Page 26 of Silent Prayer

"Did you know Laura Hastings well, Ms. Albright?"

The woman nodded, her eyes misting over. "Oh yes, dear. I'm here most days, you see. Laura was such a sweet girl, always had a kind word for everyone."

Sheila's investigator instincts kicked in. If this woman was at the church frequently, she might have noticed something others had missed. "You're here often, then? Have you noticed anything unusual lately? Any strangers or new faces?"

The old woman thought for a moment, her gnarled hands fidgeting with her rosary beads. "Well, now that you mention it, I did see a priest I didn't recognize a few weeks back. Thought it was odd, as Father Stephen hadn't mentioned any visitors."

Sheila's heart rate quickened. "Can you describe him?"

"Oh, let me think," Francine said, her brow furrowing in concentration. "He was tall, I remember that. Gray hair, very neat. And he had the kindest eyes, like he could see right into your soul. But there was something...intense about him, too. Made me a bit uncomfortable, if I'm being honest."

"Did you speak with him?" Sheila asked, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice.

The old woman nodded slowly. "Just briefly. He asked about confession times, said he was new in town. I directed him to Father Stephen, but..." She trailed off, looking troubled.

"But what?" Sheila encouraged gently.

"He never spoke with me," Father Stephen said.

"I assumed I'd just misunderstood something," the old woman answered.

Sheila was about to ask more questions when Finn returned, his face grim. "Sheila, we need to go. Now."

"What is it?" she asked, sensing the urgency in his tone.

Finn lowered his voice. "There's been another murder. A woman killed in her own home. They think it might be connected to our case."

***

The Kim residence was a hive of activity when Sheila and Finn arrived. Crime scene technicians in white suits moved methodically through the expansive foyer, photographing and cataloging evidence. The air was thick with tension and the metallic scent of blood.

As they stepped inside, Sheila immediately noticed the stark contrast between the opulent surroundings and the brutal crime scene. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over marble floors, now marred by bloody footprints. It was a jarring juxtaposition of wealth and violence.

Dr. Jin Zihao was crouched over a body near the base of a grand staircase. As Sheila and Finn approached, he looked up, his face grim.

"Deputies," he said by way of greeting. "I wish we were meeting under better circumstances."

Sheila nodded, her eyes fixed on the victim. Rachel Kim lay sprawled on the marble floor, her business attire now stainedcrimson. The young woman's face was barely recognizable, battered beyond recognition.

She was petite, probably no taller than 5'2", with a slender build that spoke of regular workouts and a carefully maintained diet. Her black hair, now matted with blood, was cut in a sleek bob that framed her face, a style that projected professionalism and sophistication. Even in death, her nails were perfectly manicured, painted a subtle nude shade that complemented her olive skin tone.

She wore a tailored charcoal gray suit, the jacket now askew and stained crimson. The outfit was clearly expensive, possibly designer, indicating a woman who valued appearance and had the means to maintain it. A delicate gold necklace with a small diamond pendant lay at her throat, twisted in the struggle but still catching the light.

Despite the damage inflicted by the attack, Sheila could see that Rachel had been an attractive woman, with high cheekbones and full lips. Her eyes, though now lifeless, were almond-shaped, hinting at her Korean heritage.

"She was clearly successful," Finn murmured, taking in the details of Rachel's appearance and her opulent surroundings. "Young, wealthy, probably at the top of her game."

Sheila nodded, a lump forming in her throat. "And now she's another victim. Is the cause of death as obvious as it appears?"

Dr. Zihao gestured to a blood-stained candlestick lying a few feet from the body. "Blunt force trauma to the head. Multiple strikes. The killer was...thorough."

Sheila felt a chill run down her spine. "Just like Laura Hastings and Sophie Tournay."

"Yes," Dr. Zihao said. "The wounds are consistent with the other victims. I'd stake my reputation on this being the work of your Coldwater Confessor."

Sheila turned and peered through the doorway, studying the front door. "No signs of forced entry," she murmured. "So either Rachel knew her killer, or..."

"Or he somehow gained her trust enough to let him in," Finn said.

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