Page 38 of Monster in Disguise

"You've mentioned before that you believe this killer is after me. But I cannot fathom who it may be."

"Think, Marcello. There must be someone."

"There were countless individuals, Vlad." I shake my head, feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Trying to remember would only lead to more pain and frustration.

"This Chimera, whoever they may be, knows every detail of the real Chimera's methods. Unfortunately, I cannot assist you if you do not help yourself." Vlad sighs and tosses a file onto my desk.

"Perhaps something in there will trigger your memory."

With a mocking salute, Vlad exits the room with purpose.

I stare at the file in front of me, almost not daring to open it. When I finally do, however, it's to see my biggest nightmare staring me in the face.

There are pictures of the crime scene in Saratoga Springs. Chimera always left behind a signature, to show that the boogie man was in town. The original Chimera would assemble the teeth of its victim in the form of the letter C.

This Chimera seems to have deviated from that, ever so slightly. Although he'd stuck faithfully to script until now, it seems this copycat is trying to leave his own mark in a way. There is still the letter C, but this time it is assembled in a big, showy way using the ribs of the deceased.

The victim, a man it seems, is cut in half. His torso is set on a table in the middle of the room—the centerpiece. The chest cavity is empty of its organs. Instead...

I can't help but avert my eyes.

A dead baby is curled up in a fetal position within the man's chest cavity, where his other organs would have been. Simulating an in-womb death, the baby is strangulated by the man's intestines—probably used instead of an umbilical cord.

I can't look anymore. I throw the papers on my desk and close my eyes for a second, trying to think of something else.

But as much as I want to, I can't.

Because ultimately it is my fault these people are dead; my fault that this copycat has something to prove.

It's always my fault.

Things have been calmerin the famiglia as of late. Francesco has been monitoring the activity and has been giving me daily reports. Nicolo seems to have swallowed his pride for now, but I wouldn't put it past him to be plotting something. It's just as well that the alliance with the Agosti is almost completed. Just a moment ago I'd received a call from Enzo that he had something to discuss with me and that he has a candidate in mind for me. We scheduled the meeting for after noon.

In the meantime, I have to review the files for the governesses that Amelia had vetted for an interview. After the disaster with the first governess who'd gone as far as to call Venezia mentally impaired for her lack of formal education, I'd decided to vet each candidate myself. There are ten in total that seem to have the qualifications. Of course, on paper even the last one had looked spectacular, but her attitude towards Veneziahad been abysmal. I cross-reference their availability with my schedule and decide to see them starting next week. By then, I should be done with most of the urgent things within the famiglia.

Once I've allotted a time for each candidate, I give the list back to Amelia.

"You won't stay for lunch?" she asks when she sees me heading for the door.

"I have a meeting. Tell Venezia I'll see her at dinner." Amelia grunts, but it's obvious she's none too pleased with that. I can't exactly blame her, since I have not been entirely too present in the house ever since I'd moved in. My interactions with Venezia had been limited. Amelia had been adamant to remind me every single time how neglected the girl had been and how much she needs some attention.

Her suggestions haven't fallen on deaf ears, but right now time is of the essence for me too. I have to solidify my position in the famiglia, and that requires meetings upon meetings. When I get some time by myself, I have to review business plans and strategies. It doesn't exactly leave too much time to spend with Venezia.

I'd promised myself I'd deal with that, though.

I get in my car and start the ignition. Enzo's house is not too far off. I look at my watch and see I can take my time.

I can't help but think back to my friend, Adrian. I'd tried to get some updates from Vlad, since I know he still talks to Bianca, but so far he hasn't been too forthcoming.

Whenever I ask, he just tells me he has not woken up yet. Even when he recovers, I don't know what I can say to him. I take full accountability for my part in betraying his trust, and I don't see how he'd ever be able to forgive me for something like that. But I still want to explain my side of the story; be honest for the first time in my life with someone.

I shake myself from my musings and park my car, having already reached my destination. Inside, a maid takes me to Enzo's office.

Enzo's presence is grim as I greet him with a nod. He offers me a drink, but I decline. Pouring one for himself, he brings it to his desk and lights a cigarette before taking a drag.

"The situation has changed, slightly," he starts with a hint of frustration in his voice.

"How so?" I inquire, noticing the deep lines etched on his face.

---