Page 18 of Kiss Me Honey Hone

“No.” She pointed to a particular line in the report. “This compound is synthetic, unlike anything I’ve seen used recreationally. It’s undetectable in standard tests, only caught because we expanded the screening to search for abnormal neurotransmitter activity.” She paused, watching his reaction. “It’s designed to look like a sudden, natural death. If it weren’t for the similarities between the cases, we might’ve missed it entirely.”

“So someone went to great lengths to ensure the toxin wouldbe hard to detect.” Kenny tapped a finger on the tablet. “Did you identify any specific components?”

“Not enough to give a complete profile, but it appears to be a modified form of aconitine.”

Kenny arched an eyebrow for her to continue.

“It’s derived from the aconite plant. Known as the ‘queen of poisons.’ Traditional, but whoever synthesised it tailored it to be far more subtle, eliminating any residual compounds that would raise flags in a typical tox screen. They stripped it down to be lethal and elusive.”

Kenny’s mind raced. A killer using an obscure, undetectable poison showed a level of calculation. And intelligence. “Do you have an estimate of how quickly it acts?”

Chong flipped to a section of the report. “Based on the preliminary findings, we believe it works within five to fifteen minutes, depending on the victim’s weight, metabolism, and other variables. Once absorbed, it’s quick. It would take effect before they could realise anything was wrong.”

“So, no struggle, no chance to call for help?” He scratched his beard. “The killer’s design is flawless. A single dose, almost elegant in its simplicity. No weapon, no evidence left behind.”

“Exactly.” Her voice mirrored the gravity of the situation. “No improvisation here. This is the work of someone who knew precisely what they were doing.”

“It screams like an assassination. It’s what I’d put it down to if they weren’t young girls, unrelated.” Kenny’s mind flashed to their suspect profile, the aspects Jack had hinted at. “So, ruling out an assassination hit, it still suggests an interest in control and detachment. A sort of…intellectual obsession. This person wanted the kill to look peaceful, almost as if death had caught her unnoticed. The motive feels almost academic.”

Dr Chong gave a small nod, glancing back at the file. “Jack thought the same. And if this isn’t a one-off, if this killer is following some design, we could be looking at someone withprofessional knowledge. With access to compounds and enough scientific understanding to use them this precisely. I didn’t examine the other bodies, but got sent the files and can conclude it looks very similar.”

Kenny folded his arms, circling around the implications. “This person isn’t driven by rage or thrill. They’re calculating, detached, and possibly testing limits. They might even see this as art, perfected through control.” He looked up at Chong. “The killer’s motives likely lean toward intellectual validation, not emotional fulfilment.”

“Which only makes it harder to predict. Their logic is clinical, cold. No impulsive mistakes, no mess.”

As Kenny processed the information, his mind turned to the most pressing question. He tapped the edge of the tablet, breaking the silence. “If this toxin acts so quickly, how do you think it’s being administered? It would have to enter the bloodstream or be absorbed almost immediately.”

Dr Chong nodded, as if already expecting the question. “We’ve been looking into that. Based on the toxicology report and the absence of physical trauma or injection marks, ingestion is the most likely method. Like we see with Rohypnol and GHB. Might have slipped it into drink or food. Something the victim consumed willingly, without suspecting anything.”

“Wouldn’t the bitter taste of aconitine give it away?” Kenny asked, recalling the plant’s natural properties.

“That’s the interesting part,” Chong said, her tone sharp. “The compound has been modified. Whoever synthesised it would have neutralised the bitter taste without compromising its potency. It would be virtually undetectable to the victim. No smell, no taste, and no visible residue in the glass or container after it dissolves. Similar to Rohypnol.”

Kenny furrowed his brow. “So, the killer would have to be close enough to spike her drink. They’d need timing and access, especially if the effects take five to fifteen minutes. Itsuggests a level of familiarity, even trust. Not a flyby assassin.”

Chong crossed her arms. “And that’s what makes this so unsettling. Whoever did this likely interacted with the victim, possibly even charmed them. The calm, detached nature of the act suggests this isn’t just a crime of opportunity. It’s premeditated, controlled.”

“But her friends saw nothing?” Kenny rubbed the back of his neck, his mind racing through the implications. “What about other forms of administration?” He thought back to the cases and, as always, the rose stuck out at him. “Could the victim have inhaled it? When sniffing a flower, perhaps?”

“It’s highly unlikely with aconitine in this context.”

Kenny frowned, mind racing. Maybe he’d always make a link to roses, even when they were mundane. “Why not? What if the rose was laced with the compound? Powdered or aerosolized?”

Chong shook her head. “While aconitine is highly toxic and can theoretically be absorbed through mucous membranes, effectiveness via inhalation would be significantly reduced compared to ingestion. Aconitine potency relies on direct entry into the bloodstream or digestive system. That’s why ingestion is far more practical for a killer. It ensures a controlled, precise dosage. With inhalation, the amount absorbed would be far less predictable, and the victim might not receive enough to cause fatal effects.”

Kenny had another think. “Could it have been absorbed through the skin?”

Chong hesitated, then flipped to another section of the report. “It’s possible, but unlikely. Skin absorption would require prolonged contact or an unusually high concentration, and there’s no evidence of residue on her skin or clothing. The lab found nothing on the victim’s hands, neck, or face to suggest direct exposure. Ingestion remains the most plausible method.”

Kenny exhaled, chest tightening. “So, we’re looking at a killer who can get close to their victims, earn their trust, and deliver a fatal dose without raising suspicion from either the intended victim or those around them.”

His stomach turned as he handed the tablet back to Chong. The profile forming in his mind was clear: someone who relished the precision of their work, who saw their victims as pawns in a larger design. And with every move, they were honing their craft, leaving no room for error.

“I’ll need to delve deeper into recent case studies, examine similar methods. I’ll also need you to notify me of any new cases that have even the slightest resemblance.”

Chong gave a brisk nod. “Of course. In the meantime, I’ll run further tests on these samples. If anything new surfaces, you’ll be the second to know. Sorry, bud, Jack comes first.”

Ha. Jack alwaysdidcome first.

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