Norris caught wind of what was going on and... she’s sent someone to help work on the case.” 

The door creaked up, Elina looked up. “You’ve got to be shitting me.” Exasperated, she turned towards the Chief. “What the hell is he doing here? Isn’t his ass meant to be in jail?” 

The chief exhaled. “Considering Mr Ariti’s...concise knowledge on (name of city)’s criminal underworld, Judge Norris thought that it would be beneficial for him to assist us on this case. For better or worse, you’re stuck with him. I suggest you make your peace” 

“Sir, with all due respect, I don’t exactly think this is the best course of action. How can we trust-” She glanced towards Ariti. “- a criminal to work with us? How do we know he won’t lead us around in circles?” 

“Ms Calderon,” Higgins’ voice was stern. “I do not exactly think your input on Mr Ariti’s involvement will do you any good.” 

She turned towards Ariti. “And you willingly agreed to help us on this case?” 

“The Judge has agreed to give him a reduced sentence in return for his assistance.” 

“Ah, I see. There’s always got to be something in it for you.” 

“I don’t see why you’re the one who’s upset about this.” He sniffed. “You were the one who gave me this bruise.” He pointed towards the lump on his face. 

She couldn’t help but chuckle. She coughed, glancing back down at the files. “Well then. Shall we get to work?” 

***

“I think it’s best I talk you through this case step by step.” She placed a photograph in front of him. 

“Alister McCrone. 34. Consigliere to the Vargas crime syndicate. Found three weeks ago. His body was found in the back alley of his tiny apartment complex.”

Sefrino grimaced. 

“He was found just like that. His eyes were missing, a bullet in his head. Throat slit from ear to ear. Blood smeared all over this torso.” 

“Yes, I can see that. Thank you.” 

She placed another image in front of him. “You’ll probably know this one.” 

“We found him a few days ago. Clyde Farris. 41.” 

Seferino went still. “He was someone I knew quite well, actually.” He spoke in a soft manner. 

“I-I’m sorry about Mr Farris.” 

His piercing icy eyes looked over to hers. He nodded his head once. 

She cleared her throat. “Mr Farris’ body was found outside Foccaccia’s in the Hawthorne District.” 

Elina looked up at him. “There’s a pattern here. Something that we’re not seeing. Whoever the killer is, they have the same MO. A bunch of high profile criminals, all killed in the same barbaric, cruel manner.” 

“And you thought that I was this killer?” 

Elina’s cheeks flushed. “Initially, I thought that it was a possibility. It all added up-”

The door to the chief’s office burst open. “Calderon!” The look on his face was grim. “There’s been another one.”