Temple: A New Journey Begins
Please see the disclaimer on the Synopsis page.
Kermit Griffin's cell phone rang and nearly startled the ex-mercenary. He recovered quickly and brought the phone to his ear, barking into the receiver.
"Yeah."
He listened to the person on the other end then quickly shut the phone.
"I've got to go. That was Sally. Seems someone just tried to kill her and Caine showed up and stopped the attempt."
"Who would want to kill Sally?" Sam asked.
"It may have been the same person who killed all the monks," Vance replied. "Sally did say she overheard a woman talking to two guys about the killings."
"I better go check it out. There's going to be a lot of questions by the local police. You guys wait for Caine. Whatever is going on up at that temple, he's the best person to handle the situation."
Kermit left the farmhouse and drove to town. He stopped at the Friar's Tavern and gave a smirk at the name. He wondered if the locals realized that "friar" was another name for monk. The Sheriff was already there, questioning Sally.
"So you're saying this person came in and tried to kill you?"
"Yes," Sally replied.
"Who was it that trussed her up like a chicken? She doesn't seem to be the kind of person who would commit murder."
"I tell you she tried to kill me. If it hadn't been for Caine coming in and . . ."
"And who is this Caine," the Sheriff questioned interrupting Sally's story.
"What's going on here?" Kermit came in on the conversation and pulled out his wallet.
"This doesn't concern you," the Sheriff stated.
"Oh, I think it does," Kermit replied, showing his badge. "May I take a look?"
"Suit yourself," the Sheriff said with a hint of sarcasm, showing that he did not like anyone, no matter who they were, interrupting his investigation.
Broken glass and a few broken pieces of furniture could be seen scattered throughout the room. He walked around then bent down to pick something up off the floor, carefully ensuring that what he touched he did not leave any of his own finger prints. He then pulled a small plastic bag from his coat pocket and dropped the small red handled knife into it.
"Who did you say tried to kill you?" Kermit asked as he looked around the tavern.
"That woman sitting over there," Sally pointed to a figure dressed in black. Her face was covered in shadow.
Kermit walked over to get a better look at the woman and nearly blanched. He had seen her before but did not expect to see her here. Kermit quickly recovered then sat down across from the would-be assassin.
"So looks like Caine kicked your butt again," Kermit stated calming.
"I'm not speaking until I see my lawyer."
"Sure, that can be arranged, but this time you really messed up Xia."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Xia replied coyly.
"I think you do. You see, eventually someone is going to realize that you are not what you appear to be. And you left a couple little details out."
Xia's reaction to Kermit's words were immediate. She reached out with her hands as if to try to claw his face when Kermit grabbed a hold of Xia's cuffed hands.
"That is attempted assault." He turned Xia's hands over so he could see underneath her fingernails better.
"What have we here?"
Kermit spotted the tattoo and a small bead of something could be seen under the second nail of her left hand.
Xia glared at Kermit, her teeth gnashing together to prevent her from saying anything that she would regret.
"Sheriff," Kermit called to the local law enforcement. "Do you have a small evidence bag and a nail file?"
The Sheriff grudgingly retrieved the items that Kermit requested. He handed Kermit the items then watched as Kermit scraped something off from one of the suspect's fingernails. Kermit then handed the small bag back to the Sheriff as well as the one with the red handled knife.
"I think you better take a look at these. You just might find something interesting about them. And Xia, I think you will be needing your lawyer."
Kermit left the tavern without another word, aware that all eyes were turned toward him.
Continues with Part 24
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2004.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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