Page 47 of Seven Deadly Sins

Something banged downstairs. He froze.

“Cat jumped on the counter and knocked a rolling pin off.” Harper’s voice drifted up the stairs.

He took a deep breath and pushed open a set of double doors. His heart sank. Lying in the middle of the four-poster bed, their throats cut were two naked people. Both had their hands folded over their stomachs as a corpse in a coffin did. “Up here, Harper.”

Within seconds, she stood at his side. “That is Mrs. Stevenson, but that is not Mr. Stevenson with her. I’ll call HPD.” She stepped into the hall, leaving him to case the room.

If the man wasn’t the woman’s husband, then the killer had most likely caught them in an adulterous act. Which, yes, would go with covet and lust. But why take the daughter yesterday? Would she have been killed if they hadn’t found her in time? The assassin had said she didn’t kill children, but what if they hadn’t gotten there in time? Surely, the killer wouldn’t cast judgment on a child?

He stood next to the bed. Both wore wedding rings, which meant two spouses were going to find out their spouse cheated and was also murdered. Not a good way for anyone’s day to start.

His gaze roamed down their bodies. Where were their wedding ring fingers? He pulled gloves from his pocket and pulled them over his hands before opening the woman’s mouth and removing the man’s finger. It didn’t take much to figure out her finger was most likely in his mouth. He set the appendage next to her and joined Harper in the hall.

“Things are escalating. Body parts are being removed now.”

Chapter Eight

Harper marched upthe brick path to the Harrington Country Club with Liam at her side. He’d been quiet after finding Mrs. Stevenson’s body. She didn’t blame him. The mounting number of deaths was getting to her, too. How many more before the killer came to them as he tried to rid the world of anger? Except…wasn’t he the one with that particular sin?

Since they didn’t have a name, finding the person they sought would be near impossible. She stepped aside as Liam reached around her to open the door. Despite his stoic expression, she knew he tired of the game. So was she.

She led the way to a tall desk such as a concierge desk in a hotel and flashed her badge. “We need to see a member list, please.”

“Do you have a warrant?” The diminutive man arched a brow.

She tilted her head. “Do we need one? You have watched the news, right?”

His eyes widened. “No such person would be allowed to join this club.”

Idiot. “He wouldn’t exactly tell you, now, would he?”

Liam slapped the podium. “Look, man. I’ve had it up to here.” He put a flat hand by his nose. “Stop messing around and get us that list.”

“Yes, sir. It will take a few minutes.” The man scurried away.

“That’s the first time I’ve seen you lose your cool.” Harper peered up at him. “Are you losing it?”

“Of course not. I’m just ready to find this guy.” He went and sat on a black leather sofa. “And I’m acting like petulant child.” His mouth twitched.

“After that stupid escape room, I’m ready to turn in my badge.” She sat and leaned forward, hanging her folded hands between her knees. She straightened as a man entered. “There’s Doctor Landry.”

The man did not look happy to see them but forced a smile and came over when Harper motioned him to. “Agent. Detective. Fancy seeing the two of you here.”

“Just checking the place out.” Liam grinned. “Thinking of applying for membership.”

“No offense, but I doubt you have sufficient income. Is there something I can do for you? I have a meeting to attend to.”

“What kind of meeting?” Harper pasted a smile on her face.

“Business.” He seemed to force the word through clenched teeth. He glanced at the smart watch on his wrist. “I must be going. Have a good day.” He rushed away from them and down a hall.

“I didn’t think of the club having meeting rooms.”

Liam shrugged. “I think people could congregate almost anywhere. Unless we catch one of the killer’s followers and they talk, I doubt we’ll find their meeting place.”

“Don’t be a Debby Downer.” It might take a while, but theywouldcatch this guy. “You need a vacation when this is all over.”

“So will you. Maybe we can take one together. I’ll take you to Ireland. Ever been?”