Page 41 of Let Her Live

Fiona's heart sank. She couldn't imagine how that must have felt for Samuel.

"Samuel was fighting to get the property back," Jake went on. "And he won the battle, but now, descendants of Barber are pushing back."

"That isn't right," Fiona said. "His people could have been coerced into selling it for a low price."

"That seems to be the case," Jake said. "It seems like the Barbers threatened them. Samuel was granted the property back a few years ago, but last year, a guy named Frank Barber showed up and started making demands. It looks like Samuel punched him in the face, and Barber pressed charges."

Fiona didn't like this at all. She believed Samuel had every right to fight for his historic land, but at the same time, his history of violent assault only made him a more viable suspect.

She hoped it wasn't true. But there was only one way to find out.

They had to find him.

***

As they drove through the Florida evening, Fiona hoped this would be the break they needed. She could feel her heart racing as they pulled up to a small cottage where Samuel Stone lived.

The cottage was surrounded by tall evergreen trees that provided a protective barrier, and a blooming garden of vibrant colors was situated around the house. Soft sunlight shimmered down from the sky, illuminating the peaceful scene. Despite the tranquil setting, Fiona felt a chill run through her as she gazed upon the cottage. Was it possible that this seemingly peaceful artist was connected to these heinous crimes? She really couldn't imagine it.

As they approached the door, Fiona felt her hand trembling. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. After a few moments, Samuel Stone answered, his kind face etched with surprise. His eyes were a warm brown, and he was wearing a white tunic with a cypress tree embroidered on it.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

Jake held up his badge. "Samuel Stone? I'm Agent Jake Tucker of the FBI, and this is Fiona Red. We were hoping to ask you a few questions."

Samuel's eyes widened in surprise. "Come in," he said.

They followed him into his living room, which was filled with beautiful tapestries, paintings and sculptures. The room had a warm, inviting aura, and Fiona's heart softened a little bit. She hoped they were wrong.

"What do you want to know?" Samuel asked.

Fiona cleared her throat. "We understand you're the descendant of a tribe that used to live in the Everglades, who had specific beliefs about cypress trees."

Samuel's eyes flickered with recognition. "Yes, my tribe used to believe that cypress trees held spiritual significance. They believed that the trees were a gateway between the physical world and the afterlife, and that eyes were the windows in which the souls escaped."

"We also know that cypress trees have been connected to a series of murders in the area," Jake said. "Do you know anything about that?"

Samuel's expression turned serious. "I've heard about the murders, but I don't know anything more than what's been reported in the news."

Fiona watched Samuel closely, trying to gauge his reaction. He seemed sincere, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he wasn't telling them.

"Have you noticed anything strange or unusual in the area lately?" Fiona asked. "Anything that might be connected to these murders?"

Samuel thought for a moment. "No... things have been normal here." His expression darkened. "Did Barber send you?"

"No, sir," Jake said, "although we know about the dispute you've been having with him."

"I thought he finally backed off," Samuel said. "But he is always waiting for me to get in trouble again, to get arrested or disappear, because if I'm not here to defend this land, he could start to build his case against me again."

Fiona's mind spun. Jake took out a file from his bag and opened it up, but before he showed it to Samuel, he said, "Mr. Stone, if it's okay with you, I'd like to show you some images from the crime scenes. They are graphic and disturbing, but I'd like your insight."

Samuel hesitated but nodded. He gestured for them to sit on the couch, so they did, and Samuel sat on the chair across from them. "Go on, then," he said.

Jake spread the photos out on the wooden coffee table. Fiona's spine crawled, seeing them again. Each showed a man tied to a cypress tree with a rope, eyes blindfolded, throat slit.

Samuel studied them. "This is why you're here?" he asked. "You believe I did this?"

Fiona held her breath as she watched Samuel's reaction. His face turned pale, and his eyes widened in shock. "We’re just asking questions," she said quickly. "We don't have any evidence linking you to the murders. We're just trying to gather as much information as possible."

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