"Honey, what are we having for dinner tonight? I'm starving!" Bethany came strutting into the living room with her casual walk, the walk that gives way to my foreign thoughts every time. "Michael, its 16:23 PM, and you're already hungry? haven't you had lunch today?" I could feel the hunger pangs running through my veins, so deep it ran. "Never had the chance babe, we had another one today. I don't know when this is going to end, watch this." I turned on the television to showcase another CNN local news bulletin.

The news anchor Kelly Carter continued: "And now, this just in. Yet ANOTHER girl was found dead in what seems to be a series of disturbing events in Los Angeles. Today, a fourteen year old girl, identified as one Casey Roberts, was found mutilated near the evergreen railway station. In a series of twisted events, young girls have been disappearing across the country, in what looks to be a series of ritual killings. the Victim is only the latest in this twisted event, numbering up to 33 murders of occultist nature, since December 2022. The assailant, who is yet to be identified by local police, has managed to evade local and national law enforcement officers, leaving no trace of his presence, other than a small scarlet doll, which is shaped like an angel. Local law enforcement has since dubbed the assailant as the Scarlet angel. Local police are requesting anyone with information with regards to the Scarlet angel to please step forward. A reward of ten thousand dollars is being offered to anyone who can contribute towards capturing the scarlet angel. Authorities can be contacted on the anonymous tip off line at 310-555-2666."

I lowered the volume as I got off of the couch. Bethany came closer, showing the sweet affection she is so deeply known for in our family. "I'm sorry sweetheart, this must be really tough on you. I know being a detective must be really hard, I'm just thankful that my future husband is still safe. everything will work out honey. I know what you're capable of." I enjoyed the sweet aroma of her red rose perfume, while being folded in her arms temporarily washed away all of my troubles. This is home to me, not the house we live in, not my office, but this, Bethany's arms. That is where my heart is. "Speaking of future husband, mom keeps asking me about the wedding. seems like she really wants us to get married." Bethany looked into my soul with her ocean blue eyes, in which I so often get lost. "Or MAYBE She just wants to finally ship off her stubborn son to the highest bidder." We both caught a laugh at Bethany's sarcastic remark. Sometimes I forget how sarcastic she can be at times.

"Let me prepare you something to eat my love. How does Spaghetti sound?" I immediately knew that dinner was going to be amazing. An Italian cooking Italian? You can never go wrong with that one. The night outside was wet and cold, and the winter season reminded us that she was there. The rain was pounding on our windows like the tears of an angel, slamming, but yet sweet and refreshing. The temperature was probably about 47 degrees faranite, not very warm. The fireplace in our two bedroom apartment in the square has everything lit up luckily. The atmosphere was very cozy, and the apartment had a very Victorian feel to it. Peach walls, white carpets, and furniture that looks like it belonged in Buckingham palace. We didn't do half bad for ourselves, I'd like to think.

I was on my way the bedroom to get into my pajamas, when the phone rang. "Honey! It's for you!" I gave a sigh, knowing already who was on the other side of the phone. There is only one person who would call at this time of the night. "Hello?" It was exactly as I thought. "Mike, it's Dicky." I took a breath. "I figured as much, where are we going?" Dicky sounded morbid. "We're going to 34 Gaston drive, Carson." I shot a breath. " Wait a minute, that's..." Dicky cut me off: "Yeah, it's the secretary general's house." I looked at Beth, who was waiting anxiously. Dicky continued: "The Scarlet Bastard struck again." I laid my head against the wall: "Who's the victim? Please don't tell me it's..." Dicky chimed in again. "Mmm hmmm. Brace yourself for this one Mikey, You're not gonna like it. I'll be there in ten, get dressed and say hi to our wife for me." I lifted up my head from the wall: "Fuck you Dicky, I'll see you in 10."

"Babe, it looks like dinner is gonna have to wait. Don't wait up for me, it seems like this is going to be a long night." Beth stepped closer, wiping her hands in the stained towel. " What happened Honey?" "The secretary general's house has been hit by the scarlet angel. That's all I can say for now babe. I gotta go get dressed. Dicky's gonna be here in a few minutes." Beth kissed me on the forehead: "Okay sweetheart, I love you and be careful out there ok?" I nodded at her instruction and replied: "You too. and keep everything locked. Until we get behind this thing nobody in LA is safe. I love you. I'll see you when I get home..."